Women In Business Speakers

Deborah Hutton

Deborah Hutton first appeared on the cover of Australian Cosmopolitan, aged 16. Since then, Deborah has become one of the most recognisable and best-known personalities of modern Australia. Her modelling career, begun while still at school, led to top international contracts in Germany, Italy, and New York, here she worked with the world's top models and photographers. For more than 10 years Deborah represented the Myer Grace Bros Department store group as their national ambassador and spokesperson and hosted a variety of corporate functions, VIP nights and seminars.

Deborah Thomas

Deborah Thomas is Editorial Director of The Australian Women's Weekly, the iconic magazine that boasts the highest readership in Australian publishing and, per capita, in the world. She has been at the helm of 'The Weekly' ? now in its 75th year ? for nine years. Kerry Packer appointed her Editor in 1999 before promoting her to Editor-in Chief in 2000 and Editorial Director in 2005.

Diana Paterson

Di's Antarctic experience began in the 1980's. As the first woman appointed to lead an overwintering team she is regarded as one of Antarctica's pioneering women. Di has provided expert commentary on Antarctic sightseeing flights for over ten years and with a passion for polar history she now provides to corporate clients a special insight to the heroic age of Antarctic exploration by intertwining her own experiences of both the challenges of the polar environment and the realities of working and living in a small and isolated Antarctic community.

Diane Demetre

Twice named APAC Most Empowering Leadership Speaker, Diane partners with Executive Leaders & People & Culture teams frustrated by disengaged employees, leadership communication that doesn't land, & resistance to change, so they can improve engagement, reduce staff attrition, & productivity. With over 40 years business expertise across entrepreneurship, education & entertainment, Diane delivers high-impact keynotes and seamless high-energy MC services that activate people, transform room dynamics, & create measurable shifts in engagement, culture, and ROI. 

Dixie Marshall

Dixie was the first Australian woman sports reporter on TV to cover all major sporting events including AFL, the Seoul Olympics, international golf, tennis and basketball. Dixie also hosted Sportsworld with Bruce McAvaney. Dixie is widely regarded as one of Perth's best journalists as evidenced by her invitations to write a weekly column for The Australian newspaper and her regular weekly spot on 6PR's breakfast program. Dixie is an outstanding MC and has hosted many prestigious corporate functions and seminars, bringing a high standard of professionalism to the corporate arena. She has a wonderful sense of humour which she injects into her presentations.

Dorinda Hafner

Dorinda Hafner is an international TV chef, best-selling author, actor, and speaker whose vibrant career spans over 25 years. Known for her infectious energy and cultural storytelling, her TV shows have aired in 40+ countries. Based in Adelaide, she continues to inspire through books, speaking, fashion, and creative projects.

Dr Alison Edgar

Dr Alison Edgar MBE is a transformational business speaker and author with over 30 years’ experience across global organisations. Awarded an MBE for business, she helps leading brands build accountable, high-performing teams. Known for her energy and storytelling, Alison empowers audiences to embrace change, strengthen collaboration, and unlock performance potential.

Dr. Catherine Ball

Dr Catherine Ball is an Academic at ANU's School of Cybernetics, bestselling author, futurist and visioneer.

Associate Professor, Dr Catherine Ball is a scientific futurist, speaker, advisor, author, founder, executive producer, executive director and company director working across global projects where emerging technologies meet humanitarian, education and environmental needs. Catherine also likes to create businesses and champion movements, collaborate with peers, and advise game-changers.

Dr. Emily Heath

Dr Emily Heath works with companies and leaders who want to create change: for their teams, their customers or even themselves. As a behavioural neuroscientist, author, and executive known for creating award-winning behaviour change programs across industries like tech, finance, cyber safety, and mental health, Emily fuses deep real-world business experience with academic expertise. If you are facing a behavioural challenge, complex problem, or simply seeking to better understand your world, Emily can help.

Dr. Nici Sweaney

Dr Nici Sweaney is a globally recognised AI consultant, academic scientist, and data strategist specialising in ethical AI and gender equity. Founder of Ai Her Way, she has guided 60+ organisations toward AI-first operations and advised global bodies including the UN, World Bank, AUS Aid, and Paramount. A sought-after speaker with 50+ global appearances and features in Forbes and TEDx, she was named by Microsoft News as one of the Top 10 Trailblazing Entrepreneurs in AI to Follow in 2024. Her mission: make AI accessible, ethical, and empowering for underrepresented voices worldwide.