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50 Best Leadership Speakers for Aged Care (2026)

  • Writer: Jonno White
    Jonno White
  • Mar 24
  • 21 min read

If you lead an aged care organisation, you know the sector is changing faster than ever. New legislation, workforce shortages, rising expectations from families, and a growing emphasis on person-centred care all demand a new kind of leadership. The right leadership speaker can help your team navigate these challenges, build resilience, and create a culture that attracts and retains great staff.


Whether you are planning a conference, an executive offsite, a board development day, or a staff training event, the speakers on this list bring a combination of lived experience, sector expertise, and the ability to inspire real change. This guide covers the 50 best leadership speakers for aged care in 2026, drawn from Australia, New Zealand, the USA, the UK, and beyond.


Aged care leadership is not just about compliance or clinical excellence. It is about creating environments where older people are treated with dignity, where staff feel valued and supported, and where organisations can thrive in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape. The speakers listed here understand these dynamics and can help your team step up.



How to Choose a Leadership Speaker for Aged Care


Finding the right speaker for your aged care event is about more than a polished presentation. Here are the key criteria to consider:


Sector Knowledge. Does the speaker understand the unique challenges of aged care? From the new Aged Care Act to AN-ACC funding, workforce pressures, and the shift to Support at Home, sector-specific knowledge matters. A generic leadership talk will not land the same way as one that speaks directly to the realities your team faces.


Evidence of Impact. Look for speakers who can point to real outcomes. Have they helped organisations improve culture, reduce turnover, or navigate major transitions? Testimonials and case studies from aged care providers are a strong indicator.


Engagement Style. Aged care teams are busy and often fatigued. You need a speaker who can energise a room, not just deliver information. Look for interactive styles, storytelling, humour, and practical takeaways.


Cultural Fit. Consider your audience. A speaker who works well with executive teams may not be the best fit for a frontline staff conference, and vice versa. Think about tone, language, and the ability to connect across different roles and backgrounds.


Flexibility. The best speakers can tailor their content to your organisation's specific challenges. Ask whether they can customise their keynote or workshop to address your strategic priorities.


Follow-Up Resources. Great speakers do not just inspire in the moment. Look for those who offer books, podcasts, frameworks, or follow-up programs that keep the momentum going after the event.


Values Alignment. Aged care is a values-driven sector. Choose a speaker whose personal values and professional reputation align with your organisation's mission. Integrity and authenticity matter more here than in most industries.



The 50 Best Leadership Speakers for Aged Care (2026)



1. Jonno White, Consult Clarity


Jonno White is a Brisbane-based leadership consultant, keynote speaker, and Certified Working Genius Facilitator who works with aged care providers, schools, corporates, and nonprofits across Australia and globally. Jonno's approach combines practical frameworks with a deep understanding of team dynamics, making him a standout choice for aged care leadership events.


Jonno is a Certified Facilitator of Patrick Lencioni's Working Genius assessment, which has been completed by over 1.3 million people worldwide. He is the bestselling author of "Step Up or Step Out," which has sold over 10,000 copies globally, and hosts the Leadership Conversations Podcast with over 230 episodes reaching listeners in more than 150 countries. His 7 Questions Movement has engaged over 6,000 leaders worldwide.


At the 2025 ASBA National Conference, Jonno achieved a 93.75% satisfaction rating. His keynotes and workshops focus on team productivity, leadership communication, navigating difficult conversations, and building high-performing cultures. He works with organisations using Working Genius, DISC, and CliftonStrengths to help leadership teams understand how they work best together.


Jonno is particularly effective for aged care organisations looking to strengthen executive team cohesion, improve communication across departments, and build a culture where staff feel energised and aligned. Whether you need a keynote speaker, a full-day workshop facilitator, or an executive offsite leader, Jonno brings warmth, clarity, and actionable insights.




2. Cynthia Payne, Anchor Excellence


Cynthia Payne is the Managing Director and Founder of Anchor Excellence, one of Australia's most respected aged care consulting and leadership development firms. With over 30 years of executive leadership and 25 years of board experience, Cynthia has impacted over 45% of the Australian aged care market through her high-performance education and advisory solutions.


Cynthia holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Nursing, an MBA, and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (FAICD). She combines clinical expertise with business acumen, making her uniquely qualified to speak on topics ranging from governance and strategy to workforce capability and regulatory compliance. Anchor Excellence has worked with over 300 different aged care providers, integrating consulting, policy, and education through their Business Excellence Framework.


