Kirstin Ferguson is one of the world’s most influential voices on leadership. Recognised globally by Thinkers50 as one of the top 50 management thinkers and recipient of the 2023 Distinguished Leadership Award, Kirstin brings a rare combination of academic insight and real-world experience to her work.

Beginning her career as an officer in the Royal Australian Air Force, Kirstin went on to lead an international consulting firm as CEO, before serving on the boards of major publicly listed, private, and non-profit organisations. She was acting chair and deputy chair of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and has spent more than 15 years shaping governance and culture at the highest levels.

Kirstin holds a PhD in leadership and culture, with honours degrees in law and history. She is an adjunct professor at the QUT Business School and has been named Outstanding Alumnus of the Year (QUT) and Alumni of the Year for Professional Achievement (UNSW).

She is the author of Blindspotting (2025), Head & Heart (2023), and Women Kind (2018)—books that have earned international acclaim for their practical wisdom and human-centred approach to leadership. As a keynote speaker, Kirstin is trusted by global audiences to deliver powerful, thought-provoking talks that inspire lasting change.

Her weekly column “Got a Minute?” in the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age offers sharp, accessible advice on leadership and life at work.