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.