Adversity is the gift that everyone receives and nobody wants.
A best-selling author, Fulbright scholar, and fitness entrepreneur, Abbas Nazari is a sought-after keynote speaker in New Zealand and Australia on resilience, leadership, business growth, and high performance.
Abbas fled the Taliban in Afghanistan as a child and was resettled in New Zealand after his family was rescued by the Tampa containership in 2001 - an international event widely known as the Tampa Affair. His journey from refugee to business owner and thought leader is one of the most compelling success stories in Australasia.
In 2019, Abbas was awarded a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship to the United States, where he completed a Master’s degree in Security Studies at Georgetown University in Washington DC. His memoir, After the Tampa: From Afghanistan to New Zealand, became a #1 bestselling book in New Zealand.
Alongside his academic and writing achievements, Abbas is a successful franchise entrepreneur and fitness business owner. He opened his first Body Fit Training (BFT) studio in Wellington Central in 2022, followed by a second studio in Wellington East in 2023. His business journey gives him real-world credibility when speaking about small business ownership, franchising, leadership, resilience, and personal growth.
Abbas was named a finalist for the 2022 Young New Zealander of the Year Award and is a regular keynote speaker for corporates, government, education, and community organisations across New Zealand and internationally.
As the world marks the 25th anniversary of the Tampa rescue in 2026, Abbas’s story continues to resonate - inspiring audiences to embrace change, build resilience, and turn adversity into opportunity.
Talking Points
A Story of True Grit: A Journey Across Continents & Cultures
Abbas Nazari's extraordinary journey from fleeing the Taliban in Afghanistan to becoming a Fulbright scholar encapsulates the essence of resilience, adaptability, and the human spirit. He shares incredible tales along with imagery from his inspiring journey, offering unique perspectives on overcoming adversity and building a community in a new country. His story is a testament to his resilience and the generosity of nations which inspires hope and emphasises the importance of understanding and empathy in the challenges we face today.A Story of True Grit: A Journey Across Continents & Cultures
Key Takeaways:
- The Power of Perseverance: Learn from Abbas' remarkable journey from fleeing the Taliban to excelling in the academic, sporting and business world.
- Thriving Through Adversity: Delve into the challenges and triumphs of creating a new community while maintaining one's roots, as experienced by Abbas and his family.
- The Art of Storytelling for Change: Discover the impact of storytelling, as highlighted by the success and influence of Abbas's bestselling memoir, and how it contributes to broader dialogues on immigration, shared identities, and resilience.
Abbas tells his story candidly, with humour, intellect, and warmth. In inviting Abbas Nazari to speak, audiences will be enlightened by a firsthand account of the most spellbinding journey of determination, the challenges faced, and the incredible resilience that can guide one to success against all odds.
Business Lessons
A bestselling author, Fulbright scholar, and successful fitness entrepreneur, Abbas Nazari brings a powerful lens to the realities of modern business. From rebuilding his life after fleeing the Taliban to growing two thriving Body Fit Training franchises, Abbas shares a candid and compelling look at the highs and lows of entrepreneurship — navigating pressure, managing the things you can control, fixing mistakes fast, and creating a resilient, values‑driven culture. His journey blends grit with strategic clarity, offering actionable insight into leadership, business growth, and thriving through adversity.
Business Lessons
Video
Abbas Nazari Keynote Speaker
Meet Abbas Nazari – from Tampa refugee to Fulbright scholar | 7.30
Twenty years ago Afghans fleeing to Australia became caught up in a game of brinkmanship between a Norwegian cargo ship captain who rescued them from the waters off Christmas Island and the government of John Howard in what became known as the "Tampa Affair". Australia ultimately sent the asylum seekers to Nauru but some families were lucky to be immediately accepted by New Zealand - changing their lives forever. One of those lucky children - Abbas Nazari - has gone on to become a Fulbright scholar and has now written a memoir about his life.From Fleeing the Taliban to Best-selling Author - Abbas Nazari shares his harrowing story
Abbas Nazari, a former Afghan refugee, escaped the Taliban in 2001. He was among over 400 asylum seekers saved by the Norwegian container ship, MV Tampa, in the Indian Ocean, while seeking refuge in Australia. Despite being denied asylum and detained offshore for weeks by Australian special forces, Abbas and his family found resettlement in New Zealand. Abbas was incredibly vulnerable and open about the experiences he has had and the struggles he’s faced as a refugee. This conversation was eye-opening and gave me a lot of perspective.Audio
I could not recommend Abbas highly enough- he captivated our customers and held the room for over an hour- his story is like no other, his presentation style and delivery is fantastic, and h ... keep reading Genetic Technologies Ltd
Abbas was really well received by our team. He is highly personable, warm, kind and funny with such a big and important story to tell. He opened our minds to a world most of us knew nothing about. We were extremely happy with his presentation. Our team are continuing to talk about his session days later with a long line of people buying his book. I would highly recommend Abbas.
Abbas is an incredible speaker, and leaves everyone wanting more. We have had plenty of speakers, but he is a cut above.
Abbas was AMAZING. He is truly a professional. We loved working with him and wow'd our crowd. He received a standing ovation and truly was one of a kind.
Abbas was engaging and connected with the audience well, he had a good mix of personal, historic/context and humour in his story. He stuck to time well and all comments post the session have been positive. By looking at the rate his book sold out after the session I would say attendees were very happy with the event, and left wanting to read more.
It was a privilege to have Abbas speak at the Steadfast convention, he was an engaging and exceptional speaker, he had the audience, laughing, crying and everything in between. He had everyone captivated and with his moving stories and inspired all present at his presentation. I would highly recommend him as a standout speaker, you are in for a treat!
Abbas was communicative, on time, very engaging and friendly. He is a true professional, though he felt more like a long-time buddy coming to talk than a professional which is a great fit for us!
Abbas did an incredible job at engaging with our audience, his down-to-earth personality, topped with his professionalism, makes him so easy to listen to and get along with. Our staff thoroughly enjoyed his session and took a lot away from his life experience! If there is one word we could use to sum up how Abbas’ story made us feel, it’s Gratitude – an overwhelming sense of gratefulness and feeling thankful for the lives we have, and the journey others have been on for safety and freedom.
Abbas was a delight to work with and he really resonated with our audience. He has a very relaxed and a engaging manner, yet his story is compelling and challenging. He was very relevant for this conference and gave our delegates much to think about. A resounding success!
Outstanding! Authentic, true, moving. Highly recommended.
