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Your next event with Michaela Werner 

 MEET CHALLENGE WITH PRESENCE 

 

From world records to a breast cancer diagnosis, I share what water has taught me about finding calm, trusting myself and facing the unexpected.

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LESSONS FROM THE WATER

How do we find comfort in discomfort?

From a life of adventure and two Guinness World Records in freediving to navigating a breast cancer diagnosis, my experiences have taught me to meet challenges with presence, awareness and the belief that we can shape our own life - not forcefully but mindfully.

Through personal stories, lessons from the water and relatable practices, your audience will discover how breath and body shape our response to stress—and learn ways to pause, soften tension and respond with greater care.

A keynote to inspire people to trust themselves, see new possibilities and embrace life to the fullest—no matter the speed bumps along the way.

FROM THE WATER TO EVERYDAY LIFE

What does it mean to shape our lives mindfully? For me, it begins with three qualities I continue to practise in the water and beyond: softness, awareness and confidence.

In this keynote, your audience will explore these qualities through simple practices they can bring into everyday life.

SOFTNESS - FIND COMFORT IN DISCOMFORT

Just as we can’t fight the ocean’s waves with force, we can’t fight life’s waves either. We can learn to soften, listen and work with them. 

AWARENESS - UNDERSTAND YOUR RESPONSE

Recognise how stress shows up in your body, thoughts and reactions. Learn to pause, listen to what you need and create space to choose your response—rather than react out of habit.

CONFIDENCE - TRUST YOUR INTUITION

Explore how getting to know yourself and listening within can help you make choices that honour your values. There will always be uncertainty and opinions from others—but you can learn to hear your own voice and trust it to guide your next step.

WHAT AUDIENCES TAKE AWAY

Through reflection and simple practices, you’ll explore how to:

  • Pause under pressure—breathe and create space to choose your response.

  • Tune in to yourself—notice tension, emotions and familiar reactions with curiosity.

  • Meet uncertainty with openness—explore what you can learn, even when things feel difficult.

  • Trust your intuition—ask questions, seek support and make choices that honour your values.

  • Move forward with compassion—pursue what matters while treating yourself with care.

Leave with a fresh perspective, inspiration to live life to the fullest, a healthy dose of confidence and a sprinkle of cheekiness.

LET'S CONNECT

I'm Michaela (Miska) Werner

Freediver, coach, two-time Guinness World Record holder, mum of three and lifelong student of water. Based in Newcastle, Australia.

At 19, having spent my first ten years under communism, I left Slovakia for Australia—drawn to the ocean and the freedom to shape my own life. I travelled the world solo twice before becoming a mum to a daughter and, less than two years later, twin boys.

Adventure continued—including a year travelling Australia with my young family. Through the busy years of raising children, I kept making room for freediving. Like many of us, I was finding my way between caring for the people I love and nurturing my passion for the sport I also love so much.

That passion led to two Guinness World Records: covering 2,525 metres underwater without fins in one hour, and bringing together nine freedivers and 28 volunteers for a 98-kilometre, 24-hour no-fins relay. Together, we raised over $10,000 for Rainbow Club, helping children with disabilities experience the joy and freedom of water.

One lesson rings true throughout my life:

I cannot fight the ocean. I cannot fight life.

Instead, I choose to open my heart, listen, soften and trust. This shapes how I coach, raise my children and meet the unexpected—and I’d love to share what I’m learning with you from the stage.

Image: Minutes after completing nearly 10km underwater

as part of our 24-hour team no-fins relay. Exhausted but content.

"We can’t choose every wave that comes our way. But we can choose how we meet it."

 

LET'S CONNECT

Tell me a little about your event, your audience and what you hope they’ll take away. 

Fill in the form below, or call or text me on 0421 655 031

UPCOMING SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

321FREEDIVE Expo 2027
11–14 February 2027 · McAuley Aquatic Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

I’m delighted to be joining the 321FREEDIVE Expo as an invited speaker, sharing lessons from the water with the international freediving community.

FAQ

 

 
If my story resonates with you, I’d love to hear about your audience and what you’re planning.
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