Ideal for: Board development days, executive strategy sessions, compliance and governance conferences.




3. Tom Symondson, Ageing Australia


Tom Symondson is the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of Ageing Australia, the national peak body representing aged care and retirement living providers. Since taking the role in 2022, Tom has been at the centre of every major reform discussion in the sector, from the new Aged Care Act to the transition to Support at Home.


Tom is a regular keynote speaker at industry conferences including the Leaders Summit, ITAC, and the IFA Global Conference on Ageing. His presentations focus on the strategic direction of the sector, the human rights and dignity of older Australians, and how providers can position themselves for sustainable growth in a reformed landscape. As the most visible peak body voice in Australian aged care, Tom brings authority and a forward-looking perspective.


Ideal for: National conferences, policy forums, strategic planning days.




4. Natalie Siegel-Brown, Inspector-General of Aged Care


Natalie Siegel-Brown was appointed as Australia's Inspector-General of Aged Care in January 2025, bringing over 20 years of social justice experience spanning disability, aged care, elder abuse, domestic violence, and mental health. She holds a Master of Politics and Public Management, a Bachelor of Laws, and an Executive Leadership Certificate from Harvard Business School.


Before her current role, Natalie served as Commissioner for Social Policy at the Australian Productivity Commission and as the Queensland Public Guardian. Her keynotes focus on oversight, accountability, systemic reform, and building a rights-based approach to aged care. Natalie is an authoritative voice on what good governance and leadership look like in the reformed aged care landscape.


Ideal for: Governance conferences, board workshops, regulatory compliance events.




5. Kelvin Neave, Dougherty Apartments


Kelvin Neave is the CEO of Dougherty Apartments and was named Leader of the Year at the 2025 Future of Ageing Awards. With over 33 years of experience in healthcare, residential aged care, and retirement living, Kelvin has built a reputation for transformational, people-first leadership.


Under Kelvin's leadership, Dougherty Apartments achieved a remarkable 95-96% staff retention rate. His leadership philosophy is rooted in visibility, inclusion, and transparency. He is known for stepping away from the desk to be a constant presence on the floor, attending handovers and engaging directly with staff and residents. Previous roles include senior positions at Serco, Bupa, and The Salvation Army Aged Care Plus.


Ideal for: Staff engagement events, culture transformation conferences, leadership development programs.




6. Graeme Cowan, WeCARE365


Graeme Cowan is a workplace resilience expert, LinkedIn Top Voice, and Founding Board Director of R U OK?. He is the author of four books, with his fifth, "Great Leaders Care" (Wiley, 2026), focused on building safe, resilient, and successful teams. Graeme hosts The Caring CEO podcast, rated second globally among workplace mental health podcasts.


With over 20 years of experience helping leaders build resilient teams, Graeme's keynotes focus on psychological safety, wellbeing culture, and the intersection of care and high performance. His earlier career included senior leadership positions at Johnson and Johnson, Pfizer, and AT Kearney. He is particularly powerful for aged care audiences because workforce wellbeing and burnout prevention are among the sector's most pressing challenges.


Ideal for: Workforce wellbeing events, leadership conferences, R U OK? Day programs, mental health awareness.




7. Dr Stacey Ashley CSP, Leadership Coach and Speaker


Dr Stacey Ashley is an internationally recognised leadership speaker, executive coach, and six-time Amazon bestselling author. She has worked with over 250,000 people across 45 industries and 30 countries. Stacey is a LinkedIn Top Voice, Thinkers360 Global Top Voice, and winner of the Stevie Awards Women in Business Thought Leader of the Year.


Her latest book, "Big Leadership," explores the shift toward a more holistic, human approach to leadership. Stacey's keynotes focus on future-proofing leadership capability, coaching cultures, and high-performance team development. She is a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), the highest designation for professional speakers. Her work is highly relevant to aged care organisations navigating leadership transitions and workforce challenges.


Ideal for: Executive leadership development, coaching culture programs, future of work conferences.




8. Jennene Buckley, Enkindle Consulting


Jennene Buckley is the Founding Partner of Enkindle Consulting and one of the most respected strategic advisors in Australian aged care. With 25 years of experience in health, aged, and community care, Jennene helps providers navigate AN-ACC funding, Support at Home transitions, governance challenges, and digital transformation.


