Adversity is something every leader faces. But what if it wasn’t the end of the story — just the turning point?
When challenges hit — whether it's a restructure, a team conflict, a derailed project, or a personal crisis bubbling under the surface — we often default to reaction mode. But there’s another option. One that’s more intentional, more strategic, and far more empowering.
It’s called The Choice Point.
This isn’t just a leadership concept. It’s a lived truth. And for me, it became clear the day I decided to return permanently to Vanuatu after surviving a terrifying petrol bomb attack 10 years before. This decision was about reclaiming who I wanted to be next. Not defined by fear, but by values. Not surviving, but designing.
That’s the heart of resilience. And it’s also the secret to effective leadership in unpredictable times.
The Leadership Moment That Matters Most
Whether you're leading a team, a division, or a full organisation — you will face adversity. It might not be explosive, but it will be disruptive. These are your Petrol Bomb Moments — unexpected, emotionally charged, and often outside your control.
But what happens next is in your control. And that’s what I call the Choice Point — the moment where you decide:
Who do I want to be next — as a leader, a colleague, and a human?
Destination by Default vs. Destination by Design
If we haven’t built resilience in advance, we’re more likely to make knee-jerk decisions at the Choice Point. That’s when we end up at what I call the Destination by Default — shaped by fear, assumptions, or outdated beliefs.
But when we’ve done the work before the crisis — when we’ve developed professional resilience intentionally — we’re equipped to pause, reflect, and respond strategically. That’s when we arrive at the Destination by Design — aligned with our goals, our values, and the kind of leader we aspire to be.
A Real-World Example: Your Team’s Mistake Becomes Your Choice Point
Imagine this: A team member makes a significant mistake on a high-stakes project. If your resilience is running on empty, your default might be:
- Reacting emotionally
- Recalling other mistakes they’ve made
- Criticising them publicly out of frustration
That leads to a Destination by Default: a demoralised team, a colleague who shuts down, and a culture of fear.
But if you’ve built your resilience muscle, your response changes. You’re more likely to:
- Pause before reacting
- Look at the mistake as a learning opportunity
- Support the individual while holding accountability
The result? A Destination by Design — a psychologically safe team, a stronger culture, and a future-focused mindset.
Why Professional Resilience Is a Leadership Essential
As an APAC keynote speaker working with leaders across industries and countries, I’ve seen how professional resilience can be the difference between teams who fall apart — and those who rise stronger.
The Professional Resilience Pathway is a model I developed to help leaders build that muscle in the good times, so they can respond intentionally when the pressure hits.
It offers:
- A shared language to recognise moments of disruption
- A framework for responding rather than reacting
- A proactive, strategic approach to handling uncertainty
This is the work that prevents burnout.
It elevates cultures.
It strengthens leaders — before the next big challenge arrives.
For Leaders Ready to Lead the Shift
If you're responsible for shaping culture, capability, or connection within your organisation — this is for you.
Professional resilience isn’t a one-time training topic. It’s a career-long capability. One that helps your people:
- Navigate constant change with confidence
- Handle mistakes with grace and growth
- Stay aligned with their values, even under pressure
When you invest in building this capability across your leadership teams, you’re investing in a more adaptable, values-led workforce — ready for whatever comes next.
Bring This Message to Your Next Event or Leadership Program
If this message resonates — and you're planning a conference, offsite, or leadership development program — let’s talk about how this keynote can create real impact.
As an Asia-Pacific keynote speaker, I bring stories, science and strategy together to help audiences shift from reaction mode to intentional action — and walk away with practical tools they can use immediately.
Let’s make your next event unforgettable — and transformational.
👉 Book a conversation with me here
Frequently Asked Questions
What topics does Heidi Dening cover in her keynotes?
Heidi speaks on resilience, leadership, navigating uncertainty, and turning adversity into strategic advantage. Her keynotes blend real-life experience, research, and storytelling to empower audiences to respond with intention — not panic.
Is Heidi available for conferences across the Asia-Pacific region?
Yes — Heidi is an experienced APAC keynote speaker, available for in-person and virtual events across Australia, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and beyond.
What makes Heidi's keynotes different from traditional motivational speakers?
Heidi doesn’t just motivate — she equips. Her keynotes are grounded in real-world leadership challenges and deliver practical tools, such as the Professional Resilience Pathway™, to help audiences create meaningful change long after the applause.
Can Heidi customise her keynote for our audience?
Absolutely. Whether it’s a room full of executives, HR professionals, or frontline leaders, Heidi tailors her message to ensure maximum relevance and impact.
How can we book Heidi for our next event?
You can book a conversation directly here to discuss your event goals, audience, and how Heidi can contribute to its success.
Because adversity doesn’t end your story. It begins your next chapter.
Let’s make sure you’re the one writing it.
