A welcome from Matt
For more than 20 years I’ve been fascinated by how wellbeing and performance work hand in hand — first as a professional coach in the NRL and Super League, and now as a speaker, author, and founder of The Change Room. My passion is sharing practical tools, real stories, and evidence-based strategies that help people, teams, and organisations not only succeed under pressure but also thrive in every aspect of life. I look forward to connecting with you and exploring how we can create meaningful change together.
A little more about Matt...
Matthew Elliott is a former NRL and Super League Head Coach, bestselling author, media commentator, and founder of The Change Room. Across more than two decades in professional sport, Matt led teams in both Australia and the UK, including the Canberra Raiders, Penrith Panthers, New Zealand Warriors, and Bradford Bulls, achieving finals success on both sides of the world. His leadership extends beyond the field, having also coached the United States national side and worked as a respected media analyst with FOX Sports, NRL.com, and ABC Grandstand.
Matt’s approach to performance is deeply personal. In the early 2000s, after being diagnosed with a serious autoimmune disease, he applied the same cutting-edge wellbeing and recovery strategies used in elite sport to turn his health around. This powerful experience, combined with his passion for leadership and human potential, became the foundation for The Change Room — an organisation dedicated to helping people and workplaces integrate wellbeing and high performance.
As a speaker, Matt is known for his engaging, evidence-based, and down-to-earth style. He has the rare ability to connect with audiences ranging from executives and corporate teams to community leaders and individuals navigating life’s transitions. His presentations are rich with stories from professional sport, leadership, and personal growth, while always leaving audiences with practical tools they can use immediately.
Matt’s keynote themes focus on sustaining energy, mastering emotions, building resilient teams, and thriving in both work and life. He speaks on:
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The Energy Advantage – Sustaining elite performance in work and life
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The Mental Health Advantage – Turning struggles into strengths
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Emotional Mastery – The secret to high-functioning teams
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Whole of Life Wellbeing – Foundations of health, happiness, and success
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Winning the Second Half of Life – Thriving after 40 (with Susan Pearse)
Beyond the stage, Matt is the author of two bestselling books, including The Change Room: Play the Game of Your Life. He is also a father of four daughters, a role he credits as one of his greatest sources of perspective, balance, and purpose.