Thank you! Hall of Fame.

On Saturday night this week, something weird happened...

And if you’ve ever supported me in my speaking journey, joined me on the stage, or been an audience member when I’ve spoken…I want to thank you.

Because on Saturday night, I become a Hall of Fame Member.

Professional Speakers Australia - PSA (once the National Speakers Association of Australia) is my professional association.

It’s the place where I connect with peers from around the world.

A bunch of MAD scientists and Communication Mavens who happen to SPEAK for a living.

It’s become a bit of a family.

At our Gala Awards Celebration this weekend I was awarded the NEVIN.

John Nevin was one of the founding members of the association over 30 years ago.

The Nevin Award was created to honour his commitment to community, generosity, and service.

It feels surreal to be nominated, let alone win the award because there are so many generous individuals in our community.

Each a Leader of their own market.

Each crazy enough to stand up on a platform and share what they've got.

Each informs, educates, and inspires with expertise.

Past Nevin Award Winners include:

Steve Simpson , Warwick Merry CSP, CVP , Gary Edwards Communication , Ian Stephens CSP , Donna Hanson , Graham Harvey CSP , David Staughton CSP , HELEN MAC CSP, CVP , Michael McQueen , Brad Tonini , Trusted Advisor to Sales Teams , Rodney Marks , Allan Parker, OAM , Kevin Ryan , Anne Riches AM , Lindsay Adams OAM , David Penglase , Glenn Capelli CSP Sir Winston Churchill Fellow , Sarah Cornally Martin Grunstein , Colin Pearce Matt Church , Colin Bockman , Keith Abraham , Robyn Henderson , David Julian Price , Max Hitchins , David Griggs , Catherine Palin-Brinkworth CSP , Lisa McInnes-Smith CSP, CPAE , Walter Dickman, Winston Marsh , Doug Malouf CSP, and Ron Tacchi CSP

Those that have come before me have built something very special in this community.

Each building on what came before.

It’s a massive honour to be welcomed into that group.

Many of the past winners have supported me directly...so thank you.

And there are so many others I want to thank for their support over the years.

First a huge congratulations to all the winners on the night.

Keynote Speaker of the Year: Peter Merrett

Educator of the Year: Gihan Perera

Next Level Speaker: Danielle Dobson

Business Partner of the Year: Susan Dean - Book Publisher Dean Publishing & Production

and the Kerry Nairn Scholar: Alan Cameron-Sweeney

Once again, it’s a privilege to be included in such good company.

There are so many others I would like to thank for their generosity and support throughout my time in the world of speaking, including: My partner in life and crime Lindsey Leigh Hobson , Michael Harrison (who is unfortunately no longer with us), Bill Jennings CSP and Kirryn Zerna for your friendship, Tarran Deane - Leading Change - Transformation Specialist for being my sister from another Mister.

And there are so many more (100s of people in fact) and I apologise if I didn’t name you outright, but know that I have thought gratefully about the support you have given me and I want to acknowledge it here.

It's a weird and humbling feeling to win this award because it's for doing the things that needed to be done at the time when I did them. So I appreciate this award enormously because it's for doing the work. It's rare to be recognised for the small actions rather than the big results and that's what makes this award extra special to me.

Thank you.

?? Stay Passionate!