Mitch Wallis is one of the world’s leading voices in applied psychology -a keynote speaker, author, and founder on a lifelong mission to change the way the world feels. His work sits at the intersection of clinical training, lived experience, and the kindof cultural relevance. His ambition is to positively impact the emotional wellbeing of one billion people by helping people build connection and resilience as a core capability.

In 2016, after nearly sevenyears at Microsoft in senior global roles, Mitch had a mental breakdown in Seattle that nearly ended his life. By every external measure he had made it. One inch beneath the surface, he wanted to die. That collision became the work.

He left Microsoft to devote his life to helping people overcome suffering and reimagine the healing potential of the human mind. He completed a Master’s in Clinical Psychology at Columbia University in New York. He brings more than twenty years of lived experience with anxiety,depression, and OCD, diagnosed with one of the most severe cases doctors had seen at the age of seven. That combination of clinical training and personal insight is what allows him to translate complex psychological science into practical tools that change how individuals, families, and organisations behave.

Mitch is the founder of Heart On My Sleeve, a global mental health movement that has reached millions of people by helping them drop the brave face and speak honestly about how they feel. He is also the creator of Real Conversations -an interpersonal communication framework now delivered to more than 10,000 people across four continents and trusted by Fortune 500 leaders at American Express, Amazon, Google, Microsoft, KPMG, Allianz, and hundreds more. In 2025, his book Real Conversations was named a finalist in the Australian Business Book Awards in the HR and Management category.

He has advised the United Nations on youth mental health, serves as an expert advisor to the Corporate Mental Health Alliance, and was appointed the first-ever Ambassador for the Australia and New Zealand Mental Health Association. He has been named GQ Man of Impact, Westfield Local Hero, and one of B&T’s Top 10 Social Changemakers in Australia. His work has been featured across Sky News, The Project, Huffington Post, and global wellbeing campaigns with Allianz and LinkedIn.

Mitch holds a Bachelor’s in Commerce from the University of Sydney, is accredited in Mental Health First Aid, trained as a Lifeline crisis supporter, and hosts a popular podcast featuring leading psychologists, cultural leaders, Olympians, and global change-makers. He is also involved in multiple social impact ventures including Heaps Normal, Australia’s leading non-alcoholic craft beer brand.

From people managers, to parents, Mitch’s teachings have been described as the most helpful framework for helping people through emotiona pain.

At the core of his work is a simple but uncomfortable belief. Real healing, real leadership, and real connection begin when we are willing to go toward the pain, not around it.

KEYNOTE 1 – SUPPORTING OTHERS

Real Conversations-The counterintuitive approach to being truly supportive, by learning to “sit in the mud”.

5 step proven communication formula that boosts connection skills by up to 400%

Why you should book this talk:

We think that ‘talking’ and ‘connecting’ are the same thing. It turns out that they are completely different. Very few people know how to actually connect… until now. Healthy relationships are the heartbeat of life, including business. In our day-to-day interactions with our team and/or coworkers, we are often faced with the confronting reality of supporting people who are going through difficult times. It’s common to feel confused about what to say or do, overcome with fear of getting it wrong, or riddled with guilt that we might make things worse. If that resonates with you, hire this mental health expert who has helped 10,000+ people in similar situations learn a new way to connect with confidence. In this keynote, Mitch shares core insights from his proprietary framework which has been adopted and trusted by some of the world’s biggest companies to boost psychological safety and facilitate conversations that truly move the needle.

Topics and outcomes

• Mitch’s mental health story and the core insight he gained after recovering from a life-threatening emotional breakdown.
• The #1 insight that separates helpful/unhelpful conversations that positively transforms the dynamic of personal and professional relationships.
• What NOT to do: How to avoid the 5 core mistakes that push people away and fractures connection, even when you’re trying to be supportive.
• What TO do: How to implement 5 proven tools that unlock unprecedented trust and promote nervous system regulation, without becoming their therapist or exceeding your boundaries in the process.

Best for

• Mental Health Awareness Days – hosting this keynote during important commemorations like R UOK Day, World Mental Health Day or Mental Health Month helps reinforce your organization’s commitment to psychological wellbeing and equips employees with practical tools for real conversations.
• Leadership & Team Development – ideal for leadership development days or team-building events, this talk enhances communication skills, strengthens team dynamics, and fosters a culture of trust and psychological safety within the workplace.
• Strategic Offsites & Annual Gatherings– a perfect addition to team offsites or annual gatherings, this session helps align teams on the importance of emotional intelligence, resilience, and supportive conversations, driving long-term cultural change.
• Industry Conferences & Association Events – designed for sectors with high customer interaction, this keynote is invaluable for professionals in retail, hospitality, healthcare, education, financial services, emergency response and dozens more -where staff frequently handle clients in distress without the proper tools to navigate tough conversations effectively.

KEYNOTE 2 -SUPPORTING SELF

Toward the Pain – Cultivating resilience amidst uncertainty to overcome any obstacle.

How to double your nervous system capacity by strengthening your emotional fortitude.

Why you should book this talk:

Statistics show that nearly half of us will experience a mental health issue at some point in our lives, and all of us know what it’s like to not be ok from time to time. Navigating life’s ups and downs isn’t always easy, but with the right help, we can grow and thrive. The first step to emotional well-being is to feel understood. In this keynote, Mitch provides a platform for every person in the room to realise they are not alone. This talk is designed to eradicate stigma and increase awareness and understanding of mental health, fostering a deeper appreciation for the experiences of others that may not be well understood at present. It offers educational soundbites that can be applied immediately after leaving the room, helping individuals improve their state of mind and cultivate long-lasting emotional stability.

Topics and outcomes

• The 3 ingredients necessary to get out ofthe“stuck cycle” and reorientate our perspective toward growth (not surviving)
• The 4 truths about mental health that removes the“them vs. us mentality”with a clear north star to aim for in our personal lives
• 10 resilience tools that form the ultimate mental health toolkit that enables ANYONE to improve thestrength of their nervous system
• The #1 call-to-action that motivates people to step forward and take charge of their internal world

Best for

• Company-Wide Wellbeing Events – perfect for organisations aiming to inspire resilience during times ofhigh change, helping employees navigate uncertainty with practical tools.
• Inspirational Conferences – ideal for events that aim to leave attendees inspired and motivated to adoptnew, positive behaviours by sharing groundbreaking science and compelling stories.
• Cultural Milestones – a meaningful addition to events that mark significant cultural moments, such asMen’s Mental Health Week or International Women’s Day, helping participants develop personal resilience.
• People Manager Offsites – essential for leaders and managers to learn self-care strategies that enablethem to support their teams effectively during challenging times.