Life Threw Punches, Amanda Anderson Fought Back: Finding your power
Photo credit: Amanda Anderson
Amanda doesn't just talk about trauma; she embodies it, having navigated a staggering array of life's most challenging experiences. But this isn't a story of victimhood. It's a story of triumph.
In her keynote she transitions from shared experience to practical solutions, offering a three-part framework for healing and growth because she isn't just about understanding trauma; she's about overcoming it.
Can you tell our readers about your background?
Well, by the age of 40, I'd experienced unimaginable loss; from the heartbreaking deaths of loved ones (including my brother, sister, aunt and father) to betrayal from those closest to me, life threw some serious punches.
After a devastating motorbike accident, several miscarriages and the loss of a job after my boss took his own life, came incredible joy with the birth of my two children. But life, it seems, has a way of testing us.
My child struggled with being bullied, self-harm & suicidal thoughts, my husband faced an incapacitating mid-life crisis, and both my children received life-limiting diagnoses. Facing my own challenges, like recovering from a stroke and navigating a divorce with my first husband, showed me the importance of support and inner strength.
But all these experiences, as difficult as they were, also shaped who I am today.
This led me to dedicate myself to learning everything I could about mental health over the last 17 years. I became a Master of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, studied Psychology, Mental Health, and Mindfulness, functional medicine and growth mindset strategies.
So, my keynote topics and workshops are more than just words on a stage; it's a culmination of my lived experiences, my heartfelt empathy, and my unwavering belief in the strength of the human spirit. I help people navigate the challenges life throws our way and build resilience.
My "superpower" is the ability to see things differently, find unique perspectives that can unlock solutions and empower individuals, drawing from my own story to create a space of understanding and empathy.
I'm not just someone who talks the talk. I'm someone who's walked the walk, stumbled, picked myself up, and kept going. I’m here to share relatable stories, practical tools, and evidence-based resources to help you navigate your own mental health journey.
From my qualifications, lived experience and general courage to address difficult topics and advocate for change, I am equipped with the knowledge and tools to truly understand and advocate for your mental well-being.
This is my way of giving back, of using the challenges I've faced to build something bigger than myself and help others navigate life's inevitable difficulties.
What inspired you to start your business?
My path to this business has been a 50-year quest, a deep dive into the world of mental health, psychology, and wellbeing. It wasn't a calculated move, but rather a burning desire fuelled by my own lived experiences. I've walked the path of striving for wellbeing, so I intimately understand the need, the hunger for it, and the transformative power it holds. But life, as it so often does, threw some curveballs. I found myself in a career that didn't resonate with my soul when a stroke stopped me in my tracks. The two years that followed were a masterclass in neuroplasticity, a fight to reclaim my sense of self. My confidence, understandably, took a hit. I landed a receptionist role at L'Occitane—not my dream job, but what I felt capable of at the time.
Yet, even there, my passion for mental wellbeing couldn't be contained. It bubbled to the surface, almost instinctively. I started a mental health magazine for my colleagues, which, incredibly, grew into a globally distributed publication. That led to becoming the Global Mental Health Project Leader, building a worldwide program, and then the Mental Health Ambassador for Australia. It was an amazing journey, and I'm deeply grateful for it. But here's the thing: some people are meant to have jobs, and some are born to build. Entrepreneurship is woven into my DNA. My father, my husband, my father-in-law – it's a family legacy, and I was determined to carry the torch, a female force in a world of entrepreneurial men! And I see that same spark in my children. So, after the stroke, the recovery, the incredible experience at L'Occitane, the message became crystal clear. How could I not use everything I'd learned, everything I'd lived, every qualification I'd earned over the past four decades, to build a business dedicated to empowering others? This isn't just a business; it's the culmination of my life's journey. It's about taking the challenges I've faced, the lessons I've learned, and turning them into tools to help others navigate their own struggles and find their own path to wellbeing. It’s about inspiring hope, fostering resilience, and reminding everyone that even after the most devastating storms, the human spirit can not only survive, but thrive.
Where is your business based?
The beautiful Sydney, Australia
How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?
People often daydream about winning the lottery – travel, quitting their job, all the "what ifs."
But let's be real, the odds of winning the lottery in Australia are astronomical i.e. 1 in 62,891,499.
For me, a more pressing and, frankly, more realistic question was:
"What would I do if I was diagnosed with cancer?" (1 in 2 Australians)
And my answer to myself was simple: I'd be furious.
Furious that I hadn't pursued the things I knew in my heart I was meant to do, the things that would bring me joy. Even though it felt risky, even though it was scary, I knew I had to make a change, a real, lasting change, and do it for the right reasons.
So, that's where it began. I took some time away from work, a period of deep introspection, to really figure out who I was and what my path forward should be.
It became crystal clear: I needed to share my story, to empower others with the knowledge I'd gained through my own experiences. But knowing what I wanted to do was just the first step. Then came the real work – confronting my own limiting beliefs about running a business.
