Amanda Lindhout

Amanda Lindhout presents a masterclass in healing and resilience. Kidnapped and held hostage for 460 days in Somalia, she endured unimaginable suffering before finally regaining her freedom.

A diagnosis of complex PTSD reshaped Amanda’s world. Triggers were everywhere, and her symptoms so severe that she often couldn’t leave her home. For years, trauma continued to hold her captive. At her lowest point, a simple set of words sparked a dramatic shift, offering her a way out of the darkness. Step by step, she embarked on an extraordinary journey to untangle the PTSD that had controlled her life. Through deep study, therapy, and personal exploration, she discovered transformative healing beyond conventional care—diving into nervous system regulation, stress hormone balancing, and somatic trauma recovery, ultimately putting her PTSD into remission.

Today, Amanda is recognized as an expert in trauma recovery and healing. A New York Times bestselling author and sought-after speaker, she shares powerful insights that bridge science, lived experience, alternative therapies, and practical healing strategies. Her story is not just about surviving trauma—it’s about understanding it, moving beyond it, and finding the tools to truly thrive.

Amanda has delivered inspirational keynotes in 28 countries. Healthcare professionals, workplace health and safety services, and mental health organizations seek her unique perspective to better support their clients. Individuals navigating health challenges connect deeply with Amanda’s firsthand experiences and gain profound insights into healing.

Industry clients include: International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, American Mental Health Association, American College of Osteopathic Surgeons, Canadian Mental Health Association, Dart Centre for Journalism and Trauma, Committee to Protect Journalists, WorkSafe, Workers’ Compensation Board, Nurses Union
 

Adversity is a powerful force that can refine our character and deepen our understanding of the world. This keynote delves into the transformative power of challenges and how they can be framed into invaluable assets like wisdom. By understanding the inherent value of diIiculties, individuals can learn to integrate their experiences and derive meaningful lessons applicable to all aspects of life.

This keynote is particularly popular among CEOs, corporate professionals, mortgage brokers, and finance professionals. Amanda reflects on the 460 days she spent as a hostage, enduring unimaginable hardships and being kept in the dark. This harrowing experience provides a frame that puts into perspective the challenges faced in business and everyday life. Amanda shares her profound journey from embracing a victim mindset to ultimately overcoming the challenges of a post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosis, viewing and embracing inherent growth opportunities, and ultimately discovering the profound wisdom she now shares with others.

Wisdom is not automatically gained from challenges; it requires a deliberate process of self-awareness, reflection, and understanding. This enables individuals to identify and articulate the lessons learned and apply them in real-world scenarios. The session highlights the importance of cultivating a resilient mindset, endurance, and flexibility to eIectively see challenges as assets.

Amanda discusses the inherent responsibility that comes with sharing the wisdom gained from challenges and how this can enhance teamwork and leadership within organizations. By embracing the lessons of adversity, audience members will learn how to create a culture of resilience in their businesses that not only benefits their personal development but also strengthens their teams and organizations.

Amanda explores the multifaceted nature of resilience and how it can be cultivated and strengthened through conscious practice and self-reflection. The term "resilience" is often thrown around in various contexts, but what does it truly mean? This keynote oIers a unique opportunity for attendees to learn from someone whose firsthand experiences have made her a true expert on the topic. Having endured 460 days as a hostage in one of the world's most dangerous countries and living with a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder for nearly a decade, Amanda is one of the world's leading voices on resilience.

She provides strategies for developing a resilient mindset, including mindfulness practices, emotional regulation techniques, and the importance of community support. Attendees will learn how to harness resilience to carry them through life’s most challenging moments.

This keynote is rooted in Amanda's own experiences while also stepping back to ensure relatability for all attendees. It oIers insights that are accessible to anyone looking to strengthen their resilience, regardless of their individual challenges.