How the Ordinary Become Extraordinary

As an international humanitarian, Hollie McKay has seen ordinary people with no formal training or skills become extraordinary at the drop of a hat — or a bomb. The human ability to resiliently withstand pain, to push through darkness, and to find threads of hope within chaos has left Hollie both perplexed and inspired. It is not only Hollie’s gift, but her expertise to share these striking stories and empower others to harness her lessons of strength, resilience, and determination no matter the odds.

From Hollie’s lens, she has met the most exceptional humans imaginable – the people who enrich her spirit and teach her more about life and greatness than any Instagram influencer ever could.

The people Hollie introduces during her keynote aren't collated from a Western lens of the best of the best on the planet; they aren’t top CEOs, athletes, or even the cream of the crop in Hollywood. These people will never have their name in lights, amass millions of dollars, or make TIME Magazine's 30 Under 30.

These people are the beautifully ordinary, the ones who should fuel us with the desire to do better and the ones she hopes her daughter will someday look up to.

There's a reason the word "extraordinary" is just "ordinary" with "extra" added to it. Going above and beyond is the key to achieving greatness, but what does that look like?

Hollie McKay’s keynote offers 18 critical points on how to become extraordinary and how to apply these beautifully inspirational stories to tackle chaos in times of uncertainty.

Key Takeaways:

• Harness Resilience: The importance of human connection and compassion. Learn how to exhibit extraordinary resilience in times of adversity, overcome challenges, and push through difficult situations with determination and strength.
• Unleash Hidden Potential: Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Discover the power of going above and beyond expectations, unleashing your hidden potential, and achieving greatness by embracing opportunities to do something extra in your personal and professional endeavors.
• Find Inspiration in Everyday Heroes: Believe in yourself and believe in something more than yourself. Gain insights from the inspirational stories of everyday heroes all over the globe who enrich our lives and teach us valuable lessons about resilience, determination, and the human spirit, motivating you to strive for excellence and make a positive impact in your own unique way.

Mastering Communication: Lessons from a War Reporter, Geopolitical Analyst, and Humanitarian

From receiving a hand-written thank you note from Taylor Swift to interviewing the Taliban, Hollie McKay has worked with people from every walk of life. Overcoming communication breakdowns with adversaries, negotiating her way across borders to safety, and witnessing historical events is just the tip of the iceberg.

Join Hollie McKay in a captivating keynote where she shares firsthand experiences from her career as a war reporter, geopolitical analyst, and international humanitarian. From navigating delicate negotiations in conflict zones to bridging communication gaps between diverse groups, Hollie's stories highlight the critical role of effective communication in leadership and personal development.

Attendees will learn the importance of clarity and conciseness in communication, how to use storytelling as a powerful tool to engage and connect with others, and the art of active listening to understand diverse perspectives. Hollie also delves into the nuances of conversation versus confrontation, showcasing the value of sitting down with adversaries to resolve conflicts peacefully. Discover how embracing these communication principles can transform relationships, build resilience, and drive success in any setting.

Key Takeaways:

• Clarity and Conciseness: Learn how to convey ideas clearly and directly, avoiding unnecessary jargon or complexity in communication.
• The Power of Storytelling: Explore how impactful storytelling can engage your audience and make complex ideas relatable.
• Active Listening: Discover the importance of listening actively to understand diverse perspectives and enhance communication.
• Conversation Versus Confrontation: Understand the value of sitting down with adversaries to find common ground and resolve conflicts peacefully.

A Crisis We Can Solve: Prioritizing Maternal Health Here and Now

Imagine a world where childbirth isn't a terrifying gamble but a joyous occasion filled with hope. A world where mothers don't have to fear losing their lives while bringing new life into this one. Tragically, that world feels far off for many women in the United States and around the globe.

The United States, the wealthiest nation on earth, stands alone among developed countries with its rising maternal mortality rate. Women of color, particularly Black women, face a disproportionate risk. This is a national emergency, and we can't ignore it any longer. We can and should do better. So, what is stopping us?

Key Takeaways:

• A Broken System: Our current system fails mothers on multiple levels. Short hospital stays, a lack of access to quality postpartum care, and limited maternity leave leaves women struggling to recover physically and emotionally. Chronic health conditions, often exacerbated by social determinants of health like poverty and lack of access to healthy food, further increase risks.
• Learning from Others: There is a better way. Countries like Finland and Sweden offer extended maternity leave, allowing mothers time to heal and bond with their babies. Home visits by midwives and nurses provide crucial support in the crucial postpartum period. These are just a few examples of policies that prioritize maternal well-being and achieve demonstrably better outcomes.
• A call to action: Despite vast differences, both war-torn Afghanistan and the wealthy United States face a maternal health crisis. Afghanistan lacks basic healthcare infrastructure, while the US grapples with rising mortality rates and racial disparities. Solutions lie in strengthening healthcare systems, empowering women, addressing social determinants of health, and investing in postpartum care. Only through global collaboration can we ensure a future where every woman has a safe and healthy childbirth experience.
• A future of hope: Despite the complexities of maternal health, a future filled with hope exists. By recognizing global challenges, investing in evidence-based solutions, and working together across sectors, we can create a world where every woman experiences a safe and joyful childbirth journey.