Stories of overcoming adversity, dealing with change, and building resilience when times are tough.

Through our ABCN Connects initiative, we asked our mentors to share with students their personal and professional stories of resilience, adaptability and dealing with uncertainty or change. 

These short video stories are here to offer motivation, inspiration, hope and practical tips for young people as they think about the futureThey come from a wide variety of ABCN mentors, from CEOs to recent graduates and ABCN program alumni.

Teachers and students: we’ve put together a discussion guide as a suggested way for you to watch these messages. Click here to download the resource to use at home or in the classroom while watching these stories of resilience.


Message to my teenage self: Raiko from Bain & Company

Message to my teenage self: Alex from Optus

Message to my teenage self: Vijay from Chevron Australia

Message to my teenage self: Alkira from CommBank

Message to my teenage self: Frances from Optus

Fabulous failure: Guy from WSP Australia

I never thought I’d be doing this job: Harrison from CommBank

I never thought I’d be doing this job: Julian from LinkedIn

Top skills and mindsets for working: Shay from IAG

Message to my teenage self: Daniel from Accenture

Message to my teenage self: Isobel from Optus


High school students: Do you have a burning career question you’d like to ask our mentors? Click here to submit your question by video or text. The best questions will be answered by ABCN mentors and published on our website for the benefit of you and other students.

Please note by submitting your message by video you are agreeing that you are 15 years old or over and you consent to your question being shared via email to the ABCN mentor network. When submitting, please be sure to include your contact details, school name and which state you live in.  If you have any issues accessing or using the link above please contact us and we will assist.


If you or someone you know needs support, help can be found at Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.

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