Unleash Your Confidence

Unleash Your Confidence

Confidence is the cornerstone of personal empowerment, influencing every aspect of our lives. It’s the fuel that propels us toward our goals, fostering resilience in the face of challenges. This is why it has always been a core element of JT’s life.

In this blog, we will explore the essence of true confidence and how cultivating it can lead to a more fulfilling and empowered life.

Defining True Confidence

JT has always believed that true confidence goes beyond mere self-assurance. It’s an authentic belief in one’s abilities, strengths, and potential. This deep-rooted confidence forms a solid foundation for self-esteem, influencing how we navigate the world and engage with others.

Understanding the distinction between superficial confidence and the real deal is crucial for our journey toward empowerment.

The Building Blocks of Confidence

Identifying and acknowledging personal strengths is the first step in building confidence. This section will guide you through exercises aimed at recognising your unique qualities.

Additionally, we’ll address common barriers to confidence, such as fear of failure and the detrimental habit of constant comparison.

Practical Tips for Building Confidence

Practicality is key in building confidence. We’ll delve into actionable tips like setting and achieving small goals, using positive affirmations, and embracing failures as opportunities for growth.

Confidence is not an inherent trait but a skill that can be honed through deliberate practice and mindset adjustments. Here, we explore actionable tips that empower individuals to build and sustain their confidence in various aspects of life.

1. Set Realistic Goals:

Break down large goals into manageable, achievable steps. Small victories build confidence incrementally, creating a positive feedback loop that propels you towards more significant accomplishments.

2. Embrace Positive Affirmations

Integrate positive affirmations into your daily routine. Affirming your capabilities and worth can reshape negative thought patterns, fostering a mindset rooted in self-belief.

3. Develop a Growth Mindset:

View challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles. Embracing a growth mindset allows you to learn from setbacks, adapt, and continuously improve.

4. Expand Your Comfort Zone

True confidence is often found just beyond the boundaries of your comfort zone. Regularly challenge yourself by taking on new tasks or engaging in activities that push your limits, gradually expanding your comfort zone.

5. Practice Self-Compassion:

Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer to a friend. Acknowledge that everyone makes mistakes and experiences setbacks. Self-compassion allows you to bounce back from challenges with resilience.

6. Improve Your Body Language:

Adopting confident body language not only influences how others perceive you but also impacts your internal state. Stand tall, make eye contact, and maintain an open posture to project confidence.

7. Cultivate Positive Relationships:

Surround yourself with supportive individuals who uplift and encourage you. Positive relationships provide a foundation of emotional support, reinforcing your belief in your abilities.

8. Learn and Adapt

Actively seek opportunities to learn and acquire new skills. Continuous learning enhances your competence and, in turn, boosts your confidence. Be open to adapting to changing circumstances.

9. Celebrate Small Wins

Acknowledge and celebrate even the smallest achievements along your journey. Recognising your progress, no matter how incremental, reinforces a positive self-image and encourages further self-belief.

By incorporating these practical tips into your daily life, you’ll embark on a transformative journey toward building and sustaining confidence.

Remember, confidence is not a destination but a continuous process of growth and self-discovery.

These strategies are not just theoretical; they are stepping stones to a more confident version of yourself.

Confidence in Professional Settings

Confidence plays a pivotal role in professional success. We’ll discuss strategies for expressing confidence in job interviews, presentations, and networking situations.

Whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder or navigating your own entrepreneurial journey, confidence is the secret ingredient to standing out and making an impact.

Confidence in Personal Relationships

The impact of confidence extends to our personal relationships. This section will explore how building confidence can enhance social interactions, communication skills, and assertiveness. Nurturing confidence in your personal life can lead to deeper, more meaningful connections with others.

Overcoming Setbacks and Bouncing Back

Setbacks are inevitable, but how we handle them defines our journey. This section addresses the importance of viewing failures as stepping stones to success. We’ll explore strategies for bouncing back stronger after facing challenges, turning setbacks into opportunities for growth.

