Dr Kirstin Ferguson

KEYNOTE (45 – 60 minutes)
In this highly interactive keynote address, award-winning leadership expert and best-selling author Dr Kirstin Ferguson AM will entertain and challenge us about whether our leadership approach is still fit for purpose. Through the use of storytelling, videos, case studies and her down-to-earth style, Kirstin will encourage each of us to think about how we can best role model leading with the head and heart amidst the competing demands on our time, and in an increasingly complex working environment. Using the latest research from her bestselling book, Head & Heart: The Art of Modern Leadership, Kirstin will bring a leadership lens which is guaranteed to inspire you to become the most effective leader you can be.

Kirstin adapts her content to the audience, industry, or organisation so it is relevant for all attendees regardless of seniority.

KEYNOTE takeaways:
- An understanding of the key elements of head and heart leadership including the four head-based attributes (curiosity, wisdom, capability and perspective) as well as the four heart-based attributes (humility, self-awareness, courage and empathy)
- Understanding the most effective ways to lead with impact and the power that leadership moments have at work, in our communities and in our families,
- Attendees will have the opportunity to complete the hugely popular Head & Heart Leader Scale™ and receive a personalised report to help them understand areas for individual focus, and
- Inspiration for attendees to apply the leadership lessons learnt across all aspects of their lives.

WORKSHOP (90 – 120 minutes)
In this expanded version of Kirstin’s highly popular keynote, audiences receive a much deeper dive into the concepts of head and heart leadership.

In this engaging workshop, which allows plenty of time for audience participation and reflection, Kirstin will cover all the material in the Leading with Impact keynote but have time to cover the concepts in more detail and allow time for attendees to discuss, question and reflect on their own leadership experiences.

The workshop includes everything from the keynote, PLUS -

WORKSHOP takeaways:
- A deeper understanding of the key elements of head and heart leadership including the four head-based attributes (curiosity, wisdom, capability and perspective) as well as the four heart-based attributes (humility, self-awareness, courage and empathy)
- Ability for a live analysis of the collective scores from the Head & Heart Leader Scale™ where attendees can compare their results to the group, and
- Table discussions and shared learning opportunities.

Keynote (45-60 mins)

In this highly interactive keynote using videos, case studies and story telling, attendees will have the opportunity to shine a light on the hidden gaps in their thinking and decision-making that can have profound consequences, not just for themselves but for the teams and organisations they lead. Attendees will be given the tools they need to unlock smarter decisions, build stronger teams and oversee breakthrough innovations allowing them to have an even greater impact as leaders.

The most effective leaders are those who can adapt to new realities, where the ability to learn, unlearn, and pivot is far more valuable than holding all the answers. Through blindspotting, a term coined by Kirstin in her latest research, leaders will be able to practice intellectual humility, intellectual curiosity and cognitive flexibility to ensure they have the greatest impact. Kirstin presents her research in a practical and accessible way by explaining how attendees can applying the three blindspotting mindsets - Be Honest. Be Curious. Be Flexible.

Key takeaways:
• An overviews of the three blindspotting mindsets
• An understanding of the practical ways blindspotting can be brought to life immediately for leaders
• Reinforcing the importance of being able to acknowledge what we don’t know to offer a deeper impact as a leader
• Practical, actionable insights to transform teams and organisational cultures into those which value blindspotting at all levels, regardless of role or seniority
• Opportunity for each attendee to complete the Blindspotting Leader Self-Assessment Tool for a personalised report
• Stories and case studies of how to practice and immediately implement blindspotting
• Personal examples and anecdotes from Kirstin’s own 30 year leadership career from the military through to the boardroom

Workshop (90-120 min)

The workshop will cover the same material as the keynote address, but in addition will include:
• A deeper dive into the nine practices of blindspotting and how they can be applied immediately
• Opportunity for table discussions and shared learning experiences to implement blindspotting
• Extended opportunity for questions and broader discussion with attendees