Juanita Wheeler

Business adviser, Change Agent, Consultant, Entrepreneur, Idea generator, Marketer, Parent, Social entrepreneur, Writer/Editor

Persuasive Speaking Strategist | CEO & Head of Speaker Coaching, TEDxBrisbane Juanita Wheeler is a persuasive speaking strategist, speechwriter, and the CEO and Head of Speaker Coaching at TEDxBrisbane. Since 2015, she has coached over 100 TEDx speakers — working intensively with researchers, founders, creatives, medical professionals, engineers, and changemakers to distil complex ideas into clear, compelling talks worthy of the TEDx stage. Her approach goes beyond performance. Juanita specialises in helping speakers design talks that shift thinking, spark action, and leave audiences changed — blending strategic structure, behavioural psychology, and authentic voice. A Background in Strategy & Leadership Before leading TEDxBrisbane, Juanita held senior global marketing roles, including Director of Global Marketing and Market Development for one of the 20 fastest-growing tech companies in the United States at the time. She holds three degrees from QUT — a Bachelor of Arts, an Executive MBA, and a Master of Business (Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies) — and a fourth degree — a Master’s in Social Change Leadership from the University of Melbourne. She is also an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Queensland and a Global Fellow with the Atlantic Fellows based at Oxford University. Championing Ideas That Matter Through her company, Full & Frank, Juanita works with leaders and organisations who are serious about being heard — not just polished, but persuasive. Her philosophy is simple: Public speaking is not about performance. It’s about influence. It’s about service. It’s about helping the right people say “yes” to the right ideas. In April 2026, she launches her podcast exploring persuasive communication, speaker fear, and the strategy behind high-impact talks.

1. Ensuring great ideas have every opportunity to be heard and embraced. Bad presentations are the place good ideas go to die. I'm determined to ensure no great idea is lost to the world due to an absence of strong presentation skills. I am planning to start my PhD in neuroeconomics (the neuroscience behind decision-making) in 2024 after I complete my third Masters in 2023 (Master of Social Change Leadership). 2. Empowering women as leaders, including (but not limited to) female founders and social entrepreneurs. This includes helping them discover their leadership style, enhance it with applicable skills, and learn how to have their voice heard when and where it matters.

Consulting, Executive Coaching, Leadership, Pitch Coaching, Professional Development, Speaker Coaching, Strategic Marketing, Strategic Planning

2012 - Attended TEDxSouthBankWomen as a participant... then quit my job. 2013 - Volunteered at TEDxSouthBankWomen as an advocate; 2014 - Presented at TEDxSouthBank as a speaker; 2015 - Succeeded the TEDxSouthBank founder and licensee 2015 - Attended TEDGlobal in Geneva 2016 - TEDxSouthBank 2016 - Licensee & Executive Director 2016 - Attended TEDSummit in Banff 2017 - TEDxBrisbane 2017 - Licensee & Executive Director 2018 - TEDxBrisbane 2018 Licensee & Executive Director 2019 - Attended TEDGlobal in Edinburgh 2020 - TEDxBrisbane 2020 Licensee & CEO 2022 - TEDxBrisbane 2022 Licensee & CEO 2023 - TEDxBrisbane 2023 Licensee & CEO 2026 - TEDxBrisbane 2026 Licensee & CEO

Taking candid photos of humans. Geeking out over the Indigenous plant species of the Enogerra Creek catchment in Brisbane. Recalling very specific details from past conversations. Racing to short-people-friendly vantage points at concerts and events.