Speaker, author, coach, advisor
Founder and Managing Director
CLAIRE HARRISON
Claire Harrison is the Founder and Managing Director of Harrisons, an HR consulting and project delivery firm partnering with businesses, councils, government agencies and Australian organisations on the workforce challenges that matter most.
With over 20 years’ experience, Claire has worked as a HR Director of multinational organisations, a Non-Executive Board Director, and has built and led her own consulting firm since 2009. She holds tertiary qualifications in accounting, management and law, a Diploma in Workplace Health and Safety, and has completed Executive Education at Columbia Business School. Claire is a Fellow of the Australian Human Resources Institute (FAHRI), an AHRI Queensland State Councillor, and a qualified Mental Health First Aider.
Today Claire leads a team of consultants delivering project-based HR work across businesses, state and local government, and mid-to-large Australian organisations. Her practice focuses on sensitive engagements — workplace investigations, psychosocial risk, restructures, executive coaching, and organisation-level workforce strategy — where senior judgement and discretion are non-negotiable. Harrisons is a Local Buy approved supplier to councils.
Beyond client work, Claire is passionate about giving back to the HR profession and the next generation of leaders. She personally coaches HR Directors and senior people leaders navigating complex challenges, and mentors emerging women business owners and founders building their own consultancies. Her commitment to the profession is reflected in her AHRI State Councillor role, where she helps shape the direction of HR capability building in Queensland.
Claire is the author of two books: The CEO Secret Guide to Managing and Motivating Employees (2016), and her most recent Start & Scale Your HR Business — drawn from her own journey building Harrisons over 15+ years and written for the women founders following the same path. She is a sought-after speaker and media commentator on workplace issues, with a particular focus on psychosocial obligations, workforce risk, and the changing role of HR and leadership.
For executive and HR leadership audiences:
- Psychosocial hazards and the new WHS landscape
- Workplace investigations and managing complex grievances
- Leading through restructures and organisational change
- HR strategy for local government and public sector
- Workforce planning in a constrained labour market
- The evolving role of HR — from administrator to strategic partner
For founders, business owners and HR professionals:
- Starting and scaling an HR consulting business
- Building a values-led consulting practice
- The realities of women in business — what no one tells you
- Lessons from 15 years as a business founder
- Coaching the next generation of HR leaders
Claire Published Her First Book In 2016, The CEO Secret Guide To Managing And Motivating Employees, Which Includes Case Studies Of Award Winning CEOs Of Best Employer Businesses, Such As The Starlight Childrens Foundation, Birdsnest, And The Physio Co.
A charismatic, engaging and informative presenter Claire is a regular public speaker at major events, which include the AHRI HR Practices Day, The Executive Connection (TEC), The CEO Institute, CPA Australia professional development seminars, Australian Association of Practice Managers Conference, and also company specific events.
Claire welcomes opportunities to share her knowledge, ideas, passion and experiences through media and speaking engagements.
TOPICS INCLUDE
- Create Great Workplaces
- Avoid Unfair Dismissal & Bullying Claims
- Leaders and Culture
- Revamp the Performance Review
- Women in Business
- Leading Intergenerational Teams
- Values Driven Businesses
- Reward and Recognition Programs
CONTACT US TODAY TO ENQUIRE MORE ABOUT SPEAKING, MEDIA, TRAINING AND SEMINAR OPPORTUNITIES
Start & scale your HR Business
A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR HR PROFESSIONALS TO CREATE A SUCCESSFUL CONSULTING BUSINESS AND A LIFE WITH FLEXIBILITY & PURPOSE