TESTIMONIALS
ACT METEORS
R U OK DAY?
After speaking to our ACT Meteors playing group on the topic of resilience, Nikki was so engaging and informative that we asked her back for RUOK? Day! As an ICU nurse and Paralympian, Nikki has a unique perspective coupled with outstanding communication skills to be able to form a genuine connection with her audience. Nikki was deftly able to weave our key messages into her personal story and deliver them with passion and authenticity. Our players were engaged throughout Nikki’s entire presentation and they had plenty of questions to ask afterwards, which is always such a positive sign. Additionally, Nikki truly cares about the topics she talks about and the people she presents to. Through her personal and professional lives, Nikki is well versed to present on topics including resilience, self awareness, empathy, the importance of support networks, vulnerability, mental health and preparation. We cannot recommend Nikki highly enough!
Leah Mirabella
Player development & people culture manager for Cricket ACT
ESPERANCE PRIMARY SCHOOL
We had the absolute pleasure to welcome the wonderful Nikki Ayers to our school. Nikki provided a presentation of her remarkable and emotional story to an audience of 350 students that included pre-primary to Year 5 students. Nikki has a unique ability to consider the ages and needs of her audience with the weaving of her narrative that touches on so many aspects of life - the highs and lows and how she navigated through a challenging period of her life. Nikki’s emphasis with our students was on setting goals and living life to its fullest, and through sheer will power and determination you can achieve anything. We all loved her humility despite the accolades of being a gold medal Paralympian. Nikki had the time and patience to allow each of our students to cast their eyes and hands over that precious medallion, a very special moment for each student who attended the presentation. I highly recommend Nikki to any school or workplace and allow your students and staff the privilege to be inspired with her words and messages based on life and overcoming tragedy with such positive gains. Thank you, Nikki, you're welcome back to Esperance any time!
Gareth Palmer
Principal Esperance Primary School WA
iCARE INSURANCE & CARE NSW
Nikki Ayer kindly took some time out of her busy schedule, whilst in Paris to provide a keynote to icare’s Community Customer of Practice (CCoP) team. Where, I must say, it was nothing short of inspiring. Her journey from adversity to achievement serves as a powerful reminder of resilience and determination. Through listening to her story and personal anecdotes, through this I could see how it connected and resonated effortlessly with our CCoP, leaving us motivated with a renewed perspective.
Her message of overcoming obstacles, embracing diversity, and striving for excellence resonated deeply with everyone in the room.
Thank you, Nikki, for sharing your incredible story and for reminding us all that with passion and perseverance, we can all Reimagine What’s Possible.
Namrita Nandni
Community Customer of Practice Icare
MACQUARIE GROUP
Nikki left my team with not just an inspiring story but with perspective to see challenges as opportunities and a mindset for achieving greater success.
Pip Butt
Associate Director of Internal Audit Macquarie Group
BRUMBIES WOMEN IN BUSINESS, LEADERSHIP & SPORT FUNCTION
After reading about Nikki online and her story of overcoming adversity, it seemed she would be a perfect fit for our Women in Business, Leadership & Sport function.
Nikki was a delight from our first meeting, was generous with her time leading into our event and during her time on the stage, she did not disappoint.
Using beautifully crafted and honest words, her ability to connect with the audience was outstanding and although her experiences were extremely personal and emotional to deliver, she did so in a professional manner and concluded her delivery on a wonderfully positive and inspirational note. Thank you, Nikki.
Lisa Smith
Corporate Services Manager, The Brumbies
ELITE ATHLETE BUSINESS SCHOOL
Nikki Ayers, otherwise affectionately known as 'Tricky Nikki' is an educational and inspirational speaker. This blended presenter style is hard to find and a treasure of gold when you do find someone like Nikki who has the ability to engage, inform and inspire an audience.
I have had the pleasure of working with Nikki for several Speaker Coaching sessions. During these sessions I was given the opportunity of hearing Nikki's journey and story - a story of true resilience, GRIT and perseverance.
As a result of these Speaker Coaching sessions, Nikki was also employed to present to one of our Cert. IV in Entrepreneurship and New Business sessions on the topic of 'Diversity and Inclusion' in which she spoke eloquently and her candid nature with sense of humour completely engaged and entertained our students. Nikki is authentic in her delivery, structured in her content and shares stories from the heart. A down to earth, kind and caring person who is willing to open up, be vulnerable, be brave and be herself in the hope of uplifting and inspiring others.
Rebecca Cook
Founder | CEO - Elite Athlete Business School (EABS)
AIS PERFORMANCE
AUSTRALIAN SPORTS COMMISSION
Nikki Ayers is a dedicated role model within the Australian high performance sporting community. She has played a pivotal role in shaping the direction of the Thrive with Pride program and continues to provide mentorship to younger athlete ambassadors. Nikki's courage and leadership stands as an inspiring example, fostering inclusivity and empowerment for those athletes not only in her rowing and Thrive with Pride communities but the broader Australian sporting landscape.
Kate Beveridge (she/her)
Community Engagement Adviser | Sport Wellbeing and Engagement
AIS Performance | Australian Sports Commission
