MY TEDX TALK:
"THE POWER OF DUMB”

THE BIG ISSUE:

Too many of us are stressed out, lonely, and struggling to find a sense of purpose. As a species, we are being pulled apart by social media, materialism, the cost-of-living crisis, and individualism. We need to learn to loosen up, help others, and laugh more.

THE BIG IDEA:

So many TEDx talks are overly serious, preachy, and follow a formula. So, I decided to go the other way, and tell my story as “THE POWER OF DUMB”.

In it, I recounted a few of the really dumb things I’ve done, like plucking my hair out for charity, breaking the world record for longest duration touching tongue to nose, and dancing a marathon in my living room during the world’s longest COVID lockdown, and even building a statue of the iconic moment Nicky Winmar stood up to racist abuse.

You can watch it here.

THE BIG RESULTS:

My talk was selected as a global Editor’s Pick, which helped it reach tens of thousands of people, and lead to me flying across the country giving versions of the speech for a range of businesses, and delivering workshops all based on The Power of Dumb.

10 TIPS FOR EMBRACING THE POWER OF DUMB.

1. Embrace Failure: Don't fear failure; see it as a learning opportunity. Each "dumb" idea that doesn't work out teaches you something valuable.

2. Think Like a Child: Children approach the world with curiosity and creativity. Channel your inner child to see things from fresh perspectives.

3. Take Risks: Step out of your comfort zone. The greatest innovations often come from taking bold, unconventional steps.

4. Laugh at Yourself: Humor breaks down barriers and opens up new ways of thinking. Don't take yourself too seriously—enjoy the journey.

5. Start Small: Big changes begin with small steps. Try out your "dumb" ideas on a small scale and see where they lead.

6. Collaborate with Others: Sharing your ideas with others can lead to unexpected improvements and support. Surround yourself with people who inspire you.

7. Never, ever give up: Great things don't happen overnight. Keep pushing your ideas, refining them, and believing in their potential.

8. Celebrate You: Your uniqueness is your strength. Embrace what makes you different and use it to your advantage.

9. Stay Curious: Always ask questions and seek new experiences. Curiosity leads to discovery and innovation.

10. Tell everyone your dumb ideas: What’s the worst that could happen? Someone might laugh at you. When has laughing ever been bad!

SOME DUMB THINGS I’VE DONE

Guinness World Record Holder: I hold the official Guinness world record for the longest duration touching my tongue to my nose. Yep, that’s a real thing.

Danced a Marathon: During the world’s longest COVID lockdown, I danced a marathon in my living room. It was exhausting, hilarious, and absolutely worth it.

Hair for Charity: I’ve plucked my hair out for charity. Painful? Yes. Dumb? Definitely. Worth it? Absolutely.

Instagram Model Coach: I convinced comedian Tommy Little to become an Instagram model. Now that’s a career twist.

Launched the Big Bash League: One of my "dumb" ideas turned into a massive success story with the launch of the Big Bash League.

Award-Winning Advertiser: I’ve won more than a hundred international advertising awards. Who knew "dumb" ideas could be so clever?

Plastic-Free Campaigner: I helped convince Australian supermarkets to stop their short-term plastic promotions, proving that even small changes can make a big difference.

Statue of Courage: I got a statue made of the iconic stance against racism by Nicky Winmar with the AFL. Sometimes, dumb ideas honour the bravest acts.

Charity Fundraiser: In my spare time, I’ve raised over 2 million dollars for charity. Who says dumb ideas can’t be generous?

Bestselling Author: I’ve co-authored two books with Russel Howcroft, titled "The Right-brain Workout," selling almost 20,000 copies in Australia and even translating into German!

EMBRACE THE AWESOME POWER OF DUMB

Are you ready to embrace the power of dumb? Explore our stories, get inspired, and maybe even take your own "dumb" leap. Remember, it’s not just about doing something silly—it’s about making a difference, having fun, and living life to the fullest.