Shirley Chowdhary is a compelling voice on leadership, belonging and change in a fractured world. Her career has traversed continents and sectors—from boardrooms in Tokyo and a Wall Street law firm to Indigenous communities in Australia—giving her a unique vantage point on power, trust and transformation. A gifted communicator and thoughtful provocateur, she helps audiences understand how to lead through disruption, amplify marginalised voices and build organisations where integrity and performance co-exist. Shirley brings gravitas without jargon, and an unwavering commitment to helping individuals and institutions create lasting impact.
Current Work
Shirley is Chair of Women for Election and serves as an external member of the People & Culture Committee of the Senate of the University of Sydney. She sits on the Advisory Boards of Mentor Walks, a global initiative supporting women’s leadership through mentoring, and Propel Group, a strategic firm helping boards and executives ‘get social media right’ in moments that matter.
Her current board focus lies at the intersection of governance and innovation. She is conducting research into the use of generative AI in boardrooms and decision-making environments, exploring how boards can integrate human and artificial intelligence to enhance strategy, productivity and accountability.
Shirley’s expertise includes:
Shirley speaks from lived experience in senior leadership roles across legal, financial, government and not-for-profit sectors. Her expertise includes:
• Leading through disruption across global and cross-cultural environments (US, Japan, Australia, Asia and working across the US, Canada, Africa and Europe)
• Reframing diversity, equity and inclusion to focus on trust, accountability and institutional relevance
• Driving Indigenous engagement and community-led social impact alongside shareholder value
• Embedding contemporary governance in listed, private and for-purpose organisations
• Ethics, AI and the future of decision-making on boards
• Navigating identity, career breaks and the hidden cost of professional reinvention
Previous Experience
Shirley began her career in New York with one of the big Wall Street firms, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton, advising global institutions on M&A, project finance and capital markets. She later served as Regional Counsel for JP Morgan Investment Management out of Tokyo and as Counsel at Westpac in Sydney.
In 2016, Shirley became the inaugural CEO of the GO Foundation, an Indigenous education organisation founded by AFL greats Adam Goodes and Michael O’Loughlin. Under her leadership, the organisation scaled rapidly, building a collaborative funding and service model that aligned government, philanthropy, corporates and community.
She has served as Chair of the Australian Institute of Architects, Deputy Chair of YMCA NSW, and as a non-executive director of Northrop Consulting Engineers and Australian Associated Press. She has hosted two seasons of The Leadership Lessons podcast for Women’s Agenda and authored a biography of a WWII prisoner of war.
Recognition
• Honorary Doctor of Letters, University of Sydney (2024)
• AFR 100 Women of Influence (2019)
Talking Points
AI in the Boardroom: A New Era of Decision-Making
As technology reshapes the world of work, generative AI is emerging as a critical thinking partner for boards—not to replace judgement, but to enhance it. Shirley explores how directors and governance professionals can harness AI to strengthen oversight, sharpen strategy, and meet their directors’ duties with greater rigour. Drawing on her research, she outlines a future in which boards make faster, better-informed, and more transparent decisions by combining human and artificial intelligence—anchored in ethics, trust, and the complexity of today’s governance environments.AI in the Boardroom: A New Era of Decision-Making
Key Talking Points
• How generative AI can reduce information overload and support real-time decision-making in the boardroom
• The evolving duty of care: why directors must build AI literacy and incorporate AI usage to meet governance obligations
• Examples of boardroom applications—strategy prompts, decision audits, KPI analysis, and bias detection
• The benefits of grounding AI tools in historical organisational data (board papers, financials, strategic plans)
• Cultural readiness and boardroom trust: balancing experiential judgement with algorithmic insight
Who is this for?
• Board directors, governance professionals, company secretaries, and executive teams
• ASX-listed, private, government, and for-purpose boards seeking to modernise oversight and embed innovation
• Regulators, consultants, and policy-makers shaping the future of AI governance
• Organisations under pressure to do more with less, manage complex risks, and remain competitive in a changing world
Equity Under Pressure: How to Lead Through the Gender Backlash
Creating a competitive edge in business is increasingly difficult—yet organisations may not yet fully realise the benefits that gender equity can offer. Despite ongoing efforts, many indicators suggest that progress is slowing or even reversing. In this keynote, Shirley presents a balanced and strategic view of gender equity as an organisational opportunity, openly recognising the challenges and concerns leaders currently face, including backlash, resistance, and discomfort.Equity Under Pressure: How to Lead Through the Gender Backlash
With empathy and pragmatism, Shirley explores why a balanced approach to gender equity remains essential for organisational effectiveness and innovation, and how leaders can advance equity initiatives constructively and inclusively. Drawing on her extensive leadership experience in international law, finance, government, and governance, Shirley discusses how systems can evolve to better serve everyone—both women and men alike.
