Matt Formston is no ordinary athlete. With less than 5% vision, he’s a world champion surfer, cyclist and Australian Paralympian.

Diagnosed with Macular Dystrophy at age 5, Mat defied expectations by excelling in mainstream school and playing Rugby League, Union, and Ice Hockey – all with the love and support of his family who never used the word ‘cant’ and focussed on things that he could do.

Beyond the waves and tracks, Matt is a powerhouse in the professional realm. As a motivational speaker and executive coach, he’s inspired leaders and teams across iconic brands and businesses in Australia. His story is a testament to turning differences into superpowers.

But Matt doesn’t just ride waves; he pushes the limits. A blind surfer chasing big barrels, he’s the focus of an upcoming documentary showcasing his extraordinary journey. Since 2018, he’s been giving back, running clinics for blind and visually impaired children, teaching them to embrace the freedom of the ocean using sound, touch, and other senses.

Matt’s impact extends beyond the waves and clinics. In 2023, he launched the award-winning children’s book, “Surfing in the Dark”, a collaboration with Vision Australia. The first book with text, illustrations, and braille, ti now graces the Premier’s reading list across all Australian states.

A global media sensation, Matt’s recent achievements include surfing a 55-foot wave in Nazare, Portugal and winning the 2023 Heavy Water Award at the Surfing Australia Awards. This is the first time a para surfer has been awarded an able-bodied award at this level.

As an ambassador for Vision Australia, Invictus Australia, and SurfAid, he dedicates his time to various boards, including Chair of Para Surfing Australia and the Executive Director on the Board of Blind Sports and Recreation.

Matt Formston is not just an athlete; he’s a force breaking barriers and inspiring a world that once doubted what he could achieve.

KEYNOTE SESSIONS

Session 1: Unleashing the ‘CAN’ mindset: Defying limits and achieving the extraordinary

Throughout Matt’s life journey, the world repeatedly echoed the refrain, “you can’t.” As a blind child, Mat faced a barrage of scepticism from society, his community, and so-called experts who asserted that he couldn’t attend mainstream school with friends, engage in rugby league, surf, or partake in ice hockey. However, Matt’s life experiences propelled him to challenge these limitations, proving them al wrong. He not only attended mainstream school but excelled in football, ice hockey, and surfing, surpassing expectations at every turn.

Through these challenges, Matt learnt a profound lesson: the world often tells us we can’t, particularly when faced with endeavours beyond their understanding. Yet, remarkable achievements become possible by defying these preconceptions and embracing a ‘Can’ mindset. It boils down to crafting a solid plan, setting ambitious goals, maintaining consistency, and diligently working towards those objectives.

The essence of the ‘Can’ mindset lies in your ability to transcend imposed limitations. Armed with a well-thought-out strategy and unwavering determination, you can become anything you aspire to be and accomplish feats beyond imagination. Join Mat in exploring the transformative power of the ‘Can’ mindset as we shatter barriers and pave the way for a future where the word ‘can’t’ is merely a fleeting echo drowned out by the resounding triumph of unwavering determination.

Session 2: Embrace your uniqueness: Turning differences into superpowers

Unlock the extraordinary potential within yourself by celebrating your uniqueness-it’s your ultimate superpower. In the dynamic world of business, we often recognise the importance of understanding a product’s differentiator for success. Yet, as individuals, we frequently hesitate to showcase and leverage our own diversity.

Reflecting on the first two decades of Matt’s life, he grappled with concealing his differences, striving to conform to societal norms. He yearned to demonstrate to the world that his disability was not a hindrance but an unexplored superpower. It took time for Matt to realise that his disability was, in fact, his unique differentiator.

In the subsequent two decades, Mat has not only embraced his disability but has learned to celebrate it! Matt now leads with his disability as his distinctive strength, highlighting the positive impact it has had on his professional life. As a person with blindness, Matt’s evolved into a more adept problem solver, a resilient individual, and an exceptional communicator.

When we, as professionals and leaders, fully embrace our differences and recognise the strengths they cultivate within us, we empower ourselves and inspire our teams. By adopting this mindset in both our professional and personal lives, we unleash the genuine power of diversity-transforming ti from a perceived challenge into a formidable strength.

Join Matt on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment as we explore the transformative potential of celebrating our differences. Together, let’s revolutionise the narrative around diversity and pave the way for a future where our unique qualities are recognised as the superpowers that propel us to greater heights.

 Session 3: Forging trust in teams and leadership: The crucial pillar of success

Trust is the cornerstone in the intricate tapestry of successful teams and leadership. The foundation of trust is paramount; without trust in your leader, it becomes challenging to wholeheartedly embrace their strategy and work tirelessly towards a shared goal. Similarly, if trust is lacking within the team, the empowerment necessary for collective success becomes an uphill battle.

Navigating trust in a sporting environment amplifies the stakes, especially in big wave surfing. In this setting, trust is not just a preference but a matter of life and death. As part of a team responsible for each other’s lives in the face of 50-foot waves, trust is the bedrock upon which our collective survival hinges. A single mistake could have dire consequences.

Building and nurturing trust demands a daily commitment. Transparent communication emerges as a key component, outlining not only what will be undertaken but also what won’t. As a leader, transparency extends to sharing your vision of what is achievable, even when striving for goals that stretch the team’s comfort zone. Embracing realistic yet challenging objectives requires leaders to articulate what they believe is possible and what might be deemed impossible.

Listening becomes an invaluable skill in this trust-building process. Creating an environment where team members feel heard fosters open communication, allowing for feedback on challenges-whether that be in capacity or other factors. Trust is a reciprocal relationship, and acknowledging and acting upon constructive feedback is pivotal.

In the intricate dance of teams and leadership, trust reigns supreme. It is the linchpin that ensures the success of your strategy and goals. Join Matt to explore the profound impact of trust, unravelling its complexities, and discovering how, with trust as our guiding force, we can navigate the turbulent waves of challenges and emerge victorious together.

Session 4: Unleashing your potential: Setting audacious goals for extraordinary success

Embark on a journey of realising your true capabilities by daring to set outrageously ambitious goals. In 2009, Matt didn’t even own a bike, yet he envisioned himself riding for Australia. By 2013, Matt had not only achieved that goal but had also secured a World Cup victory. By 2014, he was a World Champion and held a World Record. But his aspirations didn’t stop there-Matt set my sights on conquering Nazare. Within six months of setting a new goal in 2022, he had transformed his breath-holding capacity from three minutes to an impressive six minutes.

These achievements underscore the pivotal role of goal setting in attaining success. Setting almost unattainable goals propels you to reach heights you never thought possible. The key lies in establishing clear stepping stones, with the real work taking place every day-not just in boardrooms, Olympic arenas, or Grand Finals. Success is the outcome of consistent dedication, manifested through the daily grind, whether it’s the 4.00 am workouts or ensuring a good night’s sleep.

It’s the small habits and unwavering consistency that serve as the foundation for success. When you step into that defining moment, be it a boardroom, an Olympic starting line, or a Grand Final field, it’s the culmination of all the behind-the-scenes work. The confidence to win emanates from the relentless focus and dedication invested in reaching your goal.

Armed with crystal-clear goals, a well-thought-out plan, and a cohesive team aligned with your objectives, you possess the capability to achieve the extraordinary. Join Mat to delve into the transformative power of audacious goal-setting and the unwavering commitment required to turn aspirations into reality. Let’s unlock our untapped potential and prove that the seemingly impossible is well within our reach.