Photography by Ellie Louise Coker for Scanlan Theodore

Shirley is an internationally experienced leader with a diverse set of credentials across law, financial services, funds management, the NFP sector and journalism. Admitted as a lawyer in Australia and the State of New York, she has extensive cross-border experience across Asia. She is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, and has invested throughout her career to address these issues. This work was recognized when she was selected as one of the 2019 AFR 100 Women of Influence.

One of Shirley’s most recent executive roles includes being Chief Executive Officer for the GO Foundation, an organisation founded by Adam Goodes and Michael O’Loughlin, providing holistic support and pathways for Indigenous students in Australia.

Other career highlights include being an Associate at a top tier New York law firm, Regional Counsel Asia Pacific for JP Morgan Investment Management, host of the Women’s Agenda podcast series The Leadership Lessons and publishing a variety of writings including a biography for a WW2 POW.

Shirley now supports organisations to build collaborative ecosystems connecting shareholder value with a deeper connection to impact and purpose. She believes fiercely in Reconciliation as the best future for Australia, and in diversity and inclusion as tools for innovation.

Shirley is currently a non-executive director on the board of the Australian Associated Press, Chair of the Advisory Board of Octadoc, a health tech startup, and is consulting with a number of diverse organisations. Shirley is a keynote speaker and presenter for Saxtons Speakers and her portfolio includes an extensive array of mentoring and volunteering.