Book Felicity Furey for your next event

Do things you've never done. Be things you've never been.

Profile

Felicity Furey is an award-winning engineer, international speaker, author, media personality and one of Australia’s most influential voices on the future of engineering and leadership. A recognised industry innovator, Felicity has spent her career delivering major engineering projects, transforming culture in organisations and building movements that shift how people see engineering and what is possible within it.

Felicity co-founded Power of Engineering, a social enterprise that inspires girls and regional students to see engineering as an exciting and meaningful career path. She later co founded WeAspire, a leadership advisory and development company that has trained more than ten thousand emerging leaders across engineering, infrastructure and construction. She has spoken to more than thirty thousand people internationally and partnered with organisations including Qantas, Engineers Australia, Arup, Toyota, Energy Australia, Boeing, AECOM and BHP.

Her new book, The Future of Engineering, Legacy by Design, presents a groundbreaking framework that expands engineering beyond technical problem solving and into a regenerative discipline that centres humanity, purpose, ecological intelligence and long term legacy. Felicity’s work bridges data and empathy, logic and human behaviour, engineering and leadership, revealing how the most powerful innovations of the next century will come not from new tools, but from new ways of thinking.

A sought after global keynote speaker, Felicity is redefining engineering culture for the twenty first century and empowering organisations around the world to design systems that work for everyone.

Expertise

Talking Points

Engineering the Future: Legacy by Design

Engineering is at a crossroads. The future will not be defined by new tools alone, but by new ways of thinking and acting.
This keynote reframes engineering as a discipline that works with human behaviour, the natural world and long-term legacy in mind, rather than against them. Felicity challenges audiences to rethink the inherited assumptions of engineering and explore how intentional design can create systems that strengthen communities and care for people and the planet.

Audiences explore how to:
- Reconnect work with purpose, creativity and meaning
- Design systems that elevate people rather than exhaust them
- Increase trust, innovation and performance through human-centred engineering
- Shift from reactive problem solving to proactive system shaping

Perfect for: Engineers, executives, boards, policymakers, educators and anyone shaping the systems we all live within.

Outcome: Audiences leave energised, grounded and equipped with a new roadmap that restores purpose, amplifies impact and ensures today’s work becomes a legacy worth standing behind.

Engineering the Unexpected

Careers can be unexpected and unpredictable. Felicity Furey never expected to be an engineer, be in a minority group, set up five businesses or be passionate about creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. But that is exactly how her engineering career has unfolded.

In this inspiring keynote, Felicity draws on her own journey into engineering and her work inspiring the next generation of innovators – the challenges and the wins to explore how you can build your own personal career jungle gym, reframe challenges and unlock new possibilities that you could never have imagined possible.

Audiences explore how to:
- Develop an engineering mindset that reframes challenges as opportunities, even if you’re not an engineer
- Apply creative and critical thinking to solve complex real-world problems
- Build confidence navigating uncertainty and designing a future that does not yet exist
- Engage the next generation in engineering, STEM and the possibilities of innovation

Perfect for: Schools, universities, early career programs, STEM initiatives, industry associations and organisations committed to inspiring the next generation of innovators.

Outcome: Audiences leave energised, confident and equipped with a new mindset to navigate challenges, create opportunity and engineer their own future.

The Future of STEM

How do we create, plan and invent a future that doesn't exist yet? How will we solve the challenges of water or food shortages, energy crises and invent products to make our world a better place? To build the future we need all citizens to have critical and creative thinking skills. What better way to get these skills, but through STEM education and careers. How can we attract, engage and retain the next generation into STEM?

In this talk Felicity explores the future of STEM and unlocks what we can do now to future proof people and engage them in this new world.

Key takeaways:
- How to communicate STEM to attract, engage and retain future and current workforces
- Discover the why of STEM, not just the what and how
- Learn how to develop creative, adaptable and innovative students and professionals of STEM learners and
professionals
- Engage young people in the the real world of engineering and STEM
- Attract, retain and support diverse talent, particularly women, into STEM

Who this is for:
Business leaders, corporates, teams, educators, high schools

Diversity by Design: Belonging for Everyone

Belonging does not happen by accident. It is something we design.

This keynote explores how inclusion is not just a cultural issue but a systems and design challenge. Drawing on her own journey in engineering and infrastructure, Felicity shares the moments she questioned whether she truly belonged and how those experiences reshaped the way she thinks about teams, organisations and the systems we build together.

Audiences explore how to:
- Empower themselves and others to contribute with confidence and authenticity
- Design workplaces where diverse perspectives strengthen performance and innovation
- Create psychologically safe environments where people feel valued and able to speak up
- Shift the conversation from “fixing women” to redesigning systems so everyone can thrive

Through real-world examples and research-backed insights, Felicity demonstrates how designing for one user often improves outcomes for all and how the same principle applies inside our organisations.

