Dr Ellen Joan Ford

Leadership expert, future of work strategist and wellbeing advocate

Overview

Dr. Ellen Joan Ford is a leadership expert, author, military veteran and future of work specialist who helps organisations navigate complexity, build inclusive cultures and prepare for the challenges of tomorrow. Combining experience from the military, academia, business and research, Ellen delivers thought-provoking insights on leadership, wellbeing, diversity and the rapidly evolving nature of work. Her engaging presentations challenge conventional thinking while providing practical strategies for creating resilient, high-performing organisations.

Who is Dr. Ellen Joan Ford?

Dr. Ellen Joan Ford brings a unique blend of military experience, academic expertise and business leadership to her work as a speaker and advisor. Having served in the New Zealand Army both domestically and internationally, she developed firsthand experience leading in complex, high-pressure environments where trust, adaptability and resilience were essential.

Her military background sparked a deep interest in leadership and human performance, leading her to further explore how organisations can create environments where people thrive. Through academic research, consulting and business leadership, Ellen has become a respected voice on topics including authentic leadership, workplace wellbeing, diversity and the future of work.

A passionate advocate for inclusion and belonging, Ellen believes organisations perform best when people feel valued, connected and empowered to contribute. Her work explores how leaders can foster cultures that support both wellbeing and performance while adapting to changing workforce expectations and emerging challenges.

Drawing on her experiences as a woman working within traditionally male-dominated environments, Ellen also provides valuable insights into creating more equitable and inclusive workplaces. Her practical, research-backed approach helps organisations better understand the opportunities and risks shaping the future of work.

Career Highlights

• Former officer in the New Zealand Army
• Leadership researcher, academic and author
• Founder and business leader
• Recognised expert on the future of work and workplace wellbeing
• Advisor on leadership, diversity and organisational culture
• International keynote speaker and facilitator
• Advocate for inclusion, belonging and equitable workplaces
• Trusted commentator on leadership and workforce trends

Key Speaking Themes

• Authentic and embodied leadership
• The future of work and workforce transformation
• Workplace wellbeing and resilience
• Diversity, equity and inclusion
• Belonging and organisational culture
• Leading through uncertainty and change
• Women in leadership
• Building adaptable and future-ready organisations

What Your Audience Will Gain

Dr. Ford provides practical and evidence-based insights that help organisations strengthen leadership capability, improve wellbeing and prepare for the future. Audiences gain valuable tools for building inclusive cultures, fostering resilience and navigating change while creating environments where people and performance can thrive together.

Ideal For

• Leadership and executive conferences
• Future of work and HR forums
• Diversity, equity and inclusion events
• Women's leadership programmes
• Government and public sector conferences
• Organisational culture and wellbeing initiatives

Frequently Asked Questions...

What does Dr. Ellen Joan Ford speak about?
Dr. Ford speaks about leadership, workplace wellbeing, diversity and inclusion, organisational culture and the future of work.

Who is Dr. Ellen Joan Ford?
Dr. Ellen Joan Ford is a military veteran, academic, business leader, author and keynote speaker specialising in leadership and future workforce trends.

What is Dr. Ellen Joan Ford best known for?
She is known for her expertise in authentic leadership, workplace wellbeing, inclusion and helping organisations prepare for the future of work.

What leadership experience does Dr. Ford bring?
Her experience includes military leadership, academic research, business leadership and advising organisations on culture and workforce strategy.

Why is Dr. Ellen Joan Ford a sought-after keynote speaker?
Her unique combination of military experience, research expertise and practical business insights provides audiences with valuable and actionable takeaways.

What future of work topics does Dr. Ford explore?
She examines workforce transformation, organisational adaptability, wellbeing, inclusion and how leaders can prepare for changing workplace expectations.

Who benefits most from Dr. Ford's presentations?
Leaders, HR professionals, executives, educators and organisations focused on culture, wellbeing and future workforce challenges gain significant value from her insights.

Is Dr. Ellen Joan Ford available for keynote presentations and workshops?
Yes. Dr. Ellen Joan Ford is available for keynote speaking engagements, leadership programmes, conferences and workshops throughout Australia and internationally.