Jennene was named a 2021 Global Ageing Influencer at the Eldercare Innovations Awards and inducted into the Aged Care IT Hall of Fame in 2016. She serves as a Digital Health Adviser to the Australian Digital Health Agency. Her LinkedIn presence features thoughtful analysis of board governance, global care models, and strategic positioning. She speaks regularly at the Leaders Summit and Ageing Asia conferences.


Ideal for: Digital transformation events, strategic planning sessions, board governance workshops.




9. Patricia Sparrow, COTA Australia


Patricia Sparrow is the CEO of COTA Australia, the national consumer peak body for older Australians. Patricia served on both the Aged Care Taskforce and the Transition Taskforce, giving her a unique perspective on the policy landscape shaping the sector.


As the leading consumer advocate in aged care, Patricia brings the voice of older Australians to every conversation. Her keynotes focus on consumer expectations, rights-based care, the impact of reform on everyday lives, and what "good" looks like from the perspective of the people receiving care. She is a compelling speaker for organisations that want to centre their leadership development around person-centred values.


Ideal for: Consumer-focused events, reform briefings, values-driven leadership programs.




10. Chris Baynes, DCM Group


Chris Baynes is the Founder and CEO of the DCM Group, Australia's leading retirement living and aged care media company. Chris is a regular writer, speaker, and radio commentator on the retirement and ageing sector, and is the driving force behind the Leaders Summit, one of Australia's most influential aged care leadership events.


Through the DCM Institute, Chris provides executive education and capability building for aged care leaders. His presentations blend sector intelligence, market trends, and leadership insights drawn from working with hundreds of CEOs and boards across the industry. He is particularly valuable for audiences looking for a big-picture view of where the sector is heading.


Ideal for: Industry conferences, CEO forums, market trend briefings.




Aged Care CEOs and Executive Leaders Who Speak



11. Andrew Thorburn, HammondCare


Andrew Thorburn is the CEO of HammondCare, one of Australia's most respected not-for-profit aged care and health organisations. HammondCare is known globally for its research-driven approach to dementia care and its commitment to person-centred services. Andrew brings a wealth of corporate leadership experience, having previously served as CEO of NAB (National Australia Bank). His transition from banking to aged care offers a powerful narrative about purpose-driven leadership.




12. Josh McFarlane, Catholic Healthcare


Josh McFarlane is the Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Healthcare, one of Australia's largest and most established aged care providers. Josh leads an organisation that operates across residential care, home care, and retirement living. He speaks on mission-driven leadership, organisational transformation, and building cultures of excellence in care delivery.




13. Robert Read, Amplar Health


Robert Read is the CEO of Amplar Health, a growing provider of residential aged care and retirement living in Australia. Robert brings a strategic perspective on growth, mergers and acquisitions, and building sustainable aged care businesses. He is a regular speaker at the Leaders Summit and industry forums.




14. Rachael Cook, Inclusee


Rachael Cook is the CEO of Inclusee, an organisation dedicated to reducing social isolation among older Australians. Rachael's leadership story is one of innovation and social impact, using volunteer-based connection programs to transform the lives of seniors. She speaks on social connection, loneliness as a public health issue, and building community-centred aged care models.


Ideal for: Community care events, social impact conferences, volunteer management forums.




15. Geoff Hogg, Dovida


Geoff Hogg is the CEO of Dovida (Australia), a leading home care provider. Geoff brings insight into the rapidly growing home care market and the leadership challenges of scaling community-based services. He speaks on operational excellence, client-centred home care, and the future of ageing in place.




16. Stephen Becsi, Apollo Care


Stephen Becsi is the Chief Executive Officer of Apollo Care, one of Australia's fastest-growing aged care organisations. Stephen leads Apollo's ambitious expansion strategy, which has included multiple acquisitions and a focus on operational excellence. He speaks on growth leadership, acquisition integration, and building high-performance aged care organisations.




17. Daryl Sahli, Right at Home


Daryl Sahli is the CEO of Right at Home Australia, part of one of the world's largest home care franchise networks. Daryl speaks on franchise leadership, scaling home care services, workforce development, and the shift from residential to community-based care models. His perspective bridges the commercial and caring sides of the sector.




18. Peter Williams, OneCare


Peter Williams is the CEO of OneCare, a Tasmanian aged care provider. Peter brings a regional leadership perspective, speaking on the unique challenges of providing high-quality aged care in smaller communities. He addresses topics including workforce attraction in regional areas, community partnerships, and sustainable governance.




