Emma Bennison & Associates

Emma Bennison sits on a wooden bench amid garden scenery.

Partnering To Create Inclusion, Leadership & Change

About Emma

Emma Bennison MBA GAICD is an award-winning, visionary leader and advocate with over 20 years of experience as a CEO, executive and non-executive director. A TEDx speaker, and curious and practical innovator, Emma is known for identifying and working in collaboration to disrupt out of date policies and systems to give rise to strategic transformation that empowers people and organisations to thrive. Emma is revered for her expertise in influencing boards and executive teams to understand the social and economic impacts of inclusive workplace cultures and their powerful role to steward inclusion and diversity.

For decades Emma has been at the forefront of igniting change as an independent advocate with first hand experience on working on national advocacy campaigns which have yielded major change including in areas of travel and disability leadership.

Emma’s consultancy experience is widespread including social policy and advocacy, leadership and organisational development, business transformation, and the role of the arts. Emma is a sought after speaker and collaborator with extensive networks and strong experience in media engagement.

Emma’s contributions have been recognised with the Lesley Hall Award for Lifetime Achievement in Disability Leadership (2024) and the National Aspire Award for Community Development and Advocacy (2020). She has an MBA from Kaplan Business School and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of company Directors.

Hear from our happy clients

  • “I have been in awe of Emma’s leadership and deep listening skills, best practice governance and operational management approach, and ability to translate her ethics into action. I particularly admire Emma’s ability to be articulate under pressure, passionate whilst considered and calm and to change minds without ever raising her voice.”

    — Kate Larsen, former CEO, Arts access Australia and Co-creator of Blind Citizens Australia’s Executive Leadership Program

    Read the case study

  • "Emma is one of the most inspiring and strategic leaders I have ever worked with. Her ability to drive change while ensuring inclusivity and innovation is remarkable."

    — Dr Graeme Innes AM, Director, National Disability Insurance Agency & Former Australian Disability Discrimination Commissioner

  • "Emma’s leadership transformed Blind Citizens Australia into a strong, impactful organisation that truly represents the voices of blind and vision-impaired Australians."

    — John Simpson AM, Former President, Blind Citizens Australia

    Read the case study

  • "Emma has the rare ability to not only create space for all perspectives at the table but to importantly ignite within people a belief that each of us has a powerful role to play in realising the kind of workplaces and societies that truly advance us as a nation. Emma has and continues to be a trusted confidant to me and many leaders in our sector. Her wisdom, humour and practical approach makes her tremendous to work with."

    Claire Robbs, Chief executive, Life Without Barriers

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