Cultivating a Confident Mindset for the Future

The journey toward empowerment is ongoing. This section focuses on cultivating a confident mindset for the future. Visualising your confident future self and setting the stage for continuous self-improvement are vital components of this forward-looking perspective.

In conclusion, unleashing your inner confidence is a transformative journey that positively impacts all facets of your life. By JT understanding the essence of true confidence as a 15-year-old, identifying his strengths (and weaknesses), and implementing practical strategies to improve each day, he paved the way for further success with his teammates.

JT and the whole team at JTAcademy hope you embark on this journey believing that confidence is not just a trait but a dynamic force that can shape your destiny. It’s time to step into your power and embrace the confident, empowered version of yourself.

Do you have the confidence to be your best?

End-of-Year Message from Johnathan Thurston Academy

End of Year Message from Johnathan Thurston Academy

Dear incredible students, dedicated teachers, supportive staff, and wonderful parents,

As we bid farewell to the last day of school for 2023, we are filled with immense pride and gratitude. The Johnathan Thurston Academy family has once again proven that together, we can achieve greatness and create lasting memories that will forever be etched in our hearts.

From our JTBelieve campaign, our NBN campaign working with schools and the JTLeadlikeagirl program, we have had one of the best years yet and touched thousands across our fine nation.

🎓 To the Year 12 Graduates 🎓

Today marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another for our remarkable Year 12 graduates. As you step out into the world, armed with knowledge, resilience, and the spirit of a true champion, remember that the skills you’ve honed and the friendships you’ve forged alongside us at Johnathan Thurston Academy will serve as a solid foundation for the exciting adventures ahead.

Embrace the challenges, celebrate your victories, and always carry the lessons of your journey with you. We have no doubt that you will achieve incredible things, and we are immensely proud to have played a part in your educational journey.

📚 To the Students from Years 1 to 11 📚

As the sun sets on this academic year, we extend our warmest wishes to all our students from Years 1 to 11. You’ve shown determination, curiosity, and a thirst for knowledge, making each day at Johnathan Thurston Academy a joyous and enriching experience.

As you embark on a well-deserved break, rest, rejuvenate, and cherish the moments with loved ones. We can’t wait to welcome you back in 2024 for another year of growth, learning, and shared accomplishments.

👩‍🏫 To Our Exceptional Teachers 👨‍🏫

A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated teachers who have tirelessly poured their passion and expertise into shaping the minds of our students. Your unwavering commitment to education has made a lasting impact, and your influence extends beyond the classroom.

Take this well-deserved break to recharge, reflect, and bask in the knowledge that you have played a pivotal role in moulding the future leaders of tomorrow.

🤝 To the Support Staff and Parents 🤝

Behind every successful student is a team of support staff and parents who work tirelessly to create an environment conducive to learning and growth. Your encouragement, guidance, and unwavering support have been the backbone of our academy.

As we bid farewell to 2023, we extend our deepest gratitude to each of you. Your involvement is invaluable, and we look forward to continuing this journey together in the coming year.

🌈 As we close the chapter on 2023, let us carry forward the spirit of unity, resilience, and excellence that defines Johnathan Thurston Academy. May the holiday season be filled with joy, laughter, and moments of reflection, and may the new year bring even greater achievements and shared successes.

For more exciting updates, find us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn.  Wishing you all a restful and joyous break. Until we meet again in 2024!

Exciting new partnership with nbn creates stronger connections for JTLeadLikeAGirl

The Johnathan Thurston Academy is one step closer to achieving its goal to empower thousands of young women in some of the country’s most remote communities, with nbn becoming a major supporter of their innovative JTLeadLikeAGirl program.

The forward-thinking program hosts weekly online and in-person workshops designed to connect and assist young women to lead lives with confidence, courage, and self-belief, and includes mentoring programs with impressive role models.

With nbn now a JT Academy Partner, plus Major Supporter of JTLeadLikeAGirl, the program will be able to connect and engage with more young women in communities not only across the state but around the country.

