Born without his right hand, Nicholas defied expectations to graduate from the prestigious RCM in London and become a globally acclaimed pianist and motivational speaker. He captivates corporate audiences with inspiring talks on resilience, inclusion, and peak performance, motivating listeners to overcome challenges with determination and creativity.
Nicholas McCarthy’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. Born in 1989 without his right hand, Nicholas faced numerous challenges, both personal and professional. From a young age, he fell in love with the piano, but the path to mastery was filled with obstacles. Despite active discouragement from teachers and peers, Nicholas was determined to pursue his passion. His hard work paid off when he was accepted into the prestigious Royal College of Music (RCM) in London, a remarkable achievement for any aspiring musician.
Graduating in July 2012, Nicholas McCarthy made headlines around the world. He became the only one-handed pianist to graduate from RCM in its 130-year history, a milestone that not only cemented his place in music history but also highlighted his incredible talent and determination. In recognition of his achievements, Nicholas was awarded honorary membership of the RCM by its President, HRH King Charles, in March 2018.
Nicholas McCarthy’s career is filled with awe-inspiring performances and accolades. One of the standout moments in his career came when he performed at the Closing Ceremony of the 2012 Paralympic Games in London. Sharing the stage with Coldplay and playing the Paralympic anthem in front of an audience of 86,000 in the stadium, and half a billion viewers worldwide, was a defining moment in his musical journey.
Since then, Nicholas has continued to perform in prestigious concert halls around the world, including recital tours and collaborations with major orchestras. His concerts are not only technical masterpieces but also deeply emotional experiences for audiences. One of his most celebrated performances took place at Queen Elizabeth Hall at London’s Southbank Centre. Following the recital, the Sunday Times headline read: “So dazzling with one hand, he doesn’t need another.” This praise encapsulates the remarkable skill and artistry that Nicholas brings to the stage with every performance.
In addition to his musical success, Nicholas McCarthy is a highly sought-after motivational speaker. Drawing from his personal experiences, he speaks on overcoming adversity, resilience, and inclusion. His talks resonate with audiences looking for inspiration in the face of challenges, offering insights into how passion and determination can break down barriers. Nicholas’ keynote topics include peak performance, disability and inclusion, and creative problem-solving, making him a powerful voice in corporate settings.
Nicholas has worked with many major organizations, including Goldman Sachs, NHS England, and Johnson & Johnson. His tailored talks inspire teams to embrace resilience and innovation. As a speaker, Nicholas connects with audiences by sharing how his journey has shaped his approach to success. Having delivered three TEDx talks, Nicholas continues to inspire diverse audiences globally, bringing a fresh perspective on personal and professional growth.
In addition to live performances and talks, Nicholas is a regular presence on television and radio. He has guest-presented for the BBC Proms and the Leeds International Piano Competition, and recently created Wittgenstein, Zichy & Me, a BBC Radio 3 program exploring the stories of other one-handed pianists. These media engagements allow Nicholas to reach even wider audiences, further solidifying his role as an influential figure in both music and motivational speaking.
Nicholas McCarthy’s story of resilience and success is perfect for corporate audiences seeking inspiration and motivation. Whether through his powerful music or motivational talks, he will leave a lasting impact. To book Nicholas for your event or learn more about how he can bring value to your next event, reach out to us via our contact page!
“It was amazing, the responses throughout the session and afterwards were brilliant. Not only on how you have shown true resilience throughout your life, your persistence and obviously your breathe breathtaking performance – but wonderful for us to see the impact you’ve made on members of our leadership team.”
“Nicholas is a fantastic speaker with a unique and inspiring story that resonated with the entire conference. his performance at the piano added something extra which we’ve never seen from other speakers we’ve had in the past. was the highlight of the day”
“Nicholas is a funny, engaging and deeply moving speaker who managed to capture the entire audience in the palm of his single hand. truly amazing.”
“It was amazing, the responses throughout the session and afterwards were brilliant. Not only on how you have shown true resilience throughout your life, your persistence and obviously your breathe breathtaking performance – but wonderful for us to see the impact you’ve made on members of our leadership team.”
“Nicholas is a fantastic speaker with a unique and inspiring story that resonated with the entire conference. his performance at the piano added something extra which we’ve never seen from other speakers we’ve had in the past. was the highlight of the day”
“Nicholas is a funny, engaging and deeply moving speaker who managed to capture the entire audience in the palm of his single hand. truly amazing.”
Based out of Amsterdam, over the past quarter century we have a built a global network that allows us to connect our clients to the most relevant and engaging experts and thought leaders who inspire, educate, challenge and entertain their audiences around the world both on stage and in live and recorded online events.
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