Watch the full ABC Australian Story documentary and get inspired.
Graeme Alford’s early career was marked by extraordinary success. He was a successful lawyer in the 1970s, a high-flying barrister who seemingly had life figured out. However, his life took a dark turn as a severe alcohol addiction took hold. His fall from grace was as quick as it was stunning. He lost his career, and his addiction led to him being jailed three times, with his last sentence being for armed robbery in 1982. The man who once stood in courtrooms arguing cases found himself at rock bottom.

In the depths of despair, Graeme faced a simple, stark choice: "Give Up or Get Up!". He chose to fight. This period of struggle became the foundation of his "Never Give Up" philosophy, a message he would later share in his best-selling books. Since his release in 1986, he has not only maintained his sobriety for over 30 years but has also completely rebuilt his life. He has worked as a laborer, completed a marathon, and helped raise over $250,000 for charity. His inspiring story earned him the nickname "The Comeback King" on Channel 2's Australian Story.
Graeme Alford is a living testament to the human capacity for change and redemption. He is now a leading expert in addiction recovery and a sought-after keynote speaker. His journey has transformed him from a successful professional into a respected voice of authority on resilience, mental toughness, and overcoming adversity. His work is not just theoretical; it is grounded in the lived experience of failure and the hard-won victory of a new beginning. He has dedicated over 30 years to educating himself in areas of self-development, business, and recovery. As an author and speaker, he doesn't just talk about resilience—he embodies it.

Graeme Alford's journey is the ultimate testament to the "Never Give Up" philosophy. He went from a high-flying barrister to losing everything, only to rebuild his life and become a leading expert in resilience, addiction recovery, and mental toughness.
Graeme Alford is more than just a motivational speaker or a best-selling author—he's a living example of how to overcome immense challenges. His unique perspective, forged through personal adversity and professional success, offers a powerful message of hope and practical strategies for anyone looking to transform their life.
Whether you're facing a personal crisis, seeking to build resilience, or looking for a powerful speaker to inspire your team, Graeme's work provides the tools and the motivation you need to succeed.
