Shayla Strapps

Shayla Strapps, a human rights lawyer with a remarkable 20-year career marked by numerous accolades, has dedicated her life to advocating for the most vulnerable and marginalised members of society. Her career is not only a testament to her relentless pursuit of justice but also to her ability to drive outcomes and success in some of the most challenging environments.

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Testimonials for Shayla Strapps

“Shayla is a powerful speaker, able to articulate the action required by each of us in achieving social equity. As an award winning lawyer she knows the justice system and has seen first hand how our vulnerable experience disadvantage. And while her message is powerful in regard to the systems level changes that are needed, she also has a message for all of us. That we each need to embody the change we seek.”

Melinda Cahill, Marketing Director, Huddle

“Shayla’s speech was everything I hoped it would be. Her ability to read the crowd and share her experiences and stories in a relatable way that captured everyone’s attention was exceptional. I was so grateful to Shayla for engaging with our community. Her messages on inspiring change left a lasting impression on me. We have had nothing but positive feedback from everyone that attended”

Kellie Radalj, Assistant Branch Manager – Bendigo Bank

“Shayla is an exceptional public speaker. The way she presents is appealing and engaging, using her extensive experience in the field of law and translating it into practical lessons. It is the way Shayla translates her story and presents her experiences which really make her presentations stand out. Shayla maintains a humility that is refreshing despite her impressive background and she is always truthful, open and clear. Shayla leaves a lasting impression and after hearing her speak I am often reflecting on how I can best implement her learnings into the work I do as a leader.”

Elsie Blay, General Manager Housing & Homelessness – Ruah Community Services

“Shayla Strapps achieves cut through and influence whenever she speaks. Her professional experience, empathy, precise language, exposure to diverse people and perspectives, commanding presence and an ability to tell a compelling and targeted narrative, provides the powerful components to being a standout and memorable public speaker. There are too many ‘professional’ speakers who are formulaic, repetitive and sometimes with little to say. In these current times, this delivery is bland and unprogressive. Shayla Straps provides an opportunity to engage and re-engage with ideas, issues and people in a fresh, compelling, inclusive and powerful manner. Highly recommended.”

Aine Whelan, General Manager Marketing, Business Development & Community Engagement.

Shayla Strapps travels from WA, Australia
Fee Range: POA

Shayla Strapps's Biography

Shayla's leadership journey has been shaped by high-stakes advocacy, where resilience and strategic vision were crucial in navigating complex systems to achieve meaningful change. From remote detention centres to women’s refuges and prisons, Shayla has worked tirelessly to break down barriers and champion equity, using her unique experiences to craft impactful solutions. Her work shows that resilience is not just about survival, but about maintaining momentum and achieving lasting results in the face of adversity.

Drawing on her extensive experience as a leader, former CEO, and advocate, Shayla shares powerful insights on how to build strength within teams, define a shared purpose, and lead with clarity in high-pressure situations. She demonstrates how small, intentional actions can drive substantial change, even in broken systems, and how focused leadership is key to long-term success. Her narrative is an inspiring call to action for leaders to pursue ambitious goals, build resilient teams, and stay committed to achieving lasting impact, no matter the challenges ahead.

In addition to her leadership messages, Shayla shares candidly about her own life, when at the peak of her career, Shayla experienced a profound turning point when she was diagnosed with a chronic injury and severe burnout shortly after receiving the prestigious WA Women Lawyer of the Year Award in 2022. At rock bottom, this pivotal moment forced her to confront the personal toll of her relentless dedication to social justice. Taking 18 months to recover, Shayla embarked on a soul-searching journey, seeking to find a balance between her passion for advocacy and the well-being of herself and her family.

As a captivating storyteller, Shayla sheds light on the struggles of those she has served but also unveils the profound impact these interactions have had on her own life. Shayla demonstrates how small actions in our everyday work can create substantial change, promoting equity even within challenging, unjust systems. This resonates deeply with her message of balance, showing that by addressing personal and societal inequities, real progress can be made. Shayla’s story, one of inspiration, resilience and transformation, is a powerful reminder that personal clarity and balance are essential not only to individual success but also to sustaining the broader impact we seek to create.

Speaking Topics Include

“Start with One”

In “Start with One,” Shayla Strapps emphasises that even the most overwhelming global issues can be addressed by focusing on one person or problem at a time. Drawing from her extensive experience with marginalised and vulnerable communities, Shayla illustrates how small, individual actions can spark significant, lasting change. This keynote highlights that impactful transformation begins with simple, direct efforts—whether it’s a single conversation or a modest act of support. Shayla inspires her audience to recognise the power of focusing on immediate, manageable tasks and demonstrates how these incremental steps can collectively drive meaningful progress in their communities and workplaces.

“Small Steps, Big Change: Equity Through Everyday Actions”

“Small Steps, Big Change” draws on Shayla Strapps’ 23 years of advocacy for marginalised groups, including women facing violence, refugees, and those with mental health issues. Shayla shares compelling stories showing how even minor actions can lead to substantial changes in seemingly broken systems. She argues that real progress towards equity often arises from consistent, everyday actions rather than grand gestures. Shayla encourages individuals to identify opportunities for small changes in their own lives and careers, demonstrating how these actions can ripple outward to promote justice and equity in broader contexts.

“Strength in Unity: Resilience for Success”

In “Strength in Unity,” Shayla Strapps explores how resilience and teamwork are essential for achieving success, particularly in high-stakes environments. Drawing from over 20 years as a human rights lawyer and CEO, Shayla shares strategies for maintaining resilience and sustaining progress amidst adversity. She emphasises the importance of building team strength, defining a common purpose, and learning from setbacks. This keynote inspires attendees to harness collective resilience to drive long-term, meaningful change, reinforcing that achieving ambitious goals requires unity, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to progress.

“Purposeful Progress: Career and Life Clarity”

“Purposeful Progress” focuses on Shayla Strapps’ journey from burnout to balance. At the peak of her career, overwhelmed by relentless pressure and chronic pain, Shayla redefined success on her own terms. She rebuilt her life by aligning her work and personal goals with her core values, finding fulfillment without abandoning her profession. In this keynote, Shayla, a seasoned coach and consultant, offers guidance on setting boundaries, silencing critics, and making bold career and life changes. Attendees will gain insights into crafting a career and life that reflect their true desires, moving beyond obligation to build a future grounded in personal clarity and authenticity.

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