Perfect for: International Women’s Day, International Women in Engineering Day, leadership forums, psychological safety initiatives and organisations committed to empowering their teams.

Outcome: Audiences leave with practical tools to strengthen belonging, improve team performance and create workplaces where more people can contribute, perform and thrive.

Leadership by Design

Leadership is not a title, it is a series of decisions about what we value and how we act when the path is uncertain.

In a world of increasing complexity, the most effective leaders are not those with all the answers, but those who lead with clarity of purpose and intention. Drawing on more than 15 years of leadership experience founding and growing multiple organisations, Felicity explores how values-driven leadership enables individuals and teams to navigate uncertainty with confidence.

Audiences explore how to:
- Lead themselves first by developing clarity of values, purpose and decision-making frameworks
- Empower others by creating environments where people can contribute, think clearly and perform at their best
- Navigate uncertainty with confidence rather than waiting for perfect information
- Lead systems and culture by modelling the behaviours and values that shape how teams operate

Through practical examples and lived leadereship experience, Felicity demonstrates how intentional leadership strengthens trust, improves performance and helps organisations thrive in complexity and uncertainty.

Perfect for: Emerging leaders, senior leaders, executive teams and organisations looking to empower leadership at every level.

Outcome: Audiences leave with practical tools to lead with intention, make better decisions under pressure and create environments where people and ideas can flourish.

The Future of Work is Now: Thriving in a Changing World

This future of work' is actually here now and more change is coming. We urgently need to prepare the current and future workforce.

Who will thrive in this changing world? People with a foundation in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) who can unlock their enterprise, problem solving, critical thinking and communication skills.

However, we can't be be captivated by STEM skills and technology alone. Success at work now and in the future won't be found only in technological solutions, it will be found in people. We must put people and the human perspective at the core of what we do, rather than technology.

This is the new triple threat of the workforce - a foundation in STEM, an entrepreneurial mindset and people skills. Are you ready?

Key takeaways:
- Explore current and future work scenarios and the impact this has on you and your organisation
- How you can thrive in the future of work - new mindsets to adapt to our new work reality
- Take advantage of change and learn how to think technologically
- Learn what skills will matter most in 2030 and how to get them

Who this is for:
Business leaders, executives, corporates, teams, educators, problem solvers

What ACTUALLY Works With Women? A data driven analysis of Investments in Diversity and Inclusion and what ACTUALLY works

In an era where the call to "Invest in Women" resonates more profoundly than ever, the keynote "What ACTUALLY Works With Women?" stands as a critical examination of how capital can be smartly allocated to genuinely enhance diversity and inclusion within corporations. It challenges the status quo, debunking the myths of well-intentioned but ineffective diversity initiatives that inadvertently solidify outdated cultures rather than dismantling them.

Drawing from an extensive review of global academic research, this presentation offers actionable insights into effective strategies that truly move the needle on diversity. It is designed for business leaders and change-makers who seek beyond token gestures, focusing on substantive measures that foster real, impactful progress.

This concise yet potent keynote not only highlights what's working but also critiques common diversity practices, providing a clear path for companies to invest wisely and achieve tangible results. It's a must-attend for those committed to authentic change, offering a pragmatic blueprint for embedding lasting diversity and inclusion in corporate strategies.

Perfect for International Women's Day and beyond, "What ACTUALLY Works With Women?" is an essential guide for anyone looking to make diversity and inclusion a lived reality in their organisation.

Next Gen Innovation Labs

Format: A one-day, in-person innovation sprint

The Next Gen Innovation Lab is a practical, immersive workshop where innovation is learned, practised, and applied in a single high-energy session. Not theory. Not slides. Participants work in teams on real challenges under time pressure, building and demonstrating capability as they go.
The Lab follows a structured framework: learn the core principles, practise in a team environment, apply to live problems. A natural extension of Felicity's Keynote, and equally effective as a standalone program.

Key Outcomes

Participants:
- A clear, practical innovation framework they have already applied
- Confidence to contribute, lead, and back their ideas
- Real experience of working in high-performing teams
- Stronger capability across curiosity, critical thinking, and collaboration

Organisations:
- Capability uplift that is observable and measurable
- Improved cross-functional collaboration
- Fresh ideas and real solutions developed during the session
- Authentic content for employer brand and social channels
- A high-impact development experience that supports retention

Topics

Business

Innovation

Motivational Speakers

Politics & Advocacy

Media

Video

Felicity Furey | The Power of Engineering

Felicity Furey is an award winning inspirational speaker, entrepreneur and engineer passionate about diversity. After realising the lack of diversity in engineering and wanting to make an impactful change, Felicity co-founded not-for-profit Power of Engineering. The organisation has now reached over 8,000 students across Australia through one day events and partnerships with industry and universities.