I'm a parent of two children with ASD and currently separated from my husband. This wasn't just a dream; it needed to work, practically and financially!
Serendipitously, I was also finishing up with a business mentor I'd worked with in my previous role. I reached out to him, shared my vision, and asked for his insights. His support, his belief in me, was invaluable. He helped me silence those nagging doubts and gave me the push I needed to take the leap.
So, the first real steps weren't about logistics or finances; they were about facing my fears, clarifying my purpose, and finding the courage to believe in myself. It was about choosing a different kind of "lottery," one where the odds weren't stacked against me, but rather built on my own resilience, passion, and determination.
People often talk about job security, and how having a "regular" job is the safest route. But I actually think it's riskier to rely on a company. You're basically putting your future in their hands, hoping they'll still be around, that they'll value you, and that they'll support you when things get tough. But companies change, and sometimes they don't have your best interests at heart. For me, real security comes from knowing I have my own back, I can handle anything life throws at me. It's about having the skills and the drive to make your own way. When it comes down to it, I'd rather depend on myself than a company.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?
For me, building awareness for my business has always been about genuine connection. I've learned from past ventures that the most effective strategy isn't some magic marketing bullet, but good old-fashioned, consistent outreach. It's about those personal touches, building relationships, and fostering a sense of community. I've found that reaching out to around ten people each day, whether through networking, introductions, or simply connecting with individuals who resonate with my mission, makes a real difference. It's not just about broadcasting a message; it's about having conversations, understanding needs, and building genuine relationships. Ultimately, it's who you know, the connections you make, and the trust you build that truly fuels growth and awareness.
What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?
My journey to this point hasn't been without its mountains to climb. One of the biggest hurdles, and it's a deeply personal one, has been battling my own self-doubt. Those insidious "what ifs" can be paralysing.
Overcoming them hasn't been a magic wand situation, but rather a process of consistent self-compassion and a healthy dose of "just doing it anyway." I've learned to acknowledge the fear, to understand where it's coming from, but not to let it dictate my actions.
Sometimes, the biggest risk is not taking any risk at all!
You have to trust your instincts, draw on your past experiences – even the seemingly unrelated ones – and be willing to learn as you go. It's about embracing the unknown, being comfortable with a bit of uncertainty, and knowing that the journey itself is where the real growth happens. It’s not about having all the answers upfront; it’s about having the courage to ask the questions and find them along the way.
How do you stay focused?
Staying focused? That's the easy part! I didn’t loooove my previous job, so I channelled all that energy into manifesting my dream role. And manifesting isn't some magic trick, it’s not a one-and-done; it's an ongoing practice, a constant reaffirmation of what you want. I have a very clear vision: $500,000 in my bank account by December 31st, 2025. And I have complete, unwavering faith that the universe is going to conspire to make that happen. So, really, the focus comes naturally. All I have to do is put in the work to bridge the gap between where I am now and that very clear, very exciting destination. It's not about forcing things; it's about aligning myself with that vision and taking the necessary steps, with absolute certainty, that I'm moving closer to it every single day. The fire in my belly, the memory of that old job, and the excitement of that future goal? Those are my fuel.
How do you differentiate your business from the competition?
What sets my business apart? Well, let me tell you something I haven't shared yet: neurologically, I have no filter. Now, I'm not sure if that's even possible, but it's what my doctor at the Brain and Mind Institute told me after my stroke. "Neurologically, you have no filter," she said. And honestly, that in itself is a huge differentiator. It allows me to connect with people on a level of raw honesty that many find truly refreshing.
Beyond that neurological quirk, I'm selling myself. And that's inherently different. No one else has my specific laundry list of traumas, my unique blend of experiences. And very few are willing to be as authentically vulnerable as I am, to lay all their "dirty laundry" out in the open. It's not always comfortable, but it's real. People connect with real.
I'm not just reciting textbook theories; I'm sharing my lived experience, the messy, beautiful, and sometimes brutal reality of navigating life's challenges. That vulnerability, combined with my professional training and the insights I've gained, creates a unique offering. It's not just about what I know, but who I am and what I've been through. That's what sets me apart. I'm not afraid to be real, to be human, and to connect with others on that level. And in a world often saturated with polished perfection, that authenticity, I believe, is my superpower.
What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?
You know, building this business hasn't been about some magic marketing formula. It's been much more organic, much more human than that. While I've explored various strategies, the real engine of growth, the thing that's truly resonated, has been good old-fashioned networking. It's about sharing my story – the raw, vulnerable parts, as well as the triumphs – and finding people who connect with it, who see the value in what I offer because they understand where it comes from.
When people genuinely connect with you, when they feel understood and supported, that's when they become your advocates. They share your name, they talk about their experiences, and they become a part of your story.
What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?
