Norliza Pavlakos is an internationally renowned keynote speaker, award-winning entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for mental health and women’s empowerment. Her extraordinary journey from unimaginable trauma to global influence continues to inspire audiences across industries and continents.
A survivor of intense adversity including homelessness, domestic violence and a harrowing abduction in which she was nearly murdered, Norliza’s story first gained national attention in 1996 through The Herald Sun in Australia. Despite the trauma, she rose with unshakeable resolve, turning pain into purpose and trauma into triumph.
Her transformation began with bold entrepreneurial ventures. She founded Miss India International, the first beauty pageant of its kind in Australia, attracting over 4,000 attendees and creating a powerful platform for multicultural representation. She then entered the food and beverage industry with the launch of Minibar Piccolo in Melbourne’s iconic Flinders Lane, followed by the successful establishment of Finest Alterations, a chain of five tailoring stores renowned for quality craftsmanship and service.
Building on her drive to make a difference, Norliza went on to found My Mind Hub, now one of Australia’s leading mental health platforms. Endorsed by GPs nationwide, the platform connects individuals with vetted mental health professionals while empowering women and men in wellness to grow sustainable, impactful practices.
Norliza’s lived experience fuels her authenticity on stage. She has delivered keynotes to more than 100,000 people across six continents, working with major organisations such as Coca-Cola, Versace, Marriott International, Dell, Lenovo, Zurich Insurance Group, Qatar Airways, Emirates and more. She has also delivered keynote engagement to government departments such as the Department of Human Services, equipping frontline workers with tools in emotional regulation, self-leadership and psychological safety.
Named one of the Top 10 Female Speakers in the World (2020) and ranked number nine globally in suicide prevention by Let’s Engage in the United States, Norliza is a recipient of the Toastmasters Gold Gavel Award and continues to be a trusted voice on topics of resilience, leadership and mental health.
She is also the founder of the Liza Pavlakos Foundation, which provides education, shelter and empowerment to vulnerable women and children in communities across Africa and the Philippines.
Her debut book, “Conviction”, is a raw and powerful memoir that chronicles her journey from survival to significance. It offers readers practical tools to turn adversity into action and trauma into purpose.
