Take a chance!

What’s the worst thing that can happen?

That you fail? That you are rejected? That others don’t like what you’ve created or done?

No, the worst thing that can happen is telling yourself a story that’s not true: That you’re not good enough, that you never get it right, that something is wrong with you.

These are the stories that usually keep us from taking a chance, trying something new or creating the change we want.

If you fail it means you have learned something new. As the Danish physicist and Nobel laureate Niels Bohr said: “An expert is a person who has made all the mistakes that can be made in a very narrow field.”

When I quit my job as a lawyer in Denmark I went to Argentina and took unpaid work at a motorcycle workshop. I then bought my very first motorcycle and embarked on a 15 month and 53,000 km (33,000 miles) long solo motorcycle journey to New York and I probably made all the mistakes one can make. But no matter how wrong it went – and it went pretty wrong – my biggest challenge was always to let go of the negative stories I told about myself.

In this talk you will learn how to break the negative thinking patterns that hold you back and how to get the courage to take a chance.

If you want to book me as a speaker for your event or if you have any questions, please do get in touch.

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TESTIMONIALS

“We have seen and heard a lot of speakers in our profession, and Annette was really fresh and different. Hers... Read More

“We have seen and heard a lot of speakers in our profession, and Annette was really fresh and different. Hers is a most compelling story because it comes from the heart. She is not trying to impress you with what she has achieved, nor as someone like an elite athlete with their hard-won medals. Rather, she comes across as one of us, but with one profound difference: she is someone who not only listened to that little voice inside we all have, but she took action. That is what is most compelling and original. She has a very engaging storytelling style that is so authentic and genuine mixed with her fun, self-deprecating style.”

Lance Saunders
National President / DDB Canada

“Annette Birkmann’s talk on personal development and seeing the world in a new way was entertaining, artful and inspiring. She... Read More

“Annette Birkmann’s talk on personal development and seeing the world in a new way was entertaining, artful and inspiring. She talked about courage – courage to do the unexpected, courage to admit when things are not working and courage to be and stand by oneself. I think most people will be enriched by meeting this wise woman and if nothing else, enjoy her thrilling story about her motorcycle journey.”

Mathilde Meinertz
Conference and Event Booker / Department of Culture and Leisure, Copenhagen Municipality

“Annette’s presentation was a highlight of the weekend, standing out amongst the other talks with Annette’s casual and unpretentious wit... Read More

“Annette’s presentation was a highlight of the weekend, standing out amongst the other talks with Annette’s casual and unpretentious wit and charm, leaving the audience alternately laughing with her and in awe of her accomplishments.”

Grant Johnson
Founder / Horizons Unlimited

“The talk about inner strength related very well to my life as a trade union representative where I face many... Read More

“The talk about inner strength related very well to my life as a trade union representative where I face many daily pressures and challenges. The explanation of inner strength we all have and use when under pressure was excellent. Listening intently to Annette’s story made its lessons very relevant to my everyday life.”

Bo Vollertsen
Trade Union Representative / Department of Finance, Copenhagen Municipality

“Your presentation was sensational. You are very articulate and intelligently entertaining.”

Kenneth M. Fujita
National Director / Life Insurance Premium Finance, Wells Fargo Wealth Management Group

“It is a story that starts with a journey on a motorbike, but by the end you realize it is... Read More

“It is a story that starts with a journey on a motorbike, but by the end you realize it is a journey in what it takes to be human and to ensure your time on this planet is personally fulfilling. For that I would recommend her to anyone who wants a speaker that speaks from the heart and makes you think far beyond the 50 minutes you had the privilege to listen to her for.”

Lance Saunders
National President / DDB Canada

"Had hired Annette for a talk about her motorcycle journey, followed by a meal with Mexican food. Although we had... Read More

"Had hired Annette for a talk about her motorcycle journey, followed by a meal with Mexican food. Although we had some technical problems at the start, Annette was completely devoid of panic. With an emphasis on the emotional aspect, we were all taken on a journey through frustration, hopelessness and joy when new challenges were overcome. Annette speaks from her heart with ruthless honesty about her own experiences in life - those you can not read about but must experience. Thank you for a fantastic journey. "

Per Valentin Olsen
Project Engineer / Primeserv Copenhagen