About Alicia McKay

Hi, I'm Alicia McKay. I write and speak about power, strategy, and change.

I've been fascinated with power since I was a foster kid and teen mum. I had questions: Who makes the big decisions? How do they do it? How can we make it better?

For over 15 years, I’ve worked inside government, councils, and companies to answer those questions. I’ve advised senior leaders in over 120 organisations, trained thousands of people in strategy, decision-making, and leadership, and spoken at major conferences in Australia, New Zealand and the US.

My strategy frameworks are used by leaders and policymakers globally. In 2025, I was named one of LGIU’s Top 25 Global Thinkers in Local Government.

I draw on my experience as a political and corporate insider to reveal the systems and stories that shape decisions and outcomes. I explore these ideas through my books, essays, public speaking, and leadership development programmes.

I am the author of three books and write a long-running weekly newsletter. I’m currently working on a book on Power Literacy, as well as my first work of fiction.

Links

• Media features
• Case studies
• Speaking
• Training

Main topics

Power and systems - Alicia McKay

Power is buried in systems and distributed in stories. Once we see it, we can shift it.

Alicia McKayAlicia McKay

Strategy and decisions - Alicia McKay

Strategy is the underdog’s greatest asset. Align your limited resources to your biggest goals with everyday decisions that count.

Alicia McKayAlicia McKay

Public sector - Alicia McKay

Alicia McKay is a writer, speaker and strategist who works on strategy, change and power.

Alicia McKayAlicia McKay

Society and culture - Alicia McKay

Alicia McKay writes op-ed commentary, media analysis and political critique, combining a systems lens with working-class edge. Technology, culture, media and politics.

Alicia McKayAlicia McKay

Identity and self - Alicia McKay

Who we are is shaped long before we choose it - but that’s not where the story ends. Explore how personal experiences and structural forces interact, and get the inspo and tools you need to take charge of your life.

Alicia McKayAlicia McKay

Leadership - Alicia McKay

Alicia McKay is a writer, speaker and strategist who works on strategy, change and power.

Alicia McKayAlicia McKay

Change - Alicia McKay

Alicia McKay is a writer, speaker and strategist who works on strategy, change and power.

Alicia McKayAlicia McKay