Book IWD Speaker: Donna Maree Morrison

Pioneer female electrician, trailblazing entrepreneur, neurodiverse leadership specialist & author championing psychologically safe, high performing workplaces

Pioneer female electrician, trailblazing entrepreneur, neurodiverse leadership specialist and author, Donna Morrison has spent more than four decades redefining what leadership looks like in the real world.

Her journey from a 17-year-old apprentice in a male-dominated trade to a respected business leader and leadership mentor is a story of courage, inclusion, and self-determined success.

Donna didn’t plan to be a leader. In fact, like many leaders today, she stumbled into it.

Her leadership journey began not in a boardroom, but on a worksite surrounded by tools, wires, and expectations.

In 1984, when equal rights were barely recognised and safety gear was designed exclusively for men, Donna became one of Australia’s first female electricians. Each day was a test of resilience, integrity and inner strength.

She had to walk over a kilometre just to find a women’s bathroom and wear harnesses that didn’t fit her frame, because the system wasn’t designed for her.

Her boss told her daily that women should be barefoot, pregnant and tied to the kitchen sink. But Donna refused to accept that narrative.

Instead, she worked twice as hard for half the recognition, proving not just her technical skill but her ability to rise above discrimination and lead by example.

Her story captures the essence of what so many women have experienced, the invisible labour, the quiet strength, and the determination to create space where none existed before.

It was through this journey that Donna discovered the true nature of leadership.

It wasn’t about power or position, it was about influence, empathy, and courage. It was about showing up, even when the world around you isn’t ready for you.

As a young tradeswoman, she found her voice on stage speaking to schools and corporations about women in trades. What began as a nervous presentation became a lifelong passion for storytelling.

She realised that her story mattered, that people were listening, and that authentic leadership begins the moment you stop waiting for permission to lead.

Today, Donna is a sought-after speaker and leadership mentor who brings raw honesty, warmth, and humour to every stage she steps onto.

Her presentations weave lived experience with deeply human insight, leaving audiences feeling both inspired and equipped to lead differently.

Through her work, Donna explores themes of inclusion, resilience, and authentic leadership.

She challenges audiences to consider what it really means to “step up”, to lead from within, to embrace neurodiversity as a strength, & to create psychologically safe spaces where people can thrive. Her story reminds us that adversity can become our greatest teacher & that courage often begins quietly, in the moments when no one is watching.

Event organisers who book Donna can expect an engaging, relatable and transformative keynote experience.

Her sessions resonate deeply with women’s leadership events, IWD celebrations, and organisations seeking to build cultures of authenticity, respect and trust.

Whether addressing an intimate leadership forum or a conference hall filled with emerging changemakers, Donna’s message cuts through with sincerity and strength.

Her mantra “Get Up, Dress Up, Show Up, Every Day” is more than a motivational line; it’s a way of living.

Donna’s approach to leadership reminds us that we all have the power to lead, influence and inspire, regardless of our title or circumstance.

At the heart of Donna’s message is connection: the connection we build with ourselves, with others, and with the purpose that drives us.

Her journey is living proof that leadership is not about waiting for perfect timing or perfect conditions, it’s about showing up as who you truly are, and leading from there.
Donna invites every audience to reflect on one question:
What legacy will you leave when you choose to lead with courage, compassion, and conviction?

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