Over the past few years, the academy has worked closely with nbn to get their valuable programs into remote Queensland communities.
Johnathan Thurston, the Managing Director of the JT Academy, said he was excited to announce the strengthened partnership.

Thurston said thanks to nbn’s support, they can expand the reach of the JTLeadLikeAGirl program, which will go a long way towards closing the gap for young women living in remote communities.

“This was demonstrated late last year when nbn installed a nbn™ Sky Muster™ satellite service on the local PCYC at Doomadgee during our visit,” Thurston said.

“Thanks to this connectivity, we were able to unite the incredible young women from the Doomadgee community with the other participants of our JTLeadLikeAGirl program.

“They are still connecting weekly and speaking with other amazing young women every week from across Queensland, and I couldn’t be prouder.

“It is our dream and our vision to connect young women and build a powerful platform, a place, and an environment where they can cultivate meaningful connections, feel seen, heard, and valued, and derive strength from one another.

“Through JTLeadLikeAGirl, we aim to empower Australia’s young women with confidence, courage, and self-belief to reach their full potential.

“We are really proud of what we have achieved to date, and excited about the future thanks to nbn’s support.”

Thurston said he can’t wait for more young women to join and be inspired through the JTLeadLikeAGirl program.

“The major partnership with nbn will help us to reach more young women in remote communities, especially those who may not be able to access online services otherwise,” he said.

“We are hoping to reach more than 400 students this year. Please join us on this journey, and together let’s continue to celebrate our nation’s youth and inspire, encourage, and support them to be the very best versions of themselves!”

To learn more visit jtleadlikeagirl.com.au

Johnathan Thurston to set off on the last leg of tour of Cape York and Central Queensland to promote wellbeing in remote Indigenous communities

Rugby league great Johnathan Thurston and the JT Academy team will travel the final leg of their successful tour of Cape York and Central Queensland Indigenous communities on Thursday (November 18) to promote health and wellbeing for kids and their families.

The tour started on Wednesday November 3 and has included Aurukun, Hope Vale, Woorabinda and a surprise visit to Yarrabah. The last visit is to Bamaga, where the academy will continue to deliver their empowering JTBelieve workshop which encourages attendees to believe in themselves and make positive decisions for their families’ wellbeing.

The tour has been made possible thanks to a partnership with Queensland Health.

“The visits have seen the academy host Johnathan’s signature JTBelieve program in each community, meet with local community leaders and visit Queensland Health-operated vaccination clinics to show support of the state-wide vaccination program,” Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Beverley Hamerton said

“The JTBelieve sessions have been well attended as they provide a platform for a Q&A with well-known Far North Queensland Indigenous doctor Mark Wenitong and Indigenous nurse Kelly Trudgen to deliver information individuals are seeking about the vaccine and vaccination.”

An extra part of the tour saw Johnathan make a personal pledge to sponsor Yarrabah’s female and male rugby teams, the Seahawks, if the community met their 70% vaccination target by December. He made a surprise visit to Yarrabah last week to deliver the message last week and promised to be their biggest supporter if they met the target.

Johnathan, the Managing Director of JT Academy, says the tour has been incredible and they are looking forward to visiting Bamaga.

“Visiting the communities and delivering our JTBelieve workshops has been such a privilege and joy,” Johnathan said. “I want to say a big thanks to the communities we have visited and their leaders who have warmly welcomed us with open arms. The big smiles and hugs have truly made this trip and really confirmed to myself and the team that these workshops are hitting home.

“Everyone has been so responsive to our message and our workshop, which is designed to inspire, educate and, hopefully, spark open conversations around mental health and wellbeing.

“Since we started the academy, we’ve always worked towards building confidence, courage and self-belief and these workshops have really proven that this message is needed.

“The workshops and the conversations with Dr Wenitong and nurse Kelly Trudgen have been connecting directly with the school children, the families and the larger communities.

“Now, more than ever, we need to speak about these topics while also having open conversations around mental health and wellbeing,” he said.

