Joel McKerrow has spent the last fifteen years captivating hundreds of thousands of people, on global stages, with his passionate performative style and highly inspiring keynote presentations. He is an award-winning writer, keynote speaker, performer, MC and one of Australia's most successful performance poets. Joel has represented Australia at the Individual World Poetry Slam Championships, is the Director of The School for Creative Development, an author with Penguin-Random House and is the Vic/Tas President for PSA (Professional Speakers Australia).
From the Sydney Opera House, to Nashville's Schermerhorn Symphony Centre, to The Metropolis in Montreal, Joel has presented at some of the most esteemed and iconic global venues. Renowned singer Kate Cebrano describes Joel's work as, 'completely free, reckless and unbound in his expression.' whilst the CEO of Village Roadshow lauds Joel as, 'a true creative genius' and says of his work with their executive, 'His impact on my team was nothing short of extraordinary.'
A Creativity and Innovation Specialist, Joel is dedicated to helping leaders and teams, in any industry, cultivate the environment that creativity and innovation need to thrive. He champions the idea that creativity is far too important to be confined to those traditionally labeled as 'creative' and urges that, rather, it can be THE source for both professional and personal breakthrough.
Joel's extensive portfolio includes clients from Village Roadshow to Hager Electric, AIME to the Global Health Summit, The Design Coach to the International Transforming Education Conference. Across start-ups, education, NFP's, retail, design and multi-nationals, Joel brings creative and innovative breakthrough.
A prolific writer himself, he has published seven spoken word/music albums, eight seven books of poetry, a graphic novel series and a teen HEIST series with Penguin-Random House. Joel is the host of the The Deep Place Podcast; and is the artist Ambassador for the aid and development organisation, TEARFUND Australia.
Whether speaking, performing or as Master of Ceremonies, Joel's unique blend of humorous-warmth, creative-expertise and soul-stirring performance will not only WOW your people, he will bring next-level inspiration, breakthrough creative momentum and intentional innovation, all to help them realise their own creative potential.
Testimonials
New Testimonial ContentWorking with Joel McKerrow is a truly transformative experience. I invited Joel to join me at my recent Leadership Retreat where he passionately engaged with my senior leadership team and successfully had them find their own creativity. His ability to inspire and challenge the group to tap into their inner writer was remarkable. Through his poetry and storytelling, he effortlessly evoked deep emotions, leaving us all captivated and passionate about the power of words. Joel is a true creative genius and his impact on my team was nothing short of extraordinary. (Clark Kirby - CEO Village Roadshow)
Clarke Kirby – CEO – Village Roadshow.
Where creative genius meets poise and polish! Joel delivered such an impactful session that had our audience laughing at points and tearing up at others, all while activitating their individual creativity. A true professional to work with both on and off the stage. One of few keynote speakers who you never want to put down the mic!
Lindsey Leigh Hobson – Founder of the Learning and Development Collective
Completely free, reckless and unbound in his expression.
Kate Cebrano – Singer/Songwriter
Very few people can engage people like Joel can...He is one of Australia's most compelling speakers. His ability to capture the attention of an audience in a moment is remarkable and breathtaking.
Helen Parker OAM – CEO – The Babes Project
Joel is captivating. He stole the 'show' with an extraordinary blend of warm generosity, deft poetry, powerful charisma and no ego. I left awed and authentically grateful to be in his presence.
Krista Monson – Creative Director – Cirque Du Soleil, Las Vegas
Joel is a master craftsman with words, able to tell stories to entertain any audience, making them laugh, imagine, wonder, and think...Joel is a skilled communicator and I highly recommend him as a keynote presenter.
Dr Fiona Partridge – International Transforming Education Conference
Joel is a once in a generation communicator. He masterfully weaves the robustness of his intellect with a striking empathy and compassion. Joel will deeply challenge your mind and above all- widen your heart.
Paul Flavel – Executive Director – Hagar Australia
Joel is a man of clear character and passion.
His ability to connect and relate the creative process with meaning and relevance, is absolutely unique.
Speakers such as Joel are a terrific gift to come by, for any audience within any industry.
Michael Croaker – Head of Entertainment – Village Roadshow
Book him! Don't even think about it. If you want a keynote speaker who will move hearts and minds with the mastery of and magic of words, then Joel is your man. Highly Recommended!
Anelli Blundell – Speaker, Author, Leadership Expert
