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Li Cunxin

From poverty to global ballet stardom, Li Cunxin inspires organizations to embrace resilience, courage, and excellence in the face of adversity.

5.00 of 5

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5 of 5

"The collective tears from our members would have filled a bucket after Li's account of his emotional, profound and inspirational life journey at our retreat. Li Cunxin is a rare human being who has the ability to affect people with his story and be in our minds for the rest of our lives."

Young Presidents Organization (YPO)

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Why book Li Cunxin for your next event

  • Born into poverty in rural China, Li Cunxin rose to become one of the world’s most celebrated ballet dancers. His extraordinary journey from hardship to global acclaim embodies resilience, discipline, and purpose, qualities that inspire leaders and organizations to push beyond limitations and achieve greatness.
  • Li’s international bestseller, Mao’s Last Dancer, and its award-winning film adaptation have inspired millions worldwide. Through his keynote, audiences gain powerful insights into courage, change, and perseverance, transforming his life story into actionable lessons for business success and personal growth.
  • As Artistic Director, Li Cunxin transformed Queensland Ballet from a modest regional company into a globally recognized institution. His keynote reveals the principles of visionary leadership, cultural transformation, and team excellence, empowering organizations to drive innovation and long-term success.

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From Adversity to Excellence: The Power of Determination

A living symbol of resilience and transformation, Li Cunxin inspires organizations to overcome adversity and lead with courage. From poverty in rural China to global ballet stardom and business success, his powerful keynotes ignite purpose, perseverance, and excellence, leaving audiences motivated to achieve extraordinary results.

Keynote Speaker Li Cunxin is globally recognized for his extraordinary life story of resilience, courage, and transformation. Best known as the author of the international bestseller Mao’s Last Dancer and the protagonist of its award-winning film adaptation, Li’s journey from extreme poverty in rural China to international ballet stardom and acclaimed business leadership is nothing short of inspirational.

Li’s story embodies the power of perseverance, vision, and adaptability, values that resonate deeply with organizations navigating change and striving for excellence. As Artistic Director of Queensland Ballet, he led a remarkable organizational transformation, turning a modest regional company into a world-class institution. His leadership experience, combined with his earlier career as a senior financial manager, enables him to connect powerfully with corporate audiences across industries.

In his keynotes, Li Cunxin shares practical insights on overcoming adversity, building resilience, and driving success through passion and discipline. His presentations blend emotional storytelling with actionable lessons in leadership, change management, and the pursuit of excellence. Li’s authenticity and humility inspire audiences to embrace challenges, lead with integrity, and achieve extraordinary results.

Book Li Cunxin for your event to give your team an unforgettable experience, one that sparks motivation, strengthens culture, and reminds everyone that greatness is achieved through courage, purpose, and perseverance. With every keynote, Li Cunxin leaves audiences not only inspired but equipped to turn their own struggles into opportunities for growth and success.

Customer Reviews

5 of 5

"The collective tears from our members would have filled a bucket after Li's account of his emotional, profound and inspirational life journey at our retreat. Li Cunxin is a rare human being who has the ability to affect people with his story and be in our minds for the rest of our lives."

5 of 5

"Inspirational, outstanding, and excellent! Li was absolutely inspirational. Excellent story! Very inspiring, great choice as a keynote speaker. It has been a long time since we have heard such a wonderful story delivered."

5 of 5

"Li reduced much of his audience to tears and as the participants left the auditorium, many said it was the most moving and absorbing presentations they had ever heard!"

5 of 5

"Without a doubt one of the most powerful and invigorating presentations we have ever seen. Extremely impressed by Li's impact, style, personable nature and overall attitude."

5 of 5

"Our participants were very moved by your story, with many commenting that it was one of the most inspiring presentations they had ever heard...thank you again for making a huge impact on our conference and our staff."

Rated 5.00/5 based on 5 customer reviews

Keynotes

Keynote by Li Cunxin:

Inspiration and Motivation

Are your teams struggling to stay motivated through constant change and uncertainty?

