David Schwarz
All bets are off.
Profile
David Schwarz is a former Australian Football League (AFL) player and Melbourne Football Club Life Member, multi-media personality (TV, radio and podcast), public speaker, MC and presenter, partner of Assembled Media and partner of My Hab trauma, rehabilitation and addiction treatment centre in Melbourne, Australia. David was at the top of his game when a pre-season injury sidelined him for over two years.
Following three knee reconstructions, his brilliance in the forward line saw him win the club’s 1999 Best and Fairest, and play a key role in getting Melbourne to the 2000 Grand Final. David retired from AFL football in 2001, after an 11-year career and 173 games. During his football career, David had a gambling addiction.
Soon after finishing football, he was forced to turn this around. In 2007, the ALH Group (Australian Hospitality & Leisure) appointed David as their Responsible Gaming Ambassador to provide employee education and customer awareness about the importance of “being honest with yourself about your gambling.” In 2010, David launched his autobiography All Bets Are Off, an honest and courageous account of his life and his gambling addiction.
In 2012 The David Schwarz Program won the International Gaming Award for Best Responsible Gambling Program at an award ceremony in London. David is a mentor and currently presents education on problem gambling, addiction and well-being for corporate organisations, schools, the sporting industry and local government projects. David is currently on national radio SEN and 3AW in Melbourne and is an MC, host and motivational speaker for corporate and sporting events.
Feedback
David blew the audience away with his humility and passion. David spoke on team building and what happens when even one member of a team, marches to the beat of their own drum - it brings the whole group undone. He spoke of the horrific incident involving the death of his father, playing AFL football and ensuing leg injuries and the addiction of gambling. The audience was visibly moved by this giant of a man, who can now look back on his years of football and gambling, as one continuous roller-coaster and who is now in a great place in his life. Comments from attendees included "Best speaker I have ever heard!"
A great speaker, David spoke really clearly and articulated his points very well. He was able to relate perfectly to our group as athletes/players.
David really related well to the demographic and made a definite connection.
I just wanted you to know how well David's presentation went today, and he spoke with such deep felt emotion. He was brilliant and inspirational. They said he is the best speaker they have had at the annual Men's Health Lunch.
David was outstanding, his ability to capture the audience and engage the students was fantastic!
