Publications
Mental wealth: The future of resilience
“Nick spoke with great transparency and honesty… He’s a great speaker and I thoroughly recommend him” – Peter Downey, Principal, Oxford Falls Grammar
"The highlight of our wellbeing day" - Natasha Sekelja, Student Support Officer, Willoughby Girls High
"Would have him back to present every year if possible" - Gary Monahan, Head Teacher Stage Five, Cherrybrook Tech
"Thank you Nick Kenny for a brilliant presentation, starting in a really engaging way that allowed our students to be hooked from the opening and really connect with your story and three strategies" - Thomas Koularis, Year 11 Adviser, Strathfield Girls
ABOUT
Nick Kenny is Partnership Manager with the mental health organisation KYDS Youth Development Service and Chief of NSW Speakers Tribe. He has completed a diploma of counselling, an honours degree in modern history and a master of politics and public policy.
However, this didn’t come easily. Growing up with an ADHD diagnosis and a quadriplegic father, Nick Kenny struggled with mental health and addiction for decades. In 2019, after losing everything he valued, he experienced a mental health crisis. He re-evaluated his life, transformed himself through the power of habit, and become obsessed with personal growth and positive psychology.
Since then, he has spoken in front of hundreds of audiences, helped over five thousand people through workshops and presentations, and recently appeared on SBS Insight discussing mental health and addiction. He also works as a SMART Recovery facilitator & ambassador, is studying psychology at the University of New South Wales, and in his spare time can be found sitting on some cheap foam squares pretending to meditate.
"Extremely helpful and knowledgeable to both my physical and mental health" - Anthony Azar, student, St Pat's Marist College Dundas
“Nick was really good and seemed genuine and kind. He gave information that was useful and told me things I didn't know previously about services made available to kids” - Student, Asquith Boys High
"Nick's presentation hit the spot with the students. He clearly has drawn from his own life experience and found a compassionate and engaging way of delivering this" - Barry Zworestine, Psychologist, Masada College
“It helped me understand the ways I can look after my mental health and it really showed how to reach out if you’re going through a hard time” – Student, Loreto Girls Normanhurst
“We received fantastic feedback from students and staff. His core message to support your mental health through ‘movement, meaning and mates’ was really well delivered” - Alice McCourt, Student Support Officer, Turramurra High
“It was amazing how someone can turn their life around so much. It doesn’t feel that scary anymore” - Student, Strathfield South Girls
“I found Nick Kenny's presentation to our year 11 students the most exciting and engaging session we have had online. Nick's style of imparting information is energetic, charismatic, and moving. He shares his story in a sensitive, yet dynamic manner that teaches how to turns heartbreaking setbacks into awesome opportunities. He shared meaningful lessons and tips that transcend adolescence, and our girls were positively engaged with him throughout the session" - Natasha Sekelja, Student Support Officer, Willoughby Girls High
“We had Nick speak to our year nine boys. They were really engaged for 45 minutes, they definitely took away some key messages, and I would definitely endorse him to speak to any year group” – Cameron Gordon, Head Teacher Well-Being, Epping Boys High
“Very inspirational. Motivates me to work better and improve” - Student, Strathfield South Girls
“I found Nick to be a very engaging and well-articulated speaker. His seminar was entertaining whilst being informative and to the point. I look forward to applying his advice to my daily routine and believe that it will make a difference for the better” - Kaitlyn Chiha, student, St Pat’s Marist College Dundas
“This presentation was a great explanation on the way small changes can lead to big success. The recommendations were practical and realistic, and the real life stories were engaging” - Jackie Pritchard, Psychologist, Strathfield Girls High
“It was a very helpful seminar, you provided us with steps to not only help ourselves but also help others through this difficult time. You certainly demonstrated to our cohort today that despite all odds, everybody has the chance to gain control of their life and do what makes them happy. All the best!” - Mia Boulous student, St Pat’s Marist College Dundas
"I thought it was very inspirational, engaging and authentic, and I found it very useful hearing his story and his strategies" - Student, Willoughby Girls High
"Nick's life is extremely inspiring and his presentation was one of the most engaging one ever. Thank you!" - Student, Willoughby Girls High
"I actually loved the presentation, It was incredibly engaging and fun. It was also inspirational and emotional as well, gives a great insight on a certain situation on how you can grow and develop yourself to become a better version of yourself" - Student, Willoughby Girls High
"I found him very inspirational, and his talk was definitely a tear-jerker. He's great" - Student, Willoughby Girls High
"Really good speaker and really had an impact on the audience and is very memorable" - Student, Epping Boys High
Credentials
Growth Coach (Speakers Institute)
Chief (NSW Speakers Tribe)
2021
Premiere Bootcamp Graduate (Speakers Institute)
2020
Head Facilitator (KYDS Youth Development Service)
Diploma of Counselling (AIPC)
International Speech Winner - Area 11 (Toastmasters)
2018
Competent Communicator (Toastmasters)
2017
Master Politics & Public Policy (Macquarie University)
2016
Humorous Speech Winner - Area 11 (Toastmasters)
2015
Bachelor of Arts - Honours (Macquarie University)
2008
