Tony is the eldest surviving child of the last man executed for murder in Western Australia (Eric Edgar Cooke: DOD 26 October 1964 when Tony was 9). While happy to share the events of his life and their influence and broad consequence for the community, Tony is cautious of being disrespectful to those who have suffered at the hands of his father – the families, friends and loved ones of the victims, who are the true survivors of their own experiences.
There is no need to be shy, Tony has lived with his experiences and continues to work with them. But no morbid curiosity please! Respectful space must be left for those who have truly suffered from the history of which Tony is a survivor and legacy.
TOPICS:
ON RESILIENCE AND SURVIVAL
Tony’s life has been sometimes deeply sad and overwhelming, at others; fast and furious. How do you get through? And what may be the price? An honest reflection on what some may see as a hard life. Tony is candid and open in his reflections and will hopefully deliver some inspiration and comfort to those in the audience who have need of either. No need to hold back in your questioning or curiosity.
Tony is well equipped by his life experience to reflect on the nature of resilience for individuals and communities. Is “resilience” an enduring quality or a set of circumstances? Can it be learned? The place of resilience in the survival of trauma and misfortune is explored with examples from Tony’s experience and current events in the community. How can threats be transformed into opportunities?
VICTIM OR SURVIVOR?
In the “age of celebrity” and the ever present and often parasitic presence of the mass media, what are the influences which can help people cross the line from “victim” to “survivor”? Related to the resilience theme – what allows the sufferer of trauma and misfortune to grow to survive and perhaps thrive from the experience, rather than assume the mantle of “victim”? Does our community encourage “victimhood”? How do survivors gain recognition? How are “victims” exploited and by whom? Where does the definition of boundaries fit in to this complex of issues? Why do we love a good victim?
WAS THERE EVER A “GOLDEN AGE”?
Tony calls upon his life experience in Western Australia to reflect on the nature of change and the often irresistible temptation of harking back to a “Golden Age” when all was much better. He takes the opportunity to review the deceptive nature of “romantic” notions of the past and the energetic and optimistic nature of the present.
WHAT IS THIS “GENERATION X, Y AND Z” CRAP?
Probably the rubbish generated by “marketeers” and baby booming “Mouseketeers” feeling insecure about their place in the world and their claim upon it – and guilty about their legacy. Tony operates from the firm belief that “Guilt” is the worst motivator in human experience. And he has had the pleasure of working with inspirational “X and Yers”. Where do you stand in the debate? Is it relevant or just a Chardonnay Set distraction? Do you remember being 15? Come along and be provoked and to share your experiences.
HOW TO WORK WITH GEN Xers
The attributes so often assigned to Baby Boomers and Generation Xers would suggest that the mix of both should be ideal for any workplace. So why is there so much trepidation? How can Gen Xers be attracted, retained and most importantly enjoyed in the workplace. Tony has mentored, encouraged and managed Gen Xers for years. He has also worked side by side with them in circumstances of intense pressure. He has never found them wanting and often the source of inspiration. The secret? A potent mix of respect, trust and challenge seems to do the trick.
DO WE EXPECT TOO MUCH? Gen X & Y AS CHANGE AGENTS.
The freewheeling generalisations applied to generational cohorts would be unacceptable if applied to other demographic groups. If applied on the basis of gender they would be sexist in the extreme. If on the basis of race – offensive in the extreme. Whatever happened to the “Bell Curve” of normal distribution? Are we talking intergenerational differences or market niches?
HOW PRIVILEDGE HAS CORRUPTED US
We all know the baby boomers are the Kings and Queens of History – don’t we? Otherwise why would they presume to rule the world? Related to the previous theme but especially relevant given the greed and desperation driven culture which seems to present as a real but deeply frightening scenario for the future.
WHERE HAVE ALL THE LEADERS GONE?
Tony has had the pleasure of sharing time and space with many fine leaders in our community. His selection for nomination of prizes for the “best” may surprise some. His explanations for his choices will surprise more! Along the way you will hopefully gain insights into the nature of leadership and its relevance. Who matter more? The Leader or the Lead?
RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS.
Tony has suffered misfortunes in life, but has survived them often as a result of unintended and almost accidental (in the scale of things) intersections with the lives of others. Most often these are perceived as random events – but are they really? Could it be that they occurred for a designated purpose? And what really matters? The intention? The reception? Or the fact that they just happened?
MARKET CAPITALISM AS THE “LEAST WORST”
What are the responsibilities of corporations in the modern world? Do we really live in a world of “smaller government”? And is that last question relevant or important? What is the welfare quotient of the global economy and how can it best be delivered? What have we learned from the global “credit crunch” and its unfolding consequences? Be ready for a provocative and lively exchange.
OTHERS
Tony’s life experiences are unusual and varied. He is happy to share them and to use them as the foundation for interaction with his audience. He maintains a wide range of interests and involvements in his life. Feel free to request his CV. He is well placed to speak on a range of specifically requested topics including the nature of risk and its management; the nature of leadership; the importance and responsibility of role models; the balance between frailty and strength; and, many others. He enjoys the opportunity to research new themes and is a proven communicator of the highest quality.
DO YOU NEED AN MC OR FACILITATOR?
Tony is renowned for his ability to communicate and interact with people. He has extensive experience facilitating a wide variety of audiences for a range of purposes. Do you have a conference, a hypothetical, or a debate in mind?
Book Now
