Heidi Venamore Keynote Speaker

Australian Ambassador to UAE (2020–2024) and Jordan (2012–2016)
Led 2021 Afghanistan evacuation of 4,000 people
Awarded PSM for furthering Australia’s interests in Iraq

Heidi Venamore's Biography

Heidi Venamore PSM is a highly respected diplomat and strategic leader, with more than three decades of experience representing Australia on the global stage. Having served as Australian Ambassador to both the United Arab Emirates and Jordan, she brings deep expertise in international relations, crisis leadership and geopolitical strategy. Her career has been defined by advancing Australia’s interests in complex and often high-risk global environments.

Throughout her distinguished public service, Heidi has led high-stakes operations requiring decisive leadership under pressure. Most notably, she oversaw Australia’s 2021 evacuation from Afghanistan, coordinating the safe relocation of 4,000 people, an achievement recognised with the Defence Overseas Service Medal. Earlier in her career, she was awarded the Public Service Medal for outstanding service in furthering Australia’s interests in Iraq, reflecting her longstanding commitment to diplomacy in conflict and post-conflict environments.

Alongside her diplomatic work, Heidi brings significant governance and institutional leadership experience as Chair of Council at Marlborough College. She combines a global outlook with a strong belief in education, leadership development and social mobility, offering audiences thoughtful insights into resilience, decision-making and international cooperation.

An accomplished botanical artist, Heidi brings a rare blend of analytical precision and creative expression to her work and speaking. She was commissioned to paint Australia’s gift to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to mark her Platinum Jubilee, and by the Jordanian Royal Family to create two paintings presented to the then HRH The Prince of Wales on the occasion of his 70th birthday. As a speaker, she offers audiences a compelling perspective on leadership in uncertainty, global affairs and the human dimensions of diplomacy.

Currently, Heidi serves as Senior Adviser at Flint Global, an Advisory Board Member at Geopolitical Strategy, and a Strategic Adviser to BAE Systems.

Behind diplomatic lines

Inside crises in the Middle East

Reviewing lived experiences of crisis from within, the opportunities which emerge from disruption, the responses which make a difference, and the lessons to be drawn for business.

Women, power and the global stage

Drawing together the strands of challenge for women leaders in a global context, the unexpected advantages, and the characteristics which can create opportunity from a modest base.

The Middle East isn’t in crisis, it’s rewiring the world

The region is not a theatre of instability/overlapping crises as much as it has become a driver of global re-ordering through energy, AI, capital and geopolitical alignment.

Living at the edge of uncertainty

What diplomacy reveals about decision-making under pressure

Inside the tent

What really happens in diplomacy, and why it matters now (adaptable to current events)

How to think like a diplomat

Geopolitics for business

The view from the Embassy

What business needs to know about the Middle East

She has represented Australia at the highest diplomatic level as Ambassador to the UAE and Jordan, leading in complex and high-risk geopolitical environments.
She translates global affairs and crisis leadership into clear insight that helps leaders navigate uncertainty and make informed decisions.
She brings over three decades of experience in international relations, including leading major operations such as the evacuation from Afghanistan.
She combines diplomatic, governance and leadership expertise to deliver thoughtful perspectives on resilience and cooperation.
Her insights help organisations understand geopolitical risk, strengthen leadership under pressure and operate effectively on the global stage.