“Thank you to Queensland Health for sponsoring this tour and working with us to be able to deliver this vital program to our communities.”

Dr Wenitong said the message delivered by Johnathan and the academy, during these visits, has been incredible to watch and will have long lasting health benefits for the participants.

“The social and emotional skills that are imparted and built as part of these workshops are incredibly powerful and will make a long-lasting difference with our kids and the wider community,” Dr Wenitong said.

“These visits will go a long way towards enriching their emotional, physical and personal wellbeing, today and in the future.

“I’m very proud and fortunate to be part of this. The conversations we are having in each community have been enriching and show a genuine thirst for information, learning and open conversations.”

Our Partner Johnson Controls Australia Leading The Way

We love partnering with great companies that share our beliefs and values!

On Wednesday, 20th October, the JTAcademy delivered a 2-hour JTSucceed employment workshop at Marsden State High School in partnership with Johnson Controls.

Our employment programs aim to impact Australia’s high youth unemployment rate by equipping participants with the skills, confidence and knowledge they need to transition from school life into employment.

Our JT Academy program facilitators, Chloe and Gabriel, delivered the first half of the workshop, which was reserved for Indigenous-identified students and sponsored by Johnsons Controls.

The workshop was a great success, with Johnathan Thurston’s story being used as an example of creating a personal brand and how to positively carry yourself as an individual.

The participants gained behind the scenes insight into the life of our Managing Director and what it means to lead a life with confidence, courage and self-belief.

The kids also explored the importance of appropriate social media use in the workplace and how to leave a digital footprint that appeals to prospective employers.

The second half of the workshop was reserved for our JTLeadLikeAGirl participants, we had the great honour of bringing Johnson Controls’ employees Sarah Loose and Cassandra Rowan along.

Sarah and Cassandra shared their own stories, including their experiences throughout their apprenticeship and tradesman’s years, and how becoming qualified electricians helped them through their career progression.

Cassandra Rowan called the morning a ‘wonderful opportunity for all involved’ and Sarah Loose said ‘after the workshop I had a great time talking with the girls, sharing my career journey and seeing them demonstrate confidence, self-belief and courage.”

Our JTLeadLikeAGirl girls were left with great inspiration, and we thank Johnson Controls, Cassandra Rowan and Sarah Loose for their leadership.

We hope to run more programs like this in the future.

DELIVERING IN DOOMADGEE: Johnathan Thurston encourages young women to ‘lead like a girl’ with forward-thinking new program

DELIVERING IN DOOMADGEE

Young women across Australia, including some of the most remote communities, will now be able to connect and be empowered by their peers across the nation thanks to an innovative new program delivered by the Johnathan Thurston Academy.

Next Tuesday (October 26, 2021), Johnathan Thurston, the Managing Director of the JT Academy, will visit Doomadgee with his team to officially launch the inspiring JTLeadLikeAGirl program. nbn will also join JT in community, after again working together to ensure the community can stay connected through online platforms, with plans to embark on an exciting, wider partnership over the next two years.

The national program will see young women join weekly online and regular in person workshops, mentoring programs and take part in online conversations with an impressive portfolio of young role models.

The young women in Doomadgee will be able to stay connected thanks to the team at nbn facilitating the installation of a Community Wi-fi satellite system on the local PCYC.  The Academy will also work with nbn on plans to expand the program and satellite installations into more than 50 other communities, with further announcements to come. This follows the inspiring ‘one team’ mission to connect communities in the middle of the COVID lockdown in 2020 in Thursday Island, Kowanyama and Yarrabah via nbn™ satellite connectivity.

Johnathan said nbn’s support has been incredibly important as the country continues to feel the impacts of COVID, at a time when taking their programs online to keep the conversation going is critical.

“We are so proud to be launching our JTLeadLikeAGirl program,” Johnathan said. “Our vision is to live in a world where women can live fearlessly and unapologetically.  We are working towards that dream by empowering one, young Australian woman at a time.

