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Luke Kennedy

Author, Education Consultant, Inspirational Speaker, Mental Health, Personal Development, Social Issues, Storyteller/Performer

Luke Kennedy is one of Australia’s most sought-after motivational speakers, mental health advocate, and best selling author. Known for his raw storytelling, powerful presence, and ability to deeply connect with audiences of all ages. From school halls to corporate boardrooms, his keynote/workshops inspire lasting change, resilience, and the importance of taking care of yourself (in all areas).

Where were you born?

I was born in Liverpool, Sydney’s Western suburbs. I grew up in Hurstville in Sydney’s South.

What other jobs have you had?

I owned a gym for nearly 10 years. The life lessons, the people I
met, and mistakes made, were all something that’s helped me
become the man I am today.

What themes are recurring in your work?

  • Mental health and emotional wellbeing
  • Authentic leadership
  • Self-awareness and personal responsibility
  • Overcoming labels and limiting beliefs
  • Confidence, identity, and inner strength
  • Courageous vulnerability
  • Kindness — to self and others
  • Resilience through adversity
  • Breaking cycles and rewriting your story

What have been the highlights of your career?

A personal highlight has been breaking through my own limiting
beliefs to stand on a stage and genuinely connect with people from
all walks of life. Career wise, the real highlight is receiving
messages from audience members, sometimes just minutes after a
talk, sharing the immediate, powerful shifts they’ve made in their
mindset, behaviour, or relationships. Those moments remind me
why I do what I do.

Where have your works been published?

EVERYWHERE!

What are you passionate about?

My faith, family, & speaking with our Youth. That’s my whole life right there.

Testimonials

After 30 years of Education I don’t think you could put a price on the wisdom Luke had to impart upon our young male students. The message was powerful and address some of the greatest dilemmas young males face today. It was refreshing to hear to message so directly put and so passionately expressed. Here is the power of mentorship and married with the desperate need for young males to find their truth, identity and learn to navigate a path that could ultimately lead to unlimited  opportunities or devastating outcomes. The clarity in Luke purpose was evident and his passion for youth education is second to none. Exceptional.

—Menai High School, 2024

“Your talk has saved my life, I thought I was the only one with these thoughts. I thought I was crazy. I’m going to stop worrying what other people think and start being myself. Thank you again!”

—- Yr 9 Student.

“I thought the drugs made me happy but now I know how to be happy without them. I’m never touching drugs again.”

—- Student, Blakehurst High.

“…It was the best bit of extracurricular I’ve witnessed in over 15 years!”

—-Teacher, Wellington High School

Luke delivered his What Gang Life Taught Me About Business & Sales presentation at our Annual Changemakers Gathering, held at Sydney University. His presentation was entertaining, shocking, funny, but most importantly it left our room of entrepreneurs inspired to take on Luke’s key message of ‘be open to taking feedback’.

—M. Alfred (P.Th) Principal Director, Institute for Leadership

Luke was absolutely incredible to work with from beginning to end and willing to accommodate and tailor his presentation to suit the audience and environment of a maximum security prison.
Not only was his message heartfelt and inspiring, it completely hit home with our young prisoners as to how the decisions they make when they’re young can affect the rest of their lives. Luke’s ability to present his real life experiences while weaving messages of hope and inspiration is truly incredible.
Luke went above and beyond on the day, and instead of just presenting his speech and leaving, Luke took the additional time and had one-on-one chats with these young prisoners and took on informal mentoring conversations with them. It was an absolute pleasure having Luke speak to our young prisoners and look forward to a future opportunity of engaging him again in the future.

—C.Donovan, Department of Justice & Regulation, April 2015

Hey mate you spoke at my school today, it was so good to hear from a person who felt how I feel sometimes. I feel like people are always judging me and I’m scared of what they think. I’m in the middle of reading your book. I don’t normally read books but I’m really interested in this book. You have made me think: “Who cares about what people think of me? Just be me.” All afternoon I’ve been telling Mum and Dad about your speech today. Thanks heaps, you’ve really touched me!

—Year 10 Student

Luke spoke to our Year 10 and 11 students, the boys were very receptive of what he recounted. The reality of it all made the students really stop and take time to reflect on the choices they might make and the expectations they need to live up to.

Luke spoke at their level and was ‘on the mark’ in terms of his delivery. As for his book, well, I have never seen so many students who wouldn’t be caught dead with a book in their hands, literally run to my office to grab a copy for themselves!

I would highly recommend Luke to any school.

—B. Vetrano, Pastoral Care & Year 10 Coordinator, St Gregory’s College Campbelltown

Luke Kennedy was asked to attend and speak with 8 troubled youth who have been engaging in criminal behaviour. Luke presented well and educated the youth on how to stop themselves from conforming to labels that were placed on them by society. The youth loved hearing his story and could not believe that Luke had been through these things. A truly inspirational story that makes youth think carefully about the decisions they make. Thank you Luke for allowing us to learn from your story.

—L. O'Meley, Constable, Youth Case Manager, Hornsby PCYC

Luke is a fantastic speaker that captivates his audience young & old. He is also a very passionate & dedicated man whom shared his incredible story about how he turned his life around from a street fighter, drug user & gang member to now successful entrepreneur, motivational speaker and author. 
Luke’s presentation to our community was tailor made to fit the subject “See the person not the Drug”. His story gave hope and generated great discussions! Luke spoke about the importance of ‘family connection & support’ being key factors in Luke’s inspirational recovery story! 
We are excited to have had  Luke guest speak at our event’s this year. Highly recommend Luke as a motivational guest speaker!

—C. Watson, Chairman, Narrabri Community Drug Action Team, 2017

Luke made a huge impact on our team here at the NRL and captivated the audience with his story and messaging.  Luke is a bright, energetic and positive individual and the way he has turned his life around is inspirational.

—T. Greenberg, CEO of NRL, 2017

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