Leanne Pooley
Leanne Pooley – Filmmaker/Writer/Speaker/Moderator
Leader Leanne Pooley is a multi-award-winning filmmaker who directs documentaries around the globe. Her films range in subject from World War One to Artificial Intelligence. She has interviewed personalities as varied as Boy George and the Pope, filming everywhere from the Whitehouse to the summit of Everest. Having faced the pointy end of a gun in Africa and walked the red carpet at the world’s biggest film festivals, Leanne’s life is rich with stories that are fascinating, humorous and always inspiring.
Beginning her career at a time when very few women were directing, Leanne has become a leader in her field. She is a NZ Arts Laureate, an Officer of the NZ Order of Merit, and a voting member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (the Oscars). An engaging and insightful public speaker, the range of her experience allows her to tailor her talks to suit the forum she’s addressing. From leading production teams in the hundreds to earning the trust of individual subjects, her many adventures offer valuable lessons in leadership, within the creative sector and beyond.
In addition to public speaking, Leanne is a sought-after moderator. Having chaired panels featuring Nobel laureates and A-list celebrities she excels at creating a space where remarkable people can open up, allowing their stories and ideas to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Having survived cancer, Leanne also speaks with depth and authenticity about the stories we tell ourselves and how they shape our lives. She connects effortlessly with audiences of all sizes, weaving together her professional adventures and personal journey in a way that is meaningful, memorable and often moving.
Testimonials
“Leanne connected real-world experiences with practical, actionable advice. Her stories were authentic, thoughtful, and often humorous, striking a perfect balance between insight and relatability.”
- NZ Mountain Film and Book Festival
“Leanne Pooley was a truly inspiring speaker… she shared her cancer journey and healing process with incredible honesty and vulnerability, engaging beautifully with all our guests... Leanne's natural delivery and inspiring message left a lasting positive impact on everyone in attendance.”
- Breast Cancer Pink Ribbon Presentation
“Leanne is equally capable of tackling difficult subjects or taking a more light-hearted approach. Most importantly, she knows how to engage an audience, be it a keynote address or an informal presentation…no matter the situation, she will excel.”
- Big Screen Symposium
