Penelope Twemlow - Women in Business - Trailblazing CEO, Defence Veteran & Champion f ...

Travels From ACT

Speaker Topics

Build A Better You: Building resilience and overcoming adversity

Resilience is that amazing skill that helps you recover quickly from difficulties. If you are resilient, then when life knocks you down, you bounce back and sometimes, stronger than before. So how do you become a resilient person? This discussion combats difficult topics using my life story, including working in male dominated industries, domestic violence, and mental health. I outline how a ‘breakdown can be a break through’, by overcoming adversity and building resilience. Read less

Digital Disruption

Business and government leaders do not need to look far into the future to see the new wave of digital disruption headed towards them. It is already here, transforming the way companies and agencies operate and how they engage with their customers. This presentation discusses technological trends and their impact on society and industry and aims to provide thought leadership on the need for continued innovation and collaboration between industry and organisations in order to survive the rapidly changing global climate. Read less

Finding purpose and passion - What is your why?

A discussion that will touch, move and inspire; it is all about making powerful choices to live a life that you love. This is about putting meaning in your work, discovering your passion, learning about positivity – sticking with it and being persistent… and ultimately fulfilling on your true purpose. Knowing what drives you will give you the platform for a rich and wonderful experience of life. Read less

Get comfortable with being uncomfortable

All people are capable of being an amazing leader, but in order to do so, they must become comfortable with being uncomfortable and to live and lead a life with courage to thrive. This presentation discusses how to find your authentic leadership style, the best ways to counter unconscious bias, conquering Imposter Syndrome and how to build the capacity and confidence to ‘lean in’ and lead well. Read less

Inspirational Leadership

What is leadership and how does one learn it? Can it be learnt or is it part of our DNA? During this discussion, we try to understand what success looks like from a leadership perspective, emotional intelligence and leadership, Drawbridge vs Rapunzel Leaders, leadership styles, essential qualities of an effective leader, how to develop 21st century critical thinkers and what it takes to be a senior executive. Read less

Make your mark

Whether you want to get more enjoyment from the path you're on or completely over-haul your life, you'll learn valuable tools to map out a plan, achieve your biggest goals and overcome any challenge. This discussion combines insightful advice with powerful questions to help you dig beneath your deepest fears and enjoy more of what you've longed for — in your work, relationships and life Read less

Skills of the future

Education of any kind is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world; it is a critical investment in ones future. This presentation discusses the importance of education and particular skills needed for the future. It can also focus on the requirements to increase the uptake of STEM at school and post-school, particularly with women. Read less

Penelope Twemlow

Trailblazing CEO, Defence Veteran & Champion for Social Change

Penelope Twemlow is a powerhouse of purpose, passion, and performance. With a remarkable career spanning defence, energy, business leadership, and social advocacy, she has become a highly sought-after keynote speaker who brings intellect, heart, and humour to every stage she steps on.

A Royal Australian Navy veteran with nearly eleven years of service, Penelope has since carved out an extraordinary career as a multi-award-winning CEO, businesswoman, mentor, and changemaker. She brings together deep expertise in leadership, risk, safety, and strategic transformation, with qualifications in everything from nuclear law and project management to health, safety and environment, policing, and investigations.

Penelope is known for leading complex programs across industries including defence, mining, aviation, energy, and utilities, often in high-stakes, high-pressure environments. But her most inspiring work comes from her commitment to social enterprise and advocacy. A passionate supporter of equity, diversity, mental health, domestic violence prevention, and homelessness, her impact was recognised with the 2016 Queensland Telstra Business Women’s Award for Social Enterprise.

Far more than a technical expert, Penelope is a people-first leader, collaborative, courageous, and capable of delivering meaningful change while empowering those around her. Whether you’re looking to ignite organisational transformation, support women in leadership, or unlock personal growth, Penelope delivers sharp insights and practical tools with charm, authenticity and razor-sharp wit.

As an author, mentor, and founder, Penelope speaks from experience, and from the heart. Her sessions help audiences identify and overcome limiting beliefs, create strategic life plans, and boldly pursue personal and professional goals.

Whether she’s helping boards rethink risk, guiding young leaders to new heights, or inspiring everyday people to take back control of their lives, Penelope’s message is clear: success is not only possible, it’s within your reach.

Testimonial

Great to hear Penelope present this and hear her remarkable story of grit fuelled by passion and determination

InFocus

Penelope’s presentation was moving and her message was strong. We had people at the event to support participants as her presentation was able to provide a supportive environment for anyone who wanted to talk and process should the discussions trigger any emotions.

Diversity Practitioners Association