19. David Cochran, Harbison


David Cochran is the CEO of Harbison, a well-established aged care provider in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales. David speaks on heritage and values-driven leadership, navigating regulatory change, and maintaining organisational identity through periods of reform.




20. Duncan McKimm, Clarence Village


Duncan McKimm is the CEO of Clarence Village in northern New South Wales. Duncan brings a practical, community-focused approach to aged care leadership, speaking on topics including resident wellbeing, staff culture, and building aged care communities that people genuinely want to be part of.




Specialist Consultants and Facilitators



21. Lorraine Poulos, Lorraine Poulos and Associates


Lorraine Poulos is the Managing Director of Lorraine Poulos and Associates, one of Australia's most experienced aged care consultancies. Lorraine is a recognised thought leader in aged care quality, clinical governance, and regulatory compliance. She regularly speaks at national conferences on topics including the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, clinical leadership, and building cultures of continuous improvement.


Ideal for: Quality and compliance conferences, clinical leadership workshops, board education.




22. Dr Julie Bajic Smith, Wise Care


Dr Julie Bajic Smith is a registered psychologist and the founder of Wise Care, specialising in aged care psychology. She hosts the Voice of Aged Care podcast, offering evidence-based strategies for boosting wellbeing in later life. Julie has over 15 years of clinical experience in aged care and has designed and evaluated the Wellness Adventure program for residents transitioning into care.


Julie speaks on emotional wellbeing, grief and loss in aged care, staff resilience, and the psychological dimensions of person-centred care. She is an award-winning consultant who brings both warmth and rigour to her presentations.


Ideal for: Clinical staff training, wellbeing conferences, psychology in aged care forums.




23. Grant Corderoy, StewartBrown


Grant Corderoy is a Senior Partner at StewartBrown, Australia's leading accounting and advisory firm specialising in aged care and retirement living. Grant is one of the most trusted voices in aged care financial sustainability, regularly presenting at industry conferences on benchmarking, financial performance, and the economics of care delivery.


His presentations bring data-driven clarity to the sector's biggest financial challenges, from AN-ACC funding adequacy to the cost of compliance. Grant is essential listening for any aged care leader responsible for financial sustainability.


Ideal for: Financial sustainability forums, CEO and CFO briefings, board strategy days.




24. Kaele Stokes, Dementia Australia


Kaele Stokes is the Executive Director of Services, Engagement and Research at Dementia Australia, the national peak body for people living with dementia. Kaele speaks on dementia-inclusive leadership, co-design with people living with dementia, and the role of research and innovation in transforming care. Her perspective is invaluable for any aged care organisation seeking to improve its approach to dementia care.


Ideal for: Dementia care conferences, person-centred care workshops, research and innovation forums.




25. Melissa Leahy, Bolton Clarke


Melissa Leahy is the Chief People Officer at Bolton Clarke, one of Australia's largest aged care and independent living organisations. Melissa speaks on workforce strategy, employee engagement, talent attraction and retention, and building a people-first culture in aged care. Given that workforce challenges are the number one issue facing the sector, Melissa's insights are highly sought after.


Ideal for: Workforce conferences, people and culture events, HR leadership forums.




26. Liz Hefren-Webb, Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission


Liz Hefren-Webb is the Commissioner of the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. She brings deep regulatory expertise and a commitment to driving quality improvement across the sector. Her keynotes focus on the new regulatory framework, what the Commission expects from providers, and how leadership can embed a culture of quality and safety.


Ideal for: Regulatory compliance events, quality improvement conferences, governance forums.




Innovation, Technology, and Digital Leadership



27. Jennene Buckley (see entry #8) leads this space, but several other speakers bring expertise in digital transformation:



27. Salvatore Trimboli, TLC Healthcare


Salvatore Trimboli is the Chief Information Technology Officer at TLC Healthcare, a Victorian aged care provider known for its commitment to innovation. Salvatore speaks on digital transformation in aged care, leveraging technology to improve care outcomes, and building IT capability in organisations that have historically been slow to adopt new systems.


Ideal for: Technology conferences, digital transformation workshops, IT leadership forums.




