Nicky Abdinor: Inspirational Speaker

International keynote speaker and clinical psychologist Nicky Abdinor inspires audiences to do more with less, shifting mindsets through resilience, positive psychology, and lived experience.

Quick Facts:

  • Highlights:
    • International keynote speaker across five continents
    • Registered clinical psychologist
    • Founder of Nicky’s Drive non-profit
    • Specialist in resilience, mindset, and positive psychology
  • Formats:

    Inspirational keynote speaker, clinical psychologist, change catalyst

  • Audience:

    Corporate conferences, leadership teams, educational institutions, healthcare events, and organisations seeking inspiration grounded in psychological science.

  • Outcomes:
    1. Shifted perspectives on limitation and possibility
    2. Increased resilience and confidence under pressure
    3. Practical tools for sustainable mindset and behaviour change
Reading time: 3 min
Reviews: (0 reviews)
  • Travels from: Cape Town

Keynote Topics

Nicky’s keynote talk entitled “Cultivating Optimism” is more relevant than ever. Nicky interweaves her personal story with key concepts in Psychology to look at how we are able to face adversity and challenge with hope, optimism and curiosity.

Nicky is a firm believer that we need to stop asking ourselves “CAN we do it?” but rather ask ourselves, “HOW can we do it?!” We need to stop comparing ourselves to others and use what we have.

KEY LEARNING POINTS FROM NICKY’S KEYNOTE TALK

  • Reigniting self-belief
  • Focusing on what you CAN do
  • Tolerating uncertainty
  • Mastering bravery
  • Adopting an attitude of gratitude

Nicky delivers a message that is authentic and captivating, with lessons that are easily translated into actions in our careers and personal lives. With her witty sense of humour and natural speaking ability, Nicky not only keeps the attention of the audience, but also spurs them to action!

Talent Short Bio

Nicky Abdinor is an international keynote speaker, registered clinical psychologist, and founder of the non-profit organisation Nicky’s Drive. Based in Cape Town, she runs a clinical practice while travelling globally to deliver impactful keynote presentations across Africa, Europe, the USA, Australia, and the Middle East.

Born without arms, Nicky is widely recognised for her powerful message: born without arms, not without attitude. Her work challenges audiences to rethink limitation, capability, and personal responsibility by focusing on strengths rather than deficits. Grounded in positive psychology, her philosophy is simple yet transformative: do not ignore what is wrong, but focus more on what is right.

Nicky’s credibility as a speaker is strengthened by her professional expertise in psychology and her lived experience. She combines evidence-based insight with personal storytelling, humour, and warmth, creating talks that are both deeply moving and highly practical. Her keynote, If you’ve got the drive, the destination is up to you, reframes adversity as an opportunity for growth and self-leadership.

Nicky Abdinor is an international keynote speaker, registered Clinical Psychologist and founder of the non-profit, Nicky’s Drive. She is based in Cape Town, South Africa, where she runs her clinical practice.

She travels globally for keynote speaking events and has spoken at conferences across Africa, Europe, the USA, Australia and the Middle East.

Nicky is always commended on being a “credible” agent of change whether you are connecting with her one-on-one or from an audience. When you meet Nicky, it is hard not to recognise that she puts her message into practice!

Born without arms, not without attitude! Nicky Abdinor is an expert on doing MORE with less.

Nicky Abdinor is a Clinical Psychologist, International Keynote Speaker and Founder of the non-profit, Nicky’s Drive. Whether you meet Nicky one-on-one or from an audience, it’s hard not to recognise that she puts her message into practice!

A firm believer in focusing on our strengths and lives by the premise of Positive Psychology, “Don’t ignore what is wrong, but focus more on what is RIGHT.”

BORN WITHOUT ARMS, NOT WITHOUT ATTITUDE!

Nicky Abdinor is an expert on doing MORE with less. She is an agent of change who will leave your audience believing in their abilities. They’ll learn to focus on what they can do.

Nicky’s inspiring personal story, along with her expertise as a Clinical Psychologist, makes her an ideal candidate for an inspirational keynote speaker at your next conference or event.

She has a witty sense of humour and natural speaking ability that not only keeps the attention of the listeners, but spurs them to action!

Nicky Abdinor inspirational keynote talk, entitled “If you’ve got the drive, the destination is up to you,” aims to challenge the audience’s perspective on what is possible.

Nicky uses her personal story (enhanced by video clips) and background in Psychology to motivate the audience to think differently about their situation.

She believes that it is not our situation, but how we think about our situation, that determines our emotional well-being chiefessays.net . Nicky highlights that we should not ignore what is wrong, but focus more on what is right.

As a Clinical Psychologist, Nicky’s message is enhanced by her ability and understanding of creating sustainable change in our attitudes, beliefs and emotions.

Her skills in translating her expertise and experiences in an engaging presentation will ensure participants leave an event empowered and motivated! Nicky is an international keynote speaker and has presented in Africa, Europe, the USA, Australia and the Middle East.

Nicky Abdinor is a member of the Professional Speaker’s Association of Southern Africa (PSASA) and the Global Speaker’s Federation (GSF).

She is available to travel nationally and internationally for speaking engagements. Take a look at Nicky’s Tedx talk to see her in action!

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Talent FAQ's

Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.

Virtual speaking appearances can indeed offer cost savings compared to in-person events. Virtual speaking rates are often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates due to factors such as reduced travel expenses and logistics. This makes virtual events a cost-effective alternative for organizations looking to book speakers within a budget.

Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.

The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.

Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.

Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.

  • Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
  • There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
  • Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
  • When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
  • Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
  • Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
  • Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.

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