In today’s fast-paced world, resilience and adaptability are no longer optional, they’re essential. Keynote speaker Li Cunxin delivers the ultimate inspiration for organizations seeking to reignite purpose and performance.

Through his extraordinary journey from poverty in rural China to international ballet stardom and business leadership, Li reveals the mindset and discipline that turn adversity into achievement. His captivating keynote blends emotional storytelling with actionable insights on courage, perseverance, and leadership under pressure.

Booking Li Cunxin for your event means empowering your team to embrace challenges, lead with integrity, and transform obstacles into opportunities. His message leaves audiences not just inspired, but equipped with the resilience and vision needed to drive long-term organizational excellence.

Experience a keynote that moves hearts and changes mindsets.

Request a quote: Li Cunxin Inspiration and Motivation

Keynote by Li Cunxin:

Leadership

Do your leaders struggle to inspire vision, unity, and purpose in times of change?

In an era where uncertainty dominates, true leadership requires more than strategy, it demands vision, courage, and authenticity. Keynote speaker Li Cunxin transforms these challenges into opportunities for growth through his powerful story and proven leadership insights.

From his extraordinary journey, from rural China to global ballet stardom and transformative leadership at Queensland Ballet, Li shares the principles that turn ordinary leaders into visionaries. His keynote reveals how passion, perseverance, and clarity of purpose drive innovation, engagement, and long-term success.

Booking Li Cunxin for your event means equipping your leaders with the mindset and tools to inspire others, lead with integrity, and create a culture of excellence. His message moves beyond motivation, it empowers transformation, guiding leaders to see not just what is, but what can be.

Request a quote: Li Cunxin Leadership

Keynote by Li Cunxin:

Business Transformation

Is your organization struggling to adapt, innovate, or stay competitive in a rapidly changing market?

True transformation requires more than strategy, it demands vision, persistence, and the ability to inspire people toward a shared goal. Keynote speaker Li Cunxin brings these lessons to life through his remarkable story of transforming Queensland Ballet from a small regional troupe into a world-class institution.

Drawing from his experience as an artistic director and former senior financial manager, Li reveals how clear vision, disciplined execution, and courageous leadership can drive extraordinary organizational change. His keynote provides leaders with practical insights into building resilient teams, cultivating excellence, and leading with purpose through uncertainty.

Booking Li Cunxin for your event gives your organization a transformative experience, one that empowers teams to embrace innovation, align around a common mission, and elevate performance to world-class standards.

Request a quote: Li Cunxin Business Transformation

Keynote by Li Cunxin:

Have Courage and Dare to Make Tough Decisions

Are your leaders hesitant to make bold decisions that drive real progress?

In today’s complex business world, indecision can stall innovation and weaken performance. Courage, the willingness to take risks, make tough calls, and stand by them, is the foundation of effective leadership. Keynote speaker Li Cunxin inspires leaders to find that courage through his extraordinary personal and professional journey.

From his defection from communist China to his transformation of Queensland Ballet into a world-class organization, Li demonstrates how courage, conviction, and integrity lead to lasting success. His keynote delivers powerful insights into leading under pressure, embracing uncertainty, and staying true to one’s values when facing difficult choices.

Booking Li Cunxin for your event gives your team more than motivation, it provides a blueprint for decisive, authentic leadership. His message empowers leaders to act fearlessly, inspire confidence, and create meaningful change in their organizations.

Request a quote: Li Cunxin Have Courage and Dare to Make Tough Decisions

Keynote by Li Cunxin:

Positive Mindset and Continuous Improvements to Achieve Excellence

Is your team losing momentum or struggling to maintain excellence in the face of constant challenges?

Sustaining high performance requires more than skill, it demands a positive mindset and a relentless drive for continuous improvement. Keynote speaker Li Cunxin embodies these principles through his extraordinary life story and leadership journey.

From overcoming poverty in rural China to becoming one of the world’s top ballet dancers and transforming Queensland Ballet into a world-class organization, Li proves that success is built on attitude, perseverance, and growth. His keynote reveals how positivity fuels resilience, how discipline creates progress, and how small, consistent improvements lead to extraordinary results.

