PROFILE
Kevin Humphreys DSC is a leadership expert. His career began with two decades service in the Australian Army, where he piloted Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters, and earned the Distinguished Service Cross for his command and leadership under fire in Afghanistan.
After enduring PTSD, depression, anxiety and a toxic work environment, Kevin not only returned to flying but went on to serve as a civilian Search and Rescue pilot, Chief Pilot and Director for another decade, continuing his dedication to others in high-stakes environments. His experiences and insights are powerfully shared in his book, Shrapnel in the Soul.
Today, as the Mental Health Ambassador for AIRBUS Australia Pacific, an internationally recognised keynote speaker, coach and mentor, Kevin’s work empowers people to embrace fear, compassion, and self-leadership across professional and personal realms. His message resonates at all levels, helping individuals and teams lead with intention, to ensure clarity, productivity and safety whilst they drive for excellence.
SPEAKING TOPICS
Intentional Leadership - Being Selfish to be Selfless
Experience the highs and lows of Kevin’s life as though you were there with him, then share the lessons of his journey. Kevin relays his experience of moving from fear to fearless and how his courageous journey to freedom is one we can take together. It’s recognising a worthy and noble goal, then taking actions to achieve it, despite the presence of fear.
Kevin discusses how it wasn’t the warzone that tore him apart – it was the workplace. Research shows how a toxic workplace is just as debilitating as exposure to trauma, whilst being in a positive workplace is like receiving a mental health inoculation. Which will you contribute to and how will you know?
Walk away transformed, with tips and tools for immediate implementation. You’ll be ready to take action in your own life and to inspire the lives of others.
Above the Noise - Navigating Crisis with Powerful Communication
With decades of experience as an Army helicopter pilot, Search and Rescue pilot, operational leader and senior manager, Kevin brings high-stakes leadership lessons to life. From leading missions under fire to saving lives, surviving a mid-air collision with a boat, and even a heart-wrenching fishing incident where he thought he’d killed his father, Kevin’s stories are as dramatic as they are insightful.
He demonstrates how clear, confident, and timely communication is not just a tool, but a lifeline that can build trust, avert disaster, and drive success—even in the most intense, high-pressure environments. Ideal for leaders and teams aiming to sharpen their communication skills and thrive under pressure.
Keeping Wings Level and Getting Stuff Done
In flying, if there’s a mishap of some kind you’re trained to immediately regain wings level flight. ‘Wings Level’ represents the foundation of normal, controlled flight. Let Kevin give you a brief glimpse into his world when his wings weren’t level and learn what to implement personally and organizationally to build resilience – so you can keep wings level and get stuff done!
Here, Kevin explores the power of perspective and the debilitating effects of fatigue and burnout along with what to do about them. He delves into the illusion of what we think we can control in our lives and how much better our lives become when we only seek to control four things – get this right and your whole life will transform overnight.
As always, you’ll not only walk away with tips and tools for immediate implementation but the desire to make it happen for you and for others.
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