Authentic leaders build trust
Dr Mel Milton-Smith is an award-winning author, corporate trainer, executive coach and TEDx speaker specialising in authentic communication, transformative leadership and workplace culture.
With more than 20 years of experience, she helps leaders strengthen communication, build trust, navigate challenging conversations and create respectful, inclusive, and high-performing workplaces.
Dr Mel has held management roles in state and federal government and is an experienced Senior Lecturer in Communications. She works with national and international clients across business, education, government, and the not-for-profit sector, delivering engaging keynotes, practical training, and executive coaching to emerging leaders and senior executives.
A warm and engaging facilitator, Dr Mel creates supportive learning environments where participants can explore new perspectives, build practical skills and apply their learning to professional and personal challenges.
Dr Mel is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management Western Australia, where she teaches on the MBA program. She holds a PhD in Communications and Cultural Studies from the University of Western Australia, a Master of Philosophy from the University of Cambridge, a First Class Honours degree in Arts (History) from UWA, and a Certificate IV in Workplace and Business Coaching (Open Door Coaching).
As an experienced keynote speaker and emcee, Dr Mel has presented at national and international conferences, including TEDxPerth, The Cyber West Summit, the Agents of Change Ministerial Conference, EduTech and the Social Impact Festival.
Talking Points
Lioness Leader: How women can lead with confidence, courage and intuition
Discover a practical framework for leading with greater confidence, authenticity, and influence. Using the LEVIA framework, Dr Mel Milton-Smith explores five pillars of leadership: Lead, Elevate, Value, Intuit and Assert. Participants will learn how to build trust and psychological safety, recognise and advocate for their professional worth, understand and overcome impostor syndrome, and communicate confidently while setting clear boundaries. They will leave with practical approaches they can apply to their leadership and professional relationships.
Lioness Leader: How women can lead with confidence, courage and intuition
Frog in Hot Water: How to Recognise Burnout, Build Resilience and Thrive Under Pressure
Participants will learn how to recognise the warning signs of burnout, and take practical steps to prevent it. The session explores how to identify the gradual effects of sustained pressure, and build resilience before stress becomes overwhelming. Attendees will gain strategies for managing pressure, establishing healthier boundaries and developing more sustainable approaches to work and wellbeing.
Frog in Hot Water: How to Recognise Burnout, Build Resilience and Thrive Under Pressure
The Art of Good Leadership: Leading with Courage and Authenticity
Participants will learn practical ways to lead with greater courage and authenticity. The session explores how leaders can move beyond traditional approaches to develop leadership practices grounded in their values and authentic approach. Attendees will gain insights they can apply to their leadership behaviours, decisions and professional relationships.
The Art of Good Leadership: Leading with Courage and Authenticity
We Need to Talk: How to Communicate Effectively and Build Stronger Relationships
Participants will leave with practical strategies for communicating more effectively and building stronger professional relationships. The session explores how communication influences relationships and how people can improve the way they interact with others. Attendees will develop approaches they can apply to everyday conversations, helping them communicate more clearly and build more effective working relationships.
We Need to Talk: How to Communicate Effectively and Build Stronger Relationships
Know Thyself: Developing Self-Awareness and Intuition for Authentic Leadership
Participants will develop a stronger understanding of how self-awareness and intuition can inform their leadership. The session explores the importance of knowing oneself and developing an authentic approach to leading others. Attendees will be encouraged to recognise and honour their internal knowing and apply greater self-awareness to their leadership decisions and behaviours.
Know Thyself: Developing Self-Awareness and Intuition for Authentic Leadership
Hello Robot: How AI Can Complement Human Skills: How to Communicate Assertively and Set Boundaries
Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how AI can complement rather than replace human skills. The session explores how AI can augment human capabilities. Attendees will consider how to use AI ethically and sustainably while recognising the importance of human skills in their professional roles.
Hello Robot: How AI Can Complement Human Skills: How to Communicate Assertively and Set Boundaries
Agile Leadership: How to Lead Effectively Through Change and Uncertainty
Participants will learn practical approaches to leading more effectively through change. The session explores how leaders can adapt their approach to meet changing needs and navigate uncertainty. Attendees will gain strategies for responding to change with greater agility and applying a more adaptable approach to leadership.
Agile Leadership: How to Lead Effectively Through Change and Uncertainty
Video
Dr Mel Milton-Smith | Show Reel