Key Talking Points
• Recognising and constructively responding to backlash; understanding what it reveals about organisational culture and how to address it effectively.
• How women's economic empowerment contributes directly to organisational performance, innovation, and resilience.
• Understanding intersectionality in practice: ensuring diverse perspectives genuinely inform organisational decisions and culture.
• The organisational risks of stagnation: why stepping back from equity initiatives can affect performance, engagement, and relevance.
Who is this for?
• Organisations aiming to achieve (or struggling with) balanced representation and inclusive leadership at all levels.
• Leaders managing organisational change who seek practical, constructive approaches to inclusion.
• Government, corporate, and institutional decision-makers interested in sustainable and effective inclusion strategies.
Beyond DEI: Rebuilding Trust Through Culture and Action
Diversity and inclusion are essential elements of organisational effectiveness, innovation, and trust, yet today’s conversations around DEI have become increasingly complex and divisive. Many organisations face genuine challenges navigating this space, with some employees and leaders feeling uncertain or sidelined by current approaches. In this keynote, Shirley acknowledges these concerns, offering a practical and balanced way forward that emphasises shared benefits, mutual understanding, and organisational resilience.Beyond DEI: Rebuilding Trust Through Culture and Action
Drawing on deep governance expertise and extensive leadership experience, Shirley positions diversity not as a divisive or zero-sum issue, but as a strategic advantage directly tied to organisational success. She explains how inclusive thinking enhances product design, sharpens marketing, drives innovation, boosts sales, and improves overall organisational performance. Shirley also explores constructive approaches to inclusion that foster meaningful engagement across the organisation and its stakeholders.
Key Talking Points
• How diverse thinking, backgrounds, and lived experiences directly enhance product innovation, marketing effectiveness, sales performance, and customer engagement.
• Practical ways to integrate inclusive practices into organisational culture, governance frameworks, and stakeholder interactions.
• Understanding and thoughtfully addressing resistance or backlash—learning from it rather than dismissing it.
• Governance insights on inclusion: effectively managing organisational change in response to shifting expectations.
Who is this for?
• Boards and executive teams facing uncertainty, resistance, or complexity around DEI initiatives.
• Organisations (corporate, government, NFP, philanthropic) seeking stronger alignment between inclusive practices and market outcomes.
• Leaders managing shifting generational expectations, employee engagement, or reputational concerns.
• HR, governance, and culture professionals building practical frameworks for sustained organisational inclusion and performance.
Representation Matters: The Impact of Women in Political Leadership
Australia’s democratic health relies on political institutions reflecting the people they serve. Yet the full value of diverse representation, particularly women in leadership roles, remains unrealised. In this keynote, Shirley draws on her governance expertise and experience as Chair of Women for Election to explore why increasing women’s representation in politics matters—not just as a measure of fairness, but as an investment in better policy, stronger institutions, and greater public trust.Representation Matters: The Impact of Women in Political Leadership
This session reframes the representation conversation from identity politics toward strategic benefit, democratic legitimacy, and community outcomes. Shirley highlights how inclusive representation strengthens democracy itself, arguing that we all deserve to see ourselves reflected in government. With insight and clarity, she outlines how political systems can become more resilient, responsive, and trusted with additional women’s voices.
Key Talking Points
• Why diverse political leadership strengthens democracy and creates more responsive and effective institutions
• The link between representation, democratic legitimacy, and greater civic engagement
• Practical examples from Australia and abroad demonstrating positive governance outcomes driven by increased representation
• The responsibility of organisations, communities, and leaders to actively support inclusive political representation
Who is this for?
• Government, corporate, philanthropic, and civic leaders invested in better governance and democratic health
• Leadership programs and educational institutions interested in civic participation and inclusive governance
• Public sector and policy professionals exploring ways to enhance trust, responsiveness, and institutional effectiveness
• Organisations and networks committed to building representative leadership for stronger democracies
Shifting the Lens: A Leadership Approach to First Nations Engagement
Reconciliation must be more than a word—it must be embedded in how we lead, govern and make decisions. Shirley draws on years of partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders to outline how organisations can move beyond symbolism and statements toward authentic and sustained engagement. With experience as the inaugural CEO of the GO Foundation—founded by Adam Goodes and Michael O’Loughlin—and a long history of collaboration with Indigenous communities, Shirley helps organisations connect Reconciliation to risk, reputation and return. She brings a non-Indigenous perspective grounded in respect, action and accountability.Shifting the Lens: A Leadership Approach to First Nations Engagement
Key Talking Points
• Why Indigenous engagement is a governance and leadership imperative—not just a cultural one
• The importance of Indigenous self-determination and being led by what communities ask for
• Practical steps to move beyond performative gestures and build enduring relationships
• The legacy of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and why its message still matters
Who is this for?
