Trust is the foundation of high performance. Without trust in yourself and your team the extra ordinary is not attainable.
Matt Formston is no ordinary athlete. With less than 3% vision, he’s a world champion surfer, Australian Paralympian, cyclist, author, Executive Coach and international keynote speaker.
Diagnosed with Macular Dystrophy at age 5, Matt 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 'cannot' and focused 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 and 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, it now graces the Premier's reading list across all Australian states.
A global media sensation, Matt's recent achievements include winning a Guinness World Record for 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 Surf Aid, he dedicates his time to various boards, including the 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.
Talking Points
Unleashing the ‘CAN’ mindset: Defying limits and achieving the extraordinary
Matt’s life has been defined by defying limitations. Despite being blind, he challenged societal expectations and excelled in mainstream school, football, ice hockey, and surfing. His journey taught him that the world often says « you can’t, » but through determination and a ‘Can’ mindset, remarkable achievements are possible. By crafting a solid plan, setting ambitious goals, and embracing unwavering determination, you can transcend imposed limitations and accomplish feats beyond imagination. Join Matt in shattering barriers and embracing the transformative power of the ‘Can’ mindset.
Unleashing the ‘CAN’ mindset: Defying limits and achieving the extraordinary
Forging trust in teams and leadership: The crucial pillar of success
Trust is the linchpin of successful teams and leadership, especially in high-stakes environments like big wave surfing where it’s a matter of life and death. Building trust requires transparent communication, listening, and a commitment to shared goals. Join Matt in exploring the profound impact of trust, unravelling its complexities, and navigating challenges together with trust as our guiding force.
Forging trust in teams and leadership: The crucial pillar of success
Embrace your uniqueness: Turning differences into
Unlock your extraordinary potential by celebrating your uniqueness—it’s your ultimate superpower. Matt’s journey illustrates the transformative power of embracing diversity. From concealing his differences to celebrating them, Matt has learned that his disability is his unique differentiator. Leading with his disability as a strength, he showcases the positive impact it has had on his life, becoming a better problem solver, resilient individual, and exceptional communicator. Join Matt in embracing diversity, revolutionising the narrative, and paving the way for a future where our unique qualities are recognised as the superpowers that propel us to greater heights.
Embrace your uniqueness: Turning differences into
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. From envisioning himself riding for Australia without owning a bike in 2009 to becoming a World Champion and holding a World Record by 2014, Matt’s story showcases the power of setting almost unattainable goals. Success results from consistent dedication, manifested through daily habits and unwavering commitment. With crystal-clear goals, a well-thought-out plan, and a cohesive team, you have the capability to achieve the extraordinary. Join Matt in exploring the transformative power of audacious goal-setting and unlocking untapped potential.
Unleashing your potential: Setting audacious goals for extraordinary success
Video
Matt Formston | There is no such thing as can't | Saxton Speakers
Matt may be blind, however his clarity on his purpose and goals is laser focused. He has been a Keynote speaker sharing his life story and how to turn your differences into superpowers for 15 years. Matt's passion is to inspire leaders and teams with a can-do mindset and how to defy the limits to achieve the extraordinary. With over 20 years of experience as an executive and big wave surfer, I want to empower people to embrace uniqueness, diversity, and inclusion to forge trust in teams and leadership, crucial to any organisation’s success.The Blind Sea - Official Trailer
Trailer for incredible new surf documentary on blind surfer Matt Formston and his attempt to surf the monster waves of Nazare PortugalTaking On Nazaré: Blind Surfer Matt Formston Takes On The World's Biggest Wave
Portugal's Nazaré is home to some of the world's biggest and most dangerous waves. Over the weekend, Aussie surfer Matt Formston conquered the famous break by riding a 12-metre monster. What's extra impressive is he managed it with just 5% vision.Matt inspired our team and clients with his story of setting audacious goals and how he achieves them. He is vulnerable in the way he shares stories around the diversity he has faced in life ... keep reading Kaseya
Matt is one of those extraordinary people who has so much to teach all of us in how we might best live our lives. His courage, curiosity and determination to never be defined by what others think is possible have allowed him to achieve the unimaginable. But it is his values of kindness and care for others; his joy for life and great sense of humour that make him a very person to know and collaborate with.
