Kirstin Ferguson

Dr. Kirstin Ferguson AM stands out as one of Australia's foremost authorities on leadership.

As an accomplished award-winning author, columnist, and company director, Kirstin's significant contributions to business and gender equality were acknowledged with her appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia in 2023.

Beyond Australia, Kirstin has earned global recognition, being named one of the world's top 30 "Thinkers to Watch" by UK-based Thinkers50. She was shortlisted for the Distinguished Award in Leadership in both 2023 and 2021.

With a leadership career spanning three decades, Kirstin has held notable positions, including an appointment by the Australian Prime Minister as Acting Chair and Deputy Chair of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Her diverse background includes serving as the CEO of a global consulting firm, holding a senior executive role at a prominent corporate law firm, and spending almost a decade as an Officer in the Royal Australian Air Force.

Kirstin boasts academic achievements, holding a PhD in leadership and culture, as well as Honours degrees in Law and History. She serves as an Adjunct Professor at the QUT Business School and is a Sir Winston Churchill Fellow.

Her first book, "Women Kind: Unlocking the power of women supporting women" (Murdoch Books), co-authored with Catherine Fox, earned the Australian Business Book Award for Management and HR book of the year. Kirstin's second book, "Head & Heart: The Art of Modern Leadership" (Penguin Random House), debuted in the top 10 non-fiction bestseller list and was recognized by Thinkers50 as one of the top 10 best new management books worldwide in 2023.

Kirstin is a prolific writer, contributing a popular weekly column titled "Got a Minute?" to The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, addressing the nation's work, leadership, and culture questions. She also provides insights to the Financial Review.

A fervent advocate for women, diversity, and inclusion, Kirstin initiated the viral social media campaign #CelebratingWomen, celebrating 757 women from 37 countries around the world.