Nadine Champion is a fighter, inside and outside of the ring. As a martial artist with almost 30 years’ experience, Nadine has learnt a lot about inner strength. She is, surprisingly, a bookworm, a full contact fighter, Black Belt martial arts teacher, cancer survivor and professional speaker. With a gold medal from the World Cup of Martial Arts, Nadine holds Titles in both Thai boxing & Kickboxing and remains undefeated in all her fighting disciplines.
Her passion is teaching Internal Training which focuses on mental, emotional & spiritual strengthening. These lessons come from the decades she has dedicated to learning from her internationally acclaimed Sensei (teacher), which have changed her own life and seen her transform the lives of many others. Nadine believes that success in any area comes from learning to believe in yourself and trusting you have the courage to deliver under pressure.
Nadine is a stirring speaker with an inspiring story. She uses her 10 Seconds of Courage approach to help people find and courage to create better lives.
As she finished her TEDxSydney speech, a packed Sydney Opera House audience rose to their feet in unison to applaud an outstanding performance from a very natural and gifted communicator. Nadine accepted the standing ovation with both a smile and tears streaming down her face. Having finished treatment for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2014, this is her second shot at life and she has come out of the gate strong.
Growing up, what kind of career did you want to pursue?
I originally wanted to be a lawyer and fight for people’s rights, but ended up fighting in another unexpected way.
Who inspires you?
My Sensei Benny “the Jet” Urquidez has been a unique inspiration for 20 years in martial arts and in life. I also find women like Brene Brown & Elizabeth Gilbert inspiring in their beautifully vulnerable strength.
Who (apart from you) is most surprised by your achievements?
I think my friends have been recently surprised to see the full story behind some of my achievements as they didn’t really know the sacrifices involved until now.
Also, after helping me put together a presentation for my TedXSydney talk using Prezi, my friend and colleague Kris Flegg and his team have been happily surprised to see me go from a mildly technophobic fledgling public speaker to a presentation whiz kid (insert tongue in cheek here).
How have women helped shape your success to date?
I’ve had powerful support from women who have been so genuinely happy to share my story and offer to help. When you speak from the heart about your struggles and experiences, women often connect and engage. Luckily for me they then often rally in support of your journey (especially if it involves a bit of courage)!
What qualities do you most admire in a female colleague?
I admire the ability to be both respected for her strength of character and skills, yet also be well thought of because she’s not afraid to let others see her genuine human side.
What’s the key to successfully balancing work and life?
Flexibility to roll with the punches and demands of both. I’m lucky because when I’m at “work” (keynote speaking), I’m talking about what I’ve learnt in my life and when I’m at “work” (in the gym training people), I’m living the concepts I speak about.
If you had an afternoon to yourself, how would you spend it?
My favourite thing is to walk at the beach and look for whales. Seeing them is like a happy present from the Universe. I love spending time talking to people about finding their courage and how they use it in their lives. The perfect afternoon would incorporate that conversation, a walk in the sunshine while throwing a ball, a coffee and yes, lots of whales.
Who do you regard as your mentor?
My Sensei is my main mentor as he provides so many wise insights on many levels. When I met him 20 years ago, his first question to me was “do you feel fear”? I thought, ‘Hmm, yes nice to meet you too!’ I knew then that I had never met anyone like him. He is an evolved soul and I jokingly describe him as being like a Yoda — a guide in all areas of life.
What personal attributes have you used to overcome adversity in your life?
As a martial artist and fighter, I have learnt so much about courage and fear — physically, but mostly emotionally. We all need to tap into our courage to risk defeat, to be vulnerable and to be our best. I learnt to bring that to the fore within myself to overcome cancer and also to tackle the dreaded public speaking fear so many possess. Being the closing speaker at TEDx Sydney this year made me hitch up my courage boot straps and encourage others to use their 10 Seconds of Courage to be that little bit braver in their own lives.
If you could make one change to women’s lives, what would it be and why?
I would have them understand that emotional sensitivity is a strength not a weakness. Our power as women is often in our ability to connect with and understand our inner lives and see the same in others. When we harness this our lives become braver, bolder and more empowered.
What is the hardest part of your job?
Speaking in front of hundreds of high powered corporate men (like I did last night) and standing in my strength as a woman. Telling my story while still being my genuine self — a combination of a fighter and a bit of a goofball. I believe it takes way more courage to be your true self than to give in to putting on a corporate more masculine style armour. It’s harder, but it’s way more fun.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to success in your field?
Just to find little bursts of courage to say and do the things that scare you. It’s easy to say no to challenges and opportunities, in order to stay in your comfort zone, but you have to go after your biggest best life as if there’s no guarantee you’ll be around forever. Always be teachable, ask for help, be authentically you and be brave.