• Corporates, NFPs and public sector organisations with Reconciliation Action Plans or partnerships with First Nations communities
• Leadership teams and boards seeking to move from performative action to meaningful engagement
• International audiences seeking to understand Australia’s reconciliation journey and its lessons for justice and equity
• Any organisation engaging with Reconciliation Week, NAIDOC Week, or building long-term Indigenous strategy
Not a Straight Line: Leadership and the Career You Didn't Plan
Shirley’s career has taken her across continents, sectors and stages of life—from a Wall Street law firm in Tokyo to Indigenous leadership and executive roles in Australia. There was no grand plan—just a series of decisions, transitions and opportunities shaped by changing priorities, values and life circumstances. Along the way came deep learning: about identity, resilience, purpose, and the unexpected strength found in uncertainty.Not a Straight Line: Leadership and the Career You Didn't Plan
In this keynote, Shirley shares the leadership lessons gathered across a career that has evolved in ways she never anticipated. She explores how to lead with clarity when the path isn’t linear, how reinvention can become a source of strength, and how moments of change—whether chosen or imposed—can lead to greater meaning and impact. Her reflections—on everything from experiencing sexual harassment to balancing a global career with raising a family—will resonate with anyone navigating the complex, often unspoken reality of professional life.
Key Talking Points
• Why careers that don’t follow a straight line can lead to deep growth
• How to make values-based decisions in moments of uncertainty or transition
• Navigating career transitions with confidence: knowing when to stay, pivot or step away
• The unseen lessons from stepping away: reflection, perspective and re-entry
Who is this for?
• Professionals navigating change, career transitions or leadership development
• Parents and those with care responsibilities in the workforce
• Leadership forums, alumni groups and cross-sector conferences
• Organisations supporting talent retention, reinvention or long-term career planning
• Audiences seeking an honest and empowering conversation about ambition, adaptability and meaning
Owning a Ten-Year Career Break
Career breaks are rarely discussed openly—yet they are a reality for many professionals and often represent periods of deep growth and perspective, or a different kind of work. In this keynote, Shirley shares the story of her ten-year break from corporate Australia and the journey back. She speaks candidly about the shame she carried, the shift in identity, and the challenge of re-entering a changed professional landscape. Her reflections offer a rare and relatable insight into how time away can shape leadership with greater intention, clarity and depth.Owning a Ten-Year Career Break
With experience spanning global law, Indigenous leadership and board governance, Shirley offers practical, grounded insights for those navigating a return after time away from the workforce. She addresses the emotional, professional and structural realities of career breaks—whether taken for caregiving, relocation, personal health or reflection—and reframes them as periods of growth, not absence. This keynote encourages organisations to challenge assumptions, revalue lived experience, and support meaningful re-entry for professionals whose careers have paused but not ended.
Key Talking Points
• Why we must normalise career breaks—and the hidden cost of stigma and silence
• Balancing ambition, identity and caregiving: a reality check for modern professionals
• Practical strategies for returning to work, shifting sectors, or redefining your path
Who is this for?
• Professionals who have taken, are considering, or are returning from a career break
• HR, talent and leadership teams building inclusive re-entry pathways and retention strategies
• Women’s networks, leadership conferences and board-ready programs
• Individuals seeking permission, encouragement or clarity in navigating transitions
High-Performing and Still Not Sure: A Conversation About Imposter Syndrome
Despite decades of experience and recognition—including an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Sydney—Shirley still grapples with imposter syndrome. When she shared her struggle publicly, the response was overwhelming: over 100,000 people engaged with her post, and hundreds reached out with their own stories. In this keynote, Shirley speaks candidly about the silent battles many high-achieving professionals face. She offers practical tools, personal insight, and stories from other leaders she’s interviewed—revealing how imposter syndrome, when acknowledged and understood, can be transformed into a powerful driver for self-awareness and growth.High-Performing and Still Not Sure: A Conversation About Imposter Syndrome
Key Talking Points
• Why imposter syndrome persists—even among the most accomplished—and what it really signals
• Practical techniques for managing doubt and showing up with confidence and clarity
• Lessons from Australia’s most successful leaders, drawn from Shirley’s interviews on The Leadership Lessons podcast
•Why sharing your story might be the most powerful leadership act of all
Who is this for?
