Speaking
Hey there!
I have experienced a lifetime worth of challenges over the last few years, which include a life-changing cancer diagnosis, two major surgeries and learning to walk again. To say it’s been hard is an understatement! I’ve been pushed to my limits and forced to dig deep and find an inner strength I didn’t know I had!
I’ve had to make some big decisions throughout my young life. Choosing to have a lifesaving surgery to remove my eye made me reevaluate my future and career choices. Although in the midst of all my drama I completed my degree in Nutrition, I want to dedicate my future to being a motivational leader so that I can help others grow and find their best self, just as I have.
Throughout my journey, I have learned so many life lessons about positivity, resilience and self-belief! These are my core strengths that have not only been my crutch through this life-changing event but have helped me grow into an even stronger individual and find true happiness.
I am passionate to share my story and helpful tools with the world because no one is too young or too old to discover the power of positivity and resilience.
Please fill out the contact form for further details and to enquire about booking me to speak at your event!
Jess xx
Jess Van Zeil Speaking Testimonials
Jess leaves you walking away inspired to do more, be more and give more.
-Sara Williams, Communications Manager, Sony Foundation
Jess immediately engaged the group with her powerful and inspiring story.
I would highly recommend Jess to speak at your next event. She is a beautiful person with a moving story that everyone should have the privilege to hear. Thank you again for sharing your story with us Jess, we look forward to celebrating more of your achievements in the near future!"
-Rachel Galik, empowerme leader, Lord Somers Camp and Power House.
Jess is professional, reliable and charismatic.
Jess has an amazing ability to connect with many people at the same time enabling them to reflect on their own strengths and embark on a journey of transformation. Jess inspired resilience, positivity and humility through her participation, and was an absolute pleasure to work with. Thank you, Jess, for sharing your story and contributing to the success of our event."
- Jill McCabe, Assistant Director, Office for Youth, Department of Health and Human Services.
The power of resilience and of positive thinking
-Clare Challenger, Frankston High School.
Jess encouraged us to view adversity with a positive perspective.
Jess presented very professionally and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. It is a fantastic reminder that through adversity we can apply a positive mindset to help us come out on top. Jess is a truly brilliant living example of this and I was so grateful she came to share her experiences and her knowledge with us. Highly recommended guest speaker.
EmmaNegri, Manager - Evans & Partners Reality Channel Network
Teen Talks
Teens are at such a vulnerable age; between school, their peers and the media throwing images of what's "perfect" and "acceptable. It's far too easy to lose sight of yourself and ignore your values for the sake of "fitting in."
I have designed these 'Teen Talks' to address the stresses they are facing and teach them new ways and mindsets to combat these pressures while remaining true to one’s self.
"Where do I fit in?"
When we are young, we feel pressure to become someone and fit in.
How do we become our own person while there are so many pressures and not fall into the expectations of society?
We need to be confident, positive, have a strong belief in self and have direction on where we want to go, rather than follow in someone else’s footsteps.
I am passionate about individuality and sharing my story to inspire authenticity.
“I’m Stronger than I think.”
We all have a moment in life when it all feels like it’s too much and no matter how hard we try we cannot seem to rise above adversity.
By learning how to dig deep and embrace our inner strength helps us shift our focus from the noise around us to what is important.
Being resilient and getting up over and over is all about knowing how to obtain an optimistic attitude. It’s about not getting stuck in the tough times but rather looking forward to the great things to come as well as setting goals and planning how to achieve them.
While we may not be able to change our situation we can change our outlook. We can learn to embrace the hand we are given and manipulate it to work in our favour.
“Stop Judging me!”
We are all guilty of it! Judgement is something that is all around us and with the immense pressure from our peers, society and the media to be “perfect” and to “fit in” it creates a culture around critiquing those that think, act or look different to what is seen as “acceptable”.
The more we judge people the worse it gets and eventually, our minds are filled with little voices screaming nasty words about everyone around us.
This is such a vicious cycle that starts with us looking at others but eventually we become so aware of our own harsh thoughts that we become paranoid of what people must think of us.
One of the first steps in learning to accept ourselves is actually to accept the people around us as they are and not how we would like them to be. To become compassionate towards others and take a new stance of kindness and acceptance.