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Mike Rolls

Inspirational Speaker, Personal Development, Social Issues, Wellbeing

Mike Rolls is a leading authority in resilience. Mike survived one of the deadliest diseases on the planet at the age of 18. This life-changing event marked the start of an unexpected journey toward helping others manage their own challenges with greater efficiency and effectiveness.

Mike’s message empowers people to reframe challenges and setbacks, priming them to step up to adversity with greater confidence. This simple yet effective philosophy that underpins his work and is a no-nonsense, practical approach that’s designed to help individuals tap into and unlock greater levels of resilience in both their personal and professional lives.

Where were you born?

Melbourne Australia

What other jobs have you had?

I have been involved in the health and fitness industry, and also work as a counsellor/mentor to others who experience limb loss.

What themes are recurring in your work?

Resilience, Challenge, Change and managing mental health through tough times.

What have been the highlights of your career?

I’m proud to have presented to over 400 schools, empowering students to build and develop real life skills that help them through challenging times in life!
I think the highlight is when I meet people long after a session and they still remember the message!

What are you passionate about?

I have always had a passion for understanding the different ways people respond to tough times, for two reasons, so that I can learn from them, and to use my platform to empower people with knowledge so they can do the same.

Where have your works been published?

Online blogs/articles on the topic of Resilience.
Published Author of “Ditch the Dead Weight”

Haven’t I seen you before?

I’ve featured in advertising, and in a number of News stories over the years.

Anything else you’d like to share with us?

I am a proud husband and now father of 2 absolutely beautiful children – Sully and June. This is what drives me to be better and do better every day.

 

Testimonials

Please pass on our thanks to Mike Rolls for speaking to our Year 10 students on Wednesday. The kids were really engaged. His message was spot-on, and delivered with humour and empathy. He perfect for the occasion.

—G. Cameron, Sunshine College, November 2019

Mike spoke to all our Year 7 pupils and what a hit! He had the students totally enthralled by his stories of courage and resilience. He is a master storyteller who is a living embodiment of facing adversity and building a new life. Students flocked to him at the end and continued to ask questions. Mike’s totally honest, down-to-earth approach to life was appreciated by the students. Great feedback from staff as well.

—S. Chrisfield, Teacher Librarian, Luther College, October 2018

Mike was SENSATIONAL! A big hit with everyone and had an inspirational message. The event was well attended by students from Primary, Secondary and Specialist settings and Mike’s message touched each of them. He hung around for lunch and photos and was incredibly generous with his time and in answering questions.

The day was a massive success and we would have Mike back to work with us in a flash.

—C. Gurrier-Jones, Nepean School, November 2017.

The students and staff at MCC where completely engaged in Mike’s presentation. His ability to bring humour about the experiences he has been through, but also teach the students (and staff) some valuable lessons. I would 100% recommend Mike to other schools/organisations.

—W. Knight, Mernda Central College, September 2017

Our Year 12s were totally engaged with Mike, he is a great public speaker.  He has an interesting story to tell, and he effectively highlights the importance of resilience.

—M. Dourios, Head of Pastoral Care, Casey Grammar School, November 2016

We were fortunate enough to have Mike speak at two community gatherings. He was extremely engaging and motivational, with a delivery that had just the right amount of humour. His message in the importance of being prepared to work outside your comfort zone and abandon distraction and negativity was memorable and effective…One of the best speakers we have had.

—T. Blunt, Principal of Sunshine College, November 2016

I just wanted to let you know I much I loved today’s session  with Mike. He was very engaging, inspirational and willing to tell his story to all of us. I took a lot out of today’s session and unfortunately didn’t have to time to go and thank him for it. I would 100% recommend him to talk to the Years 12s in the upcoming years as he was amazing.

—Year 12 Student, The Geelong College, March 2016

The students and staff were very responsive to Mike. He ensured he was meeting our needs and produced a presentation that was excellent. Our students were on the edge of their seats during the talk. Staff have all been extremely complimentary of Mike’s presentation. We look forward to him talking to our Year 12’s next year.

—T. Northorpe, Copperfield College, February 2016

Our students were engaged with Mike’s presentation and were constantly focused as he relayed his story. The honest and open anecdotes of his life experiences contained clear messages of resilience and optimism in the face of adversity. Our students took away with them amazing life lessons from an amazing, courageous person.

—B.Boyle, Emmaus College, April 2015

Mike Rolls presented his story to our students. Given that it was his first presentation at any school, his honesty and the determination to work against any odds was vividly obvious throughout his interaction with the students. He completely engaged & inspired our students. His friendly manner encouraged our students to ask questions. The best part of his presentation was his open & thought provoking discussion with students. In most presentations I have had students listening only but in Mike’s presentation, I literally had to stop the interaction as we were running overtime. The impact of his presentation lingered throughout the day.

Thanks  for suggesting Mike’s Name for the presentation.

—R. Arora, Emerald Secondary College

Mike delivers a powerful message of resilience, positivity, goal setting and hope, that is relevant to all students. He is an engaging speaker that is able to capture the attention of the students from the moment he is introduced. I highly recommend Mike for any year 7 to 12 program.

—J. Freeman, Middle School Coordinator, Whitefriars College

Mike has an ability to captivate his audience with his unique story of guts, sheer determination and courage. It’s a testament to his strength of character.

—M. Noonan, Founder of Limbs 4 Life Australia

I heard Mike speak for the first time at a charity launch event recently – what an inspiring and engaging speaker!

—P. Ingram, Chief Executive Officer, Interplast Australia & New Zealand

Thank you Mike for your willingness to support our Non-for-profit organisation (Whitelion) through one of our major fundraising charity events Eureka Climb Challenge. You are a very inspirational person and to have you as our Eureka Climb Ambassador means a lot to us and the kids/young people we support.

—R. Antochi, Partnerships and Events Leader, Whitelion Australia

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