Kerryn Vaughan
About me
In a former life I was living the rockstar life - partying, performing for screaming fans, staying out all night, and basically believing I was the centre of the universe.
“I am 35, my life is carefree, selfish, and somewhat reckless. I am performing at a leisure centre in the suburbs, lapping up all the admiration. We take a break and I get a phone call. That call would change my life forever…”
I did everything within my power to keep my sister alive, but I failed…
That event significantly changed my life. I was forced to think outside of myself and about the power I had to help others instead of putting all my energy into my own selfishness. I discovered how important and healing it was to live a life of meaning.
Hi there, I’m Kerryn Vaughan - international speaker, author and podcast host.
Since 2003 I have been on a mission to build on this meaningfulness and have over the years propelled myself on an upward spiral to make a better life for myself, others, and ultimately the planet.
In 2014, I wrote the award winning book ‘Magnificent Kids!’ which showcases 23 superheroes who started world changing projects before the age of 18. Some were as young as 7! In a strange but wonderful turn of events, it was this book that led me to found One Planet Classrooms in 2015.
One Planet Classrooms is a Not for Profit which supports schools and communities in Africa with projects such as clean water solutions, sustainability projects, women’s empowerment and adult education programs, feminine hygiene solutions, as well as coordinating a sponsorship program that provides education for over 180 children.
In 2018 I became wildly accountable after making a pledge to ‘launch a female focused initiative’ in front of 300 women at an International Women’s Day event. No backing out of that one! I co-founded Girls With Hammers which hosts conferences and workshops aimed at empowering women.
In 2019 I released my book ‘Get Off The Bench!’ which is about getting your project or idea out of your head, on to paper and into action. Why? Because so many people I work with, have brilliant ideas but just don’t know where to start.
In 2020 I launched the Get Off The Bench Podcast as a way of reaching and inspiring more people to kickstart their idea. My guests share the journey of how they got to where they are today, and we dig deep into what they have built in their lives and the challenges and wins they encountered along the way.
So for me life has had some very impactful twists and turns, good and bad, and I have gathered a very large bucket of tools and lessons.
What I Do
As a speaker, author, facilitator and podcast host, I am most in demand for inspirational keynotes. I speak about 'getting off the bench', courage, tackling imposter syndrome, and backing yourself to get started. A specific keynote can be crafted if required.
I also provide workshops to organisations who invest in their teams and want to bring out the best in them. This includes supporting and encouraging them to do the things that bring them to life outside of the workplace. Ultimately they are going to bring that drive, excitement and enthusiasm to work with them - everybody wins!
Workshops also extend to leadership and community groups, NGOs and other organisations who want to support their volunteers or members to kickstart ideas or projects.
All are offered in person and virtually, and are fuelled with passion, energy and no BS.
Predominantly I bring a unique energy injection to your team. If you want real, passionate, empathic and 'say it as it is' - the things that truly connect with and engage people - let’s start a conversation.
Here are just a few things I’ve learned on my journey:
Your life must have meaning
You need to help others and help yourself equally
You have to actually ‘get off the bench’ to make something better
Nobody else has a magic wand for your life so stop expecting them to
The most important thing in life is how you FEEL
You MUST stand up for what you believe in
Courage changes everything!
I would love to share my message, findings and inspiration with your organisation, and interrupt the status quo of accepting without questioning, and of sitting when we should be standing. Transformation happens when you begin.