Bio
Alicia McKay is a writer, speaker, and strategist based in Aotearoa New Zealand. She is the author of three books — From Strategy to Action: A Guide to Getting Shit Done In The Public Sector, You Don't Need An MBA: Leadership Lessons that Cut through the Crap, and Local Legends: How to Make a Difference in Local Government.
Alicia publishes one of Australasia's most popular newsletters for critical thinkers, writing on strategy, power, and decision-making. Her work has been featured widely in print, TV and radio.
Alicia has worked with over 100 organisations on strategy and leadership, trained thousands of leaders in strategic skills, and partnered with more than 50 Councils. Her Local Legends programme has helped hundreds of elected and executive leaders work together and make better decisions.
In 2021, Alicia founded the Not An MBA executive education programme. Over 500 global leaders have graduated since launch.
Alicia has spoken at conferences across Australia, New Zealand, and the USA on strategy, change, and decision-making. In 2025, she was named one of the Top 25 Thinkers in Local Government by the UK's LGIU.
Learn more at www.aliciamckay.co.nz.
Pronunciation
Note: Alicia’s name is pronounced “Ah-lee-sha Mick-eye”
