Kirstin Ferguson

Dr Kirstin Ferguson AM is an author, columnist and an expert in leadership and culture. Honoured as one of the top 50 management thinkers globally, she received the prestigious Thinkers50 Distinguished Leadership Award in 2023.

Kirstin's career began as an Officer in the Royal Australian Air Force. She has also been the chief executive officer of an international consulting firm, as well as Acting Chair and Deputy Chair of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Over 15 years as a company director, Kirstin contributed her expertise to numerous public, private and non-profit boards.

Kirstin holds a PhD in leadership and culture, alongside honours degrees in Law and History. An adjunct professor at the Queensland University of Technology Business School, she was named QUT Outstanding Alumnus of the Year in 2020. Her contributions to business and gender equality were recognised in 2023 when she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM). In 2024, she received the University of New South Wales Alumni Award for Professional Achievement.

Since 2021, Kirstin has written a popular nationally syndicated column in the Sydney Morning Herald and the Age, where she provides guidance on work, leadership and careers.