Speaker Details

Courtney Pond is a seasoned human resources leader with over 15 years' experience shaping people and culture strategies for some of Australia's most recognisable organisations across corporate, retail and operational environments.

Specialising in diversity, equity and inclusion, Courtney is recognised for her ability to translate complex social and workforce dynamics into strategic initiatives that elevate organisational performance, leadership capability and employee engagement. As the Group Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager at the NRMA, she works closely with senior executives and cross-functional leaders to embed inclusive leadership and equitable systems as key drivers of innovation and business success.

Courtney's approach is grounded in contemporary HR strategy, spanning policy design, inclusive leadership development, cultural transformation and data-driven workforce analysis. She advises on organisation-wide strategies that address gender equity, cultural inclusion, psychosocial safety, disability accessibility, and future-of-work challenges. Her work with senior decision-makers, paired with a deep understanding of the structural and human factors that impact inclusion, has positioned her as a trusted and transformative leader.

A proud advocate with lived experience of disability, Courtney brings a unique and deeply personal perspective to her work. Her own journey navigating chronic illness has fuelled her commitment to creating more accessible, flexible and inclusive workplaces where all employees can thrive. This insight informs her advocacy for accessibility and intersectional inclusion, both within organisations and in the broader community.

As a passionate voice for system-level change, Courtney was recognised nationally as a finalist for the 2024 Australian Human Resources Institute DEI Champion Award. Beyond her corporate work, she contributes her expertise as a member of the AHRI NSW Diversity & Inclusion Committee, serves as a professional mentor, and actively supports community organisations focused on social equity and women's empowerment.