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Dr Kirstin Ferguson
PrintDr Kirstin Ferguson AM is one of the world's most recognised leadership experts, and has been ranked as one of the top 50 management thinkers in the world.
Speaker Categories
- Business Speakers
- CEO's and Business Leaders Speakers
- Community / Social Conscience Speakers
- Diversity and Inclusion Speakers
- Female Motivational Speakers
- Inspirational Keynote Speakers
- Leadership Speakers
- Thought Leaders
- Workplace Safety/ OH&S Speakers
Testimonials for Dr Kirstin Ferguson
Your capture of what is needed to build trust today and the traits of strong leaders powerfully set the tone for the Congress program. I received an amazing amount of positive feedback on your presentation and you were rated in our top five speakers in our post delegate survey! Many thanks again for the insights and experiences shared. It was a very memorable and moving address.
Property Council of Australia
I've just landed back in Sydney and still feel inspired by our lunch - thanks so much for your wonderful insights and refreshing candour, it set the scene for an open, engaged gathering where people shared and learnt from each other - that's a special kind of magic!
Australian Industry Group
I found it interesting and thought provoking. The contrast of your examples got me thinking about the underlying premise of we believe we should invest heavily in seeking to have safer workplaces. I'm sure I'll ponder that all weekend and I wouldn't have started think about that issue, were it not for your presentation. You've had an impact. You've also given me a greater understanding of what an "integrated" (if I can use your word) business looks. All up well worth attending and you are an enjoyable presenter to listen to.
Women in Safety
Dr Kirstin Ferguson has emerged into the speaking circuit as one of our nation’s most engaging and inspiring speakers. When Dr Ferguson addresses a room, her energy and passionate commitment to the cause of diversity and inclusiveness is infectious. People really listen and believe every word she says. Her approach is endearing, her connection to people is truly authentic and her leadership is undeniable. Like the most inspiring speakers and leaders, you will hang on every word she says and never forget how great she makes you feel.
DibbsBaker
It was my great honour to host Dr Kirstin Ferguson on behalf of the EML Group today and learn, cheer and lean in to her experience of authenticity, intellect, emotional intelligence and instinct in leadership. We have all benefited from her global movement of #CelebratingWomen and today from her generosity.
CEO of EMLife
Your manner and style as our MC simply exuded positive inspiration and professionalism. Your involvement with Ozwater so helped set the tone for the conference’s Evolution, Revolution theme and perfectly reflected the professionalism of the overall delivery of the event. Having an MC with your communication skills and direct experience in the water sector gave the conference a special polish not often seen at such events. Thank you so much for your work - it was truly appreciated by all of us at the Association and importantly by our delegates
Australian Water Association
Fee Range: POA
Dr Kirstin Ferguson's Biography
Dr Kirstin Ferguson AM is one of the world's most recognised leadership experts, and has been ranked as one of the top 50 management thinkers in the world.
With 30 years senior leadership experience Kirstin spent fifteen years as a board chair and company director, sitting on a wide range of private company, large publicly listed and government boards. These roles also included an appointment by the Australian Prime Minister as Acting Chair and Deputy Chair of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
Kirstin’s executive career included roles as CEO of a global consulting firm, and a senior executive at a leading corporate law firm. Kirstin began her career as an Officer in the Royal Australian Air Force.
In 2023, Kirstin was recognised as a Member of the Order of Australia for her significant contributions to business and gender equality.
Bestselling author and award-winning leadership researcher
Kirstin has a PhD in leadership and culture and is an Adjunct Professor at the QUT School of Business. Kirstin also has honours degrees in Law, and History.
Kirstin won the prestigious Thinkers50 Distinguished Award for Leadership and was ranked in the Thinkers50 list of top fifty management thinkers in the world.
An author of two books, her latest book, Head & Heart: The Art of Modern Leadership (Penguin Random House, 2023), debuted in the top 10 non-fiction bestseller list on release, and has won numerous awards.
Kirstin has opened conferences and spoken at corporate events all over the world including keynotes at UNLEASH HR in Las Vegas and Paris, SXSW Sydney, Oracle CloudWorld in Las Vegas, Paradigm Shift in Los Angeles, and IOSH London.
With experience opening and closing events from many hundreds of attendees, to many thousands, Kirstin brings her power of storytelling through videos and case studies, her personal leadership experience, research credibility and down-to-earth manner to every speaking engagement.
Kirstin inspires, engages and educates her audiences while imparting wisdom and knowledge for attendees to take away and apply.
Speaking Topics Include
Leading with Impact: Mastering the art of modern leadership
In this highly interactive keynote address, award-winning leadership expert and best-selling author, Dr Kirstin Ferguson AM, will both entertain and challenge attendees. She will encourage everyone, regardless of their position title, to consider whether their leadership approach is still fit for purpose. Kirstin reminds us that leadership is simply a series of moments, and each moment presents an opportunity to leave a positive impact.
Through the use of videos, case studies and her down-to-earth style, Kirstin will challenge each of us to think about how we can best role model leading with the head and heart, especially amidst the demands of an increasingly complex working environment. Drawing from the latest research from her bestselling book, Head & Heart: The Art of Modern Leadership, Kirstin will provide insights that are guaranteed to inspire you to become the most effective leader you can be.
Kirstin tailors her presentation content to the audience, industry, or organisation - ensuring it is engaging and relevant for all attendees.
Key takeaways:
Overview of the attributes of head and heart leadership
Understanding the most effective ways to lead with impact and the power that leadership moments have at work, in our communities and in our families
Reinforcing we are all leaders, regardless of our position titles
Understanding how to integrate our leadership across all areas of our life
Personalised Head and Heart Leader Scale report
Leading with Impact: Unlocking the Power of Blindspotting
What if the biggest obstacle to your success is something you can’teven see?
In this highly interactive keynote, using videos, case studies and storytelling, attendees will have the opportunity to shine a light on the hidden gaps in their thinking and decision-making. These gaps can have profound consequences, not just for themselves but for the teams and organisations they lead. Attendees will be equipped with the tools needed to unlock smarter decisions, build stronger teams and oversee breakthrough innovations. This will enable them to have an even greater impact as leaders. The most effective leaders are those who can adapt to new realities, where the ability to learn, unlearn, and pivot is far more valuable than holding all the answers. Kirstin will present her research in a practical and accessible way, explaining how attendees can apply the three blindspotting mindsets - Be Honest. Be Curious. Be Flexible.
Ideal audience Anyone in a formal leadership position (from CEOs to frontline supervisors), particularly those working in fast moving environments Front line workers who can benefit from blindspotting in all areas of their life.
Delivery Options:
Keynote - up to 1 hour
Workshop - up to 2 hours
Kirstin can speak to any of the following areas:
Trust and Purpose
Emotional intelligence
Feedback cultures
Crisis leadership
Diversity and inclusion
Corporate culture
Psychologically safe workplaces
Kirstin’s personal leadership journey