Unapologetically Mary

Mary Haddock-Staniland is a pioneering New Zealand executive, business advisor, keynote speaker, and change champion known for her work in leadership, culture, organisational transformation, and belonging.

Drawing on both her executive experience and lived experience as a Trans woman in Aotearoa New Zealand, Mary brings a unique perspective to conversations about leadership, influence, and creating opportunity for others. Through her work, she inspires leaders and organisations to foster connection, lead with purpose, and build cultures where people feel valued, empowered, and able to achieve their full potential.

Speaker

Mary is a seasoned communicator who inspires audiences to embrace their true selves and celebrate people’s differences.

She is engaging, creative, funny, and highly adaptable to a variety of events.

• Keynote speaker

• MC

• Panellist

• Media Commentator

Mary has spoken at conferences, seminars and other events for the likes of Payments NZ, ACC, Auckland One Rail, DocuSign, Tonkin + Taylor, NZ Police, Wellington Zoo, Mental Health Foundation, Secondary Principals Association of New Zealand, TVNZ, Beauty Expo in London, New York & Sydney, Queenstown Chamber of Commerce.

Leader

Mary was New Zealand’s first C-Suite level Chief People & Inclusion Officer, and helps businesses to cultivate inclusive environments where people thrive.

She is a strategic leader, a change-maker and an advocate for inclusivity in culture, environment and change management.

• Fractional leadership

• Executive level collaborator

• Inclusion education programmes

• Diversity and performance consulting

• Vision setting and stakeholder management

Advisor

Mary is a dedicated board member for the British Beauty Council DEIB Board, an advisor to the Founders of EveryGender, an Advisor Board Member for Transform Auckland Chapter, a Founding Collective Member for The Wild Ones and judge for NZ Rainbow Excellence Awards. 

Mary also serves as an ambassador for Lifeline Aotearoa and spokesperson for DMK Skincare.

Her contributions to the queer community and her insightful social commentary garner widespread recognition. Mary embodies the power of embracing our unique qualities to achieve collective success.

Mary partners with these organisations in her advisory and governance work.