“To help make this happen we need to empower, connect and build confidence so they can truly lead like a girl. That’s why our JTLeadLikeAGirl program supports young women with self-belief and courage to reach their full potential.

“The program has one sole focus: to inspire young women to be confident, bold, and goal-oriented, but most importantly—to be kind and shine a positive light on each other,” he said.

“We couldn’t do this without the incredible level of connection and digital capability that nbn has provided through facilitating systems in each of the communities we work in and we’re excited to work with them to see how we can take the program into more communities, nationally.

The team at JT Academy was visiting Doomadgee as part of its Youth Intervention Program, funded by the Queensland Police Service. Before any visit, the team speaks with the local community to ensure the program connects and has a legacy afterwards. It was during these conversations the need for a program tailored at young women was put forward.

Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council’s Chief Executive Officer Troy Fraser applauded the JT Academy, as well as nbn for facilitating the installation of a system at their PCYC so their community could be further connected with innovative programs like JTLeadLikeAGirl.

“The JTLeadLIkeAGirl program is to be commended,” Troy said. “To have that ongoing connection with their peers and the Academy is so important and that regular connection in empowering them to make the right choices and be around positive and powerful role models. Access to this and keeping them online is wonderful.

“Thank you to the Academy and nbn for making this happen.”

nbn’s Head of Indigenous Affairs Che Cockatoo-Collins said they were excited to join the Academy in Doomadgee to engage, listen to the community and put their heads together on bigger projects.

“We know how much of a difference connectivity can make, the social and economic benefits are huge and lifechanging. We are thrilled to be able to build on our partnership that we’ve already established with JT and his team, and are excited to grow this, watch this space” Che said.

“Ensuring the young women can stay connected and that their engagement with the Academy remains is incredibly important.

“We take our hat off to the team for always being ahead of the curve and delivering such practical and forward-thinking programs like JTLeadLikeAGirl.”

To learn more visit jtleadlikeagirl.com.au 

JT Academy and Smiggle Partnership | Design Competition

Are you an amazing designer? Have you dreamed of your designs on your favorite Smiggle products? To celebrate our exciting new partnership with Smiggle – we are launching a design competition and we want YOU to show us what you’ve got!

The winner will have their design printed on a Smiggle product – and receive enough for their whole class. The winner will also receive a JT Academy workshop at their school that will empower the students with confidence, courage, and self-belief.

Register your interest now!! Expression of Interest closes Friday 14th May 2021.

Competition Details: Click Here
Design Form: Click Here

We can’t wait to see your designs – get creative!

JTBelievers Turn Leaders!

What a start to the year for the JTBelieve program! Following an exceptional amount of work by our locally based JTBelieve Officers engaging with school staff, community members, parents/carers, and students, we have now welcomed all Semester 1 cohort from our partner communities Yarrabah, Kowanyama, and the Torres region.

The engagement with the participants and particularly that, and the feedback from families, has been rewarding. We are all excited to support this inspiring group of young people through the Semester’s end.

Our staff was also present during student leadership position announcements at Kowanyama State School and Tagai State College. It was a heart-warming moment for all at the JT Academy as Kowanyama announced their four school captains and the realization that all four were part of the JTBelieve program in 2020. Congratulations to Tisharnie, McKenzie. Demetra and Horace.

Not to be outdone, only days later, Tagai State College announced their leadership positions, with Year 9 awarded to Tyrese and Udiwad, who again were both parts of the JTBelieve program in 2020.

Managing Director – Johnathan Thurston “The JTBelieve program is all about our participants believing in themselves. To hear from our JTBelieve Officers that their participants are not only putting themselves forward for leadership positions but, in some cases delivering speeches in front of school staff and community members tells me we are on the right track in supporting the next generation of leaders.

On behalf of the Academy, I thank the schools and communities for supporting opportunities like school captain and year-level leadership positions. These opportunities provide an invaluable platform for the young people of their community and our programs to step outside their comfort zone and showcase their exceptional values and attributes”.

