25th Prime Minister of Australia, Australia's second-longest-serving PM — on leadership, governance, and Australia's role in the world.
The Hon. John Howard OM AC served as Australia's 25th Prime Minister from 1996 to 2007 — making him the country's second-longest-serving Prime Minister — and led the nation through some of the most consequential events of the modern era: the Sydney 2000 Olympics, the September 11 attacks and their aftermath, the East Timor intervention, and a period of sustained economic reform that reshaped the Australian economy. He was awarded the Order of Merit by Queen Elizabeth II and is a Companion of the Order of Australia. His memoir, Lazarus Rising, remains one of the most candid accounts of Australian political leadership ever published.
What Howard offers at a speaking event is not commentary on current politics but something rarer: the perspective of someone who exercised real power, made consequential decisions under genuine pressure, and has had sufficient time and distance to reflect honestly on what leadership at that level actually demands. His insights on governance, economic reform, and the management of national crisis are drawn from lived experience — not academic study or advisory observation.
John Howard suits high-level corporate and association events, boardroom forums, and leadership conferences where the audience is senior and the questions are genuinely substantive. He is a natural fit for events in finance, law, and policy-adjacent industries, and for any gathering where a perspective on Australian governance and economic history would add real depth to the program. Audiences leave with an account of leadership under pressure that no textbook or business speaker can quite replicate.
The Hon. John Howard OM AC is a keynote speaker based in New South Wales who speaks on business strategy, finance & economics and government & policy. Book through Executive Speakers Australia.
As prime minister of Australia for four terms, John Howard provided a global approach to leadership. He delivered economic vision and strategies for international security that raised Australia's profile on the world stage while gaining the respect and gratitude of the world. Howard discusses the role of world leaders in a new century, detailing steps for handling the growing concerns of globalisation and global economics, the environment, and threats to international security.
A leader of tremendous courage and character, Howard understands that security at home requires vigilance abroad. Under his leadership, Australia was a consistent and resolute ally in the War on Terror. Howard discusses the need to build stability in less-fortunate countries, maintain strong international relationships with allies and manage immigration as key factors in strengthening security.
Under Howard's leadership, Australia's economy grew every year, even during the Asian financial crisis that devastated its neighbours. His administration pushed for unprecedented expansion in Australia's economic relationship with China by initiating negotiations for a free trade agreement with China. Howard candidly describes why he forged ahead with these efforts and what the economic future - for both the Pacific Rim and the world - may hold.
Steering the ship of what is the most prominent Western stronghold in the Asian-Pacific Rim requires visionary and forward-thinking leadership. Australian Prime Minister John Howard approached his responsibilities to his country from a uniquely global viewpoint, providing economic vision and security strategies that raised Australia's profile and impact around the world. Howard discusses the role of world leaders in a new century, detailing steps for handling the growing concerns of globalisation and global economics, the environment, and threats to international security.
Providing economic leadership in today's world means re-envisioning old economic models to discover new ones. Prime Minister John Howard did precisely that, and so much more, for Australia: in the face of criticism from many, Howard initiated efforts to broker a free-trade agreement with China, a strategic move that was completely unprecedented and, when ratified, will add further credibility to China's willingness to participate in a free market. Howard candidly discusses his vision for the global economic future, and in what ways, and to what degrees, China, India and the Pacific Rim will participate.
Mr Howard was a wonderful opening keynote and was loved by our audiences. So insightful and wonderful to work with.The Faculty
Thoroughly enjoyed by all delegates. Honest, informed and engaging.Choice Hotels
The evening with Mr John Howard was a huge success. Our CEO and partner audience both valued and enjoyed the dinner address and subsequent questions enormously. Mr Howard's address hit the mark perfectly in terms of relevance, as he talked about developments both globally and in Australia that our members were interested in, in particular addressing the critical issues facing the country on the reform front. He then took part in a lengthy question session answering all questions from the audience.CEO Forum Group
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