Dean CliffordReviews - Dean Clifford

Australian Federal Police

Mr Dean Clifford (TG1)
Dear Dean,
Thank you for the privilege and opportunity to be the beneficiaries of your presentation titled “Dead Man Working” on Monday evening at our formal dinner.
As you are aware, the AFP Brisbane Office took the opportunity amongst a period of constant work and demands to capture our Team Leaders and give them the opportunity to leave the daily coalface behind and focus on the more strategic issues impacting on the work they do. Our three day forum in Maleny was a chance to draw breath and consider the future.
Our Team Leaders are t he critical first line managers in our organisation. Whether they are steering major organised crime investigations, investigating tragedies such as the Bali bombings or ensuring our security here in Australia they often find themselves faced with challenging and demanding situations. On Monday evening I witnessed them viewing life from a different paradigm.
Your presentation was more than motivational and far more than inspirational. You embodied the ultimate goal of human endeavour and your life story took us all to a new dimension. The challenges you constantly encounter made our daily grinds pale into insignificance. Your courage, determination and “never admit defeat” attitude demonstrated to all present that your life’s purpose is to convey a very special message.
I can tell you that this group of very life hardened police members and staff could not stop talking about the positive impact your presentation had on them, both personally and professionally. You put the vagaries of life into a very special prospective.
Thank you very much for the time you spent with us. You are a very special man and as the great Broncos’s ‘hardman’, Shane Webcke so beautifully stated, you are a “National Treasure”. 
Kind Regards 
Barry Turner APM 
Commander 
Manager Brisbane Office.
For/and on behalf of our AFP Team Leaders in Queensland.

Australian Federal Government

Dear Dean
Thank you for the opportunity to travel with you recently and to hear your talk in Kingaroy.
I was very impressed with your presentation and appreciated the opportunity to learn more about your background and your approach to making the most of every day.
Your willingness to share your experiences so openly with others is to your great credit. The audience certainly responded very warmly to the positive messages of hope and perseverance you offer in your story.
Your motivation to succeed in work and in your personal life and to give something back to the community, despite the obstacles in your way, shines through in your presentation.
I am confident your presentation would have wide appeal to a number of audiences. I believe your blend of humour, honesty and enthusiasm would appeal to both community groups and corporate clients.
I wish you every success with your work in encouraging others to make the most of what life has to offer.
Best wishes
Peter Dutton

Australian Federal Government Prime Ministers Award Invitation

Brisbane Girls Grammar

Mr Dean Clifford
In 2008, Brisbane Girls Grammar School invited motivational speaker Dean Clifford to speak to all the girls in Year 10, 11 and 12.
Dean’s presentation was truly inspirational on many different level. During his talk he described for the girls his very rare and severe lifelong medical condition, Epidermolysis Bullosa, and through this shared with them the challenges that he has faced since his very early years – the endless operations as a young child through to the daily ritual of managing his life successfully. He explained how, as a baby he was given only four year to live, and now at the age of 29, has overcome an enormous number of obstacles including discrimination and exclusion. He focussed strongly on the setting and achievement of goals, and how he has overcome his physical challenges to achieve some outstanding milestones in his life. At the conclusion of each of his talks, the reception given to Dean was heart-warming and extremely affirming, with the audience spontaneously and unanimously joining in a standing ovation and sustained applause.
Perhaps the real impact, however, came after the event. Since Dean’s three presentations, many girls have expressed a real appreciation for what he had to say, often using parts of his story to relate to the challenges they themselves face in their own lives, and many expressing heartfelt appreciation that they now have a more global perspective on life, and a better understanding and appreciation of the challenges faced by those less fortunate than themselves. A number have made the comment that hearing Dean speak has been the most impactful experience they have had.
Dean Clifford comes to you with my unqualified recommendation. I am certain that your older students can derive a very significant benefit from hearing him speak. If I can be of any assistance to you, or can provide further details with regard to Dean’s work, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Your sincerely
Richard Bowman 
Teacher, Brisbane Girls Grammar School

