Meaningful Work Expert, Founder of Rise Consulting PTY LTD, Developed the Fun Jobs Project, Keynote Speaker & Stand-Up Comedian
Ross Reekie is a meaningful work expert, keynote speaker, consultant and coach who has spent more than two decades helping leadership teams create cultures where people and performance thrive together. Best known for developing the Fun Jobs Project, a unique live experiment inspired by his own experience of burnout, Ross has become a leading voice on employee engagement, workplace culture and meaningful work. His research challenges traditional approaches to engagement by demonstrating how curiosity, connection and purpose can become powerful drivers of performance. As a speaker, Ross is hired by organisations seeking practical, evidence-based strategies for culture change, particularly those looking to build a compelling business case for engagement at the executive and board level.
Ross began his career in people and leadership consulting, developing a deep understanding of organisational behaviour and workforce performance. In 2006, he joined Downing Teal HR Management Consultants as a Manager, gaining first-hand experience of talent, leadership and organisational development. This foundation gave him valuable insight into the challenges leaders face when creating high-performing cultures, an experience that continues to underpin his keynote presentations today.
Building on this expertise, Ross founded Rise Consultancy Pty Ltd in 2009, establishing a consultancy focused on helping organisations improve performance through meaningful work and stronger workplace cultures. He further broadened his leadership experience through his work as a Management Consultant at St Hilliers in 2010. These roles allowed him to work closely with leadership teams across a range of industries, equipping him with practical examples and proven frameworks that resonate with audiences seeking tangible outcomes rather than theoretical concepts.
A defining moment in Ross’s career came when he launched the Fun Jobs Project after experiencing burnout while working as a meaningful work expert. Determined to better understand what drives engagement, he immersed himself in a series of other roles, including opera extra, ski instructor and photographer, before later stepping into the world of stand-up comedy. Through these experiences, he developed a new model of engagement that treats curiosity and human connection as essential performance inputs rather than simply wellbeing initiatives.
Why Hire Ross Reekie ?
Ross’s work has attracted international attention and led to keynotes such as his TEDx Talks ‘Can you find happiness at work? ‘ and ‘How to find meaning at work’. He has also appeared at the Urban Future Global Conference and delivered presentations for private leadership groups across multiple continents. His keynote sessions are highly interactive, featuring audience experiments, storytelling and practical demonstrations that bring complex workplace challenges to life. Combining academic rigour with lived experience, Ross delivers memorable presentations that inspire leaders, HR professionals and executive teams to rethink culture, engagement and performance in a way that drives lasting organisational impact.
- VIDEOS
- TESTIMONIALS
- SPEAKING TOPICS
- COSTS
“Ross’ talk was exactly the tonic we needed. The atmosphere in that room was electric — you could feel the shift happening. People walked out visibly lifted, reconnected with their purpose, and renewed optimism. What makes Ross special is his genuine warmth and playfulness, coupled with a remarkable ability to make everyone feel truly seen. I couldn’t recommend Ross more highly to anyone seeking a speaker who can fundamentally shift how people think and feel about their work.” – Samantha Dzabic, Director Organisational Development, NSW Department of Planning and the Environment
“Ross’ session was emotional, full of warmth, insights, encouragement, audience revelation, and inspiration. But most importantly it equipped our Leaders to go out and Lead with meaning and confidence immediately. I would highly recommend Ross for his deep emotional intelligence, storytelling magic, and ability to create space for growth, vulnerability, and transformation.” – Cornelia Forsthuber-Aumayr, Programme Manager, Urban Future Conference
“Ross delivered a keynote and moderated our leadership conference at Vienna Insurance Group. We survey attendees after each event, and Ross received a score of 9.86 out of 10 — the highest of the conference. We were so pleased with his impact that we re-engaged him the following year. Ross combines intellectual credibility, emotional intelligence, and genuine presence.” – Marianna Binder, Head of Organisational Development, Vienna Insurance Group
- The Fun Jobs Project — Reigniting culture with meaning and serious fun
- Follow the Sparkles — Work with authenticity
- Bring Your Own Brick — Creating belonging
- Getting Past F.E.A.R. — Performance & achievement
- Even a Bunny Can Make a Difference — Connecting to purpose
The cost of hiring Ross Reekie depends on your event format, location, duration and any travel requirements. For an accurate and tailored quote, please contact a SpeakOut booking agent for expert guidance.
