Best-selling author of 9 nonfiction books, translated into multiple languages, Catherine is a past winner of the Australian Executive Woman of the Year-twice voted Australian Keynote Speaker of the Year-and Speaker Hall of Fame inductee.

From an orphanage in Canada-to an MSc in the USA-to a university lecturer before postings as an IBM executive to Japan & Hong Kong, she has spoken professionally to educate and entertain diverse audiences in 30+ countries, plus cruise ships. Clients include American Express, BBC, Tourism NZ and Rolls-Royce.

An Australia Day ambassador, who’s visited 150+ countries…Catherine has trekked to Timbuktu, cycled over the Andes, climbed 20,000’ to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro…and was given the honour to carry the torch on the opening day of the Sydney Olympics.

A storyteller who has travelled to the 'ends of the earth' for exciting, fresh and relevant tales that can be tailored for your cruise demographics.

More info on (www.greatmotivation.com)

TOPICS: Presentations on Previous Cruises and Potential New Topics
All presented with hi res PowerPoint images and humour

FROM TIMBUKTU TO KATHMANDU - Kindness & Connection Around Our World
(title for next book-and yes she has been to both places)
From the best seller ‘Hope Happens!’ Catherine shares sensational travel stories and photos from every continent. She’s cycled over the Andes, climbed Mt Kilimanjaro for her 40th birthday, swam with sharks and from Europe to Asia, trekked to Timbuktu & Everest Base Camp-and volunteered with street kids in Vietnam.
On our journeys, whether physical or personal, dreams take detours and travel transforms our perspective. Come along to hear the former Australian Executive Woman of the Year share some of her own journey and lessons learned from visits to over 150 countries.

BEHIND THE SCENES WITH A BEST-SELLING AUTHOR: Maybe write your own book?
We all have stories to tell-but does everyone have a book in them?
With 9 books translated into over a dozen languages, Catherine gives you a behind the scenes look at what it takes to become a published author, explains the pros & cons of publishers and self-publishing-and offers some practical advice on how you can get started on your own book.

Don’t hesitate to come with your own specific questions.

RESILIENCE LESSONS FROM MOTHER NATURE: to help human nature in tough times.
Regardless of our past success, we all face challenging times and research shows that time spent in nature helps with mental well being. Based on her latest book, ‘The Gift of Nature-Inspiring Hope and Resilience’; with images from every continent to symbolise our universal human spirit. (first went to Antarctic 20+ years ago with the first Australian to climb Everest)

TURN STUMBLING BLOCKS TO STEPPING STONES
Change happens to us all-and we have a choice to be victims or victors. Catherine has overcome personal & professional challenges to succeed in following her dreams…and will offer some thoughts on how everyone can turn stumbling blocks to stepping stones.
On the cover of her memoir, ‘Hope as My Compass’ Bryce Courtenay says: “Story of hope & perseverance –when’s the movie?” The past winner of the Australian Executive Woman of the Year award shares her stranger than fiction, true life story of a journey from an orphanage in Canada. You’ll laugh & get a lump in your throat as you see that we can’t always control change-but we can control our attitude towards it.
On the cover of ‘Hot Lemon & Honey-Reflections for Success in Times of Change’, the late Sir Edmund Hillary says: ‘information in this book will lead you on the road to success.’ On 9/11, she was the keynote speaker at the World Airline conference-which prompted her to write ‘Hope Happens…words of encouragement in tough times’-to symbolise the universal human spirit; with her own high res images

GOOD SERVICE IS GOOD BUSINESS & Staff Appreciation (originally corporate but adapted for crew)
After a presentation to guests, many staff said they liked my speech they had viewed in their rooms. So, later gave a motivational talk to the staff on teamwork, service and appreciation for the great job they do.

THE CHALLENGE OF CHANGE
Regardless of age or occupation we call face rapid change. lncorporating material from top selling books, ‘Living & Working in Japan’ & ‘Hot Lemon & Honey…Reflections for Success in Times of Change’, with jacket endorsements from the late Sir Edmund Hillary who says ‘information in this book can lead you on the road to success’ & Jack Canfield, co-author of ‘Chicken Soup for the Soul’, who comments: ‘full of vitamins for the mind’…you will better appreciate that change is inevitable-but learning from change is optional

POTENTIAL CRUISE PRESENTATIONS
The above were topics on previous cruises. In addition, based on your itineraries I would be able to package the below which are not yet developed-but just as I customise for my corporate clients, would develop after confirmation of cruise.

