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Travels From:
Adelaide
Fee Range: E
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Claire Parkinson is a former Prison Governor, mining executive, and bestselling author whose extraordinary story has captivated global audiences - most recently on ABC’s Conversations, where her interview became the most-listened-to segment following its release.
A teenage mother who experienced homelessness, Claire forged an unconventional career path fuelled by relentless grit, unorthodox choices, and deep personal conviction. A twist of fate led her to become a Prison Officer in her 20s, rising quickly to become one of the youngest female Prison Governors. As Head of Operations for all prisons and probation services across the capital, she oversaw counterterrorism programs, 9,000 staff and 33,000 offenders - all while juggling a newborn baby and a four-hour daily commute.
In 2011, Claire moved to South Australia to run a regional prison. From there, she transitioned into the private sector, holding a senior transformation role in mining - including as Vice President at BHP, where she co-led the cultural integration of a A$9.6 billion acquisition.
In late 2024, Claire did what few executives would dare: she walked away from her seven-figure C-suite career to honour a promise she made to her younger self - to write the book she’d always needed but never found. That book, SHiTTY GRIT, is now an international bestseller, featuring in national radio and print across Australia and the UK.
Claire is a sought-after speaker on leadership, resilience, reinvention and the messy realities of ambition. Whether addressing boards, business leaders or emerging professionals, her message cuts through ... GRIT MATTERS. HUMOUR HEALS. KINDNESS STICKS. STORYTELLING WINS.
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