Burnout, relentless pressure and back to back disruption are quietly draining the energy, focus and wellbeing that teams need to keep performing. Building the resilience to lead through hard moments, protect mental health and still deliver when it counts was the thread running through our 2026 Ignite Innovation Speaker Showcases across New Zealand, where event planners came to find the corporate keynote speakers who could help their audiences stay steady under pressure at their next conference, leadership offsite or strategy day.
Jono Ridler
Resilience | High Performance
An endurance swimmer, ocean advocate, and co-founder of Swim4TheOcean. Best known for swimming New Zealand's North Island over 90 days, Jono shares practical lessons on resilience, endurance, leadership, and sustaining high performance.
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Melissa Clark-Reynolds ONZM
AI | Innovation | Futurist
A futurist and tech entrepreneur, Melissa helps leaders navigate disruption and act with clarity. Appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, she challenges audiences to rethink risk, responsibility, and what to do next.
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Ellen Joan Ford
Leadership | The Future of Work
Drawing on leadership research and global experience, Ellen inspires inclusive workplace cultures, championing belonging, autonomy, and purpose, with practical tools to boost retention, engagement, wellbeing, and performance.
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Jo Prendergast
Burnout Prevention | Mental Health
A psychiatrist, author, and stand-up comedian delivering engaging, practical insights shaped by 30 years in mental health. Blending clinical expertise, humour, and lived experience, Jo helps audiences build resilience, improve communication, and sustain high performance.
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Julia Grace
Leadership | Performance
An award-winning mental health keynote speaker, Julia blends neuroscience, lived experience, and live music to create practical, memorable wellbeing experiences. She helps audiences understand stress, recognise early warning signs, and apply simple, effective tools to manage burnout.
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Dave Greenberg
Crisis Leadership | High Performance Under Pressure
With 25 years on the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and experience leading national crisis simulations, Dave helps leaders strengthen decision making, communication, and performance under pressure before crises strike.
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Elias Kanaris
Leadership | Team Culture
Drawing on his 9/11 experience and 30 years of leadership expertise, Elias Kanaris helps organisations build trust, strengthen communication, and lead with clarity, confidence, and performance under pressure.
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Peter Chatteris
MC | Keynote Speaker | Speaking Coach
A keynote speaker, educator, and multiple-time impromptu public speaking champion, Peter brings confidence, warmth, and precision to every stage. Skilled at reading audiences and maintaining momentum, he ensures events feel seamless, engaging, and expertly delivered.
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