Our stories are powerful - and can be used to create real change.
Dr Zoë Condliffe is a globally recognised speaker, storyteller and systems change leader. With over 15 years of experience on international stages, from TEDx to boardrooms, Zoë is known for transforming complex ideas into powerful, emotional journeys that leave audiences inspired and ready to act.
She is the Founder & CEO of She’s A Crowd, a world-first tech platform closing the gender data gap through storytelling, and Director of Raise the Crowd, where she coaches diverse founders to build bold, purpose-led businesses. Her work spans AI ethics, inclusive design, gender equity, digital justice and public policy reform.
Zoë’s lived experience growing up in post-conflict Cambodia as part of a UN family shaped her deep commitment to justice. That commitment has driven a career at the intersection of storytelling and systems, earning her accolades such as Telstra’s Best of Business for Accelerating Women, Data Leader of the Year, and one of The Age’s Top 100 Most Influential Melburnians.
She is also a policy leader, currently shaping gender-equal place naming reforms in Victoria, and a PhD researcher in digital feminist activism whose ideas are shaping future-thinking conversations across government, corporate and innovation sectors.
A sought-after keynote speaker, Zoë brings warmth, wit and razor-sharp insight to every stage. Whether unpacking the future of AI, the power of storytelling, or leading with values in uncertain times, Zoë doesn’t just deliver keynotes, she shifts perspectives.
Talking Points
AI, DEI & The Future of Work
How can we build ethical futures when the tech is moving faster than our values?AI, DEI & The Future of Work
A powerful keynote exploring AI, algorithmic bias, and how leaders can futureproof equity and inclusion in an age of exponential change.
Ideal for: Corporates, government, tech, DEI leads, futurist events
Takeaways:
- How AI can perpetuate or dismantle bias
- The role of human leadership in ethical innovation
- Practical strategies for inclusive design & decision-making
Turning Trauma into Transformation
How can we move from survivor stories to systemic change?Turning Trauma into Transformation
Zoë shares her journey building She’s A Crowd, harnessing storytelling and data activism to shift power and policy.
Ideal for: Universities, social impact orgs, DEI/HR teams, advocacy spaces
Takeaways:
- How to centre lived experience without retraumatising
- The link between voice, data, and justice
- Tools for ethical, survivor-centred innovation
From Backlash to Breakthrough
What does it mean to lead with justice when equity is under attack?From Backlash to Breakthrough
A keynote that dissects the rollback of diversity, equity and inclusion, offering a bold path forward for values-based leadership.
Ideal for: Exec teams, NGOs, boards, leadership programs
Takeaways:
- How to respond to anti-DEI sentiment with integrity
- Justice vs. equality: reframing the conversation
- How to keep your values at the centre of strategy
The Gender Data Gap: Why What Gets Counted Counts
What happens when entire populations are missing from the data?The Gender Data Gap: Why What Gets Counted Counts
A riveting dive into how gender bias in data shapes everything from policy to urban design — and how we can fix it. Ideal for: Planners, policymakers, innovation teams, educators
Takeaways:
- What the gender data gap is & why it matters
- Case studies in crowdmapping and digital activism
- How to design equitable systems from the ground up
Unveiling the Transformative Power of Storytelling
How can stories spark systems change—and why should your organisation start listening?Unveiling the Transformative Power of Storytelling
Dr Zoë Condliffe reveals how personal and collective storytelling drives social change, inspires action, and fosters connection. From her own survival to global data activism, this keynote connects emotion to impact.
Ideal for: Corporate leaders, DEI teams, education, advocacy spaces, social impact sectors
Key Takeaways:
- Feel the Power of Stories: Understand how narratives like Zoë’s helped shape movements such as #MeToo—and why your organisation’s culture depends on listening
- Turn Stories into Action: Learn how translating lived experiences into data is disrupting silence and informing real-world gender equity strategies
- Learn from Zoë’s Journey: Be inspired by the bold path from a grassroots NGO in Cambodia to leading a tech company tackling gender-based violence
- Walk Away Changed: Discover how storytelling can become a tool for healing, transformation, and a more inclusive workplace
Video
Meet Zoe Condliffe | The People Australia Needs | Bank Australia
Zoe Condliffe is the CEO & Founder of She's A Crowd, the startup which uses data as a catalyst for countering gender based violence. She believes in gender equality and is committed to building a movement that will create change from the streets to the council chambers.Why your story matters | Zoe Condliffe | TEDxUniMelb
Storytelling is powerful, and for women who have experienced harassment, sexual assault and other forms of gender-based violence, our stories are changing the world. Zoë is passionate about the power of storytelling and believes that online storytelling by women is defining the current feminist movement. She talks about how women's stories can be translated into powerful datasets to address gender-based violence and explores her own experiences with finding healing from violence through storytelling. Zoë Condliffe is the CEO and founder of She's A Crowd. She's A Crowd uses storytelling data to make cities safer for women. Using digital crowdmapping technology and data analytics, She's A Crowd collects geolocatied data about harassment and sexual assault to empower decision makers to take preventative action on gender-based violence.Zoe Condliffe | Your Story Matters | Saxton Live
Zoe Condliffe explores the importance of storytelling in addressing the data gap in gender-based violence. Zoe is the CEO & Founder of She's A Crowd and a researcher in gender and crowdsourcing technology at Monash University. She uses crowdsoruced data to make cities safer for women and to provide a platform for women to tell their stories. The presentation was given at Saxton Live, our speaker showcase, at AIME 2020.Saxton Fireside Chat with Founder and CEO of She's A Crowd, Zoe Condliffe
Content Warning: This video discusses domestic violence, harassment and other forms of gender-based violence. The exchange of stories and ideas is more important now than ever. In this bi-weekly series of virtual Fireside Chats, you can gain unprecedented access to the world's greatest storytellers and thought leaders. In this session, Zoe shares the story of how she came to found her organisation, She's A Crowd. She's A Crowd used crowd-sourcing to technology to allow women to share their stories of gender-based violence. This data is then used by organisations and governments to make spaces safer for women.Dr Zoë’s keynote was nothing short of exceptional. She combined deep insight, powerful storytelling, and practical strategies for action. Her ability to spark meaningful conversations and co ... keep reading Telstra Corporation Limited
Zoe was super engaging in the way she delivered her information, while remaining emotive and serious about an important issue in our society. The entire crowd was engrossed in what she was saying and it was amazing to see how moved everyone was. We can't wait to see where she goes in the future.
Zoe moderated a panel of female leaders in the Brisbane music industry following a documentary screening of 'Her Sound Her Story'. We were incredibly impressed by her professionalism, and her adaptability in speaking about an industry outside of her own. Her preparation prior to the event, as well as her engagement with the speakers during the night led to a fluent and stimulating discussion. She ensured the voices of the audience were heard, followed timing and included her own humour. We have had nothing but positive feedback from attendees, and are looking forward to having Zoe speak again at future events.
Zoe was both vulnerable and relatable. You could see heads nodding across the room as women shared experiences that we often don’t talk about but should.