HISTORY OF COFFEE
Who doesn't enjoy a great cup of coffee? based on a coffee table book I ghost wrote for an international coffee franchise

SOLO FEMALE TRAVELLER in MIDDLE EAST
Having addressed business conferences in Bahrain and Oman, that included members of the royal family in the audience, Catherine became fascinated with the region and subsequently travelled solo not just to the airline hubs of Dubai & Abu Dhabi-but to Kuwait, to ski in Lebanon, horseride in Jordan, swim from Europe to Asia in Turkey. She was one of the first Western women to visit Saudi Arabia as a solo tourist when travel opened up in 2022, where she golfed, drove a car &swam…all once forbidden. She shatters many stereotypes of the ME, as she shares stories of kindness, void of any political commentary .

FORGOTTEN WIVES OF EXPLORERS
Household names of famous explorers are in the psyche of most passengers, especially on an expedition cruise. But what do we know about Mrs. Cook? Or Senora Colombus?

SURF LIFESAVING & WATER SAFETY AUSTRALIA
Previously presented via a translator to German tour groups where the tour operator pays a fee to Manly Surf Club (Sydney) As a volunteer surf lifesaver for 8 years, Catherine shares the history of the global surf lifesaving movement, the difference between professionals, volunteers & iron men competitors; plus safety such as swimming between the flags and potential dangers of rips, sharks, jelly fish etc. and amusing stories of prevention and rescue.

DESTINATION LECTURER
-Lived in Japan for two years and wrote a book ‘Japan: An A-Z Guide’ (Harper Collins)
-Also lived in Canada, USA & Hong Kong and although she does not consider herself an ‘expert’ on any particular destination, as a full time professional speaker for over 25 years and former university lecturer, she certainly knows how to research topics and present various aspects in an educational and entertaining way with high quality images.

Bestselling author/professional speaker for 20+ years in 30+ countries (clients eg Amex, BBC, RollsRoyce) former university lecturer & IBM exec. Spoken on 3 cruise lines-most recent Swan Hellenic for 2 months...& prior Holland America & P&O. Visited 150+ countries. www.catherinedevrye.com

COMMENTS ON PREVIOUS PRESENTATIONS: an indication of results and speaker’s ability to adapt to a variety of international audiences

SWAN HELLENIC (WEST AFRICA to SCOTLAND)
‘Incredible speech by Catherine DeVrye. Travel is all about connecting people’ …Patrizia Zito

SHIP TO SHORE CRUISE CONFERENCE-International Year of Oceans (CANADA)
‘Thank you for your energetic, insightful and inspirational address to the local tourism industry. Feedback we are gathering shows you were a hit, a true highlight of the conference.‘ of our event.’

ROLLS-ROYCE (ASIA)
‘A big thank you for adding value with both content and entertaining delivery that kept everyone fully engaged. Our partners are fully motivated with new skills & crucial reminders to ensure we retain our pinnacle position of luxury.’

TOURISM COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA
‘Outstanding address…this is not a standard letter I send to each speaker but I wish to convey our appreciation for the quality of information and the positive motivation associated with it…Post conference comments have been very positive.’

KPMG (SINGAPORE AND MALAYSIA)
‘Your presentation on strategies for success opened our eyes to limitations & our paradigms have now shifted to a higher plateau…first time we have given a standing ovation to any speaker.’

AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVEL (AUSTRALIA)
‘Powerful & dynamic presenter who leaves a lasting impression; even our most negative team members were impressed…Thank you for a tremendous contribution to our business & the participative culture we have developed. Part of our success is due to your involvement & I am most grateful.’

AUDIKA AUDIO CLINIC (DENMARK)
‘Captivated entire audience; nailed the brief to reinforce our key messages & delivered beyond expected; professional yet relaxed style; excellent entertainer & also touched people’s hearts!’