It echoes something I believe Richard Branson once said: "Say yes, then figure out how to do it." It's about embracing the unknown, pushing past your comfort zone, and having the courage to leap before you feel completely ready. Because, let's be honest, are you ever truly ready?
If you wait until you have all the answers, until every 'i' is dotted and every 't' is crossed, you'll likely never take that first step.
Using this mindset ignites a fire within you to find solutions, to be resourceful, to connect with the right people. It's about having the grit to figure things out along the way. And trust me, you will figure things out. You'll stumble, you'll fall, you'll question your sanity at times, but you'll also discover a resilience you never knew you possessed. It's in those moments of discomfort that the real magic happens. It's where you discover what you're truly capable of, and it's where you build a business that not only thrives, but also reflects the courage and tenacity that got you there.
What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?
If I had to choose a favourite app, blog, and book, they’d all orbit around the world of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP).
NLP reminds me that I am the architect of my own mind. I'm in charge of how I think, how I react, and how I perceive the world. That knowledge is incredibly empowering. Especially when you’re an entrepreneur!
So, while I can't name one specific app, blog, or book – because my learning is continuous, and I draw from so many sources – anything NLP-related is like fuel for my soul.
It’s a constant reminder that even amidst the storms of life, I have the tools within me to navigate, to grow, and to thrive.
What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?
If I had to choose a single favourite business tool, it would undoubtedly be LinkedIn. It's not just a platform; it's an ecosystem of professionals, all connected by a common thread of purpose.
It's a place where you can find mentors, collaborators, and inspiration, all within a space designed for growth and development. It's that focus, that inherent purposefulness, that makes LinkedIn my go-to resource.
Who is your business role model? Why?
When it comes to business role models, it's a bit of a toss-up for me, and interestingly enough, they share a last name (although unrelated): Mel Robbins and Tony Robbins. There must be something in the name!
What resonates with me most about both of them is their unwavering, almost relentless, "can-do" attitude. They have this incredible ability to reframe what most people see as negatives into powerful positives. They understand the importance of getting into the right mental and emotional state before tackling anything, a principle I deeply value and practice myself. They just seem to see the world through a different lens and I feel a real kinship with that outlook.
How do you balance work and life?
What if you have 8 hours of work and only 4 hours of "life," but those 4 hours are so incredibly fulfilling, so joyful, so authentically you that they feel like 8? That's the real magic.
For me, it's not about perfectly dividing the hours of my day into neat little boxes labelled "work" and "life." I believe true balance is about the quality of those hours, not just the quantity.
My approach is very intentional, almost ritualistic. I have a habit tracker app on my phone – it’s my little digital nudge to prioritize me first. Before anything else, I focus on filling my own cup. Lemon water, vitamins, meditation, a walk in nature, grounding exercises, my vibration plate, sauna, hydrogen water, greens powder, a quick bounce on the rebounder – these aren't just things I do; they're investments in my wellbeing, my foundation for everything else.
Then I turn to what others might call "work," but honestly, it feels more like an extension of my passion. It's building something I deeply believe in, something that aligns perfectly with my soul's purpose, so it doesn't drain me in the same way traditional work might.
Lunchtime is another crucial reset. I find a tree, sit beneath its branches, and recharge with a mini version of my morning self-care routine. It's a way to reconnect with myself, refocus my energy, and remind myself what I'm creating, what I'm striving for. It's not just about getting through the rest of the day; it's about consciously shaping the life I want.
What’s your favorite way to decompress?
I lie on the ground in my front yard – yes, literally on the grass – and just listen to the world go by. And honestly, I love that. It grounds me. While I'm listening to the outside world, I'm turning inward, appreciating everything I have. Looking up at the trees, the sky, feeling the earth beneath me – it's a reminder of the bigger picture.
What do you have planned for the next six months?
World domination, naturally! Just kidding… mostly. 😉
The next six months are looking exciting, a mix of sharing my message and, well, taking a few more steps toward that world domination goal. I've got a speaking engagement coming up in Singapore, which I'm thrilled about. I'm also lined up for some events here in Australia, continuing to connect with people and organisations who are passionate about mental wellbeing.
And Europe? Well, let's just say it's definitely on the horizon.
I'm exploring some opportunities there and laying the groundwork for expanding my reach. It's all about building momentum, sharing my lived experience and expertise, and continuing to empower others on their own journeys.
So, while world domination might be a long-term plan, the next six months are all about making some serious strides in that direction, one speaking engagement, one workshop, one connection at a time.
How can our readers connect with you?
Connecting with me is easy! LinkedIn is probably the best way to start a conversation. Of course, email is always an option too. But honestly, I'm always open to connecting with people. I believe in the power of human connection and the potential for growth and inspiration that comes from simply aligning with others. So, please, reach out! Whether you have a specific question, a collaboration in mind, or just want to connect, I'd love to hear from you. No matter the intention, I welcome the opportunity to connect and expand my network of like-minded individuals.
