Tony Mowbray

The Power of Commitment

Tony Mowbray became the fastest Australian to sail solo, non- stop and unassisted around the world. He endured 6 months of incredibly challenging conditions including freezing temperatures, isolation and mountainous seas. 2years earlier, Tony and his crew on board his yacht 'Solo Globe Challenger' were part of the 1998 Sydney to Hobart yacht race which resulted in the worse race conditions on record and the tragic loss of 6 men.

The “Power of Commitment” enabled Tony Mowbray to become the fastest Australian to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around the world.

This 181-day, record-breaking adventure required total focus and unswerving self-belief. Imagine!  6 months in some of the most inhospitable oceans on earth…Icebergs, the legend of Cape Horn, mountainous seas, freezing temperatures, isolation, pirates, and 181 days of self-discovery.

A little less than two years earlier, Tony and his crew on board his yacht “Solo Globe Challenger” were part of the 1998 Sydney to Hobart yacht race, which encountered the worst race-conditions in it’s 54 year history. Little did Tony know that within 24 hours of the start he and his crew would be fighting a 15-hour battle of life and death – nature was asking them to reach further within themselves than they ever had before. “Solo Globe Challenger” surfed down the face of a 60-foot wave upside down after a monumental knock down. In 160 km/hr cyclonic winds Tony “could see and smell death in the water”.

Tony says “the devil took me by the hand, led me to the edge of a huge precipice and made me stand there on tippy toes for 15 hours – he then allowed me to walk away but tragically 6 men died throughout that afternoon and the next day”. Against all odds, Tony survived, but his dream of sailing around the world was shattered. His boat was a wreck and he was severely traumatised.

Tony Mowbray speaks with authority about the “Power of Commitment”. His inspiring story offers all who hear it a recipe for success in today’s tough business climate. Tony’s honest and fresh style of presentation exudes passion. He constantly draws parallels from his experiences and shares the lessons learnt with each audience, in a highly customised fashion.

Some of the key elements of a typical presentation include; Short, medium and long-term goal setting (with flexibility as the key), problem solving techniques, the link between positive attitude and reward (negativity is easy) and how 100% commitment from the audience in their endeavours will encourage those around them to do amazing things to help them achieve their goals.

Tony demonstrates how it is the people that decide to cross the “finish line” with the same dedication, determination and enthusiasm that they had way back at the “start line”, on any project, challenge or goal, that make the difference in their lives, and the lives of those around them. They are the 100 percenters, and Tony takes the audience there.

Tony has held senior sales management positions in financial services and real estate and for 10 years was Managing Director of 3 companies within the communications sector. He has raised over $250,000 for charity, completed marathons and triathlons, has competed in 15 Sydney to Hobart Yacht races, held the record for sailing non-stop around Australia and in April 2001 became Australia’s fastest ever solo, non-stop and unassisted world circumnavigator.

Testimonials

“Thank you so much for a fabulous presentation. You touched the hearts of everyone in the room and everyone walked a way with a different outlook on life and what life is worth. Not to mention a lot of tears of sadness and joy. It was an emotional roller coaster for a number of people. I have had all 250 come up to me at some point since your presentation and say that not only were you the best speaker Macquarie Securitisation has ever had at a conference, but you were the most inspiring person that they had ever heard speak. Your life experiences and adventures are ones that you should be proud. Your love for life and your family are one of a kind. Sailing is only a small part of what makes you you. Thankyou for a fabulous morning and one that none of us will ever forget."

Macquarie Bank

"Tony was an exciting and emotional speaker. He really took on board the brief from the client (Janssen Cilag, Johnson & Johnson), and combined both his and the company's objectives for a very powerful presentation."

Harris Jones Pty Ltd, Conference Manager

“Excellent.  Tony has a great story to tell and he is a superb role model.”

Blockbuster Australia Pty Ltd

"Tony was a big hit at our Congress meeting. He is a wonderful person to work with and we all really enjoyed his company and presentation. The general sentiment from everyone was that Tony has inspired us all to plan better, persevere through trials, and to keep our eyes on the prize or goal we started out to achieve. His story was very inspiring and emotionally moving. 
His is a rugged man with a tender spirit and it shows so clearly in his love for a challenge in how much he loves his family. In fact there were many wet eyes in the audience as we watched the video of him approaching the shore to meet his family and supporters. He is really an incredible man with an incredible story of courage and perseverance."

Russell P Schroeder, PPG Industries, Ohio, USA