 Rona CantRona Cant is living, exuberant proof that whoever you wish you were, you can be; whatever you want, you can have; whatever you're aiming for is achievable. Rona Cant believes you should 'Live your dreams!' Only a few short years ago, before embarking upon her epic rite of passage to become the intrepid world traveller, adventurer, and inspirational communicator she is today, Rona was the epitome of 'ordinary' - an unexceptional middle-aged, single parent. However, she had a dream, a lifelong ambition to travel which was to lead her, as an alarmingly novice sailor, to join the 2000 BT Global Challenge Round the World Yacht Race, an experience which she has used as a fascinating foundation on which to build a successful career as a motivational speaker and author. A mere two days after her successful circumnavigation, Rona flew to Canada to trek one of the world's ten toughest trails, the notorious West Coast Trail where a combination of bears, cougars and injury made the demanding trek even more treacherous. Leaving no time for the grass to grow beneath her, Rona then tackled the challenge of the Arctic in March 2003, dog-sledding across the frozen wilderness in temperatures as low as minus 30ºC , this time raising money for Cancer Research UK. Then, scarcely pausing for breath, she went on - a mere three weeks later - to win the inaugural Round Britain Challenge using the same boats in which she sailed round the world. In April 2004 Rona embarked on The Nordkapp Expedition, dog-sledding 600k through the Norwegian Arctic to the northernmost tip of Europe, a trail that had not been done before and which was thought to be impossible for the team. Despite injury, storm and temperatures of minus 25ºC the three man team achieved their goal at 13.50 on Wednesday 22nd April. Rona circumnavigated the world in 2001but due to a crash at the start of Leg 4 - Wellington to Sydney - the yacht had to sail to Hobart and join the fleet as they passed Tasmania on their way to Cape Town. In January 2005 Rona flew down to New Zealand to join the crew of Team Stelmar in the Global Challenge 2004 to race with them from Wellington to Sydney as she wanted to know what this 'quick dash across the Tasman Sea' was really like. Rona's talks will help you understand what works and what doesn't work in business.
Rona engages her audience so that they learn about leadership, teamwork and overcoming obstacles and challenges and how to succeed in business through the medium of real-life adventure stories. Each talk has many business messages and strategies that can be utilised immediately.
The feedback shows that Rona's talks and workshops are memorable, meaningful and thought-provoking.
So which areas would you like to explore? All my presentations are based on very diverse adventures and are illustrated with images and video clips taken en route. They draw on the parrallels that exist between people facing the rigours of extreme adventures and human behaviour in the workplace. TALKS Steering the Right Course - the story of the BT Global Challenge Round the World Yacht Race (the world's toughest yacht race). Rona's personal story of adventure links the challenges of racing the wrong way round the world with those in the business environment. You will learn about leadership, team building, success out of failure, and she will share effective strategies to put you and your team on course to become a premier organisation. They are strategies that you can put into practice immediately. Just do it! Overcoming all obstacles and become the best you can be Changing your life from being an unexceptional single mother and PA to becoming a renowned world adventurer, professional speaker and author is – unsurprisingly – a journey beset by challenges and obstacles. Here Rona tells the unique, uplifting and hugely inspiring story of how she overcame her own self-doubts and fears, physical hardship, emotional turmoil and, at times, sheer exhaustion to become the inspirational success story she is today. Rona will share with you how you can achieve your goals, build your support team, stay focussed and by your belief and attitude become the best you can be.
Sledding the Trail to Success - The Nordkapp Expedition - stepping outside your comfort zone to find what really matters Thought to be impossible - the story of the Nordkapp Expedition - dog-sledding 600 kilometres through the Norwegian Arctic to the northenmost tip of Europe. Rona will share the enthralling story of how 3 nationalities from 3 different cultures and 3 different disciplines came together as one team to conquer a trail that had never been done before and which was thought to be impossible. Rona shares key issues from the experience that co-relate with teamwork and the business environment today. She will show you how to step outside your comfort zone, the importance of planning, the highs and lows of challenge and change in order to achieve your potential. What people are saying about Rona's talks...“I wanted to thank you for your excellent presentation. The theme of 'Just do it!' really rang true with all the team, and it was the perfect end to our meeting.” - Greg Parker, Regional Area Manager, SANOFI-AVENTIS "Your talk was interesting and inspiring, the trainees have said how motivated they felt after your talk and now understood that anything is possible if you have the determination to succeed." - Dora E. Jackson, HR Operations Director, GRANT THORNTON “Your talk was extremely interesting and was delivered with humour and passion holding the audience rapt! It incorporated some powerful messages and learning points which weren't 'over-egged'. A very inspirational lady!” - Anna Baldwin, HR Manager, THE COUNCIL OF MORTGAGE LENDERS "You had us spellbound with your adventure and the management and leadership lessons evident in the experience." - Chris Hallam, Area Manager, HSBC BANK PLC “Fantastic speaker, inspiring", "Interesting, amazing story", "Brave lady", "Very good way of looking at leadership skills and the way a team should work together." -Nicola Joyce, Conference Director, IIR FINANCE LTD “Rona is a great story teller, who is able to demonstrate the value of teamwork and a positive attitude. Whilst being entertaining, she clearly highlights lessons learned regarding planning and organisation skills, as well as the value of delegation and recognising the strengths within a team. This message will always be of value to any Company or organisation” - Natalie Wiseman, Secretary, INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING FEDERATION Rona is an ordinary woman who has done an extraordinary thing – sailed the wrong way round the world. Rona’s slides and her description of the preparation that was required showed how dangerous, difficult and testing such a feat would be. Rona took us through each step of the voyage speaking not of herself but simply recounting the tale of the journey. However this was more than the simple if effective telling of a story. At relevant points, Rona drew attention to the behaviours, attitudes and beliefs that either led to success or failure in achieving the aims each team set out to achieve. Her talk was an insightful and revealing account of teamwork and the attitudes and leadership necessary for a team to succeed. Susan Rice MCMI, MCIPD’ “Through a vivid and well told story Rona was able to help the audience navigate their own journey of self discovery. The lessons learned on the high seas were translated into practical applications for leadership and teamworking for any situation. This wasn’t a story of constant success it was an honest reflection of how people can deal with adversity and achieve a positive outcome. It was a great message to support our theme – Aspire, Lead, Grow.” Bill Manson Chief Executive The Management and Leadership Network.
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