Narelle Hooper

With two decades in business media and a global perspective she helps senior leaders in business, government and community get fit for the New Economy. 

These themes come together in her agenda-setting 2015 book, New Women, New Men, New Economy: how Creativity, Openness, Diversity and Equity are driving prosperity now, co-authored with Rodin Genoff (Federation Press), described by The Age as “riveting”. You want to get “agile” and be more innovative? Here’s how.

New Women New Men New Economy brings together powerful research and case studies from Australia and globally that show how businesses who mix it up on the gender front perform better, innovate more and do well over time.

Narelle is known for her incisive commentary on finance, innovation, leadership and key global trends, drawn from two decades experience as a business journalist and editor, including with ABC’s national current affairs programs AM and PM, BRW and SBS TV.

She has moderated forums for the likes of the Business Council of Australia, the Financial Services Council, the CEO Institute Leaders Summit, Creative Innovation, the Festival of Dangerous Ideas and the Future of Work.

Narelle’s public interview subjects have ranged from the Prime Minister, head of the Reserve Bank and Treasury to top business leaders and global thinkers. She’s equally at home presenting a compelling keynote or in conversation with start-up entrepreneurs or regional leaders.

A warm, authoritative and engaging MC, keynote speaker and interviewer, who really listens, Narelle is able to quickly build a strong rapport with her guests and audience while making complex topics accessible and interesting.

She also takes the time to work closely with your team to prepare a session that meets your audience needs, whether it is an intimate boardroom discussion, a workshop or large conference.

Based in Sydney, Narelle is a sought after adviser. She is also a director of The Ethics Centre, Documentary Australia Foundation and the Tasmanian Development Board and a member of the Sydney Advisory Council for the Centre for Social Impact.

Narelle grew up in country NSW, where her family ran a farm and a pub - (that’s a whole bunch of stories in itself). She studied journalism at Canberra University, has a Masters of Management (Financial Management) from Macquarie Graduate School of Management and is also a qualified yoga teacher.

Narelle will

• Work with you to tailor the topic and content to meet your needs.
• Provide fresh perspectives, get your audience energised and thinking.
• Provide practical takeaways and frameworks that your audience can put to work when they leave.

Speaking topics

Are you meeting the 100% Talent Challenge?

Four ways to help you get started.

The mining boom Australia really needs is right under our nose. the age of networked thinking, technology is important but its our human capital which will be the key to innovation and growth. Here are four fresh ways to make sure you are getting the best out of your people. This will cover the mounting body of evidence you need to pay attention to plus some great examples of how organisations large and small are doing it.

Cracking the CODE to survive and thrive in the New Economy

Everyone from the PM down is urging business to get agile and innovate more. But beyond the brainstorming and bean bags, where do you go next? Narelle brings to life compelling research and case studies from the book New Women New Men New Economy on the four dimensions that will help your organisation adapt and innovate better.

Driving Innovation & Growth: the diversity dividend.

There’s a powerful business and performance case for mixing up your teams and getting more women in the room. Diversity boosts performance and problem-solving and Narelle will show the research linking diversity to better innovation, customer success and employee engagement. That’s why blokes who run businesses from Sydney to South Australia and Silicon Valley are stepping up as champions of change. Some fascinating facts and anecdote and a performance focus make this session a compelling one that will engage your whole team.

Going Round: How Circular Economy thinking can change your business.

A business with no waste and no pollution? Not some some mad greenie pipe dream but one of the big global business and innovation trends that will disrupt a market near you soon. Some of the world’s biggest companies are going Circular, following four principles which them cut costs and waste while boosting profits. New research by McKinsey & Co estimates the Circular Economy offers a trillion economic opportunity. With practical examples, anecdotes and research, this will get you ahead circular economy thinking.