28. Imtiaz Bhayat, Regis Aged Care


Imtiaz Bhayat is the Chief Information Officer at Regis Aged Care, one of Australia's largest publicly listed aged care providers. Imtiaz brings experience in enterprise technology strategy, cybersecurity, and data-driven decision making for aged care. He speaks on leveraging technology to improve operational efficiency, clinical outcomes, and the resident experience.


Ideal for: CIO forums, data and analytics conferences, technology in aged care events.




29. Andrew Dome, Uniting NSW.ACT


Andrew Dome is the Chief Digital Information Officer at Uniting NSW.ACT, one of Australia's largest community services organisations. Andrew brings a wealth of experience in digital strategy across aged care, disability, and community services. He speaks on digital leadership, data governance, and using technology to enhance the lives of the people organisations serve.


Ideal for: Digital strategy events, cross-sector innovation forums, technology leadership programs.




30. Tamar Krebs, Videri Australia


Tamar Krebs is the Founder and Chief Experience Officer of Videri Australia, a company focused on using virtual reality and immersive experiences to improve the lives of older Australians. Tamar speaks on innovation in aged care, the power of technology to combat loneliness and boredom, and creative approaches to enhancing resident quality of life.


Ideal for: Innovation showcases, lifestyle and wellbeing events, technology in aged care conferences.




International Voices in Aged Care Leadership



31. Katie Smith Sloan, LeadingAge (USA)


Katie Smith Sloan is the President and CEO of LeadingAge, the US association representing nonprofit and mission-driven providers of ageing services. With over 30 years of experience working on ageing issues, Katie is one of the most influential figures in global aged care policy. She also leads the Global Ageing Network, connecting aged care leaders worldwide. Her keynotes focus on innovation, advocacy, and building sustainable not-for-profit aged care models.


Ideal for: International conferences, not-for-profit leadership events, global ageing forums.




32. Tracey Martin, Aged Care Association New Zealand


Tracey Martin is the Chief Executive of the Aged Care Association in New Zealand. A former Member of Parliament and Minister for Children, Tracey brings political acumen and advocacy experience to her role. She speaks on sustainable funding, workforce stability, and systemic reform in aged care. Her cross-Tasman perspective is valuable for Australian audiences seeking lessons from New Zealand's reform journey.


Ideal for: Cross-Tasman forums, policy conferences, advocacy events.




33. Jordache Johnson, Never Tech Behind (USA)


Jordache Johnson is the CEO and Founder of Never Tech Behind, a business strategy and technology firm. He delivered the keynote at the 2025 Argentum Senior Living Executive Conference on "AI Empowers Us To Be More Human, Not Less." Jordache speaks on artificial intelligence adoption, building an AI-first culture, and how technology can enhance rather than replace the human elements of care.


Ideal for: Technology conferences, innovation summits, future of aged care forums.




34. Jim Knight, Knight Speaker (USA)


Jim Knight is a dynamic keynote speaker and expert in leadership development, cultural transformation, and team engagement who brings his signature energy to the senior living space. Jim has worked extensively with senior living organisations across the United States, helping them build cultures that attract top talent and deliver exceptional care. His approach is practical, high-energy, and deeply focused on the connection between employee culture and resident outcomes.


Ideal for: Staff engagement events, culture-building conferences, senior living leadership forums.




35. Angie Gray, High Performance Nursing (USA)


Angie Gray is the Founder and Executive Coach at High Performance Nursing, specialising in leadership development for senior living and healthcare organisations. She is a keynote speaker and podcast host focused on relationship building, effective communication, and creating trusted leadership cultures. Angie works with senior living organisations to develop nurse leaders who can drive quality outcomes while building strong, engaged teams.


Ideal for: Nursing leadership events, clinical leadership development, senior living conferences.




Workforce, Culture, and People Leaders



36. Laurie Boxwell, Anglicare


Laurie Boxwell is the Group Executive for Seniors Communities at Anglicare, one of Australia's largest aged care providers. Laurie speaks on large-scale operational leadership, building community across multiple sites, and the challenges of leading geographically dispersed teams in aged care. His experience spans residential care, retirement living, and community services.




37. Sarah Newman, BaptistCare


Sarah Newman is the Chief Operating Officer for Home Care at BaptistCare, one of Australia's leading not-for-profit aged care and community services providers. Sarah speaks on the transformation of home care under the Support at Home program, building client-centred service delivery models, and leading operational change in mission-driven organisations.