• Professionals and leaders across sectors who feel like they don’t belong or aren’t “ready enough”
• Diverse talent navigating underrepresentation or visibility challenges
• Women’s networks, graduate programs, emerging leader cohorts and mentoring initiatives
• Organisations looking to support psychological safety, confidence and storytelling in their teams
MC’ing and Facilitation
Shirley brings a unique blend of gravitas, warmth and attentiveness to every event she hosts. As a seasoned facilitator and storyteller, she creates space for meaningful conversation, engages audiences with authenticity, and ensures that each speaker or panellist feels supported and heard. Whether leading a panel, hosting a major awards ceremony, or moderating difficult conversations, Shirley prepares meticulously, immersing herself in the subject matter, understanding the needs of the audience, and remaining agile in the moment.MC’ing and Facilitation
Her style is inclusive, energising and calm under pressure. Audiences appreciate her ability to keep the room grounded, focused and inspired—while weaving insights and connection throughout the program.
Key Capabilities
• Hosting awards, conferences, summits and launches
• Moderating panels across corporate, government, NFP and academic sectors
• In-depth subject matter engagement to ensure relevance and depth
• Holding space for challenging or nuanced discussions
• Poised delivery and strong time management across formats
Who is this for?
• Event organisers seeking a trusted host to anchor high-profile or sensitive gatherings
• Conferences or leadership forums needing moderation that balances intellect and empathy
• Corporate, government or philanthropic events where preparation, integrity and audience engagement matter
• Panels requiring a thoughtful facilitator who can bridge sectors, generations or disciplines
Video
Shirley Chowdhary on Imposter Syndrome | Saxton Speakers
Imposter syndrome can be a major barrier to personal and professional success, but as Shirley Chowdhary shares in this compelling talk, it doesn’t have to hold you back. Drawing from her own experiences, Shirley highlights the importance of recognising imposter syndrome on a spectrum—from manageable self-doubt to debilitating fear that prevents career progression and personal growth. She challenges audiences to shift their mindset by celebrating successes rather than downplaying them, and she introduces the Gallup Strengths Assessment as a powerful tool for focusing on what we do best. Instead of fixating on weaknesses, she encourages professionals to leverage their natural strengths, boosting confidence and leadership potential.Shirley Chowdhary | MC Host to Women's Agenda Awards | Saxton Speakers
Shirley Chowdhary delivers a powerful opening to the Women’s Agenda Awards, celebrating a decade of championing female voices in media and leadership. She highlights the importance of diverse representation in leadership and the barriers women often face on their journey to success. With a compelling presence, Shirley sets the stage for an inspiring event, recognising the achievements of women who redefine leadership in all its forms.Shirley Chowdhary | Diversity and Inclusion in an Australian Context | Saxton Speakers
Shirley Chowdhary delivers powerful insights on the real challenges facing First Nations people and how organisations can take practical steps toward meaningful inclusion. In this thought-provoking talk, Shirley highlights the critical role of Reconciliation Action Plans, the stark inequalities faced by Indigenous Australians, and the need to embed First Nations perspectives into corporate diversity and inclusion strategies. With a deep understanding of equity, leadership, and social responsibility, Shirley engages audiences with compelling data and real-world solutions to foster change.Audio
Shirley was a wonderfully engaging speaker. Her insights into how to be a positive ally for indigenous advancement were invaluable. Her engaging, authentic style was very accessible to our d ... keep reading Jemena
We would like to express our deepest gratitude to Shirley who delivered an incredibly authentic, raw and engaging keynote. We have received nothing but the highest praise with some of the audience noting that it was one of the best keynote speeches they had ever heard - totally frank, honest and very relatable.
There has been a lot of anecdotal feedback about Shirley and every single person has said how amazing she was and that they really enjoyed her at this event. On a personal note, I would like to thank Shirley for being a fantastic keynote speaker who really made a difference to our event. Shirley’s individual speech was fantastic and real, her knowledge and expertise was invaluable and really made a difference. During the panel Q&A Shirley created a comfortable, friendly atmosphere that slowed for fluid and engaging discussion. Someone said to me they felt like they were listening in at a dinner party. It was truly a comfortable and engaging discussion. However, that did not make the conversation any less insightful or meaningful. Before and during the event Shirley has been truly a pleasure to work with.
Shirley has an exceptional ability to completely engage her audience from start to finish. She is extremely knowledgeable in all aspects on Inclusion and diversity, and she is one of the most authentic speakers I have had the privilege of moderating. I would highly recommend Shirley for any discussion on Inclusion and diversity.
Shirley was AMAZING. She was so calm and considered in her delivery, and definitely got the room talking about treatment of our First Nations people afterwards. And to top it off she was just delightful to deal with.
