Workforce and talent expert — on engagement, retention and the conversations leaders aren't currently having with their people.
Kim Seeling Smith is a US-born, Australia-based talent and workforce expert whose work focuses on the practical conversations between leaders and their people — the ones that actually drive engagement, retention and discretionary effort. The perspective is shaped by decades of work across recruitment, executive coaching and corporate consulting.
Her corporate speaking translates research and lived practice into specific tools — what to ask, how to listen, what to do with the answers — that managers can apply the next week. Audiences appreciate the directness and the absence of HR jargon. Topics span retention, future of work, workforce planning and the leadership behaviours that genuinely shape culture.
For event organisers, Kim is a strong fit for HR and people conferences, leadership programs, professional services events and in-house programs where the brief is practical workforce content for managers and senior leaders.
Kim Seeling Smith is a keynote speaker based in Queensland who speaks on business strategy, leadership and women in business. Book through Executive Speakers Australia.
We are standing on the threshold of a decade unlike any other, a time of extraordinary speed, transformation, and innovation set against a backdrop of a global polycrisis marked by simultaneous economic, environmental, and social challenges. At the same time, we see the rise of the empowered workforce, employees who seek purpose, flexibility, and greater autonomy in an increasingly talent short market, reshaping organisational dynamics and leadership. To not only survive but thrive, we need to proactively embrace change, foster adaptability, and cultivate a mindset of continuous learning and resilience.
By doing so, we can harness these disruptions as powerful catalysts for growth and success.
To thrive, we must reimagine:
* Business - From tweaks to transformation: In the face of simultaneous disruptions, incremental improvements won’t cut it. It’s time to reimagine your business, boldly and holistically.
* Workforce - From human resources to human empowerment: The goal, to build a workforce that is agile, skilled for the future, diverse, and deeply engaged.
* Leadership - From command to connect: We must deeply rethink what effective leadership looks like in an era defined by AI, the polycrisis, and empowered employees.
Designed for professionals at every level, this session delivers the clarity, confidence, and career strategy you need to navigate the AI revolution and emerge stronger than ever.
We are entering the most disruptive decade in living memory — driven by AI, accelerated by the Polycrisis (where multiple crises converge), and amplified by shifting workforce expectations.
Jobs are changing fast. Roles are being redefined. And employers are making hasty, AI-driven decisions that often leave people behind.
Unlock the power of AI with AI keynote speaker Kim Seeling Smith in this transformative keynote, designed to turn fear and uncertainty into confidence and practical action. This session combines essential AI fundamentals with engaging customised demonstrations, empowering you to understand, discuss, and effectively use AI tools.
In this keynote, you’ll discover:
* AI fundamentals - Master essential concepts to discuss AI intelligently in any conversation.
* Practical tool demonstrations - Go beyond ChatGPT with hands-on AI demonstrations tailored to your industry, helping you choose AI tools that enhance your performance.
* Confidence over fear - Learn strategies to embrace AI as a strategic advantage, improving productivity and leadership effectiveness.
This practical, ‘choose your own adventure’ program is perfect for anyone who manages a team that yearns for a simple, practical way to increase employee engagement, wellbeing, and profitability.
The audience will leave with:
* A practical model, based on over 5,000 exit interviews and updated to include the latest international research to increase employee motivation and wellbeing.
* An understanding of how you, the leader, directly impact your team’s performance and engagement and what you can do about it.
* A proven framework to help inspire, measure and manage high performance (especially with a remote or hybrid workforce). We take the guesswork out of employee motivation and engagement.
I would highly recommend Kim for any business keynote. I recently saw her at the Gold Coast Business week and her presentation on the future of AI was exceptional. It was one of 5 AI keynotes I've seen recently and this one definitely carried to most weight with me. There were many practical nuggets of gold that I took away and generally found it a fascinating and highly engaging discussion. Her plethora of knowledge would be highly beneficial to any professional not looking to be left behind in the AI era.Growth Leader, KPMG
Kim Seeling Smith delivered an unforgettable session at BoldHaus Groove, leaving our global audience of thought leaders and entrepreneurs inspired and energized. Her talk on the future of AI was a masterclass in combining humor, insight, and actionable strategies. She challenged conventional thinking while making a complex topic both relatable and engaging. Our attendees walked away with not only a deeper understanding of AI — but also practical tools and mindsets to future-proof their businesses. Kim is a powerhouse speaker who comes 1000% prepared and sets the bar incredibly high. We’re all still buzzing with ideas and inspiration from her session!CEO and Founder of BoldHaus, an Inc. 5000-Recognized Company
Kim’s presentation at the 2024 AAC Annual Conference, themed " Building the Future - Innovations in Certification & Building Surveying" captivated nearly 700 delegates. She highlighted the revolutionary role of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies in reshaping Certifiers professional role. Her presentation was engaging and full of energy!Events and Training Association of Australian Certifiers
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