Penelope Twemlow

Penelope Twemlow's Biography

Penelope Twemlow is a true leader of people and operations, she is passionate about and actively supports various agencies working in the equity and diversity, domestic violence, mental health and homelessness arenas.

Penelope is a multi-degree qualified professional with 25 years’ experience in strategic and operational management, project and risk management, and governance and compliance. Penelope also demonstrates people management, organisational culture and communications skills across a wide demographic and range of disciplines.

During her 20+ years of service in the Royal Australian Navy, Penelope undertook strategic level appointments in project, human resource, risk and emergency management, as well as being a member of the Australian Defence Force Investigative Service. Penelope can also boast the ability to drive an 8,500 tonne armed warship. She is currently a Nuclear Expert with the Australian Submarine Agency.

From 2010 to 2015, Penelope provided services for national and international clients in the government sector, mining and resources, oil and gas, public utilities, transport and civil construction as a consultant.

In June 2015, Penelope became the Chief Executive Officer of Energy Skills Queensland, the leading, independent, not-for-profit organisation providing innovative solutions to enable a skilled and safe energy industry. After successfully transitioning the organisation back to a profitable status, she moved into the consulting arena, working for KPMG, PwC and Ashurst Risk Advisory as a Senior Director to various public and private organisations both nationally and internationally.

Penelope is also the Founder and Chair of Women in Power whose mission is to promote and improve the electrical and electrotechnology industry by the advancement of women within it. She is also the Chair of the Queensland Electrical Safety Education Committee on behalf of the Electrical Safety Officer and a committee member of the National Association of Women in Construction.

Penelope is passionate about all causes and actively supports the community via a number of different means. Penelope is a strong advocate for raising awareness and promoting support to individuals at risk of developing or those suffering from mental health. She is an Ambassador for White Ribbon Australia, speaking out and standing up for the prevention of domestic violence against all parties. She is also an avid support of organisations providing assistance and support to the homeless and military veterans.

Penelope is a true leader of people and operations. She has been recognised as an innovator with unsurpassed drive and passion. She continues to receive accolades for her vision and entrepreneurship, including being named the 2016 Queensland Telstra Business Woman of the Year for the Social Enterprise and Not-for-Profit category.

She is a sought after speaker and author and her compassionate nature and high level of emotional intelligence allow her to provide support to all stakeholders. Her stamina, resilience and wicked sense of humour have carried her through extraordinary challenges.

Penelope is sought after for her inspiring and insightful keynote speeches at conferences, offsite meetings, and marketing events. She has presented at exclusive venues including the Australian National Press Club and the Grand Hall in Government House. Strong demand for Penelope's expertise has seen her presenting as a keynote speaker both nationally and internationally

Make your event a resounding success with keynote speaker Penelope Twemlow's compelling and inspirational presentations.

Contact speakers’ agent Helene Greenham directly to enquire about Penelope Twemlow for your next event – helene@platinumspeakers.com.au

Speaking Topics Include

Make your mark

Whether you want to get more enjoyment from the path you're on or completely over-haul your life, you'll learn valuable tools to map out a plan, achieve your biggest goals and overcome any challenge. This discussion combines insightful advice with powerful questions to help you dig beneath your deepest fears and enjoy more of what you've longed for — in your work, relationships and life.

Build A Better You: Building resilience and overcoming adversity

Resilience is that amazing skill that helps you recover quickly from difficulties. If you are resilient, then when life knocks you down, you bounce back and sometimes, stronger than before. So how do you become a resilient person? This discussion combats difficult topics using my life story, including working in male dominated industries, domestic violence, and mental health. I outline how a ‘breakdown can be a break through’, by overcoming adversity and building resilience.

Inspirational Leadership

What is leadership and how does one learn it? Can it be learnt or is it part of our DNA? During this discussion, we try to understand what success looks like from a leadership perspective, emotional intelligence and leadership, Drawbridge vs Rapunzel Leaders, leadership styles, essential qualities of an effective leader, how to develop 21st century critical thinkers and what it takes to be a senior executive.

Get comfortable with being uncomfortable

All people are capable of being an amazing leader, but in order to do so, they must become comfortable with being uncomfortable and to live and lead a life with courage to thrive. This presentation discusses how to find your authentic leadership style, the best ways to counter unconscious bias, conquering Imposter Syndrome and how to build the capacity and confidence to ‘lean in’ and lead well.

Digital Disruption

Business and government leaders do not need to look far into the future to see the new wave of digital disruption headed towards them. It is already here, transforming the way companies and agencies operate and how they engage with their customers. This presentation discusses technological trends and their impact on society and industry and aims to provide thought leadership on the need for continued innovation and collaboration between industry and organisations in order to survive the rapidly changing global climate.

Finding purpose and passion - What is your why?

A discussion that will touch, move and inspire; it is all about making powerful choices to live a life that you love. This is about putting meaning in your work, discovering your passion, learning about positivity – sticking with it and being persistent… and ultimately fulfilling on your true purpose. Knowing what drives you will give you the platform for a rich and wonderful experience of life.

Skills of the future

Education of any kind is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world; it is a critical investment in ones future. This presentation discusses the importance of education and particular skills needed for the future. It can also focus on the requirements to increase the uptake of STEM at school and post-school, particularly with women.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

How far we’ve come

Stepping into our power

How we can all press for progress

Why diversity matters for social progress & the bottom line

Penelope is an accomplished MC & can help craft your panel event

Designing the life you want

Why science is an exciting journey for girls, teens and women

How a scientific approach can advance every career

Why closing the gender gap is everyone’s business, and good for the future of Australia’s economy

From ideas to actual: How to use creativity and diversity as an innovation driver

How to build effective, connected teams and embed values-led culture in the workplace

The power of active mentorship to build leadership capability, purpose and influence

How to think like an entrepreneur: Bringing Innovation, Design Thinking and Human Centred toolkits to the workplace

Why the education system is broken, and how we fix it with real world, industry-backed learning

How to make a real difference in the educational experiences and learning outcomes of girls