Speaking
Cynthia Dearin is an engaging keynote speaker, facilitator and media commentator who brings energy, insight and real-world experience to every stage she steps onto.
An internationally recognised expert in global business and international trade, she helps leaders understand how to navigate disruption, harness opportunity and scale across borders with purpose and precision.
As the Founder and CEO of Dearin & Associates, Cynthia draws on more than two decades of international experience to deliver presentations that inspire and empower leaders to think globally, act strategically and scale sustainably. A former diplomat and lawyer, she has lived and worked around the world, is fluent in Arabic and French, and brings a rare blend of geopolitical insight, cultural intelligence and commercial acumen to her audiences.
Cynthia’s presentations explore the opportunities and challenges of doing business in a fast-changing global economy — from building resilient international strategies and cross-border teams, to navigating shifting trade dynamics and harnessing technology for growth.
In addition to her keynote speaking and advisory work, Cynthia serves as a facilitator for accelerator and capability-building programs sponsored by leading institutions, including the APEC Women’s Business Activator Program run by the Australian APEC Study Centre. Through these initiatives, she helps emerging and established leaders strengthen their international business capability and expand their impact globally.
Speaking Topics
- The Global Standard: Why the World Needs You to Go Beyond Borders
- Scaling Internationally: How Mid-Sized Firms Can Compete and Win on the Global Stage
- Trade as a Force for Peace and Prosperity
- Female Leadership in Global Business
- The New Rules of Global Growth in an AI-Driven World
Speaking Highlights
Cynthia has presented keynotes, moderated panels and facilitated workshops for audiences across Australia, the Middle East, Asia, Europe and North America.
Her past engagements include:
- Corporate Workshops — for clients including Qantas, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, the Australian Hotels Association, the Fred Hollows Foundation, the Victorian Government and Export Finance Australia.
- Industry Events & Panels — for NAB, ANZ, the NSW Government, the Australian Food & Grocery Council, the Export Council of Australia, the Australian Services Roundtable, the Indonesia Services Dialogue and the Qatar International Businesswomen’s Forum.
- Major Conferences — including the Australia Arab Business Forums (2011, 2012, 2015) and the Australia Arab Business Women’s Forum (2014).
- Academic & Executive Programs — guest lectures at the Australian National University, University of Sydney, UTS, La Trobe University and Bond University.
- Institutional Programs — facilitation for APEC and other international business accelerator programs supporting female entrepreneurs and globally focused founders.
Media & Podcasts
Cynthia has been featured as a subject matter expert on ABC News24, and interviewed on ABC Radio National, SBS Radio, Dubai Eye Radio and Eagle Waves Radio.
She is also the host of the Business Beyond Borders podcast and has appeared as a guest on numerous shows.
Speaking Engagements
Event Gallery
