Tom Nash

What would you do if you had to relearn everything you had ever known how to do? Can you turn Adversity into Advantage? There are no motivational insta-quotes to be seen during Tom’s keynotes, no “one-size-fits-all” themes, and no comic sans. Half-metal, half-genius, Tom Nash is an enigmatic speaker who instead offers a fresh degustation of ideas, and a thoroughly brilliant approach to life. After the immense task of relearning every action he’d ever cultivated, Tom never returned to his old job waiting tables. Instead he set new ambitions like learning how to play guitar with hooks, starting a lucrative entertainment business, selling out international speaking engagements, and cooking Korean BBQ with his bare (metal) hands. Following a slew of refreshing media engagements and keynotes with the likes of SBS, Sydney Morning Herald, Sky News and Buzzfeed, it wasn’t long before TEDx were after a slice. Over listeners embarked on the sagacious and humorous journey with Tom at a TEDx in Sydney 2019; a testament to Tom’s knack for storytelling, his keen observations, and the life he has created in the face of overwhelming mental and physical obstacles have proven more valuable than the limbs he lost. Nash feels the same way about pity as he does about top knots: not interested. His unapologetic attitude experience of dealing with adversity renders Tom deserving of the platform he so eloquently uses, speaking openly and with sincerity to a full gamut of audiences. Drawing from the life experience imbued upon him, Tom exemplifies how lateral thinking is critical for problem-solving, challenges the triviality of self-consciousness, and explains the critical importance of risk-taking and inner-strength. His dry wit and contrarian nature throughout keynotes delights the curiosity of his listeners. On dealing with a physical disability he ruminates; “Kids will often ask me if I’m a Pirate, and I tell them… Yes.”