Females Powering Engineering: Felicity Briody at TEDxQUTChange

At the age of just 26, Felicity Briody, has been named in the AFR's top 100 Most Influential Women in Australia. Felicity is the co-founder of the Power of Engineering program, a not-for-profit organisation aiming to change the perception of engineering amongst female students, their teachers and parents, and the community in general. "All you need is to be passionate, imagine what is possible and get out there and share your ideas. You never know what will happen in the conversation or where it will lead."

Felicity Furey - Make A Choice

An inspirational leader and in-demand speaker, Felicity's engineering mindset is primed to help leaders and teams reignite performance, reframe challenges as opportunities and redefine what's possible in the future of business and leadership. From BOSS Magazine's Young Executive of The Year to being one of Westpac AFR's 100 Women of Influence and the Director of four multi-million dollar businesses, Felicity has made a career out of making the 'impossible' possible.

Felicity Furey - Future of Engineering: Legacy by Design Book Launch

What kind of future are we building? In this special event, engineer, author and speaker Felicity Furey launches her book The Future of Engineering: Legacy by Design — a call to rethink the role of engineering in shaping humanity's future. For decades, engineering success has been measured by efficiency, cost and technical performance. But today's challenges demand something more. This book explores how engineers, designers and leaders can create solutions that not only work technically, but also strengthen people, communities and future generations. Drawing on real-world case studies, personal stories and lessons from some of the world's most influential projects, The Future of Engineering: Legacy by Design challenges us to think beyond what we build and consider the legacy we leave behind. Because the future isn't something that happens to us. It's something we design.

Audio

Feedback

I was so insanely impressed with Felicity's insight and ideas today! Her message of being bold and courageous and viewing challenges as an opportunity to clarify my values was really powerfu ... keep readingl. I often feel dismayed and impatient with slow change and insufficient progress. But you've inspired me to consider engineering! Another one converted... Catholic Education Melbourne

Felicity was amazing, she really engaged with our audience and delivered a talk that everyone could relate too. She was very well prepared and worked with us to make sure she was talking to something that would resonate with our group. Felicity was the first one there and one of the last to leave, she did not just attend to deliver a speech she went above and beyond to network with all who attended and it was a joy to have her there with us throughout the event.

Australasian Fleet Management Association (AFMA)

I requested Felicity speak at the Australian German Business Chamber of Commerce Summit about the future of STEM. Felicity presented on stage with C-suite executives from leading Australian and German companies. Felicity was highly impressive, inspiring and demonstrated leadership with practical examples for business leaders to prepare for the future of STEM. I applaud her for the impact she is having to engage young people in STEM and the difference she is making.

Bosch Australia

Ford Australia invited Felicity to speak at our recent International Women's Day event. Her presentation about how she started her social enterprises in the STEAM space were inspiring and provided positive energy to a room of local high school girls and Ford employees. Alongside her personal stories of success she gave the audience an informative, engaging and fresh perspective on what it means to be 'An Engineer' in the modern world. Thank you Felicity!

Ford

Felicity has regularly been invited to be the keynote speaker at events and panels run by the Foundation for Young Australians. We have found her to be a captivating, imaginative and powerful communicator whose story and points of view resonate deeply with the young people in our community. FYA considers her a role model for young women pursuing careers in STEM and firmly support her work in promoting gender equality in engineering and mathematics. She is a delight to work with and we fully endorse her as a presenter that will both inform and inspire.

Foundation for Young Australians

Felicity Furey was a wonderful speaker, down to earth and easy to work with. She had a strong message of self-learning and perseverance. Her encouragement of more girls to pursue maths and engineering resonated and our Kumon Instructors and families loved her.

Kumon

The Mathematical Association of Victoria has invited Felicity to speak at and MC a number of events across mathematics education and STEM. We love having Felicity work with us, as she is an engaging presenter who uses personal stories and real-life contexts to engage the audience. Felicity's natural style is highly professional, engaging, and informative. She prepares thoroughly to ensure she understands the audience, and can deliver a truly valuable experience.

Mathematical Association of Victoria

Felicity was very popular with our delegates. Her engineering background and the way she tailored her content made for a very successful presentation!

Local Government Professionals Australia, SA Incorporated Audience

Felicity was great! Very well received by a challenging audience, adapted well to the event and was an inspiration to listen to!

SPE Queensland