Kirryn Zerna

Kirryn Zerna

KIRRYN ZERNA IS A FABULOUS AND FUN KEYNOTE SPEAKER, AND AUTHOR OF THE STAND-OUT Kirryn Zerna is an award-winning keynote speaker, LinkedIn Top Voice in Communications, and creator of The Connect Effect. She empowers leaders, teams, and customer-facing professionals to transform human connection into their ultimate competitive advantage—on stage, in strategy, and in the moments that matter most.

With over 20 years in brand strategy and corporate communication, she’s advised executive teams, served on boards, and supported high-performing organisations across industries—including Westpac, Carsales.com.au, Thermomix, REIWA, John Holland and ARN.

Whether speaking to 20 leaders or 700 professionals, Kirryn delivers fresh insight, electric energy, and lasting momentum with actionable takeaways.

Based in Sydney
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Speaking Topics

The Connect Effect: Mastering Human Connection in the Age of AI

In a world of digital saturation, AI disruption, and fractured attention spans, human connection has never mattered more and it’s never been harder to maintain. As leaders navigate change, teams adapt to hybrid rhythms, and customer-facing professionals fight for attention and loyalty, one thing becomes clear:

In a digital age, connection is your edge. Unlocking its effect is your superpower.

The Connect Effect is a high-impact, highly practical keynote designed to help leaders, teams and sales professionals activate trust, build belonging, and lead with connection no matter the tech, pressure, or platform.

In this interactive and action-oriented session audiences will learn to:

  • Trust: Build fast, lasting trust with clients and teams across digital platforms, meetings, and conversations—leveraging emerging tech to deepen empathy, not replace it.
  • Tribe: Create rhythms and rituals that spark loyalty, belonging and shared energy—even across hybrid or multigenerational teams—using digital tools and AI insights to amplify what connects us.
  • Thrive:Lead through disconnection, challenge and change—turning friction into deeper influence and momentum, while blending the best of human insight with future-focused tools.

Gen What? Engaging Your Multigenerational Team in a Digital Age

In this inspiring and immensely practical session, Kirryn Zerna draws on her deep expertise in corporate communications and human connection to guide you through the nuances of leading a workplace that spans five generations. You’ll also learn how to integrate these insights into your event planning process.

In this hands-on and fun session, audiences will learn:

  • Effective Communication Strategies in a Digital Age: Discover techniques to bridge the communication gap between different generations within your team, both in-person and online.
  • Building Trust in Hybrid Environments: Learn how to foster trust among team members and clients, ensuring a cohesive and collaborative work environment in both physical and virtual spaces.
  • Implementing Rhythms and Rituals: Understand the importance of establishing consistent practices that promote unity and efficiency in a hybrid workforce.
  • Adapting to Change with Technology: Equip your team with the skills to quickly adapt to changing circumstances and deliver exceptional outcomes, leveraging digital tools and platforms.

 The Stand Out Effect: Building a Brand of Influence in a Noisy World

In a world of digital saturation and AI-powered influence, it’s not enough to be good — you need to be memorable. Whether you’re a leader shaping culture or a brand trying to break through, the edge belongs to those who connect with purpose.

The Stand Out Effect is a high-energy keynote (or workshop) designed to help leaders and teams unlock their distinct edge — and amplify their influence, online and off.

Audiences will discover:

  • Brand & Influence Foundations – Define what sets you apart and show up with clarity across platforms.
  • Storytelling that Sticks – Use digital trends and timeless storytelling to connect and engage.
  • Trust-Led Leadership – Build visibility and influence through trust and authentic connection.
  • Interactive Impact – Practical exercises to build your brand, refine your message, and lead with confidence.

Testimonials

“Kirryn Zerna is one of the most insightful speakers that I have seen in recent years. Love Kirryn’s presentation style and how she engages and connects with the audience.”
— National Manager Westpac Davidson Institute

“Kirryn was a total pro—warm, prepared, and unflappable—even while hosting Hillary Clinton.”
— Conference Producer, The Hatchery

“Kirryn delivered an engaging, tailored session that inspired real action and connection across our salons.”
— APAC Marketing Director, Wella

“Kirryn didn’t just speak—she created an experience that sparked connection, energy, and lasting impact.”
— Executive Leader, Calvary Health Care

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