Why I Do, What I Do
I've spent my life asking questions.
Not because I have all the answers, but because curiosity has always taken me somewhere interesting.
It's taken me from martial arts and personal training to business, television, podcasts, international interviews, field investigations and building Cryptid Women's Society into a global community.
Along the way I've discovered something surprising. The most extraordinary stories aren't really about mysteries.
They're about people.
They're about courage, resilience, connection and what happens when we stop waiting for permission and start trusting ourselves.
That's what I bring to every stage.
"Confidence isn't built by having all the answers.
It's built by having the courage to ask better questions." - Lisa
So... who is Lisa?
Good question.
The short version? I'm a professional speaker, presenter, entrepreneur and co-founder of Cryptid Women's Society.
The slightly more interesting version...
I'm what happens when you mix a black belt martial artist, former bodyguard, international athlete, personal trainer, trained actress, serial entrepreneur and someone who asks far too many questions.
I've never been very good at accepting, "Because that's the way it's always been."
I've always wanted to know what was around the next corner, what was hiding behind the story and what happened if I was brave enough to ask one more question.
That curiosity has shaped my entire life.
It's taken me from coaching thousands of people to become stronger and more confident, to building businesses, speaking on stages, working in front of the camera, interviewing researchers and explorers from around the world, and creating Cryptid Women's Society, an international community where women can explore the extraordinary together.
It's also taken me into some pretty unusual places... from remote bush tracks and late-night investigations to conversations that completely changed the way I see the world.
Turns out, the best stories usually start with someone saying, "This is going to sound a bit crazy..."
What all of those experiences have taught me is that confidence isn't something that magically appears one day.
It's built every time we choose to step outside our comfort zone, ask the questions everyone else is thinking but won't say out loud, and keep moving forward even when we don't have all the answers.
Whether I'm speaking at a conference, hosting a podcast, running a workshop or standing in the middle of the bush chasing the next mystery, my goal is always the same: to help people become a little braver, a little more curious and a whole lot more confident.
Because life's too short to play it safe, and the best adventures usually begin with two simple words...
"Why not?"
25+ Years
helping people build confidence
40 Years
of martial arts experience
Thousands
coached and mentored
Global Community
founded through Cryptid Women's Society
International
speaker, presenter and podcast host
Conversations That Stay
With You
What I speak about
Beyond the Map: Strange Stories from the South Pacific
What happens when you follow the stories most people dismiss, into remote landscapes, unusual investigations and conversations that challenge what you thought you knew?
In this lively, story-driven presentation, Lisa takes audiences behind the scenes of Cryptid Women’s Society and into the strange, surprising and rarely heard world of the unexplained South Pacific. From cryptid encounters and UFO reports to paranormal investigations, local folklore and the women working quietly behind the scenes, this is far more than a collection of unusual stories.
Lisa shares the risks, mistakes, unexpected discoveries and memorable characters she has encountered while building an international community and supporting researchers across New Zealand, Australia and the wider Pacific. She also explores the responsibility that comes with investigating these subjects, including respecting Indigenous knowledge, questioning evidence and ensuring local voices are not pushed aside.
Entertaining, thought-provoking and full of moments audiences will still be discussing afterwards, this talk invites people to look beyond the familiar, question what they assume and consider how much of the world remains unexplored.
Build the Thing You Wish Existed
Cryptid Women’s Society began with a simple idea: women interested in the unexplained deserved a place to connect, contribute and be taken seriously.
Lisa shares the reality of turning that idea into an international community, including the mistakes, resistance, risks and unexpected opportunities that came with it.
This talk is for leaders, creators and people with an idea they cannot stop thinking about. It explores how to build community, create momentum and turn personal conviction into something that matters.
Monsters, Mistakes and Finding Your Way
Every young person faces monsters. Some appear as fear, self-doubt, failure, pressure or the feeling that everyone else has life figured out. Others come from the strange stories, legends and unexplained creatures that have followed humans for generations.
Drawing on more than 40 years of martial arts, her work with over 15,000 young people and her unusual journey into investigations and exploration, Lisa shows students how curiosity can turn fear into confidence.
This energetic talk encourages young people to question assumptions, recognise opportunities others overlook and stop waiting until they feel completely ready.
It is about developing the courage to look closer, try something different and discover what they may be capable of.
What Audiences Leave With
People don't remember every story I tell. They remember how those stories made them feel.
My goal is for every audience member to walk away feeling:
✓ More confident in themselves
✓ More willing to take the next step
✓ Curious enough to ask better questions
✓ Energised to tackle new challenges
✓ Inspired to think differently
Because that's where real change begins.
Presentations that are Perfect for ...
Corporate Conferences
Leadership Events
Women's Conferences
Professional Development
Schools & Universities
Community Organisations
Festivals & Expos
Media & Television
Contact
Let's start the conversation
Whether you're organising a conference, leadership event, school presentation or community gathering, I'd love to hear about it.
Together, let's create a presentation your audience will still be talking about long after the event finishes.
Lisa Gembitsky
0064 22 353 2803 New Zealand