By decoding complexity and thinking big, we can design the technology and future we want
Zoe Jay Hawkins is a seasoned strategist and tech policy leader. Zoe is Co-Founder of the Tech Policy Design Institute (TPDi) —Australia’s first independent think tank dedicated to technology policy.
Zoe has advised Cabinet Ministers, Ambassadors, and business executives on the future of technology and its implications for society.
Zoe understands how to harness the power of policy and strategy to shape emerging technologies. Zoe has led the development of national tech strategy and legislation for Australia, innovative policy collaborations across the tech sector, and represented both Australia and Amazon on the international stage.
A Research Associate at Oxford University and an expert researcher for OECD.AI, her insights have been featured by TIME Magazine, The Economist, Politico and Vogue.
Passionate about empowering women in policy, she mentors emerging leaders in international relations and responsible tech.
Talking Points
Decoding emerging technologies
Zoe provides accessible keynotes that break down the nature of particular emerging technologies, what they mean for your organisation, and how you can proactively shape this future. Decoding emerging technologies
With the combined background of a University of Oxford academic and staffer who has practiced the brevity of political communication, Zoe is an invaluable translator of complex technology concepts into digestible and practical insights.
Negotiation and collaboration
Zoe draws on her extensive experience in negotiating agreement across diverse stakeholder groups to present a keynote on collaboration. From working in politics, to developing Australia's Online Safety Codes, or brokering a world first policy collaboration between Netflix, Disney, Prime Video and Stan, Zoe understands the challenges and benefits of collaborating across boundaries. This keynote explores the benefits of teaming up with those of different perspectives and provides practical tips on how to unlock the value of professional empathy and find unexpected common ground.
Negotiation and collaboration
The Hawkins Sisters: Sisterhood in Action: Redefining Solidarity
This Keynote is presented with Taylor Dee Hawkins, Zoe's Sister and the Managing Director of Foundations for Tomorrow.The Hawkins Sisters: Sisterhood in Action: Redefining Solidarity
As we ‘March Forward,’ the concept of sisterhood needs to evolve beyond symbolic gestures to become a powerful force for real change. In this talk, Zoe and Taylor explore what authentic sisterhood looks like in today’s world—rooted in mutual accountability, shared purpose, and tangible support. Drawing on their own experiences as sisters and leaders, they’ll discuss how women can build meaningful alliances, lift each other up, and collaborate across sectors to break down the systemic barriers that still hold us back.
Key Takeaways:
- How to foster deeper, more effective collaboration among women in leadership.
- Moving beyond performative allyship to create real impact.
- Building networks that drive sustained progress and collective empowerment.
The Hawkins Sisters: Breaking Barriers: Women in Technology and Policy
This Keynote is presented with Taylor Dee Hawkins, Zoe's Sister and the Managing Director of Foundations for Tomorrow.The Hawkins Sisters: Breaking Barriers: Women in Technology and Policy
As a tech policy leader and a social impact entrepreneur, Zoe and Taylor highlight how women can disrupt industries and reshape policies that impact future generations. This talk explores the intersection of technology, governance, and gender, with a focus on how women can lead the charge in sectors traditionally dominated by men. Participants will walk away with the confidence to challenge norms and drive tech and policy innovations.
Key Takeaways:
- How women can excel in tech and policy leadership roles.
- Addressing and dismantling gender biases in emerging industries.
- Building collaborative teams that inspire innovative solutions.
Vogue Australia was privileged to have Zoe Hawkins join our STEM summit, Vogue Codes 2024: Technotopia, Designing the World of Tomorrow. Zoe brought a fresh, insightful perspective to our pa ... keep reading Vogue Australia
Zoe is a terrific speaker - engaging, eloquent and informed. When she's been on stage for us at events I've hosted, people have told me both privately and publicly that the conversation was a highlight of their day, As a panelist, she is animated and able to sense opportunities to enrich the conversation with examples, insights and probing questions. She is also a pleasure to work with, and brings an enormous depth of experience across government and industry when it comes to tech policy. In short, Zoe is one of those rare people who makes a conversation about policy feel like a conversation about the future.
Zoe spoke at our National Youth STEM Summit in August and was a fantastic panellist. She was enthusiastic and connected well with our audience. I look forward to working with her again!
