Survivor of the 2016 Brussels Terrorist Attack & Author of "The Improbable Miracle"

Brussels, Belgium
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Karen Northshield Biography

Karen Northshield is an American–Belgian former top athlete and Belgian swimming champion and a miracle survivor of the March 22, 2016 terrorist attack at the Brussels International Airport. Unaware of the impending explosion, she was standing next to a suicide bomber at Brussels Airport. In an instant, her life changed.

Once in peak physical condition, she was thrown into the air, landing with brutal injuries and fighting for her life. Doctors gave her a zero chance of survival. Against all odds -- and over 60 operations and nearly four years of hospitalization -- Northshield overcame countless medical, physical, and psychological battles. As a polytraumatized survivor of a war crime, she now speaks to audiences worldwide, demonstrating the strength within us to overcome adversity.

In her inspiring talks and in her book, "The Improbable Miracle," Northfield shares a powerful three-step model of resilience to help individuals -- both personally and professionally -- and delivers a message of hope, courage and determination above all.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 09/29/2026.

Karen Northshield Speaking Topics

  • Transforming a Personal 'Black Swan' Event into Lifelong Resilience

    One of the key themes in Karen Northshield's talks on resilience is the power of the Black Swan event -- an unpredictable, life-altering moment that challenges everything we know. Based off of Nassim Taleb's theory of the Black Swan, Karen is able to translate and weave his teachings in her talk and simplify for all. Having faced and transformed her own profound Black Swan experience, Karen has developed a powerful three-step model to help others navigate their personal turning points.

    Black Swan events aren’t just global crises; they can be deeply personal and profoundly challenging. While many aspire to wealth and happiness, the true question is: how does one find joy again after a life-shattering event? How does one reclaim prosperity and embrace life with renewed purpose?

    With warmth, wisdom, and a touch of humor, Karen guides her audience through the journey of resilience, proving that even after the darkest moments, a new and fulfilling chapter awaits.

  • Gratitude at the Service of Resilience

    In her powerful and inspirational talk on surviving an improbable terrorist attack, Karen Northshield delivers a profound message on Gratitude -- not just as a response to life’s challenges, but as a force that strengthens and enhances resilience.

    With a compelling story of rising from the ashes, Karen shares a message of hope and transformation. Drawing from Viktor Frankl’s "Man’s Search for Meaning," she reframes her own harrowing experience as an unexpected gift -- one that led to a profound 'rebirth'.

    Once an all-round athlete and successful personal trainer, she has reinvented herself in giving meaning to her life today by inspiring and sharing her story worldwide. She helps others in believing in themselves, in forging character and determination by practicing gratefulness and gratitude among other attributes of strength.

    Through her journey, she demonstrates how adversity, no matter how overwhelming, can become a catalyst for reinvention, enabling us to embrace life with grace, meaning, and gratitude.

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Karen Northshield Videos

Karen Northshield 🏊🏻‍♀️ DAZN Belgium

Karen Northshield 🏊🏻‍♀️ DAZN Belgium

The inspriring story of Karen Northshield.

  • How do I book Karen Northshield to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Karen Northshield for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Karen Northshield, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Karen Northshield or any other speaker of your choice.
  • What are the speaker fees for Karen Northshield

    Speaking fees for Karen Northshield, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Karen Northshield are available upon request for live events and available upon request for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Karen Northshield, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Karen Northshield speak about?

    Karen Northshield is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Author, Diversity & Inclusion, Empowerment, Inspirational, Mental Health, Overcoming Adversity, Personal Growth, Resilience, Storytelling, TED, Women's Empowerment
  • Where does Karen Northshield travel from?

    Karen Northshield generally travels from Brussels, Belgium, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
  • Who is Karen Northshield’s agent?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Karen Northshield for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Karen Northshield for your next private or corporate function.
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Karen Northshield is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Transforming a Personal 'Black Swan' Event into Lifelong Resilience, Gratitude at the Service of Resilience, How to Turn Your “Unlucky Card” Into Your “Joker Card” and How to Hit a Home Run When Up Against a (Life) Adversity. The estimated speaking fee range to book Karen Northshield for your event is available upon request. Karen Northshield generally travels from Brussels, Belgium and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Jessica Cox, Rachel Druckenmiller, Casey Hammer, Erika Obando and Jennifer Grace. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Karen Northshield for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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