Keynote Speaker

Her dedication and courage to overcome challenges combined with how Els stays on top of her game for each race, make Els an inspirational keynote speaker for many companies and / or events that promote healthy lifestyle, sports, medical topics or ‘simply’ want to encourage people to chase their dreams.

Els can speak on a variety of topics including her medical background, surviving her shipwreck and / or what it takes to be an IRONMAN Champion. She will suit the event setting and the company / organization to deliver an inspiring and highly motivating speaker session in English or Dutch, for a broad variety or people.

To give you a little glimpse of her talks, here are five core themes from her story.

1. Personal Leadership
In extreme circumstances, Els learned to follow her own compass—making tough decisions, taking responsibility, and stepping into action even when the path is uncertain. Later in life, she again chose the unknown, leaving behind a secure medical career to pursue a life that felt truly aligned with her purpose.

2. Perseverance & Resilience
During the shipwreck, Els stayed calm under pressure and swam eight hours to reach safety—driven by mental clarity and sheer determination. As a professional athlete, she still faces setbacks, but she handles them with discipline and stays true to her values, even when the outcome doesn’t go her way.

3. Vitality & Health
Vitality is at the core of how Els lives: from training and recovery to nutrition and mental focus, she strives for balance every day. She also shares this with others—especially the next generation—through projects that promote movement, health, and resilience.

4. Connection and Impact
By being open about her doubts, fears, and struggles, Els aims to create genuine connection and makes personal growth feel more accessible to others. She doesn’t believe in perfection—Els believes in honesty, and that can inspire people to take their own steps forward.

5. Final Thought
Els her story is one of transformation—from surviving to intentionally living. You don’t need a crisis to change your direction, but when everything is on the line, it’s your mindset, leadership, and resilience that will carry you through.

“Els is a great speaker who inspires the audience with her incredible story.”

Sjoerd Pijpers – CEO Lion Capital Group

What an absolute pleasure it was to meet Els Visser in person—spending time with her, hearing her story, and soaking in her wisdom. She is not only an incredible athlete and survivor but also one of the most down-to-earth and insightful people I’ve met. I especially loved her phrase: “hurry slowly”—a powerful reminder to put action at the heart of our journey but to also take time to reflect and heal.

Ayten Ates O’Mahony – Senior Industry Manager

Inquiries? Contact us!
Please contact management@elsvisser.com for more information and / or inquiries on a speaker session with Els.

Upcoming sessions
February 13th – ICM Groeiprogramma Utrecht
February 14th – Broekhuis Groep Van der Valk Harderwijk
March 12th – UPV Alcmaeon, Faculty of Psychology University of Utrecht
March 13th – Women’s Conference at Pinterest’s Dublin office
March 23rd – Triathlon Club Oosterhout
March 25th – Slingeland Ziekenhuis Symposium team Palliatieve en ondersteunende zorg
April 8th – KNO Congres Schoorl
June 18th – Ladies Cup Leuven