Ellen is passionate about people having great experiences in the workplace. She draws on her incredible practical experiences and extensive research, to help organisations improve social AND commercial outcomes.

Short Bio

Dr Ellen Joan Ford is terrifyingly ambitious about improving the working world for people and for organisations.

As a leader, researcher, military veteran, international speaker, TEDx speaker, facilitator, consultant and parent, Ellen draws on her research and practical experiences to drive organisational outcomes such as improved retention, productivity, engagement, well-being and ultimately, profit, by enhancing inclusive leadership capabilities and workplace culture.

Ellen was awarded the Kiwi Bank New Zealander of the Year - Local Hero, Person of the Year - Manawatu Standard and the prestigious Sir Peter Blake Leadership Award. She is the author of #WorkSchoolHours, co-author of the International Best Seller ‘Rattled Awake’ and her leadership model is Belonging, Autonomy and Purpose.

Her keynotes and workshops are full of practical takeaways. Ellen is passionate, authentic and speaks from the heart with warmth and enthusiasm. It is her ability to bring out the best in others in a safe, real and fun environment that makes her so unique. She is a natural speaker and facilitator and will inspire, energise and expand thinking for your organisation in the following areas:

Leadership and High-Performance Teams
Organisational Culture and Staff Engagement
The Future of Work

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Speaker Pack

Speaker/Facilitator Reel

Testimonials Video

“Because Ellen’s a change-the-freaking-world person.”

Mark Crysell Sunday, TVNZ

"Passionate, engaging, excellent speaker!”

Director EY

“You were the hit of the day Ellen – you’re a star!”

Chief Executive New Zealand Food & Grocery Council

Dr Ellen Joan Ford is an award-winning leader, military veteran, international speaker  and facilitator focused on Leadership & High-Performance Teams,  Organisational Culture & Staff Engagement and the Future of Work

Award Winning Leader

Sir Peter Blake  Leadership Award
KiwiBank New Zealander  of the Year - Local Hero
Person of the Year -  Manawatu Standard
International Speaker and Facilitator

TedX
Military
Corporate Sector
Government Departments
Podcast guest
Leadership Scholar and Researcher

MBA (exec) and PhD
Author: #WorkSchoolHours
Co-author: Food & Fibre Sector leadership
Co-author: International Best Seller
International publications
Army Officer / Military Leader

Ten years' service in NZ Army
Deployment to Afghanistan
Advised Chief of NZ Army on gender inclusion
Supported the evacuation  of 563 Afghans to NZ

My Leadership Model

Download Leadership Model Case Study

Get your copy of the paperback, audio book or e-book, and the self-paced online courses, to improve the working world.

A Revolution for Parents, Workplaces and the world.

Right now, we are expected to work as though we don’t have kids and parent as though we don’t have jobs. It is not sustainable. It’s causing people to leave the workforce, or to sacrifice valuable family time – and simultaneously hurting organisations as retention and productivity take a nosedive.

#WorkSchoolHours offers us all a better framework – one  that takes us far beyond how we structure our work schedules  to deliver better commercial outcomes for businesses, better  careers for all working people, and better lives for everyone. Building on decades of research and lived experiences, #WorkSchoolHours gives us practical insights and immediately actionable solutions.

https://www.ellenjoanford.com/s/ChecklistWSH-Leaders-1.pdf?download
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https://www.ellenjoanford.com/s/ChecklistWSH-Individuals-1.pdf?download
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https://www.ellenjoanford.com/s/WSHSummary-DrEllenJoanFord-1.pdf?download

“#WorkSchoolHours provides not just the manifesto for change but offers real and practical ways to tackle the opportunity. This is a must read for any leader building a modern workplace.”

Michael Moynahan Former CEO of Harpercollins ANZ

“Prepare to be captivated from the very first page of this remarkable book. It's an absolute must-read that will linger in your thoughts long after you've turned the final page.”

Steve Jurkovich Chief Executive, Kiwibank