Kerryn Powell — Keynote Speaker & Facilitator

Thoughtful event experiences that create clarity, connection and impact

“Every conversation is an opportunity to spark awareness, build understanding and create impact.” — Kerryn Powell

An older woman with glasses, short blonde hair, wearing a sleeveless white top, is speaking into a microphone in a conference room with beige walls and greenery in the background. She is smiling and appears to be addressing an audience.

Some events need a speaker. Some need a facilitator. Many need both.

I work with organisations, leadership teams, communities and curated groups to create experiences where people do more than attend — they engage, reflect, connect and leave with something that lasts.

Because the quality of conversation shapes the quality of the experience

Whether I’m speaking, facilitating, or blending both, my focus is the same: creating the conditions for people to think differently, connect meaningfully and move forward with greater clarity.

A woman giving a presentation at a Women in Hotels event with a large screen showing a group of smiling women enjoying a meal at a restaurant.
Kerryn... effectively communicated and demonstrated the significance of networking for developing both career-related and personal relationships, leaving delegates inspired and equipped with practical strategies.
— P. Dixon
A woman with blonde hair, glasses, and a black dress sitting on a chair, holding a microphone and smiling during a presentation or talk.

Speaking

Warm, practical and perspective-shifting talks that help audiences see conversations — and opportunities — differently.

Three Ways To Work With Kerryn

People seated at a long table engaging in a writing activity during a conference or workshop, with blue floral table decorations and various beverages.

Facilitation

Thoughtfully guided experiences that create participation, reflection and genuine engagement.

A woman with white hair and glasses speaks at a Women in Hotels event, holding a microphone in front of a large screen displaying a decorated dining area with string lights and floral centerpieces. An audience of women is seated, watching her.

Speaking + Facilitation

A blended format for clients who want both insight and interaction.

What Makes This Approach Different

Not louder. Not busier. More intentional.

I do not believe great events are created by information alone.

They are created when people feel safe to contribute, invited to reflect, and able to connect what they are hearing to what matters in their own work, leadership or life.

My style is:

  • Warm, grounded and relatable

  • Reflective rather than performative

  • Practical without being prescriptive

  • Designed to create real engagement, not surface interaction

I don’t speak at people.

I speak with them — creating space for insight, empathy and shared understanding.

A woman with blonde hair and glasses holding a microphone, speaking at a conference or seminar, with a large group of people seated around her.

Who is this for

This work is well suited to:

  • Conferences and professional events

  • Leadership and team offsites

  • Councils and local government

  • Community and membership organisations

  • Changemakers, leaders and problem-solvers

  • Groups navigating growth, change or transition

A woman with blonde hair wearing glasses and a navy blue dress speaks at a conference or meeting with seated attendees listening.
A conference room with attendees seated at round tables, a person speaking at a podium, and an audience member standing with a microphone.

Themes I often speak on or facilitate around include:

  • Meaningful conversations that create real impact

  • Building confidence in communication and connection

  • Turning awkward interactions into stronger relationships

  • Strategic connection and collaboration

  • Community, contribution and the ripple effect of better conversations

  • Breaking silos through trust, communication and shared understanding

Formats and Event Types

This work can be shaped to suit a range of formats, including:

  • Conference presentations

  • Keynote sessions

  • Panel facilitation or hosting

  • Team offsites

  • Leadership retreats

  • Community events

  • Member events

  • Curated conversations

  • Workshops with facilitated discussion

Group of diverse people engaged in conversation indoors, with smiling woman wearing glasses and floral dress at the center.
From Awkward to Awesome” truly lived up to its name! Kerryn did an incredible job helping us kick those networking nerves to the curb. The event was packed with practical takeaways—not just for ourselves, but also to bring back and empower our teams. It was engaging, energizing, and genuinely transformative. We’d absolutely attend again! -
— Daniela Kaplanis, Venue Manager, Lower Plenty Hotel

Let’s create the right experience for your audience

If you’re looking for a speaker, facilitator, or a blend of both, I’d love to hear more about your event, audience and what you want people to take away.

Because when the right conversations happen, everything else starts to move.

Enquire here about Kerryn speaking to your group.

A woman with white hair and glasses giving a presentation at a conference, standing in front of a large screen displaying a decorated dining setup with string lights and floral centerpieces. Several audience members are seated, watching her, and there is a banner to her left that reads "Women in Hotels".
Circular logo with 'KP' in the center, surrounded by the text 'The Network Catalyst' on a dark blue background.

Want to speak to Kerryn about your next event?