Shayla Strapps
Human Rights Lawyer, Coach, Consultant & Speaker
Shayla Strapps is an award-winning lawyer, CEO, and entrepreneur who inspires audiences with her unconventional approach to leadership, innovation, and balance. Drawing on decades of legal and business experience, she empowers organisations and individuals to challenge norms, embrace change, and achieve lasting impact.
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Known for her unconventional approach and a penchant for challenging established norms, Shayla Strapps brings a fresh perspective to the business arena. Her journey as a changemaker extends beyond the legal realm, where she has actively contributed to fostering innovation and pushing boundaries.
In addition to her illustrious legal career spanning two decades, Shayla’s leadership sets her apart. Her commitment to equity and social justice has earned her prestigious accolades, including the Lawyer of the Year Award and Woman Lawyer of the Year Award in Western Australia.
Shayla is an accomplished business leader and CEO with over 15 years of experience at the helm of various successful ventures. A seasoned founder, she has demonstrated her entrepreneurial prowess, navigating the challenges of establishing and growing businesses. Currently, Shayla leverages her expertise in the business world to provide strategic advisory services.
Recognizing the toll that the legal profession and other high-stakes environments can take on individuals, Shayla actively seeks unconventional paths to achieve balance. As a mentor, coach, and inspirational figure, she guides others in finding equilibrium in their professional and personal lives. Shayla’s journey includes bold decisions such as relocating to France for 18 months and making career shifts in pursuit of passion and balance, resulting in a wealth of amusing anecdotes and profound lessons.
A sought-after expert in her field, Shayla is a regular guest on radio and in the media. Her measured and knowledgeable voice adds depth to discussions on a wide range of current topics. Shayla continues to redefine success, not just as a lawyer but as a visionary business leader committed to making a positive impact on both her community and the professional landscape.
Topics
Why playing by the rules is burning you out
This keynote challenges high achievers and leaders to question the old measures of success that keep them stuck on a treadmill. Drawing on decades inside complex systems, I show how knowing the rules — and then breaking the right ones — is the smartest way to build careers, teams and organisations that actually work. It’s about stepping back, finding clarity on what truly matters, and rewriting the story before burnout forces your hand.
Small Steps, Big Change: Equity Through Everyday Actions
Big problems can feel overwhelming, but meaningful change always starts small. In this keynote, I explore how equity and inclusion aren’t just lofty goals — they’re built through everyday decisions that shape culture and business outcomes. It’s a call for leaders and organisations to move from intention to impact, with clear, practical ways to start making progress right where they stand, without waiting for the perfect plan.
Start with One: Creating Impact
Big missions can stall under the weight of trying to fix everything at once. This keynote is about shifting focus — showing leaders, teams and organisations how meaningful change starts with helping just one person, one case, one situation right in front of them. I explore how starting small not only creates real impact but builds momentum, trust and clarity that ripple outward. It’s a practical, inspiring call to move past overwhelm and start driving change exactly where you stand.
