Kirstin Ferguson

Kirstin Ferguson, an acclaimed Australian author and columnist, is also a recognized authority in the realm of leadership and culture. Her longstanding passion for these topics has been widely acknowledged, with Thinkers50 ranking her as one of the top 50 management thinkers in the world. As a former Royal Australian Air Force officer and a PhD holder in Safety Leadership and Safety Governance, Ferguson's unique blend of academic and practical experience lends credence to her insights. Her leadership roles span various organizations, including Dart Energy and the Queensland Reds Rugby Union team, further enhancing her extensive knowledge base.

Ferguson is perhaps best known for her innovative #CelebratingWomen campaign, which she originated in 2017, and which has since gained significant momentum. This campaign showcases her commitment to promoting gender equality, a topic she further delved into in her co-authored book, "Women Kind." Her subsequent publication, "Head & Heart: The Art of Modern Leadership," underscores her nuanced understanding of contemporary leadership, making her a voice of authority in this sphere. As a weekly columnist for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, Ferguson continues to share her insights with a wider audience.

Beyond her writings and initiatives, Ferguson's contributions have been acknowledged with numerous awards and recognitions. She has been awarded the 1993 Chief of Defence Force Air Force Prize, the 1998 Australian Defence Medal, the 2003 Sir Winston Churchill Fellowship, and many more. Her most notable achievements include the 2023 Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to business and gender equality and the 2023 Thinkers50 Distinguished Award for Leadership. In addition, Ferguson has served as the Acting Chairman of the ABC Board and is currently the ABC's Deputy Chairman, further underscoring her leadership prowess.