<p>An inspiring story that ultimately proves that we all have the power to live our dreams – no matter how small or big they are, Jessica Watson became the youngest person to sail solo non-stop and unassisted around the world. </p><p>Defying criticism from those who said her task was destined to fail, after 210 days at sea navigating some of the world’s most challenging stretches of oceans and surviving seven knockdowns, Jessica sailed back into Sydney Harbour on 15 May, 2010. </p><p>As she docked at the Sydney Opera House, the country wept with pride. She walked up the pink welcome carpet, met the Prime Minister on stage and then delivered what many believe is one of the most simple, but brilliant, inspirational speeches of all time where she replied to the Prime Minister’s summary of her as our newest Australian hero: </p><p>“I would like to disagree with our Prime Minister. I do not consider myself a hero. I am just an ordinary person, who had a dream and worked hard at it. By sailing solo, non-stop and unassisted around the world, I have proved that anything really is possible”. </p><p>She had captured the hearts of not only Australians, but millions of supporters around the globe as they cheered on the 16-year-old Aussie, who had overcome the adversity and odds to achieve what many thought impossible. </p><p>Within 3 months of her return, Jessica finished writing her book called <em>True Spirit</em> which told the story of her epic voyage. The book went straight to number 1 in Australia and has been published in 15 countries – another extraordinary achievement from the girl who suffers badly from dyslexia! Jessica also filmed a documentary, 210 Days, which was narrated by Sir Richard Branson.</p><p>She was named Young Australian of the Year 2011 and in December, 2011, Jessica skippered the youngest crew ever to compete in the iconic Sydney to Hobart yacht race, finishing second in their category. </p><p>In January 2012, Jessica was announced in the Australia Day Honours list, receiving an OAM (Order of Australia Medal) for services to sailing and being a role model for the youth of Australia. </p><p>Jessica is the co-founder of marine start-up and has completed an MBA, authored a second book - a middle-grade novel titled Indigo Blue - is an in-demand corporate speaker and a management consultant within Deloitte’s Human Capital Practice and is the subject of the 2023 Netflix film True Spirit.</p>
The youngest person to sail solo, nonstop around the world; Subject of 2023 Netflix film <em>True Spirit</em>
<ul><li><strong>Harnessing Fear: How Anyone Can Turn Fear Into Courage</strong></li><li>Many are surprised to learn that when Jessica first dreamt of sailing around the world, she was scared of just about everything. She believes that three things enable anyone to turn their fears into courage, the ability to identify the fear that holds you back, a powerful motivation or reason why, and the realization that anyone can choose the way they react. But as Jessica discovered when she created a media storm by colliding with a 63,000 ton ship on her first night at sea, courage also requires practice.</li><li><strong>Managing Risk: Why the Ability to Understand and Manage Risk is Powerful</strong></li><li>Risk mitigation was a huge part of preparation for her voyage. She explains that to manage risk, you must analyze the consequences and likelihood of the different dangers involved, an approach that is equally relevant to risks in the business world and in our everyday lives. Jessica also urges audiences to consider whether there may be just as big a risk in inaction.</li><li><strong>Participative Leadership: How Saying We and Giving Others Ownership Wins Support</strong></li><li>Like many adventurers, Jessica credits much of her success to her support team. She realises that it was the diversity of her team that was its true strength. Jessica believes that the key to her being able to gain the extensive support that she did, was her willingness to say ‘we’ not ‘me’ and share the project. She explains a collective goal is important in many contexts, on and off the water.</li><li><strong>Resilience: How to Develop the Grit to Cross Oceans and Take on Audacious Goals</strong></li><li>Resilience was instrumental to Jessica’s ability to overcome the many challenges faced during more than three years of preparation and 210 days alone at sea. She discovered that the key to mental strength was to break big goals down and focus only on the next few miles or the next small goal during the tough times. Sharing insights from many adventurers and elite sportspeople that she has learned from; Jessica explains that the same approach is equally effective when it comes to tackling seemingly impossible and audacious goals.</li></ul>