Description
Will McDonald motivational speaker sessions come from one of Adelaide’s most familiar faces. He joined Nine News in 2004 and has anchored the weekend bulletin since 2011. Yet the most powerful story he tells is his own.
Will McDonald Motivational Speaker: When Life Breaks the News
In July 2020, a hip pain Will put down to the gym turned out to be advanced prostate cancer. It had already spread to his hip bone. He was 42, one of only 87 Australian men aged 40 to 44 diagnosed that year.
Through chemotherapy, radiotherapy and ongoing hormone therapy, Will kept presenting the news. He went from telling the city’s stories to becoming one of them.
Then came two milestones. Will and his partner Samantha welcomed their son Alfie. Months later, still in treatment, Will finished the Cairns Ironman, raising funds for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia as an ambassador.
Signature Keynote: Iron Will, Resilience When Life Breaks the News
This is an honest, practical account of how to keep showing up when life changes without warning. Drawing on the newsroom, the chemo chair and the Ironman finish line, Will shows audiences that resilience is built through daily choices. It also comes from the people in your corner and the decision to keep moving forward.
Key takeaways:
- Choose your response. Within days of his diagnosis, Will decided to stay positive, strong and focused on getting healthy. One clear decision shapes everything that follows.
- Perform under pressure. Will presented the news through chemotherapy and radiotherapy, staying composed when the pressure was both personal and public.
- Build your corner. Nobody could take the treatment for him, but nobody fights alone. Strong teams, support networks and asking for help make people stronger.
- Set the bigger goal. Will turned a diagnosis into an Ironman. An ambitious goal gives the hard days purpose, structure and momentum.
“This wasn’t ‘My Ironman’… This was ‘Our Ironman’.”
Will McDonald, on crossing the Cairns Ironman finish line
Ideal For
Will suits conferences, leadership and team offsites, sales and staff events, and health and wellbeing programs. He is available for keynotes and panel conversations. Every audience leaves with a practical reminder to look after their own health and the people around them.
Will is also one of Adelaide’s most experienced event hosts. For MC bookings, see Will McDonald as Master of Ceremonies. You can also explore our other motivational keynote speakers.
Book Will McDonald motivational speaker for your next conference or keynote event.
