New Zealand's straight-talking strategist | Author, consultant, and advisor to 120+ organisations
Alicia McKay is a New Zealand-based author, speaker, consultant, and entrepreneur who has worked on strategy, change, and leadership with more than 120 organisations — from small charities and rural councils to global corporations and federal agencies. She is the author of three books: From Strategy to Action, You Don't Need an MBA, and Local Legends: How to Make a Difference in Local Government. Her strategy models and decision frameworks are used worldwide to drive alignment and performance.
Her particular expertise sits at the intersection of plain-English strategy and public sector reality. Over fifteen years, she has worked with more than 60 councils and dozens of public and private sector organisations in planning, engineering, community development, transport, and infrastructure. She partners with local government associations to deliver training and events and is a trusted advisor to local, state, and federal governments on local government issues. Her motto — no buzzwords, no BS — is not just a tagline; it shapes every engagement she delivers.
Alicia's training courses regularly sell out across New Zealand and Australia, and her weekly newsletter, Wednesday Wisdom, has built a loyal following. Leadership and governance conferences, public sector events, and strategy workshops will find her sessions — grounded in frameworks that actually travel from room to practice — among the most practically useful they will offer their audiences.
Alicia McKay is a keynote speaker based in New Zealand who speaks on business strategy, change management and government & policy. Book through Executive Speakers Australia.
I enjoyed the style of presentation. Kept me engaged for two days.Yarra Ranges Council
Alicia is engaging. There was a fantastic balance of workbook, discussion, games, and presenting 'theory/concepts'. She is honest and passionate about conversations that help people appreciate each other's roles and responsibilities. Concepts were presented as imagery (tree, iceberg, interpretive dance) to help visual learners.Bega Valley Shire Council
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