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SPEAKING TOPICS

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TURNING ADVERSITY INTO ADVANTAGES

No one is spared from challenges, adversities, setbacks, or obstacles, regardless of their form. Dr. William Tan’s journey began with a diagnosis of poliomyelitis at the age of two, which left him paralyzed from the waist down. Growing up without access to leg braces, crutches, or a wheelchair due to financial constraints, he had to crawl everywhere and was often seen as someone without hope.Despite these challenges, his parents instilled in him the values of self-belief, resourcefulness, and the drive to maximize his potential, focusing on his strengths—his arms and his mind.
 
Undeterred by repeated rejections from medical school admission boards, Dr. Tan’s resolve only grew stronger, propelling him to work harder and persevere. After 21 years of relentless determination, he was finally accepted into medical school, becoming the first and only wheelchair-user physician in Singapore—a rare achievement anywhere in the world.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Resilience in the Face of Adversity

  • Maximizing Potential with Available Resources

  • The Power of Perseverance

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THE POWER OF POSSIBILITY THINKING

Some push boundaries, some are confined by them, and some transcend them entirely. These individuals see no limits to what they can achieve, except for the limits they impose on themselves. For them, the word "impossible" transforms into "I M Possible". To thrive in such circumstances, organizations can draw inspiration from those who have faced life-and-death decisions and emerged stronger.
 
Dr. William Tan’s extraordinary journey of personal survival and triumph against overwhelming odds underscores powerful lessons about goal setting, risk management, teamwork, hope, and the boundless potential of the human spirit.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • The Art of Transforming the Impossible

  • Leadership Lessons from Extreme Challenges

  • Hope and Resilience in Adversity

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TURNING SETBACKS INTO COMEBACKS

For both individuals and organizations, the ideal outcome for any endeavor is a strong finish, much like completing a marathon. However, in the face of uncontrollable factors, the reality often diverges from this ideal. For some, setbacks can shatter dreams, while for others, setbacks become the foundation for remarkable comebacks.
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Dr. William Tan embodies the belief that "tough times never last, but tough people do." He chose to focus on solutions rather than dwelling on problems, relying on the unwavering support of family and friends. His resilience enabled him to overcome cancer treatment, return to competitive sports, and resume his medical practice, dedicating his life to caring for other cancer patients.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Transforming Setbacks into Comebacks

  • The Power of Support Systems

  • ​Resilience in Action

Contact

For speaking enquiries please reach out to
Email: hello@drwilliamtan.com

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© 2025 by Dr. William Tan.

All rights reserved.

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