Mick Colliss

Mick Colliss – Keynote Speaker

Mick Colliss is an award-winning advertising copywriter, published author, broadcaster, sports commentator, emcee and keynote speaker known for delivering unforgettable stories packed with humour, honesty and unexpected twists.

Across conferences, gala dinners and corporate events, Mick captivates audiences with a storytelling style shaped by years in advertising, media and sport. His presentations are fast-paced, engaging and filled with moments that leave audiences both laughing and reflecting long after the event has finished.

While Mick has built a diverse and successful career across multiple industries, the story that audiences remember most began with a childhood dream.

The Dream of Playing for Australia

Growing up in Australia, Mick Colliss dreamed of one thing: representing his country in sport. As a junior rugby player he showed promise and even came close to national selection at an age-group level.

Eventually, however, reality caught up with the dream. Desire and determination were not enough to compete at the highest level. Like many athletes before him, Mick stepped away from competitive sport and moved on with life.

He built a career in advertising, became a husband to an Australian women’s water polo player, and later the father of two boys. On the surface, life moved forward as expected.

Yet the dream of representing Australia never truly disappeared.

The Accidental Sudoku Team

At the age of 42, Mick stumbled upon an unusual discovery: Australia did not have a team competing in the World Sudoku Championships.

For most people, that would simply be a curious piece of trivia. For Mick, it became an opportunity.

With the confidence only a lifelong sports fan could possess, he contacted the World Puzzle Federation, volunteered himself as Australia’s national team selector, and promptly selected the country’s first ever team.

The squad consisted of Mick and three of his friends from the local rugby club. There was only one small problem. None of them actually knew how to play sudoku.

Undeterred by their complete lack of experience, the newly formed Australian team proudly put on the national uniform and travelled to India to compete in the World Sudoku Championships. What followed was a journey filled with cultural surprises, unexpected challenges and moments of absolute comedy.

The experience created a story so unique and entertaining that it would eventually launch Mick’s career as a professional speaker.

From Story to Stage

A few years after returning from India, Mick was asked to share the sudoku story at a friend’s workplace event. What began as a simple favour quickly turned into something much bigger.

The audience response was immediate. The mix of humour, honesty and an unbelievable true story struck a chord. Invitations followed, and Mick soon found himself speaking at conferences, corporate events and dinners across Australia.

Today he is one of Australia’s most sought-after keynote speakers, entertaining audiences both locally and internationally.

Book Mick Colliss for Your Event

Mick Colliss continues to perform and speak around the world, including appearances across Asia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the United Kingdom and Canada. His storytelling has also reached sold-out audiences at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Alongside his speaking career, Mick remains active in advertising, media and sport as a copywriter, broadcaster, commentator and emcee.

When organisations book Mick Colliss, they get far more than a keynote speaker. They get a master storyteller who brings energy, humour and authenticity to the stage. His presentations remind audiences that sometimes the most remarkable experiences begin with a simple idea, a bold decision and the willingness to give something a go, even when you have absolutely no idea what you’re doing.

The result is a keynote that audiences talk about long after the event has ended.