“That driver may have had the power to take my sister’s life, but he has NO power over the impact it has on my life - because only I have power over my RESPONSE-ABILITY.’’
Meet award-winning international youth speaker, published author and resilience specialist, Kate Gladdin...
Kate Gladdin (née Fitzsimons) understands how overwhelming, confusing, and engulfing some challenges can be.
Especially at a time in your life when you're struggling to find your independent identity.
As a high school student, she struggled.
Despite being a high-achiever with a supportive family, she was emotionally unable to cope with the deep upset of friendship challenges, study stresses, and social pressures.
The worst part? The unrealistic expectations she put on herself. And the self-loathing that followed. Her anxiety and shame caused behavior meltdowns that hurt those who loved her most.
To gain some sort of ‘control’ over her life she spiraled into an anorexia vortex.
“I was starving, not only for food, but for self confidence and acceptance. Life was a constant battle of never feeling ‘good enough’ no matter how much I achieved.”
Then her world crashed down around her.
In 2012 Kate's older sister, Nicole, was killed in a travel accident.
Her despair was debilitating.
Until it turned into a fire.
A passion to truly live. For both herself...and Nicole.
Her old self-perceptions began to burn away as she put one foot in front of the other—rebuilding a new version of her life.
She ditched the excuses and turned in her 'victim card.' For six years, she trained her body to become lean and strong—eventually competing and winning fitness competitions.
At the age of 20 she quit her “safe” corporate job and started a charitable foundation to help teens learn how to travel safely—in honour of Nicole.
Kate has spoken at over 300 schools to over 200,000 teens internationally and has been featured on TV shows such as A Current Affair, Studio 10 and Weekend Sunrise.
Additionally, she's been named one of Australia’s Top 100 Women of Influence.
In 2020, Kate moved over to the USA to pursue her career as a speaker, author and coach. She now lives happily in Wyoming with her husband, Nate. Her favourite things include homemade pizza, teaching Aussie slang and hiking in the mountains with their dog, Jaku.
"Kate has a rare ability to engage students with her story and leaves a powerful message for all involved. There are many engaging speakers out there but few have the ability to make connections with students like Kate does. I highly recommend Kate and her Resilience presentation."
Neil Scotney
Head of Senior School – MLC School
