Create an experience with Ben Pettingill

IMAGINE WAKING UP BLIND

Ben Pettingill understands first hand what it is like to be faced with extreme adversity, waking up to the reality of losing 98% of his eyesight overnight at age 16. The cause was a rare genetic syndrome that had been laying unknowingly dormant in his family for generations.

Like a lot of change and challenge we face, Ben had no choice in the matter. He learned the hard way the importance of focusing his time and energy on what he could control rather than what he couldn’t, prioritising  his mental health and what it was like to face barriers due to living with the label of having a disability. 

Not your average athlete...

Ben ensures he doesn’t just deliver valuable messages and practical strategies to his audience, he lives them! Everyday he is driven by his commitment to simply, ‘Make The Most’

This commitment has seen Ben become the first legally blind person in the world to compete in Spartan Obstacle Course Races, compete in the Southern 80 water skiing race against able bodied competitors and trek the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea, not once, but twice.  

He isn’t stopping there either, Ben is now taking on arguably his biggest challenge yet, 3249 BLIND where he will run 3249km’s in 2024 for mental health and suicide prevention.

Whether it is an opening keynote at a large conference, a board room session with your executive team, a hall full of school students, a local sporting club event, social media campaign or a new product launch, Ben brings his down to earth approach, infectious energy and immense value! Ben is perfect to cover topics including -

Embracing change and challenge

Overcoming adversity and building Resilience

Mental health and wellbeing

Diversity and Inclusion

Inspiration and motivation

Testimonials - 

“Everyone thought that Ben's presentation was outstanding! It was truly inspirational and thought provoking. By far the perfect way to kick off our conference!"

Mark Jones, Partner KPMG, Australia

“Fantastic! Simple messages – very powerful and inspirational. Really challenged me to reflect on my own mental health and has sparked me to seek help and speak to someone”  

Tony Corrigan, Director, NAB

“Ben is an impressive individual who sets an example to anyone in the way he has responded to adversity in his life. I am very pleased that Ben is a member of the Vision Australia family and I commend him to others as a great coach, mentor and inspirational speaker.”  

Ron Hooton, CEO, Vision Australia

“Ben has an amazing way of connecting with the audience through clear understanding of his message. He has an extremely inspiring story which can relate to all walks of life in any sector. His message changed my life and I would highly recommend booking him at your organisation, today.” - Rich Cohen, CEO, The Lab

“I highly recommend booking Ben to inspire, motivate and challenge your students. He will transform them and truly help them to reach both their scholastic and personal potentials.”  Patterson, Secondary, Principal, Bayside Christian College

“Ben’s presentation was both engaging and thought provoking, delivered with humour, style and substance. Ben exuded the 3 C’s: confidence, charisma, and charm. Staff were visibly moved upon hearing that Ben acquired his vision loss at such a young age but admired his strength of character embracing and conquering challenges which many able bodied individuals would not attempt. To anyone seeking an inspiring and motivational speaker for any engagement, I have no hesitation in recommending Ben Pettingill.” - 

HR Officer, City of Whittlesea Council

“Thank you for motivating and inspiring our students at the commencement of such an important year. Your relatable manner engages the listeners who can identify with your experiences. Thank you also for sharing your story and how you not only faced adversity head on, but gained strength and determination to achieve your best.” - Head of Senior School, Plenty Valley Christian College