Where his own journey of Self-Actualisation began.

Where the journey began

Andrew's self-actualisation journey began when he was less than ten years old as a result of some extreme life experiences. 

Enduring extreme long-term verbal emotional and physical abuse as a child that included repeated trauma and struggles with PTSD, ADHD and Dyslexia, a family therapist gave Andrew a "less than 10% chance of surviving and not ending up in jail, mentally ill or dead".

At just ten years old he embarked on a lifelong quest to recover and then to seek self-actualisation. During Andrew’s quest he tried every possible solution he could find. He now speaks about the powerful insights, strategies and tools he's used or developed to successfully overcome the extreme challenges he and pursue his own self-actualisation. Fortunately, his journey has a happy ending and his talks are delivered with positivity and humour. His message inspires others to transform adversity into growth and achieve their own self-actualisation.

“These extreme experiences led to a family therapist giving me a less than 10% chance of surviving.”

Some of Andrew's Achievements to date

  • Self Actualisation

    Expert and life-long practitioner, with tools and strategies developed.

  • Barrister

    Spent 15 years as a specialist criminal defence barrister.

  • Speaker

    An international inspirational and motivational keynote speaker.

  • Author

    Writer of three books two of which are on drug prohibition and psychotherapeutic plant medicines.

  • Judicial Officer

    Served in three different judicial roles in two states.

  • World Champion

    World Champion Powerlifter – Bench Press.

  • Graduate

    Three degrees completed including Communication, Human Sciences, Systems Design and a Masters in Law.

  • Award Winner

    Law School Prize winner for Personal and Professional Skills.

  • Lecturer

    Lectured at 3 universities in 2 states and taught English to children in Tokyo, Japan.

  • Chairman

    Executive Chairman of a public company in Aviation Safety and on other Boards.

  • Humanitarian

    Led an international legal project for the EU on War Crimes & Crimes against Humanity.

  • Drug Squad Detective

    Served in the Australian Federal Police.

  • TV Presenter

    Appeared on TV and Radio, created, wrote and hosted a TV show on C31 Melbourne.

Achieving Growth and Success Through Self-Actualisation

Andrew Swindells' journey of self-actualisation is nothing short of extraordinary. Along the way, he completed three degrees, winning a Law School Prize for Personal and Professional Skills. Andrew has authored three books, visited over 20 countries, and taught English to Japanese children in Tokyo. He also served as a Barrister, Judicial Officer,  Executive Chairman of a public company in Aviation Safety and led an international legal project in post-war Sierra Leone, managing 300 people amidst severe instability and limited resources.

At just 20 years old, Andrew was a Drug Squad Detective in the Australian Federal Police in Sydney, involved in shootouts, car chases, and record-breaking drug seizures during one of the most corrupt periods in Australian history. His career then led him to spend 15 years as a criminal defence barrister, including appointments to three judicial roles across two states. He also worked as Counsel Assisting the Assistant Commissioner of Crime, investigating organised crime and outlaw motorcycle gangs for the Crime and Misconduct Commission.

Andrew’s media presence includes appearances on Australian TV and radio. He also created, wrote, and hosted the TV show Law Legends Lately on C31 in Melbourne.

After these high-stakes high pressure careers, Andrew spent a decade as a full-time stay-at-home dad to his three daughters—a role that he says was far more challenging than anything else he's ever done.

Andrew is also the author of “How to Deal Drugs and Get Away With It: A Reality Check on Drug Prohibition” and more recently “Dealing or Healing: Reality Checking Drug Wars, Drug Wonders, and Our Fantastic Future.’

His incredible life story fuels his keynote speeches, inspiring others to unlock their full potential through self-actualisation by sharing the tools, insights and strategies that he’s learnt or created over a challenging lifetime.

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