Close-up of a woman with blonde hair wearing colourful glasses and a bright pink blazer, smiling in front of a bookshelf.
Close-up of a woman with blonde hair wearing colourful glasses and a bright pink blazer, smiling in front of a bookshelf.

Bold, future-focused leadership for a changing world

KEYNOTE SPEAKING · AVRIL HENRY AM

Avril brings a rare combination of commercial acumen, emotional intelligence, and lived experience. Her keynotes are inspiring, practical, often humorous and deeply human.

Signature keynotes

Avril Henry is one of Australia’s most influential voices on modern leadership, culture transformation, and human-centred workplaces. Known for her candour, courage, and evidence-based insights, Avril equips leaders and organisations to thrive in environments defined by uncertainty, disruption, and rapid change.

A woman with blonde hair wearing colourful, patterned glasses and a vibrant jacket, smiling and sitting on outdoor stairs.

A PERSONAL KEYNOTE

Cancer: The Gift in the Fight

“I chose not to be a victim or a survivor; I chose to be a warrior.”

Cancer changes everything, including who you become. Avril shares her deeply personal three year journey through breast cancer: the surgeries, the stillness, the fear, the recovery, and the decision not to ask: “Why me?” but “Why not me?” In a world where one in four women over 60 in Australia face breast cancer, Avril’s story is a powerful reminder that adversity can reveal strength, compassion, and purpose we never knew we had. She chose not to be a victim or a survivor, but a warrior — emerging stronger, kinder, and more grounded. She fought cancer and came back a better person.

This keynote is profoundly inspiring for International Women’s Day, and any event focused on courage, resilience, and the power of choosing who you become.

Booking Avril

Avril takes bookings across Australia and internationally. Travel is negotiated separately. When you enquire, include the date, the audience, and location.

Not-for-profit organisations and women running their own businesses: mention your context and rates can be discussed.

Why organisers choose Avril


650+

KEYNOTES DELIVERED

400+

WORKSHOPS DELIVERED

200,000+

PEOPLE IN THE ROOM


An excellent choice to provide the closing session. She brought a level of passion and energy that kept attendees engaged until the end.
— Australian Public Service Commission
[Avril is a] fluent, captivating and authoritative presenter. A five-star performance; the highlight of the Congress.
— CPA Australia

Named one of the AFR Westpac 100 Women of Influence, and top 10 Diversity practitioners in 2015.

Winner of the HR Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006 at the National HR Awards.

Winner of the Coaching Leadership Award at the Global HR Excellence Awards in 2012.

Made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2024. Global Woman of Influence 2025 Winner. 

CLIENTS INCLUDE

IBM · BHP · ANZ · WESTPAC · NAB · CBA · LEIGHTONS CONSTRUCTION · AUSTRALIAN TAX OFFICE · LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCILS · STATE HEALTH SERVICES · AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE · EMERGENCY SERVICES · CPA AUSTRALIA · PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ORGANISATIONS · MAJOR UNIVERSITIES · THE PROPERTY COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA · THE GLOBAL WOMEN'S SUMMIT · GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ACROSS SINGAPORE AND HONG KONG

Every engagement begins with a conversation