Meet Layne Beachley and Tess Brouwer
Layne Beachley AO 7x World Surfing Champion & Mental Wellness Advocate: An iconic figure in the world of surfing, Layne brings her unique insights to Awake Academy. As a 7-time World Surfing champion, she knows the importance of mental resilience, determination, and overcoming challenges. Her journey from adversity to greatness has inspired her to guide others on their path to authenticity and empowerment.
Tess Brouwer Corporate Athlete, CEO of Awake Academy, Entrepreneur and Mental Wellness Mentor: Tess Brouwer, a corporate athlete and mental wellness mentor, complements Layne’s expertise with her deep understanding of corporate dynamics and mental wellbeing. With a background in rebuilding her life from a life changing spinal cord and brain injury plus her extensive experience as a senior executive, Tess specialises in fostering resilience, mental fitness, and effective communication within corporate environments.
My Why
Cultivate connection, growth and happiness in humanity
My Accomplishments
Layne’s journey: - 19 Year professional surfing career from 1990-2008 - 7-time world champion - The only surfer to win 6 consecutive world titles - Founder and director of the Aim for The Stars Foundation — Granting young girls and women $1 million in scholarships to achieve their dreams (2003-2019) - Athlete Liaison Officer for the Australian Olympic team — 2012 London Olympic Games - Awarded the Officer of the Order of Australia (2015) - Chair of Surfing Australia (2015-2023) - Elevated to Legend status — Sport Australia Hall of Fame and NSW Hall of Champions (2023) - TV host & Media Personality — Well Traveller TV, Wide World of Sports, Fox Sports TedX speaker
Tess’ journey - Practitioner of Positive Psychology & Wellbeing - UTS Centre of Brain & spinal cord injuries research ambassador - Yale graduate The Science of Wellbeing - 20 years as a corporate athlete for brands including Virgin Australia, Coke & Merivale - Yoga & Meditation teacher - Personal Trainer - Manager to Alex Noble, ‘I fight you fight’
Fun facts
> Layne is married to INXS Kirk Pengilly > Layne started surfing at Manly Beach when she was 4 years old. > Layne’s weakness is hot chips 🙂 > Layne played Toto from the Wizard of Oz in the school play in year 8 of high school because I was the smallest kid in high school for my first two years . Layne then starred in movies Blue Crush, Step into Liquid, Billabong Odyssey, Girls can’t Surf!
How I can help
Strengthen mental resilience – Tools to overcome challenges and maintain a positive mindset.
Unlock self-awareness & growth – Empower individuals to discover their truth and develop personally.
Enhance workplace culture – Foster engagement, resilience, and well-being in teams.
Boost health & vitality – A 7-step toolkit for improved well-being and performance.
Profile information supplied through Cuppa’s talent directory. Availability and suitability are confirmed on enquiry.