Amanda Lindhout

Amanda Lindhout is an unparalleled speaker on the topics of resilience, extraordinary mindset, and transformation. As the author of the New York Times bestselling memoir A House in the Sky, Amanda shares a gripping, firsthand narrative that transcends mere survival.

A House in the Sky was an instant number-one Canadian bestseller and is one of the top-selling Canadian books of all time. After enduring 460 days as a hostage in Somalia followed by years of navigating complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Amanda distills the lessons learned from adversity into insights that resonate across cultures and industries.

Amanda has delivered over 500 keynotes in 28 countries for some of the biggest brands in the world, including Google, Marriott, the NHL, MasterCard, Shell, and PwC- to name just a few. As a keynote speaker, Amanda goes beyond her story of being held in the dark with chains on her ankles, unable to move. She offers a dramatic perspective on overcoming challenges, providing wisdom that can be applied to both life and business.

She emphasizes the importance of the chosen narrative—how the way we frame what happens to us is crucial in cultivating a resilient mindset—and how flexibility is central to building and growing resilience. Her expertise is rooted in both her lived experience and a deep understanding of challenge and resilience, cultivated through years of study and her personal transformation.

Lindhout’s story and her writing has been featured in media around the world, including on the cover of the New York Times Magazine. Dateline NBC dedicated two full episodes to sharing her incredible experiences and her powerful story will continue to inspire in the limited series being developed by Hollywood production company, A24.

An in-demand keynote speaker, Amanda Lindhout goes beyond her personal experiences to leave audiences with wisdom that can be applied at home and work.

An Extraordinary Mindset +

A dramatic, emotional, and ultimately uplifting narrative that inspires audiences to understand that developing an extraordinary mindset is crucial for overcoming obstacles.

Amanda Lindhout’s story as a young journalist held hostage in Somalia for 460 days captivated headlines around the world. In this keynote, she goes beyond her experience as a hostage to explore the challenges she overcame in the aftermath, including her diagnosis of complex post-traumatic stress disorder.

Lindhout will explore how she transformed her mindset to focus on positivity and growth, illustrating principles that enable individuals to unlock their full potential during a crisis. Audiences will learn how to cultivate a growth-oriented perspective, reframe setbacks as opportunities, and leverage their unique strengths to develop an extraordinary mindset that empowers them to thrive. --

Beyond Survival: Healing, Growth, and the Power of the Human Spirit +

Amanda Lindhout presents a masterclass in healing and resilience. Kidnapped and held hostage for 460 days in Somalia, she endured unimaginable suffering before finally regaining her freedom.

A diagnosis of complex PTSD reshaped Amanda’s world. Triggers were everywhere, and her symptoms so severe that she often couldn’t leave her home. For years, trauma continued to hold her captive. At her lowest point, a simple set of words sparked a dramatic shift, offering her a way out of the darkness. Step by step, she embarked on an extraordinary journey to untangle the PTSD that had controlled her life. Through deep study, therapy, and personal exploration, she discovered transformative healing beyond conventional care—diving into nervous system regulation, stress hormone balancing, and somatic trauma recovery, ultimately putting her PTSD into remission.

Today, Amanda is recognized as an expert in trauma recovery and healing. A New York Times bestselling author and sought-after speaker, she shares powerful insights that bridge science, lived experience, alternative therapies, and practical healing strategies. Her story is not just about surviving trauma—it’s about understanding it, moving beyond it, and finding the tools to truly thrive.

Amanda has delivered inspirational keynotes in 28 countries. Healthcare professionals, workplace health and safety services, and mental health organizations seek her unique perspective to better support their clients. Individuals navigating health challenges connect deeply with Amanda’s firsthand experiences and gain profound insights into healing. --

Challenges as Assets +

Adversity is a powerful force that can refine our character and deepen our understanding of the world. Wisdom is not automatically gained from challenges; it requires a deliberate process of self-awareness, integration, and reflection. Individuals that can identify and articulate lessons learned and then apply them in real-world scenarios gain the leading edge. The session highlights the importance of cultivating a resilient mindset to effectively see challenges as assets.

In this powerful keynote, Amanda Lindhout reflects on the 460 days she spent as a hostage, enduring unimaginable hardships and being kept in the dark, to overcoming the challenges of a PTSD diagnosis and how she trained herself to look for inherent growth opportunities.

This harrowing experience provides a frame that puts into perspective the challenges faced in business and everyday life. Sharing wisdom gained from challenges can enhance teamwork and leadership within organizations. By embracing the lessons of adversity, one can create a culture of resilience that not only benefits their personal development but also strengthens their teams and organizations. --

The Emergence of Health +

The narratives we create about our life experiences influence our health and well-being. Even when navigating challenges, we can shift our mindset to focus on what is emerging from the ashes.

Amanda Lindhout draws from her own transformative journey, from being held hostage and surviving a life-and-death situation for 460 days to her diagnosis of severe post-traumatic stress disorder, to illustrate how our internal narratives can shape how we heal. She shares the insights that have helped put her PTSD into remission and emphasizes the importance of making a daily choice to orient toward health, even when circumstances seem dire. Lindhout underscores that the journey toward well-being involves much more than just managing symptoms. --

Resilience Redefined: Unlocking Your Inner Strength +

The multifaceted nature of resilience can be cultivated and strengthened through conscious practice and self-reflection. The term “resilience” is often thrown around in various contexts, but what does it truly mean? This keynote offers a unique opportunity for attendees to learn from someone whose firsthand experiences have made her a true expert on the topic. Having endured 460 days as a hostage in one of the world’s most dangerous countries and living with a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder for nearly a decade, Amanda Lindhout is one of the world’s leading voices on resilience.

Lindhout provides strategies for developing a resilient mindset, including mindfulness practices, emotional regulation techniques, and the importance of community support. She offers insights that are accessible to anyone looking to strengthen their resilience, regardless of their individual challenges. --