How do you inspire a large team of people aged 65 to 95 years old to embrace an outrageous goal of becoming competitive hip hop dancers and, in just eight months’ time, perform at the World Hip Hop Championships in Las Vegas? What do you do when they don't like hip hop, are resistant to change and aren't committed to the goal? Billie Jordan shares her leadership lessons and personal story to show that, with a focus on the end goal and the ability to change mindsets, anything is possible!
Previous experience
As the founder of the oldest hip hop dance group in the world, the Hip Op-eration Crew, Billie shows how she used her leadership skills, traumatic life experiences - including the deadly Christchurch Earthquake in 2011 to bring a renewed sense of purpose and joy to a group of strangers in her community.
Awards and accolades
Billie was awarded a Queens Honour in 2016, was New Zealand Woman of the Year in 2016/2017 and won the New Zealander of the Year award in the Local Hero category in 2015.
Film: She is the star of an award-winning feature documentary film Hip Hop-eration, which has screened in cinemas all over the world, and now Hollywood plan on making the story of her life into a movie.
Speaking
Billie's story is unique, very engaging, impactful and truly inspiring. There are many laugh-out-loud moments and some tear jerkers too! Billie has spoken at prestigious events around the globe including Scotland, Canada and Australia and has delivered a Ted Talk to critical acclaim.
Video
Billie Jordan speaking at TEDx Auckland
Billie Jordan is the founder of the The Hip Operation Crew: a hip-hop dance group consisting of 22 members aged 68 to 96 years old. They are in the Guinness World Records as the oldest dance group in the world and have performed at the World Hip Hop Championships in Las Vegas, and the Taipei Arena in Taiwan.Billie Jordan's Hip Op eration Crew
The Hip Op-eration Crew is the world’s oldest dance group (Guinness World Records). The mega crew hip hop dance troupe consists of 22 senior citizens aged 68 to 96 years old. The average age is 80 and 13 members are in their 80's and 90's. Their founder and trainer Billie Jordan is a motivational speaker.Billie Jordan
How do you inspire a large team of people aged 65 to 95 years old to embrace an outrageous goal of becoming competitive hip hop dancers and, in just eight months’ time, perform at the World Hip Hop Championships in Las Vegas? What do you do when they don't like hip hop, are resistant to change and aren't committed to the goal? Billie Jordan shares her leadership lessons and personal story to show that, with a focus on the end goal and the ability to change mindsets, anything is possible!Billie was fantastic! She has a great story to tell and she told it really well. It goes to show what you can do when you put your mind to something and she has certainly made a difference. ... keep reading Backpacker Youth and Adventure Tourism Association
Her vision bought out of hardship was inspirational, and the crew magic. When I saw the movie last year (my favourite movie of the year) I vowed to grow old disgracefully. Billie and the dance team have shown people how to live instead of waiting to die. They can all hold their heads high and be proud of their amazing achievements. There is so much that is wrong with our care of the elderly in most ‘civilised’ countries, and Billie is addressing it in a very personal way.
We very much appreciate Billie opening our conference with such energy and authenticity. The response to her keynote presentation has been hugely positive. Billie's messages about innovation, ‘can do’ attitude, looking for the gold in people, and never giving up resonated very strongly with members of our sector. Conference participants used the words “inspirational,” “fabulous,” and “visionary” to describe her and her work and said she was an “awesome, inspiring speaker.”
Billie Jordan's speech was amazing - she totally blew everyone away! Her presentation was exceptional and we have received a tremendous amount of positive feedback especially about Billie's presentation. She set the tone for a fantastic day and was truly amazing. She deserves all the accolades she receives
Billie was the highlight of our three-day conference. Her keynote address was amazing and the workshop she ran for staff the following day has received rave reviews from everyone lucky enough to attend. An incredible speaker for any event!
Mindset can be very challenging for many people to really connect with and understand in relation to themselves as leaders, and Billie's presentation did such a great job of bringing that to life. Her energy, authenticity and natural presence also lifted the people in the room, and was such a great way to start. Billie's personal story and what she has achieved is also of course truly inspiring, and shows great courage and fortitude.
Captivating! Engrossing! Our staff love hearing Billie's story so much we have had her speak at three different events now and she's also run a workshop at two different team building days. An amazing speaker who makes us laugh and cry every time!
Still on a high from yesterday; what a positive and inspiring person Billie Jordan is!
Billie was absolutely wonderful and from all the feedback since, people are still considering so many of the pearls of wisdom and inspiration she gave us. We can't thank and praise her enough.
Billie has been the talk of the audience since her presentation, as she not only relayed her entertaining experiences with The Hip Op-eration Crew but has prompted the audience to review their own approach to 'the grey tsunami' and how they themselves want to approach their future. She has raised our awareness which is much more than being just entertainment. An excellent speaker with a relaxed style and very entertaining. We unreservedly recommend Billie Jordan.
