Austin Hatch
Two-Time Plane Crash Survivor, Former College Athlete & Inspirational Speaker
SPEAKER FEE RANGE: $16,000–$35,000 [FEE NOTE]
TRAVELS FROM: Michigan
Austin Hatch is a two-time plane crash survivor and inspirational speaker, who seeks to add value to any organization. As a motivational speaker, he offers tailored inspiration for teams, students, and organizations who are committed to succeeding together, adding value by sharing his story and message about THRIVING in the midst of Adversity.
Austin Hatch is a two-time plane crash survivor and inspirational speaker, who seeks to add value to any organization.
On Labor Day of 2003, Austin and his family were flying home from their vacation home in northern Michigan. As they were preparing to land, the aircraft crashed and burst into flames. Austin’s dad threw him out of the plane, saving his life and went back into the flames to get his mother, sister and brother, but tragically, was unable to. His mother, sister and brother did not survive.
Austin and his father grieved their loss but became each other’s lifeline through the grief, pushing each other to overcome, as he knew his mom, sister and brother would’ve wanted.
A year later, Austin’s dad met a lovely woman named Kimberley, who had three kids of her own. The couple was married and together, formed a wonderful blended family. Meanwhile, Austin worked hard on athletic skills and began to have success on the basketball court. Austin’s dream was to play for Michigan. Then on June 15, 2011, Coach Beilein offered him a full scholarship to play basketball at The University of Michigan, which he accepted.
Nine days later, on June 24th, 2011, Austin’s father and “second mother,” (he never used the term stepmom), were flying to their vacation home to have a weekend of celebration. As they were preparing to land, the aircraft crashed, and Austin’s father and second mom were killed on impact. Austin suffered severe injuries and nearly lost his life. After being in a coma for two months, Austin had to relearn how to walk, talk, eat and basically how to live his life. With the help of many, many people and against the odds, Austin persevered and was able to make a solid comeback to take the place at The University of Michigan that he had earned just nine days before the second crash.
Eight years later, Austin is a graduate of The University of Michigan and is working at Dominos’ corporate office. Austin is married to an absolutely, incredible woman named Abigail who pushes him to get better every single day. He considers himself to be blessed to be in a position to be able to use his experiences to help others.
On Labor Day of 2003, Austin and his family were flying home from their vacation home in northern Michigan. As they were preparing to land, the aircraft crashed and burst into flames. Austin’s dad threw him out of the plane, saving his life and went back into the flames to get his mother, sister and brother, but tragically, was unable to. His mother, sister and brother did not survive.
Austin and his father grieved their loss but became each other’s lifeline through the grief, pushing each other to overcome, as he knew his mom, sister and brother would’ve wanted.
A year later, Austin’s dad met a lovely woman named Kimberley, who had three kids of her own. The couple was married and together, formed a wonderful blended family. Meanwhile, Austin worked hard on athletic skills and began to have success on the basketball court. Austin’s dream was to play for Michigan. Then on June 15, 2011, Coach Beilein offered him a full scholarship to play basketball at The University of Michigan, which he accepted.
Nine days later, on June 24th, 2011, Austin’s father and “second mother,” (he never used the term stepmom), were flying to their vacation home to have a weekend of celebration. As they were preparing to land, the aircraft crashed, and Austin’s father and second mom were killed on impact. Austin suffered severe injuries and nearly lost his life. After being in a coma for two months, Austin had to relearn how to walk, talk, eat and basically how to live his life. With the help of many, many people and against the odds, Austin persevered and was able to make a solid comeback to take the place at The University of Michigan that he had earned just nine days before the second crash.
Eight years later, Austin is a graduate of The University of Michigan and is working at Dominos’ corporate office. Austin is married to an absolutely, incredible woman named Abigail who pushes him to get better every single day. He considers himself to be blessed to be in a position to be able to use his experiences to help others.
- Overcome Any Form of Adversity with the G.R.I.T. Framework
The Secret
Why is it that some people and groups are able to overcome adversity while others are not? When you look at all individuals and organizations that have been able to persevere in the face of great turmoil, tragedy, and tribulation, there is one thing they all have in common…Grit.
The History of Grit
Many experts have written about the crucial role grit plays in organizational and individual success. In fact, it’s often cited as the primary ingredient needed for personal achievement. University of Pennsylvania Professor and New York Times Bestselling Author Angela Duckworth says, “Grit is passion and perseverance for very long-term goals. Grit is sticking with your future, day in and day out, not just for the week or month—but for years, and working really hard to make that future a reality.” In addition to our long-term goals, grit applies to everything we do every single day.
Not until recently has the concept of grit been transformed into an actionable framework you and your team can use in your daily lives and your work together to overcome any obstacle. The G.R.I.T. framework provides actionable steps that, when implemented on the individual level, establish the foundation for profound team-based accomplishments.
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