Booked Out is a speakers agency for writers, artists and thinkers. More »
Contact Us
VIC: (03) 9824 0177
FAX: (03) 9824 0677
Contact us »
Ruth Clare
Author, Inspirational Speaker, Personal Development, Social Issues, Wellbeing
Ruth Clare is a highly sought-after TEDx motivational keynote speaker/ MC/ panel facilitator, trauma-informed psychological safety trainer, coach, mentor, qualified scientist and award-winning author.
With a background as a professional actor, a willingness to speak vulnerably and openly about the challenges she faced growing up in a home with family violence and neglect, and a warm, down-to-earth style that instantly connects, Ruth’s powerful stage presence captivates audiences of all ages.
From the TEDx stage to conference keynotes to school halls, Ruth’s keynotes and workshops are full of engaging stories and practical mental health and wellbeing insights, tools and strategies that inspire lasting change.
Topics
- How to turn fear into courage
- Staying cool under pressure
- Resilience in the face of change and challenge
- How to build psychological safety
What other jobs have you had?
Once I finished my biochemistry degree I worked in a lab for a couple of days, but had a panic attack at the thought of wearing a white coat forever, so decided to be an actor, as you do. I appeared on Neighbours, Blue Heelers, in lots of short films, plays and tons of commercials. Because I was an actor I was also a waitress (not the good kind, the nasty kind that can ruin your night) and an office temp. In 2004 I became a copywriter/marketing manager of a graphic design business, which I run with my husband (Mono Design). I am much nicer now.
What themes are recurring in your work?
My work explores our lost connection to our animal selves and the science behind our emotions and trauma responses. It delves into the nature of resilience, courage, shame, perfectionism and why our worst qualities are flip sides of our best. It also explores the secret lives we all live, our struggle to claim our identities while still fitting in and the agony and ecstasy of letting yourself be seen.
What have been the highlights of your career?
The bidding war over my book was pretty darned satisfying, but the ongoing highlight is the opportunities I have to talk to people about the things that really matter.
Where have your works been published?
My book was published by Penguin and my writing has appeared in The Age, Good Weekend Magazine, Elle Magazine and Good Reading Magazine. I have been reviewed in The Australian, Better Reading and Books + Publishing and been interviewed on Conversations with Richard Fidler, Life Matters, Jon Faine’s Conversation Hour plus many more.
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about reducing stigma around mental health and letting people know that they are not alone in their struggles. I want to share what I have learnt in studies and my own recovery journey so others can find hope and meaning in their lives no matter what they have been through.
Haven’t I seen you before?
I was on Neighbours for a few months and did lots of commercials over the years, so it is possible. Or maybe I was your waitress fifteen years ago. I was sometimes rude enough to be memorable. If that was it, sorry!
Anything else you’d like to share with us?
I can do a really loud whistle. Seriously, it will hurt your ears.
Testimonials
Ruth brings a truly unique ability to speak with raw honesty and genuine inclusivity. She delivered an outstanding webinar for SANE and the feedback from our forum participants was overwhelmingly positive. People valued her empathy, openness, and insight.
If you are seeking a speaker who embodies integrity and leaves your community feeling seen and supported, I cannot recommend Ruth Clare highly enough. She is a true asset and will bring tremendous value to any organisation lucky enough to work with her.
Your presentation was both inspirational and much aligned with our school’s values i.e. follow your passion and don’t give up! I have never seen our VCE cohort so engaged.
I am thrilled to share my heartfelt testimonial about Ruth Clare’s keynote speech at the UnitingCare Queensland event. Her ability to touch the depths of lived experiences and deliver a truly heartwarming and engaging presentation was absolutely remarkable.
Ruth’s passion and authenticity radiated throughout the room. She effortlessly connected with the audience, creating an atmosphere that encouraged openness and vulnerability. It was evident that Ruth’s own personal journey resonated deeply with everyone present, as she shared her story with utmost honesty and integrity.
Ruth’s keynote speech was a powerful blend of storytelling, profound insights, and practical wisdom. Through her
captivating narrative, she painted a vivid picture of the challenges she had faced and the triumphs she had achieved. Her ability to translate those experiences into valuable life lessons was awe-inspiring, leaving a lasting impact on every individual in the room.
Ruth’s keynote speech at the UnitingCare Queensland event was an unforgettable experience that has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on our organisation and its members.
The response from your speech has been astounding. So many emails, calls and conversations already… the most important grand round of the year. Many, many thanks.
Ruth Clare’s Creating Compelling Writing workshop was an honour to host. Ruth’s generous, kind-hearted, lively and down-to-earth approach to writing eased first time work-shoppers into the basics of writing, while giving more experienced writers a greater understanding of what they needed to make their writing leap off the page. Participants particularly enjoyed Ruth’s take on point of view, how to be an authentic writer, and ways to structure story. All left feeling more enthusiastic about writing and pursuing a creatively authentic life…key ingredients for creating compelling writing.
Ruth is an engaging and wonderful speaker. We were on a panel together and I’m reading her book at the moment. She knows how to tell a story – in a book and onstage.
Ruth recently conducted her 2 hour workshop, Creating Compelling Writing, as part of Yarra Plenty Regional Library’s Booklover’s Festival. Her session was very inspiring and thought-provoking and the feedback we had from the more than twenty participants was fantastic. She definitely has some new fans!
Ruth Clare is a passionate and engaging speaker who is at home on stage presenting to, and engaging with, an audience. A willingness to allow herself to be vulnerable in front of a crowd creates a magnetic atmosphere which keeps people transfixed and, most importantly, wanting more. She is eloquent, dynamic, honest and graceful.