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Richard Hill - April 2007 |
| Richard Hill has emerged from a diverse and fascinating journey to become one of the most informed and innovative speakers on the mind, brain and the human condition in the country. From an early career in the creative arts, Richard later returned to intellectual studies and is now, amongst his many skills and talents a professional counsellor/psychotherapist. Richard presents himself as an expert in the human condition. He is an expert in the field of communications having spent many years on the performance side and then supplementing that with a university degree majoring in linguistics.
His quest to solve the disturbing problem of stress and anxiety has resulted, in association with some of the most recent breakthroughs in modern neuroscience his unique, his unique theory called The Winner-Loser/Creative World Theory. This theory revolutionizes the way we deal with stress and anxiety. We are all well aware of the damaging effects and growing costs of stress in the business community and in families and social communities. Richard's book include the inspirational "Choose Hope" (2000) and the recent "How the 'real world' is Driving Us Crazy!" He is currently presenting his theory and, what he calls, 'The 5 most extraordinary Mind/Brain knowledge breakthroughs of the 21st century' at a series of talks and seminars around the world. He began his career in the performing arts (read more below). When it came time to raise a family he started a landscaping business where he satisfied his creative urges and learnt a great deal about matters of business. At 42 he enrolled at the University of New England and completed his B.A. 7 years later in 2002. He quickly added a Diploma of Professional counselling in 2004 and set up practice with his wife, Susan Davis, at the Davis Health Centre, Gordon in Sydney, Australia. His study of neuroscience and psychobiology have been self motivated, but he has come to the attention of some of the world's leading experts. Dr Ernest Rossi describes his book as a '. remarkably clear and profound book for the general reader.' Read more about Richard below or read about his thoughts and ideas in his book or if you want to ask him something in particular just send an email. He is as open and receptive as he book describes. Say hello right now richhill@iinet.net.au |
My StorySinger / Musician |
| I've been singing for as long as I remember. I started lessons when I was 14. I picked up a guitar when I was 15 and taught myself to play. I began writing songs almost straight away. Mum diverted a piano from the rubbish tip when I was 17. I took it apart and repaired it, then taught myself to play. Castle Music optioned some of my songs in the early 80's. I produced my first CD in 1996 and won a couple of prestigious awards. Music is a powerful part of my life. Currently I'm working on a set of piano pieces entitled Susie's Lullabies.
First Band - At 13 I was the singer in a pop band with other year 7 mates. We won the school talent quest with a cover of The Monkeys track, I'm Not Your Stepping Stone. Best Band - I sang on the Sydney folk circuit in 70-71 (when I was 16) both solo and with a band called 'Freedom Rand'. We were known around the coffee shops. I was one of the few people who could play 'Alice's Restaurant' - all 20 minutes. I can still play the guitar part today. We played to concert audiences of several hundred. Quite impressive for those days. We 'retired' in 1972 to concentrate on studies for the HSC. Of my fellow band members, Peter, went on to become an internationally renowned classical percussionist. John is a successful film editor. |
Acting |
| Acting School: The Independent Theatre School. The Independent Theatre was a pillar of Australian theatre. Graduates from the school include Peter Finch and Ruth Cracknell. My course was in the evenings and on weekends over three years. The Independent Theatre is no longer a full time theatre, but the Independent Theatre School still produced some wonderful talent who continue to work in the industry. Character actor Bill Young and musical performer Zoe Bertram to name two. I appeared in my first commercial, for PK chewing gum, in 1975 while still in my first year of study. My photograph was literally pulled out of the extras file. At the end of my first year I was cast in the ill-fated musical "Applause" in 1975 where I acted, sang and danced alongside veteran Hollywood legend Eve Arden. I still owe her $5. During my second year I was cast in a professional production at the Independent Theatre of 'The Importance of Being Earnest' playing Lane, the butler. Two other productions followed in my third year. I achieved these professional jobs at an earlier stage than anyone had before. At the same time I was appearing in the Saturday afternoon children's shows for which the Independent was famous. Besides acting, I was involved in composing the music and lyrics for several productions. I was also involved in an experimental one-act play theatre group that regularly performed in Mosman. In my final two years of study I appeared in over 60 one-act plays. I graduated in March 1977 in a production of 'Don's Party'. I was one of the first students to be taken up by an agent and I was cast in the highly acclaimed '680 Mime Review' in Killara in June of that year. The next 20 years saw me performing in a wide variety of media. There was lots of tv: A Country Practice - guest lead twice; Sons and Daughters - 6 weeks guest role; Heartbreak High - the perennial cop for two weeks; and guest in a host of other shows like No 96, Richmond Hill, Bellbird, Taurus Rising, Young Doctors, Patrol Boat, Mennotti and more. I landed the job of a lifetime in 1984 as a presenter for the pilot of High Adventure. It was produced for the Nine Network by Gyngell/Collins Productions. It was considered too expensive, but was the forerunner of shows like Getaway. I went to Machu Piccu in Peru and also the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Borneo. It was an amazing experience. I thought that my career would be to travel around the world and tell stories. It seems that that has eventually happened. Just not as soon as I thought. There were a few films - The Custodian with Anthony La Paglia and The Nostradamus Kid by Bob Ellis. The financial staple was, of course, commercials and I was probably in ore than my fair share - Cuddly, Toyota, Nobby's Nuts, Fabulon, Underdaks, Colgate. Nothing could prepare a public speaker than such diversified media experience. It's fascinating what you create in your life from your life. |
