Friska Wirya

Friska Wirya is a change leadership strategist and recognized change management thought leader. As the founder of Fresh by Friska, Wirya partners with major enterprises to drive tech-enabled transformation and embed sustainable new ways of working.

Wirya has extensive experience leading behavior change initiatives in diverse environments, from the Pilbara to remote regions of Indonesia. She specializes in influence, communication, and persuasive strategies to encourage individuals from varied backgrounds and professions to adopt new approaches.

Wirya is known for delivering large-scale corporate transformations, including a US$170 million cost-saving initiative for a major gold mining company, executing the digital response to COVID for a leading Australian university, and supporting the world's largest engineering company in accelerating its net-zero strategy. She has also managed a $42 million technology overhaul for the world's largest policing jurisdiction. Her change programs have influenced up to 23,000 people across six continents, with experience in mining, engineering, and technology sectors.

Her expertise has been sought by organizations such as Microsoft, Salesforce, and S&P Global, and at international events including Women in Leadership Asia, Future of Mining Sydney, Wonder Women Tech, and the Mining Leaders Forum Perth.

Wirya is a two-time number one bestselling author, with works including "The Future Fit Organisation: A Leader's Guide to Transformation" and "The Future Fit Asian Organization: Balancing Tradition with Transformation." Her books are available at Kinokuniya, Harvard University, Periplus, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. She also hosts the "Future Fit with Friska" podcast and created "Ask Friska," an AI-powered tool for leaders navigating organizational change.

Wirya delivered a TEDx talk in Melbourne on future fitness. Her sessions combine insight with practical strategies, linking human behavior, adoption, and measurable business outcomes. She has delivered keynotes and capability programs across Australia and internationally, addressing audiences of up to 5,000 at events such as Future of Mining and Emirates NBD leadership forums.

Wirya's personal story includes overcoming significant adversity, including the loss of both parents as an infant, a nomadic childhood, racism, bullying, homelessness, and addiction. She has received awards such as Top 10 Indonesian Women Change Makers, Top 50 Asia Pacific Business Influencers, Top 50 Asia Pacific Consultants, and Stevie Awards, including IBA Bronze and APAC Silver and Bronze honors. Her work has been featured in publications including The Sydney Morning Herald, Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, SmartCompany, AFR, CEO Magazine, Business Insider, Women's Agenda, and UN Women Australia.