International Keynote Speaker
Dr. Sinead Kane is an International Keynote Speaker and an Athlete. She couldn’t choose how she was born but she can choose how she lives her life. She chooses to be visionary and not blinded by obstacles. Sinead has endless vision. She doesn’t let her disability hold her back and is living life to the full. Within the space of three months Sinead was awarded two PhD doctorates. She is also a qualified lawyer. Sinead lectures at university level on the topics of: disability law and policy and human rights. Not only has Sinead succeeded academically but also in sport. She has changed policy and has challenged the status quo in the area of able bodied sport. Sinead has shown that she has talent and is able to be on the podium alongside those who don’t have disabilities. Sinead is different in the sporting world because in most of her races she is the only person with a disability. She is competing alongside those who don’t have disabilities. Sinead has represented Ireland at ultra-distances. She competed in the 24 hour World Championships in October 2019 despite many battles to get there. In February 2018, she achieved the Guinness World Record for furthest distance for a female on a treadmill in 12 hours. In January 2017, she competed in the World Marathon Challenge, which is 7 marathons on 7 continents within 7 days.
The above achievements are admirable but are even more so when one considers that Sinead only has 5% vision and is registered as legally blind. Sinead has overcome a lot of adversity throughout her life and now wants to help others. Sinead proves how those who persist in spite of a disability can develop determination, motivation, and creativity.
The main topics that Sinead speaks on are:
1. Resilience,
2. Mindset
3. Teamwork.
She also covers topics such as: goal-setting, leadership, diversity and inclusion.
Sinead inspires audiences with her personal experience. In a very personal, honest and revealing way, Sinead will share with the audience the emotions and feelings of being visually impaired. Sinead will give practical tips to help you and your team be more resilient. She will discuss the importance of mindset and having a high performing team. The 30-40 minute presentation is guaranteed to ‘open the eyes’ of the audience.
12 Hours Guinness World Record
Treadmill Running
What To Expect
- Why we must nourish not only our physical bodies but also our mind on a daily basis.
- Why being grateful is important and the role that each of us can play as role models.
- How to use your platform and voice to inspire others.
- The presentation will prepare the audience to rethink and challenge stereotypes.
- The audience will understand how building communication skills, developing a clear understanding of one’s abilities, and knowing how to access accommodations are key in a student’s long-term success.
- The audience will understand how self-advocacy skills are linked to identifying and achieving their life goals.
- Don’t allow your mind limit your potential.
- Dream Big to Achieve Big
- Expect the Unexpected
- Never Give Up
- The Importance of Teamwork
- Don’t let your Past Determine Your Future
- Facing your Fears
- Taking Advantage of Adversity
- Benefiting from Failure. See failure as feedback.
Each presentation is of about 30-40 minutes duration and can be shortened, lengthened or combined according to specific needs.
Typical Themes Addressed
In Sinead’s Presentations
Personal Story – A Blind Girl with Vision
Sinead can choose to be blinded by obstacles or she can choose to be visionary.
In a very personal, honest and revealing way, Sinead shares with the audience the emotions and feelings of being visually impaired
This 30-minute presentation is guaranteed to open the eyes of those that are simply too lazy to see. Sinead believes that it is better to be visually impaired and have vision of heart rather than fully sighted and blind at heart.
Sinead shows us all how to overcome personal and organisational paralysis with simple techniques which combine professional focus and inner self-discipline.
Having courage to face the challenge
In this talk Sinead draws parallels between her own story and the challenges which face organisations. The very nature of today’s business environment means the possibilities of merger, reorganisation, or economic turndown are constantly on the horizon, and organisations must absorb such events with a minimum of disruption. Urging audiences to “play the hand you’re dealt,” Sinead helps organisations to see corporate challenges from a new perspective. Sinead encourages companies to realise that in times of challenge – communication skills alongside positive energy are a must. Do you need a fresh injection of positivity, motivation and higher morale – then this presentation is for you.
Teambuilding and communication
The foundation of all team building is having shared goals to which all team members are committed. “The bottom line is… We simply do not do life alone.” This is a phrase that Sinead will use in her talk. People in every workplace talk about building the team, working as a team, and my team, but few understand how to create the experience of team work or how to develop an effective team.
Each and every one of us communicates in all facets of our lives. The variety of ways in which we communicate are vast. In the world of the visually impaired and blind, communication is one of the most important foundations in functioning, working and living productively. Sinead will share her insights into a new perspective of communication. Her session, ‘Come to Your Senses’, also encompasses a light hearted, interactive session, helping the participants to use ALL of their senses to communicate effectively.
Changes
Many of us are going through changes, both personally and professionally. It is an on-going process. Sinead’s life has been filled with change. Her talk will give you an insight into dealing with change in a positive productive way.