Booking Li Cunxin for your event means giving your organization a proven blueprint for sustained excellence. His story inspires teams to embrace challenges with optimism, nurture a culture of learning, and continually strive for perfection, no matter the odds.

Request a quote: Li Cunxin Positive Mindset and Continuous Improvements to Achieve Excellence

Keynote by Li Cunxin:

Embrace Changes and Overcome Obstacles

Is your organization finding it difficult to adapt to constant change and uncertainty?

In a world where transformation is the new normal, success depends on openness, curiosity, and the courage to evolve. Keynote speaker Li Cunxin inspires teams to embrace change and overcome obstacles through his remarkable life story and leadership experience.

From his humble beginnings in rural China to global ballet stardom and his transformation of Queensland Ballet into a world-class company, Li’s journey illustrates how adaptability, learning, and perseverance drive lasting success. His keynote delivers powerful insights into facing change with confidence, cultivating resilience, and turning challenges into opportunities for growth.

Booking Li Cunxin for your event empowers your team to approach change with optimism and determination. His message leaves audiences inspired to act boldly, learn continuously, and transform every obstacle into a stepping stone toward excellence.

Request a quote: Li Cunxin Embrace Changes and Overcome Obstacles

Keynote by Li Cunxin:

High Performance

Is your team struggling to maintain high performance in an increasingly demanding environment?

Achieving excellence once is impressive, but sustaining it requires discipline, mindset, and purpose. Keynote speaker Li Cunxin knows exactly what it takes to perform at the highest level, day after day, no matter the obstacles.

From his intense ballet training in China to his rise as one of the world’s leading dancers and his transformation of Queensland Ballet into a world-class company, Li’s journey embodies focus, perseverance, and continuous improvement. His keynote reveals the habits, mindset, and leadership principles that drive consistent, top-tier performance in any field.

Booking Li Cunxin for your event means giving your team practical insights into achieving sustainable excellence. His powerful story motivates organizations to set higher standards, stay disciplined under pressure, and turn potential into consistent high performance.

Request a quote: Li Cunxin High Performance

Keynote by Li Cunxin:

The Importance of Vision, Passion, Commitment, and Work Ethic

Are your teams losing sight of their goals or struggling to stay motivated in pursuit of long-term success?

In a fast-moving world, vision, passion, commitment, and work ethic are what separate good organizations from great ones. Keynote speaker Li Cunxin embodies these timeless principles through his extraordinary journey from poverty in rural China to international ballet stardom and acclaimed business leadership.

Li’s keynote reveals how clarity of vision and unwavering dedication can turn even the most ambitious dreams into reality. Drawing from his transformation of Queensland Ballet into a world-class company, he shares how passion fuels perseverance and how a strong work ethic sustains excellence over time.

Booking Li Cunxin for your event inspires your team to reconnect with purpose, reignite motivation, and commit to excellence. His message equips organizations with the mindset to dream big and the discipline to make those dreams happen.

Request a quote: Li Cunxin The Importance of Vision, Passion, Commitment, and Work Ethic

Keynote by Li Cunxin:

Work & Life Balance

Are your employees feeling overwhelmed, struggling to balance professional demands with personal wellbeing?

In today’s high-pressure world, maintaining a healthy work-life balance is not just a luxury, it’s essential for sustained performance and happiness. Keynote speaker Li Cunxin brings powerful insights into achieving harmony between ambition, purpose, and personal fulfillment.

Having lived an extraordinary journey, from grueling ballet training in China to international stardom and leadership success, Li understands the cost of imbalance and the rewards of alignment. His keynote reveals how self-discipline, prioritization, and mindfulness can help individuals thrive both personally and professionally.

Booking Li Cunxin for your event gives your team more than motivation, it offers practical strategies for resilience, focus, and wellbeing. His message inspires audiences to find equilibrium, pursue excellence without burnout, and build a culture where success and fulfillment go hand in hand.

Request a quote: Li Cunxin Work & Life Balance

21st century skills — Li Cunxin

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Phone: +1 347 223 5128

Email: contact@a-speakers.com