38. Nia Briguglio, IRT Aged Care


Nia Briguglio is the Executive General Manager of Aged Care Centres at IRT, one of the largest community-owned aged care and retirement living providers in Australia. Nia speaks on operational leadership, quality of life in residential care, and building teams that deliver consistent, high-quality care across multiple locations.




39. Kristopher McMurdy, St Vincent's Care


Kristopher McMurdy is the National Director of Operations at St Vincent's Care, part of the St Vincent's Health Australia network. Kris speaks on operational excellence at scale, mission-driven leadership in Catholic healthcare, and building a culture of safety and quality across a national network of aged care facilities.




40. Ben Williams, Calvary Health Care


Ben Williams is the General Manager of Aged Care at Calvary Health Care, a national not-for-profit provider. Ben speaks on the intersection of hospital and aged care leadership, managing transitions of care, and building integrated health and aged care services.




41. Cameron McPherson, Medical and Aged Care Group


Cameron McPherson is the Chief Executive Officer of Medical and Aged Care Group (MACG), an innovative provider of residential aged care in Victoria. Cameron speaks on clinical innovation, medical models of aged care, and building organisations where clinical excellence and operational sustainability work hand in hand.




Governance, Policy, and Advocacy



42. The Hon John Ajaka, My Guardian


The Hon John Ajaka is the Chairman of My Guardian Aged and Disability Care and a former President of the NSW Legislative Council. John brings political, legal, and governance expertise to aged care leadership. He speaks on board governance, regulatory navigation, and the intersection of policy and practice in aged care.


Ideal for: Governance conferences, board development programs, legal and compliance forums.



43. Danielle Ballantine, Your Side


Danielle Ballantine is the CEO of Your Side, a community-based organisation supporting older Australians and people with disability across Sydney. Danielle speaks on community-centred care, social enterprise in aged care, and building organisations that genuinely put people first. Her perspective bridges the aged care and disability sectors.




44. Lynda Chalmers, Care Connect


Lynda Chalmers is the Chief Executive Officer of Care Connect, a not-for-profit home care provider. Lynda speaks on home care leadership, client-directed care models, and building sustainable community-based aged care organisations. She brings practical insights from leading a provider through the transition to the Support at Home program.




45. David Tattam, Protecht


David Tattam is the Chief Research and Content Officer at Protecht, a leading risk management and governance platform. David speaks on enterprise risk management in aged care, building governance frameworks for regulated environments, and using data to drive better risk decisions. His presentations help aged care boards and executives move beyond compliance to genuine risk intelligence.


Ideal for: Risk management conferences, board strategy days, governance workshops.




46. Winitha Bonney OAM, Professional Speaker


Winitha Bonney OAM is a keynote speaker specialising in motivation, change, and resilience. Having received the Order of Australia Medal for her services to the community, Winitha brings a powerful story of personal transformation and service. She speaks on overcoming adversity, cultural diversity in the workplace, and leading with purpose. Her message resonates particularly with frontline aged care teams who are navigating constant change.


Ideal for: Staff appreciation events, diversity and inclusion programs, motivation and resilience conferences.




47. James Whitelaw, Trilogy Care


James Whitelaw is the Director and Co-founder of Trilogy Care, an innovative home care provider. James speaks on entrepreneurship in aged care, building technology-enabled home care services, and the future of ageing in place. His startup perspective brings a fresh lens to an industry often dominated by large incumbent providers.




48. Chris Blake, St. Vincent's Health Australia


Chris Blake is the CEO of St. Vincent's Health Australia, one of the nation's largest Catholic health and aged care providers. Chris leads an organisation spanning hospitals, aged care, and research, giving him a unique perspective on integrated health and aged care leadership. He speaks on mission-driven leadership, system integration, and navigating complexity in large health organisations.




49. Mark Eagleston, Calvary Health Care


Mark Eagleston is the Head of Retirement Living Performance at Calvary Health Care. Mark speaks on retirement living strategy, asset management, and building communities that support ageing well. His financial and operational lens is valuable for aged care organisations with retirement living portfolios.




50. Be Nguyen, Greenhill Aged Care


Be Nguyen is the Managing Director of Greenhill Aged Care, a growing provider based in Victoria. Be brings an entrepreneurial perspective to aged care leadership, speaking on building aged care businesses from the ground up, culturally diverse care models, and the challenges and rewards of being an owner-operator in a consolidating market.