Petero Civoniceva

To whom it may concern
I have known Dean (Deano) for over seven years now and we have been close friends for at least five of those years. During that time I have got to know him very well and have watched him overcome many obstacles to develop into the person he is today.
When I first meet Deano he was restricted to his motorized scooter (wheelchair) because of the pain he endured and over time the lack of muscular strength in his legs made him too weak to walk. Over the past seven years most of my team mates at the Brisbane Broncos and I have watched Deano overcome the odds and obstacles that had been put in front of him to become a very respected and valued member of our society. He is also a great friend and loyal supporter of the Broncos in general.
I have been fortunate to witness Deano’s amazing progression from him relying almost totally on the use of his wheelchair, to him now walking again. This transgression led to one of his life’s more memorable moments in the year 2000 when he was handed the Olympic torch and walked the 600m leg of the Olympic Torch Relay just outside of his hometown of Kingaroy. Deano has continued to live his life to its fullest and has never let an opportunity pass him by and it is this positive outlook on life that is obvious to everyone who spends time with him. Deano is someone who does not ask for sympathy, only respect and to be treated the same as everyone else.
This past year or so, close family and friends have noticed a dramatic change in Deano’s persona. He is now very confident, in control of every situation and very much a role model to those around him. This, in my mind, has been due to the fact of his job at Ken Mills Toyota. Deano has become very involved and an important member of the dealership and is a person who truly loves his work. The confidence he has gained at Ken MIlls Toyota has led to Deano aspiring to become a motivational speaker and releasing a book on his life story. He has benefited greatly from the opportunity and appreciates being a part of such a flexible team, which allows him to work from home when he is not at his best. Ken and Sheryl Mills have been very supportive and have become aware of the qualities that all of his close friends already know Deano possesses.
I do not see Deano as having a disability. It is those who judge him from the outside who do not understand what a truly remarkable and inspiring person he is. He is a very mature and ambitious young man, and is someone who I am very fortunate to call a friend to know and trust.
Regards
Petero Civoniceva

NRL

To whom it may concern
It was the NRL’s privilege to have Dean Clifford as one of the speakers during the Toyota Cup induction camps. These camps are designed by the NRL to help young players become not only better players, but better men. We are approached by numerous speakers every year, the majority of which we turn down as we are very selective in this process. However when Dean made himself available, we jumped at the opportunity to have him speak. The talk given by our guest speaker is often the highlight of the camp, well it was in the case of Dean Clifford. I can honestly say we have never had anyone speak with more vulnerability, courage and passion.
His ability to draw from his experience’s and speak from the heart, gave our young men a greater perspective on life, and how a new motivation to live their life with greater purpose. After Dean’s talk, he sat down to chat with the players along with former Origin great Gordon Tallis who also spoke at the camp to impart his knowledge. The team of young men that stayed behind were glued to both Gordon and Dean as they stayed for hours and gave above and beyond the time required.
It would be my honour to recommend Dean Clifford, he would be of invaluable service to any school or organisation.
Regards
Jason Stevens 
NRL Education and Welfare.

Qantas

To Whom It May Concern:
Dean Clifford and I first met at a football match in Brisbane. We briefly spoke that night but not at any great length. During my drive home that night, many questions went through my head, none more so than Dean’s outlook on life and what drives him.
I subsequently phoned Dean and had a conversation with Dean where he informed me about his motivational speaking. Taking these thoughts away I decided to invite Dean to speak at one of our monthly off site management meetings.
On the 8th Aug 2007, Dean ventured to our off site meeting. On the agenda I had listed a mystery guest speaker, preferring to create a sense of curiosity around the day. We started our morning with some department updates prior to Dean’s arrival. At around 11am Dean arrived which worked in well with our days plan.
On entry, Dean was introduced to the management team who were all a little taken back by his arrival, as I think most were expecting a sports star or the like. Without any hint of being shy or holding back Dean took over from there. Setting up his presentation that screened in the background while he spoke, he maintained such a keen intent audience. At the end, Dean answered many questions and joined us for lunch where questions continued throughout the break. At the end of lunch, Dean left us and we thanked him greatly for his time.
During the afternoon session out initial discussion was about our time with Dean. The management team were amazed at his outlook, positive nature and saw how much can be learnt from his life’s view. It was agreed at that time a letter of recommendation would be written and sent to Dean. The management team agreed that Dean’s approach was different, not the usual motivational speaker you may have. He is not someone who has made millions of dollars or carried out some amazing sporting achievement. Dean’s achievement is being able to smile at all life has delivered to him, something we can all learn from. There is always a way to move forward.
To Dean personally,
We thank you with great appreciation and wish you all the best in your chosen path in life. Also, we acknowledge you live your life how you want on your terms and not those dictated to you by others, for this is where your strength is and your commitment of life enjoyment.
Keep your smile and all the best for the future.
With Kind Regards.
Dean Durban