Johnson Controls helps keep JT Academy JTBelieve participants safe

The Johnathan Thurston Academy recently received a generous offer from its community partner Johnson Controls to install a security system in the JTBelieve building in Yarrabah, Cairns.

The purpose-built building was officially opened in December last year in honor of much-loved Elder Aunty Fiona Patterson to provide a welcoming space for the community’s young female residents to continue their ongoing learning and reach their full potential.

ADT Security installed the customized security system which allows the JT Academy team to manage it from anywhere via their mobile phones and be alerted when it is activated or deactivated.

Johnson Controls has the world’s largest portfolio of building products, technologies, software, and services that transform the environments where people live, work, learn and play. Through a full range of systems and digital solutions, they make buildings smarter, safer, and more sustainable.

JT Academy managing director Johnathan Thurston said he was thankful for Johnson Controls’ extraordinary contribution to Aunty Fiona’s building.

“I’m extremely appreciative of Johnson Controls for their expertise and passion for wanting to keep our JTBelieve participants safe,” Thurston said.

“We could not continue with the work we do in supporting young people in Yarrabah to engage in their learning without the wonderful support of our community partners like Johnson Controls.

“The building provides a great opportunity to continue Aunty Fiona’s amazing work in delivering the JTBelieve program.

“She had always wanted to create a welcoming and safe place where Yarrabah’s young women could continue their learning.”

Johnson Controls senior human resources business partner for Pacific Anita Libut said Johnson Controls was thrilled to be able to support the JT Academy by providing a secure environment for learning.

“Johnson Controls believes all buildings have a purpose – whether to live, work or learn. A smarter building is a safer building,” she said.

“We are proud to continue our work with the JT Academy and see it as an important opportunity to assist Indigenous jobseekers into meaningful employment”.

“The JT Academy has established itself to collectively build inclusion by linking community and industry, and we look forward to helping build sustainable employment opportunities while fostering diversity and inclusion within our company.”

To learn more about the JTAcademy and the JTBelieve program click here.

Norton Rose Fulbright joining the JT Academy Family

The Johnathan Thurston Academy is excited to welcome Norton Rose Fulbright as our newest partner. Norton Rose Fulbright is a global law firm with more than 3,700 lawyers and other legal staff based in Australia, Europe, the United States, Canada, Latin America, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. It will join the Johnathan Thurston Academy as a partner of the JTBelieve program with a particular alignment with the Torres program based at Tagai State College on Thursday Island.

Johnathan Thurston Academy Managing Director Johnathan Thurston said, “I am thrilled to welcome Norton Rose Fulbright as the Johnathan Thurston Academy’s newest partner. It is very exciting to connect our JTBelieve participants with a global law firm’s people and career pathways. This partnership will expand aspirations and provide connection opportunities for our participants at Tagai State College to hear from experienced lawyers and be exposed to the whole range of careers that are required to run a global organisation.”

Norton Rose Fulbright Partner and Co-Chair RAPWG, Gavin Scott, and National Pro Bono Executive (Special Counsel) and Co-Chair RAPWG, Leanne Collingburn, said, “We are excited to join the Johnathan Thurston Academy partnership and are really looking forward to connecting with the JTBelieve participants from Tagai State College. Through our firm’s reconciliation program, we are focused on working closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to help deliver positive outcomes for them. By partnering with the Johnathan Thurston Academy we will be able to provide direct support to young students on Thursday Island and we hope to inspire them to believe in themselves and be the best that they can be.”

The JTBelieve program, developed under the guidance of Johnathan is designed to engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and their families in education. Participants are mentored, and the delivered workshops are facilitated by JT Academy staff.

The JTBelieve program provides participants with local and community-focused delivery to support their success at school and outside the school gates in developing their self-belief, confidence, and courage.

The program is supported by the Australian Government’s Indigenous Advancement Strategy, Smiggle, and the communities and schools of Yarrabah, Kowanyama, and the Torres region.