MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKERS | MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING
Emily Turnbull
Chatterbox founder, senior business leader and keynote speaker
Overview
Emily Turnbull is one of New Zealand's most in-demand keynote speakers, blending more than 25 years in brand, marketing, leadership and storytelling with deep lived experience in mental wellbeing. She is the founder of Chatterbox, the grassroots initiative behind the iconic Chatterbox Seats now appearing in communities around the country, and part of the senior leadership team at Trade Me. Her keynotes connect emerging trends — AI, consumer behaviour, the future of work — to what really matters: human connection.
Who is Emily Turnbull? Emily spent 20 years in media in New Zealand and overseas, including leading the creation of the MediaWorks Foundation. Today she is part of the senior leadership team at Trade Me, driving impact across audience, culture and connection. She founded Chatterbox after her own lived experience, designing the Chatterbox Seat — a piece of public street furniture that invites people to sit and talk. She also holds a Diploma in Life Coaching and a partnership with the I Am Hope Foundation, donating youth counselling sessions through each Chatterbox Seat sold.
Career Highlights • Founder of Chatterbox, the mental wellbeing initiative behind the Chatterbox Seat • Senior leadership team member at Trade Me • 20+ years in media, including leading the MediaWorks Foundation • Keynote speaker to audiences of up to 800 (Ray White national sales conferences 2019, 2023) • Partner of I Am Hope Foundation, donating counselling sessions through Chatterbox Seats • Diploma in Life Coaching
Key Speaking Themes • Mental wellbeing and the power of conversation • Consumer trends and the future of human connection • Generative AI, burnout and the value of being human • Storytelling, brand and culture • Women in leadership
What Your Audience Will Gain Emily is engaging, future-focused and refreshingly human. Audiences leave with a clearer view of where consumer behaviour, AI and culture are heading — and practical ways to look after themselves and their teams while they get there.
Ideal For • Sales kick-offs and national conferences • Leadership offsites and executive programmes • Wellbeing and mental health events • Marketing, brand and media conferences • Awards nights and gala dinners
Frequently Asked Questions...
What does Emily Turnbull speak about? Mental wellbeing, the power of conversation, consumer trends, generative AI, burnout and human connection in the age of technology.
What is Chatterbox? Chatterbox is the grassroots mental wellbeing initiative Emily founded to make it easier for people to open up. The Chatterbox Seat is a piece of public seating designed to invite conversation, now installed in communities around NZ.
Where does Emily Turnbull work? Emily is part of the senior leadership team at Trade Me, driving brand, audience and culture.
Is Emily Turnbull a clinician? No. Emily is clear that she is not a clinician or academic — she is a senior business leader who shares lived experience and practical tools, alongside her work with I Am Hope Foundation.
Where has Emily Turnbull spoken? Emily has delivered keynotes to audiences up to 800, including Ray White national sales conferences in 2019 and 2023, plus workshops with teams around the world.
Is Emily Turnbull available for keynotes? Yes. Emily delivers keynotes, panel sessions and team workshops across NZ and internationally.
Testimonials
"Thank you for your inspiring talk yesterday. Later multiple people recalled your presentation when talking about their top takeaways of the day, so it definitely made quite an impact."
Lisa Arthur - Colliers
"Emily Turnbull was a great addition to our new year sales meeting. Her energetic, fun, and humorous delivery engaged all attendees. She skillfully wove data insights with clever pop culture references, making key messages not only memorable but genuinely entertaining. A brilliant way to kick off the year!"
Bayleys
Emily has spoken at a few of our leadership events. Not only is she very engaging, funny and great on stage, her content was invaluable to our audience. Emily's expertise in all things brand and marketing provided great ideas and takeaways for everyone . Emily's sessions always rate very well at our events.
Leanne Howard, Program Manager - The Network Australia
"Emily Turnbull has been an exceptional keynote speaker for our Ray White New Zealand national sales conferences in both 2019 and 2023, each time delivering to an audience of nearly 800 people. She is consistently well-prepared, insightful, and ahead of the curve, bringing relevant, future-focused thinking that challenges and inspires. In 2023, Emily’s keynote on emerging consumer trends and the rise of Generative AI captivated our audience. Her unique blend of technological insight and human-centred thinking, particularly around AI, burnout, and the irreplaceable value of human connection, was both timely and powerful. Emily’s ability to connect with our industry, while leveraging interactive technology to engage the room, made her one of the most memorable speakers we've hosted. She brings intellect, warmth, and relevance, qualities that resonate deeply with our Ray White members"
Larissa Tuhaka, Head of Marketing - Ray White New Zealand