Catherine DeVrye Profile Picture

Keynote SpeakerCatherine DeVrye

Twice voted Australian Keynote Speaker of Year — Australian Executive Woman of the Year, #1 Bestselling Author

Long before standing ovations, Catherine was in your shoes-hiring speakers for IBM events. She later vowed to not only deliver an entertaining & educational message from stage-but be easy to work with off stage. Her impressive client list, with repeat business from Fortune 500 companies, government & associations, shows she... Read more

Biography

Long before standing ovations, Catherine was in your shoes-hiring speakers for IBM events. She later vowed to not only deliver an entertaining & educational message from stage-but be easy to work with off stage.

Her impressive client list, with repeat business from Fortune 500 companies, government & associations, shows she succeeded in that promise—speaking in 32 countries on 5 continents; including to such brand names as Rolls-Royce, American Express, KPMG & 3M.

For proven risk-free results, Catherine is an inspiring communicator with hands-on international leadership experience in private & public sectors- as an executive with IBM in 3 countries-and advisor to Ministers of Education/Consumer Affairs.

She has a Master of Science degree & attended short courses at Harvard University & Melbourne Business School where she frequently lectured. She has also presented at IMD in Switzerland and delivered the Singapore Institute of Management’s 50th anniversary lecture.

Combining Gen Y energy with Baby-boomer experience, Catherine has the ‘street cred’ to deliver the results you’re after. In dynamic presentations to leaders or front line, she combines content with humor to inspire, motivate and act as a catalyst for others to dig deep and achieve the best for their organizations—and themselves.
A lifelong commitment to physical and mental wellbeing, she is an active surf lifesaver, sportswoman & adventurer. She’s trekked to Timbuktu, cycled over the Andes, scaled peaks in the Antarctic, and climbed 20,000’ to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro, and beyond Everest Base Camp.

In the ‘Who’s Who of Australian Women’, she was given the honor to carry the Olympic Torch on the day of the opening ceremonies of the Sydney 2000 Olympics. There’s also a heartwarming story of her journey from an orphanage in Canada-to a cancer survivor-which she sometimes shares depending on your brief.

“A big thank you for adding value with both content and entertaining delivery that kept everyone fully engaged. Our partners are fully motivated with new skills & crucial reminders to ensure we retain our pinnacle position.” Rolls-Royce
“You sowed the seed of change…The service quality program developed from these beginnings will result in a 40-50% improvement in productivity.” Westpac Financial Services
“Captivated entire audience; nailed the brief to reinforce our key messages & delivered beyond expected; professional yet relaxed style; excellent entertainer & also touched people’s hearts!” Audio Clinic
“Your presentation on strategies for success opened our eyes to limitations & our paradigms have now shifted to a higher plateau…first time we have given a standing ovation to any speaker.” Kpmg Singapore And Malaysia
“Powerful & dynamic presenter who leaves a lasting impression; even our most negative team members were impressed…Thank you for a tremendous contribution to our business & the participative culture we have developed. Part of our success is due to your involvement & I am most grateful.” American Express
"I have completed the bureau survey and would like to reiterate that in my time as an EA (35+ years) I have never encountered a stand-up ovation for a guest speaker as given to Catherine by the attendees at our National Summit last week. She completely nailed the brief (plus more) given to her by our Executive team…Catherine, thank you for making me look good!"

Popular Talks by Catherine DeVrye

  • Good Service is Good Business
  • Shift Happens - Conquer the Challenge of Change
  • Timeless Wisdom for Times of Change
  • Resilience for Results: Turn Obstacles to Opportunities through Hope & Humour
  • Don’t make Mountains out of Molehills
  • Many Individual Players: One United Team
  • Timbuktu to Kathmandu: Universal Courage, Kindness & Connection