Professor Arnold Dix

Leadership expert, engineer and the man who helped rescue 41 trapped workers in the Silkyara Tunnel disaster

Overview

Professor Arnold Dix is an internationally respected engineer, barrister, scientist and leadership speaker best known for his role in the successful rescue of 41 workers trapped inside the collapsed Silkyara Tunnel in India in 2023. As President of the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association, Arnold has become a global authority on leadership, crisis management and decision-making in high-stakes environments. His remarkable ability to unite people, solve complex problems and remain optimistic under pressure has made him one of the world's most sought-after keynote speakers.

Who is Professor Arnold Dix?

Professor Arnold Dix is a uniquely qualified expert whose career spans engineering, geology, law and underground infrastructure. Based in regional Victoria, Australia, Arnold is a practising barrister, engineer and geologist who has spent decades advising governments, organisations and emergency response teams on some of the world's most challenging underground projects and incidents.

His expertise has been called upon during major international investigations, including events linked to Ground Zero following the September 11 attacks, as well as underground safety reviews connected to major incidents in London and Madrid. Arnold also serves as a Visiting Professor of Engineering at Tokyo City University and has dedicated much of his career to improving tunnel safety standards globally.

In 2023, Arnold gained worldwide recognition for helping lead the technical rescue operation that safely brought 41 trapped workers out of the collapsed Silkyara Tunnel in India after 17 days underground. His leadership during the operation captured international attention and reinforced his reputation as a calm, compassionate and highly effective problem solver.

Career Highlights

• Technical leader of the successful Silkyara Tunnel rescue operation in India, 2023
• President of the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association (ITA)
• Visiting Professor of Engineering (Tunnels) at Tokyo City University
• Australian Local Hero, Australian of the Year Awards 2024
• Author of the bestselling memoir The Promise
• Member of the Victorian Bar and founder of Underground Works Chambers
• Recipient of the US National Fire Protection Association Distinguished Service Award
• International advisor on tunnel safety, risk management and underground infrastructure

Key Speaking Themes

• Leadership in high-pressure environments
• Crisis communication and trust-building
• Decision-making when the stakes are high
• Teamwork across cultures and organisations
• Risk management and problem solving
• Resilience, optimism and perseverance

What Your Audience Will Gain

Arnold shares practical lessons drawn from some of the most challenging situations imaginable, where lives, reputations and critical infrastructure are on the line. Audiences gain valuable insights into leadership, communication and decision-making under pressure, while also learning the importance of empathy, teamwork and maintaining optimism during difficult circumstances. His presentations are inspiring, authentic and filled with real-world examples that resonate across industries.

Ideal For

• Leadership and executive conferences
• Crisis management and risk forums
• Engineering, infrastructure and construction events
• Corporate strategy and team development programmes
• Government and public sector conferences
• Gala dinners, awards nights and keynote events

Frequently Asked Questions...

What does Professor Arnold Dix speak about?
Professor Arnold Dix speaks about leadership, crisis management, communication, teamwork, resilience, risk management and decision-making under pressure.

Who is Professor Arnold Dix?
Professor Arnold Dix is an Australian engineer, geologist, barrister and international tunnelling expert who is recognised globally for his leadership during the Silkyara Tunnel rescue.

What was the Silkyara Tunnel rescue?
The Silkyara Tunnel rescue was a major international operation in 2023 that successfully freed 41 workers trapped underground for 17 days following a tunnel collapse in Uttarakhand, India.

What organisations is Professor Arnold Dix involved with?
Arnold serves as President of the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association and is a Visiting Professor of Engineering at Tokyo City University.

What is The Promise?
The Promise is Professor Arnold Dix's bestselling memoir, which explores the Silkyara rescue, leadership, resilience and his lifelong work in underground engineering and safety.

What awards and recognition has Professor Arnold Dix received?
Arnold was named Australia's Local Hero in the 2024 Australian of the Year Awards and has received international recognition for his contributions to engineering, safety and emergency response.

Why do organisations book Professor Arnold Dix as a keynote speaker?
Organisations value Arnold's unique combination of technical expertise, leadership experience and inspiring storytelling, which provides practical lessons for navigating complex challenges.

Is Professor Arnold Dix available for keynote speaking engagements?
Yes. Professor Arnold Dix is available for leadership conferences, infrastructure events, corporate programmes and keynote presentations throughout Australia and internationally.