HOME / ABOUT MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER LUKE KENNEDY
FROM STRUGGLE TO STAGE. THE STORY OF KEYNOTE SPEAKER LUKE KENNEDY.
MORE THAN JUST A "BAD GUY GONE GOOD" KEYNOTE SPEAKER
It would be easy to write off my keynote presentations as just another “bad guy gone good” story. I get it. We’ve all heard plenty of those, and in most settings, that kind of story can feel hard to relate to.
Yes, my past was heavy. Gang life. Drug and alcohol abuse. Violence. Being stabbed twice. Deep battles with mental health.
But my keynote is not about glorifying a dark past or simply telling people how I overcame it. The real power of the story is what it opens up in the audience.
I share my story to grab attention, break through the surface, and create an emotional experience that people can actually feel. From there, we turn the focus back onto them, their resilience, their beliefs, their confidence, their mental health, their relationships, and the way they show up in life, work and leadership (I also break things up with some cheeky laughs).
Because the goal is not for people to walk away thinking, “Wow, Luke has been through a lot.”
The goal is for them to walk away thinking, “What am I capable of changing in myself?”
"It's amazing what an immediate impact your talks have had on us as individuals and as a whole community."
- Principal, Springwood High, Sally Campbell
WHAT PEOPLE ARE LOOKING FOR IN A KEYNOTE SPEAKER
When chatting with business owners, events planners, or school teachers who are looking for a keynote speaker to impact their audiences, there's usually a common theme, they're wanting connection, lasting changes, improved wellness & productivity, and shifts in the overall feel of the workplace or school. (They also don't want to look bad by picking a keynote speaker that leaves the audience yawning or confused).
WHERE I COME IN AS A KEYNOTE SPEAKER
That's where I come in. For 8 years, I was on the streets committing crimes (I "PG" content and story for primary schools), addicted to drugs, and my life was filled with violence where I was stabbed on two separate occasions and had numerous brushes with death. The heaviest battles, though, were my internal struggles.
"Luke made a huge impact on our team at the NRL, captivating the audience with his story and message." - NRL, CEO, TODD GREENBERG
TURNING MY LIFE AROUND
Now, after turning my life around through an unwavering pursuit of personal development and mindset shifts, I'm a successful business owner, bestselling author, mentor to troubled youth, and one of the most requested keynote speakers (and super humble, haha). I first started speaking in Sydney, but now it's Aus-wide! Being on the streets for many years and now working with big organisations has given me the opportunity to get to know a broad range of people and see what works-and a lot of what doesn't work.
FROM THE STREETS TO CORPORATE KEYNOTE SPEAKER SUCCESS
Never in my wildest dreams did I believe that I'd hear from organisations like Optus, ANZ Bank, and Woolworths that I was the best keynote speaker they've had come in and connected with their teams. I travel most weeks as a motivational speaker and workshops facilitator for corporate events, primary & high schools, and even prisons. I love what I do, and the best part is hearing from people immediately after the event or years later, telling me about the changes they've made after being inspired by my talk-can't beat that!
LET'S MAKE CHANGE HAPPEN TOGETHER
Just goes to show, if you step up and push past any negative belief systems, life can really happen! Please, if you're looking for a keynote speaker, get in touch and let me know how I can help you and your people.
"Looking to book Luke
for your event?"
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Corporate Keynote → Keynote page
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Schools Program → Schools page
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Mental Health Speaker → Mental Health Page
LUKE S. KENNEDY
BEST SELLING AUTHOR & KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Luke S. Kennedy is a best-selling author renowned for his inspiring book, "Redemption Road: A Thug's Journey to Enlightenment." With his captivating storytelling and profound insights, he has touched the lives of many. As Australia's most requested motivational speaker, Luke's journey from adversity to success resonates with audiences, empowering them to overcome their challenges and pursue their dreams. His unique perspective and relatable experiences make his talks both impactful and transformative.
TIM IFFLAND
"Listening to Luke’s journey was a very sobering experience. He spoke openly, honestly and from the heart. Luke’s raw and genuine account of his story underlined his resilience and grit against any obstacle he faced. Luke conveyed real, tangible advice that we can apply to our own situations. A true inspiration and an invaluable insight into a man who has completely turned his life around
HEAD OF AUDIT, BEAU DEAN
"Powerful...Raw...Emotional....
Inspirational."
PRINCIPAL
'' It's amazing what an immediate impact your talks have had on us as individuals and as a whole community''