About Kirryn Zerna

Kirryn Zerna is an award-winning keynote speaker on connection, a LinkedIn Top Voice in Communications, Non-Executive Director, author of The Stand Out Effect.

Drawing on 20 years as an experienced communication professional, with postgraduate degrees from Australia’s leading universities, Kirryn advises organisations and leaders from a diverse range of industries on the latest branding, communication, and connection trends.

Connection today has become business-critical. In an era where we’re navigating more distractions and lower attention spans than ever before, the ability to deeply connect with our customers and teams is essential. According to McKinsey (2023), 46% of employees cite the lack of trust as a reason for leaving their jobs. Can you imagine shifting that statistic? And while 90% of business executives believe that customers highly trust their companies, PWC’s research (2024) indicates that only 30% of consumers actually do. Connection can bridge this significant gap in trust.

Through her latest keynote and workshop series, The Connect Effect, Kirryn helps audiences remember and relearn the important aspects of connection from branding, leading, selling and building relationships that help people to lead, live and work better.

Whether it’s a keynote, a workshop series, or to host as MC for your event, Kirryn would love to help you create a remarkable and unforgettable experience for your next event. Organisations that look to her expertise include Australian Radio Network, Carsales.com.au, Housing Industry Australia, Thermomix, John Holland, Fundraising Institute Australia, Westpac, NSW Government.

Few more facts

• Keynote Speaker, facilitator and MC: Once confused as an Australian popstar in Capri (almost fulfilling her childhood ambition haha), she’s since traded singing for speaking to help leaders and entrepreneurs have an a-ha moment & imagine new ways of doing things. In 2017, she was awarded the Kerrie Nairn Scholarship for an emerging professional speaker by Professional Speakers Australia; and has since served on their national board and as a co-covenor for their national convention in 2021.
• Brand and Communications Specialist: It all began with a comms campaign influencing 40,000 Westpac employees to become Our Tomorrow champions (to take small steps towards sustainability), and then 15+ years as a corporate comms specialist. So if you could communicate it she’s probably done it, and now advises organisations and leaders from a diverse range of industries on the latest branding, communication, and connection trends.
• Small Business and Online Influence: Kirryn’s helped thousands of small businesses in the last 5 years, creating workshops for the Business Connect program (NSW) and Australian Small Business Advisory Services (federal) programs. She’s also written a book called The Stand out Effect  to help leaders get known and grow online.
•  Life long learner & board enthusiast: B Comm, M Mgt and GAICD and a Non-Executive Director on two not-for-profit boards and has worked with some of the world’s best experts Michael Grinder, Leanne Christie, Allan Parker, Michelle Bowden, Colin James & Matt Church.
• What else? Kirryn is married to Toby (an amazing photographer), has two adorable kids Harper and Bailey and loves conversations about business, travel or faith over a good South Aussie red (or I’ll take bubbles).

Why not call?

Kirryn would love the chance to meet with you … call today on 1300 751 883 or email on info@kirrynzerna.com.