Hi, I’m Marie Skelton, an Australian author, speaker and podcaster with a focus on change, resilience and happiness. I am a former elite athlete who nearly lost my life and leg in 2017. I speak and write about how to cope with change, build resilience and maintain mental wellness.
I am the voice behind the Happiness for Cynics blog, and I co-host the weekly Happiness for Cynics podcast. I am the co-author of the book Self-care is church for non-believers: A little book of happiness, and am currently writing a non-fiction book, researching change and the global rise in stress and burnout and looking into how we can build resilience to cope better with the modern world.
I started my career in journalism before working in Public Affairs and then Change Management for some of the world’s largest tech and financial services companies, both in Australia and the U.S.
I was an elite athlete, playing volleyball for Australia and on scholarship at George Mason University in the U.S. The year before my accident, I was the captain of the NSW Women’s Volleyball team in the Australian Volleyball League. Following a motorbike accident that nearly took my life, and leg, I began researching how people cope with major life changes to find out why some people are so resilient when dealing with whatever life throws at them, while others struggle. You can read my full story here.
Want more? Download my speaker profile or contact me to organise a workshop or speaking opportunity.
In the news and media
Drawing on my background in journalism, a successful corporate career and her sense of humour, I am a polished, engaging and insightful speaker and guest for your TV, radio or podcast show. My story makes for a great read too. I speak knowledgeably about science-backed approaches to happiness, how to be more resilient in today’s hectic world, and how today’s changing world is leading to negative mental health outcomes.
Contact Marie to set up an interview or discuss op ed opportunities.
