CHANGING LIVES · AVRIL HENRY AM
A game changer who tells it like it is
Avril is a keynote speaker, author, coach and mentor. She advises boards, chief executives and senior leaders on gender equity, workplace culture and values reform that has stalled between intention and practice.
In 1995 Avril was part of the Westpac team that introduced the first corporate paid maternity leave scheme at a publicly listed company in Australia. Since then, she has continuously used her influence to drive cultural change in the workplace.
Avril founded Avril Henry & Associates in 2003. Between 2006 and 2022 she served as the first civilian, and woman, on the Navy People & Capability Committee, and was appointed senior advisor to the Chief of Army on gender diversity, values and cultural reform.
In 2024 she was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant services to business consultancy, project management and women.
Avril is one of the most sought-after leadership voices in the country, having delivered over 650 keynotes worldwide. She is also the best-selling author of several books on leadership including Leadership Revelations III - How We Achieve the Gender Tipping Point, a book that is as relevant as ever.
Her memoir Not All Diamonds Are Worn is released October 2026.
AT A GLANCE
Founder, 2003
AM, 2024
650+ keynotes
6 books published
Her memoir Not All Diamonds Are Worn released Oct 2026
Honours timeline
1995
Finalist in the New York Film Festival for video What’s Sex Got to do with it?
2006
Lifetime Achievement in HR
Australian Human Resources Awards.
2012
Global Human Resources Excellence Award for Leadership Coaching.
2015
Australian Financial Review
100 Women of Influence, Diversity & Inclusion.
2024
Appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM), Australia Day Honours List.
2025
Global Woman of Influence Winner in recognition of the advancement of women, and leadership development in Australia, New Zealand & Asia for three decades.
Work with Avril
Advisory
Board and executive advice on gender equity, workplace culture and values reform. Avril starts with the problem as it is, and delivers a written blueprint for transformation.
Keynote speaking
Eight keynotes, evidence-based and drawn from four decades of practice. Seven on leadership and one personal. Avril holds the room and sends audiences out changed.
Coaching & mentoring
One to one, for senior leaders. Avril gives you the tools to communicate your value, build better relationships with colleagues and lead with purpose.
Not All Diamonds Are Worn
They told her she didn't belong.
So she built a world where she — and everyone else — belonged.
The memoir of Avril Henry AM. The woman who fought for love, fairness, equity, and women’s right to lead.
From apartheid South Africa to the rooms where power is decided, and a lifetime spent opening doors for the women coming behind her.
“And the outcome has been the impact she has had on the world … the world of work, the discourse on leadership, the mentoring of military leaders, international conversations on equity and fairness … a journey to greatness, a life of love and loss and love again."
— Ann Sherry AO, Chancellor, QUT