What to Expect When Booking a Leadership Speaker for Aged Care


When you book a leadership speaker for your aged care event, the process typically involves several stages:


Initial Briefing. A good speaker will spend time understanding your organisation, your audience, and the specific challenges you want the presentation to address. This might include a phone call, a survey, or a review of your strategic plan.


Content Customisation. The best speakers will tailor their content to your context. This could mean incorporating your organisation's values, referencing recent changes in the sector, or addressing specific pain points your leadership team has identified.


Delivery Format. Speakers may offer keynote addresses (typically 30 to 60 minutes), half-day workshops, full-day facilitations, panel moderation, or multi-session programs. Consider which format best suits your event goals and audience.


Follow-Up. Some speakers provide post-event resources such as summary documents, action planning templates, or access to online learning platforms. This is where the real value often lies, as it helps your team turn inspiration into action.


Technical Requirements. Confirm AV needs, room setup preferences, and any accessibility requirements early in the process.



Pricing and Cost Guide


Leadership speaker fees for aged care events vary widely depending on the speaker's profile, the format, and the level of customisation required.


Keynote Addresses (30 to 60 minutes). Expect to pay between $3,000 and $15,000 for a tailored keynote from an experienced speaker. High-profile international speakers may charge $20,000 or more plus travel.


Half-Day Workshops. These typically range from $5,000 to $12,000, depending on the speaker and the level of preparation required.


Full-Day Facilitations. Full-day programs generally cost between $8,000 and $20,000, with large consulting firms sometimes charging more.


Multi-Session Programs. For ongoing leadership development (e.g., a quarterly series), negotiate a package rate. This is often more cost-effective than booking individual sessions.


Travel and Accommodation. If the speaker is interstate or international, expect to cover flights, accommodation, and per diem. Some speakers include these in their fee; others invoice separately.



Frequently Asked Questions


What is the best format for a leadership speaker at an aged care conference?


The best format depends on your goals. A keynote address works well for large audiences and is ideal for opening or closing a conference with energy and inspiration. For deeper learning, a workshop or facilitated session allows more interaction, discussion, and practical application. Many organisations find a combination works best, starting with a keynote to set the tone and following up with a smaller workshop for senior leaders.


How do I know if a speaker understands aged care well enough?


Ask for references from other aged care organisations they have worked with. Review their published content, podcasts, or social media for evidence of sector-specific knowledge. A speaker who regularly engages with aged care topics will be more credible and more able to connect with your audience than one who treats it as just another industry.


Can a leadership speaker help with specific challenges like staff turnover or cultural change?


Yes, many speakers on this list specialise in exactly these areas. For workforce challenges, look at speakers like Melissa Leahy, Kelvin Neave, or Graeme Cowan. For cultural transformation, consider Jonno White, Cynthia Payne, or Jim Knight. The key is to brief the speaker thoroughly on your specific challenges so they can tailor their content.


Is it worth investing in a speaker for a small team or only for large conferences?


Both can be highly valuable. Some of the most impactful leadership development happens in small group settings, such as executive team offsites, board development days, or senior leadership retreats. Many speakers on this list offer facilitated workshops for teams of 8 to 20 people, which can be more transformative than a large conference keynote.


How far in advance should I book a leadership speaker?


For high-profile speakers, book three to six months in advance. For major conferences, start your speaker search six to twelve months ahead. Some speakers can accommodate shorter timelines, but earlier booking gives you more choice and allows more time for content customisation.



Conclusion: Choosing the Right Leadership Speaker for Your Aged Care Organisation


The aged care sector in 2026 demands leaders who can navigate complexity, inspire their teams, and deliver exceptional care in a rapidly changing environment. The right leadership speaker can be a catalyst for meaningful change, whether that is improving culture, driving strategic clarity, building resilience, or helping your team embrace new ways of working.


Every speaker on this list brings something different. Some are sector insiders with decades of aged care experience. Others bring fresh perspectives from adjacent industries, international markets, or specialist disciplines. The best choice for your organisation depends on your specific needs, your audience, and the outcomes you want to achieve.


If you are looking for a speaker who combines practical leadership frameworks with warmth, energy, and a deep understanding of team dynamics, reach out to Jonno White at consultclarity.org or email jonno@consultclarity.org. Whether it is a keynote, a Working Genius workshop, or an executive offsite, Jonno can help your aged care leadership team work together more effectively.



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