Rael Bricker

University of the Witwatersrand, Australia

Title: Harnessing Optimism: Small Steps to Big Success

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Biography

Rael Bricker is a global speaker and business excellence strategist who turned a personal health crisis into a mission to inspire lasting change. In 2013, after completing triathlons and while training for a marathon, Rael was diagnosed with two severely blocked arteries—resulting in life-saving stents and a life-changing shift in purpose. Today, 20kg lighter and stronger than ever, he shares how optimism became the driving force not just in recovery, but in leading high-performance cultures across industries. With over 30 years as a serial entrepreneur, Rael has built businesses, led teams on two continents, and guided over $3 billion in financial transactions. He holds an MBA and MSc (Engineering), is a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), and a passionate advocate for aligning vision, behaviour, and resilience. At the Heart Congress, Rael brings a unique blend of lived experience and leadership insight—demonstrating how the "soft stuff" is often the hardest, and most vital, to get right.

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