Testimonial from Brad Thorn

March this year (2005) I was very fortunate to attend a business conference in which Dean Clifford presented his story “Dead Man Working”. It was an extremely thought provoking and moving presentation of Deans life living with EB and the daily challenges he has faced to get to where he is today. It is a presentation worthy to be heard in any environment from school children, staff motivation workshops, conferences, to the corporate elite. Dean is a very professional and natural speaker, mixing the serious issues that he faces with EB with his good humour making for a very personal and entertaining experience.
Dean and I have shared a friendship for 10 years. In this time I have watched him develop from a very unwell teenager to the man he is today. Although Dean has faced many physical and emotional challenges throughout his life, he has never let it stop him from living life to the full. He has always been extremely optimistic and positive, and determined to live life, like any other young man. As a person who has played professional sport, Deans message of perseverance, determination and humility, has had a powerful effect on me. It reminds me to keep a clear focus on my goals, and appreciate others who have a tougher road them myself, yet still achieve. To try and live every day to the full, appreciating my health and not taking it for granted.
Seeing the way Dean has impacted many people around him, it is a tribute to his character and to that of his family. It has been my honour and privilege to know Dean personally; I hope that others have the same opportunity.
Yours Sincerely
Brad Thorn 
Rugby League / 
Rugby Union 
Dual Internationalist.

Shane Webcke

Dean is not a sporting hero or the Demtel man, he does have an amazing story of life’s struggle from a perspective that not many could imagine or handle. He is courage personified and I only hope you may have the opportunity to find this out. Many believe Dean is a National Treasure.
Life is a strange and very precious thing, the truth is often stranger than fiction –
**** Dean has Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) or more commonly referred term a, Cotton Wool Kids. The term kids is used due to the fact that those with this genetic disease do not live past childhood. This is a tragic and debilitating disease with no cure, usually containing an early death sentence. Dean has baffles medical science with his survival and his struggle for life. There are many from all walks of life that can learn a great deal from this young man.
Dean is now 26; he was not expected to live past the age of 5. Dean’s day is one filled with incredible pain and hardship, none of which he allows to impede the pursuit of his dream. Motivational speaking, sharing his life story, thereby inspiring others to dream and to believe in themselves.
Dean is an ordinary bloke with an extraordinary gift, you will never look at life in the same way again. Dean’s journey as a Motivational speaker started simply and honestly, he is committed to helping others through his own personnel experience. This was not intentional —-it is a gift he has and if you allow yourself the opportunity perhaps the emotional roller coaster –that is Dean’s life will inspire you as much as it has inspired thousands already! You owe it to yourself and your company, in fact you deserve Dean! I hold this philosophy very strongly, I believe I am a better person and you will be as well by taking this chance to witness what Dean has to offer.
By the way Dean is also the Face of ACE”, ACE is Australia’s Disability Employment Service Peak Body; promoting awareness within Australian business communities ‘Possibilities for People with Disabilities’, Dean is their National Ambassador. Dean is also the Good Will Ambassador for the Brisbane Broncos and a spokesperson with DEBRA (Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Research of Australia) he has his own company DMC Motivational and in his sphere he is the Business and Marketing Officer with Ken Mills Toyota. Not bad for a guy that calls himself (and his presentations) Dead Man Working!
Dean is a truly amazing and remarkable man.
To walk a mile in Dean’s shoes and maintain the composure and zest for life Dean has is beyond most mere mortals. Yet he shares openly and willingly urging others to dream and to believe in themselves!
Dean’s story is powerful, moving and empowering, an audience is taken on the emotional roller coaster –that is Dean’s life! Dean sharing his story is life changing and makes one look seriously at life and what we all take for granted. I know Dean has something unique and special to offer groups, corporations and business, simply by telling his story!
Dean’s Presentation is titled “Dead Man Working”. He modifies the presentation to cater to all speaking requirements, from Keynote presentations to whatever the company or conference may require. The feedback from schools, universities, small, medium and large businesses as well as Cooperate functions and Government functions suggest Dean is going to be in high demand.
Shane Webcke
Brisbane Broncos

Hilton Hotel UK

Harley Davidson

Youngcare

Dear Dean
It was a true privilege to have you recently present your inspiring message of perseverance and determination to the Youngcare Board and staff.
Here at Youngcare, we have a number of values that guide our mission of helping young Aussies live life with choice, independence and dignity. Your captivating journey and the path you’re now travelling epitomises many of these “non-negotiables”, in particular the Youngcare Guts and Optimism we aim to embody.
Your insights into the ways you tackle life’s highs and lows have left a lasting impact on all who listened to your thought-provoking presentation about constantly “raising the bar”. We greatly appreciate your time with us, and couldn’t recommend you more highly as an engaging and powerful presenter who speaks honestly and from the heart.
Your commitment to hard work, self-belief and unwavering positivity is nothing short of inspirational.
Best wishes and regards
Samantha Kennerley 
Chief Executive Officer 
Youngcare Ltd

WHAT SOME OF DEAN’S CLIENTS SAY