In October, SilverDoor welcomed around 120 accommodation partners and a number of corporate clients to Fulham Pier in London for its annual Partner Engagement Day. The event brought together professionals from across the serviced apartment industry to explore changing client expectations, artificial intelligence and the opportunities and challenges facing businesses in an increasingly competitive market.
Closing the afternoon was motivational speaker Richard McCann, who delivered his keynote, Bouncing Back When the Chips Are Down, sharing his experiences of overcoming adversity and the lessons he has learned about resilience, mindset and self-belief.
There was an interesting story behind Richard's invitation. Alex Neale, SilverDoor's Chief Supply Officer, had heard Richard speak at an Institute of Travel Management conference several years earlier. His story had stayed with Alex, who remembered the impact of that presentation when planning SilverDoor's event.
For Richard, who has delivered more than 3,500 presentations over the past 21 years, it was a welcome reminder that the influence of a keynote can extend well beyond the day itself.
While the earlier sessions had focused on technology, international markets and the evolving needs of clients, Richard brought a different perspective to the conversation, encouraging delegates to reflect on how they respond when things don't go to plan.
Drawing on his extraordinary journey from a troubled childhood to becoming a bestselling author and international motivational speaker, Richard explored how our beliefs can influence our decisions and how developing a more resilient mindset can help us navigate difficult circumstances.
His message was not about pretending that challenges don't exist, but recognising that setbacks need not determine what happens next.
The keynote combined personal storytelling with humour and audience participation, including an exercise involving stickers hidden beneath selected chairs. One attendee later joked on LinkedIn that several delegates had worried they might be asked to sing!
Following the event, Alex contacted Richard with some wonderful feedback:
"I thought your session was absolutely terrific. It really lifted the day with a powerful performance that had the audience captivated from start to finish." - Alex Neale, Chief Supply Officer, SilverDoor
Alex also highlighted the response from those attending:
"The feedback we've received has been fantastic, with many attendees highlighting your session as one of the standout moments of the event. Your message resonated with people on both a personal and professional level, and the energy and engagement in the room were a testament to that."
Individual delegates shared what they had taken from the presentation. Leyla reflected on the importance of self-belief:
"You can or can't do whatever you say to yourself. You are your only limit. The fact that you can always raise yourself up when you are at your lowest."
Another attendee, Ane, took away a reminder of the importance of empathy:
"How you can never know what somebody is going through and how they became who they are."
These reflections highlight why Richard's message connects with such a broad range of audiences. Although his experiences are deeply personal, the lessons around resilience, perspective and understanding others are just as relevant in the workplace as they are in everyday life.
Throughout SilverDoor's Partner Engagement Day, much of the discussion centred on adapting to change, improving services and strengthening relationships. Richard's closing keynote complemented those conversations by focusing on the people behind every business.
Technology and processes will continue to evolve, but organisations still depend on individuals who can manage setbacks, support colleagues and respond constructively when circumstances become difficult.
For Richard, the event was also a reminder of something he has witnessed repeatedly throughout his speaking career: we don't always know which stories or messages will stay with someone, or the difference they might make further down the line.
Alex's invitation, years after first hearing Richard speak, was a fitting example.
Richard McCann delivers motivational keynotes for corporate conferences, leadership events and team development days, helping audiences explore resilience, mindset and the power of believing in what is possible.
To enquire about Richard speaking at your next event, contact the iCan Academy team.
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