Robyn Curnow

What did Nelson Mandela tell Robyn Curnow about his greatest regrets? Why did George W. Bush paint himself naked in the bath? What was it like being the Vatican during the death of a Pope? Who isn’t a gentleman: Prince William or Prince Harry?

Award-winning foreign correspondent and anchor Robyn Curnow peels back the curtain on some of the stories behind the interviews she’s never told publicly. In a light-hearted and optimistic chat, she talks about watching and talking to world leaders behind the scenes; and how that impacted her understanding of power and influence. She’s hung out backstage or off-camera with Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Tutu, Presidents George. W. Bush, Michelle Obama, Oprah and many CEOs. What makes them tick and what is crucial in times of change and crisis?

With her naturally engaging way of speaking and building trust with audiences, Curnow explains what she’s learned from world leaders and during history-making times. Journalists are said to write the first draft of history - Curnow has done that from Europe, China, Vietnam, South Africa, Cuba and the USA. What are the lessons she’s learnt from being followed at Fidel Castro’s funeral in Havana or watching Presidents in the White House Rose Garden?

An engaging, light-hearted but inspirational discussion about what unites us and how telling stories becomes a bridge to differences in divided times.

This topic is particularly good as a fireside chat - for a light breakfast event or lunch event which brings people together and looks to create a sense of optimism and lessons of leadership - about the world - with a dash of humor and wry insider gossip.