Nic Quilty
Chief Executive at WasteMINZ

Alicia is herself - she is vulnerable, up-front and tells it like it is. She is also very good at engaging with the audience. Alicia doesn't read off notes. She gave us learnings and tools we could take away and use. It was inspirational, funny, and vulnerable. I would recommend Alicia for events where you want to challenge your delegates' thinking, inspire them, and make them think differently.

Jun 7, 2024
Paul Bennett
General Manager, Tamworth Regional Council

THANK YOU for your incredible positive impact on our organisation during 2020. All of our Strategic Projects have progressed in line with our original plans. We have established a new and reinvigorated Executive Team, have regular strategic sessions to evaluate our performance and stay on track, and are finally starting to trust our managers and staff to do their jobs without feeling like we have to meddle/interfere. The change has been noticed not only by our staff and Councillors but by many of our community stakeholders, who have commented on the progressive, positive and proactive attitude that is now becoming evident across all areas of our operations. You taught me so much about my role, purpose, approach, and attitude. You opened my eyes to obstacles that were right in front of me, but they had become so much a part of the scenery that I had become almost oblivious to their impacts on our progress. You are a star.

Dec 17, 2020
Ebel Kremer
Southland District Councilor at Southland District Council
Alicia is straight up! She challenges every one in the room. Visionary. Alicia is an exceptional facilitator who understands the topic. She’s easy to listen to and interacts well with participants. Highly recommended! Many thanks for a great day Alicia.
Dec 22, 2022
Bodo Hellberg
Senior Consent Officer at Tauranga City Council
Very straight forward, no time wasting. As she said, we did a days work in half a day and her local government insight helped us. Thanks for facilitating the workshop. I took more away than I was hoping for.
Dec 22, 2022
Neels Janse van Rensburg
Group Chief Executive Officer, Bible Society Incorporated
If you want your leadership, strategy and management paradigms to be challenged, look no further than Alicia McKay. Her professional, unorthodox and no nonsense approach helps organisations take bold and courageous steps towards the future. Our leadership experience with her enabled us to re-direct/prioritize our thinking or strategic priorities helping us navigate through difficult situation especially our current challenges brought on by Covid19.
Nov 29, 2022
Mayurie Gunatilaka
Principal & NZ Country Leader at Arup
Alicia leads high energy, high impact strategy sessions assisting teams solve a range of complex problems. She has a unique ability to assist teams lift up from operational to strategic thinking whist also ensuring we are having a lot of fun along the way. I have thoroughly enjoyed and learnt from our strategy sessions with Alicia and would recommend her to anyone who is looking at clarifying their organisational strategy to solving complex customer issues and engaging their teams. Above all she is incredibly talented and fun to work with!
Nov 29, 2022
Dr Lyndsey Dance
CEO, Safer Farms
Don’t even hesitate - just get this superbly intelligent lady on board to help you and/or you org achieve greatness! Alicia literally fizzes with energy and captures the attention and focus of any audience in order to help guide and facilitate the generation of ideas into a meaningful outcomes. This is no easy feat when dealing with an ultra busy executive leadership team yet Alicia managed it with easy, over a short space of time (6 weeks!) during exceptional circumstances (COVID-19, level 4). By the end of the 6 weeks we had a clear direction of where we needed to steer our organisation in terms of project investments and understood the fundamental principles of sound, robust, practical and GOOD decision making!! Not bad for 6 weeks, eh?! (Thanks Alicia!)
Nov 29, 2022
Lyndsey Dance
General Manager Strategy & Investment, Executive Leadership Team at Stats NZ
Our workshops were relaxed and inclusive and ensured everyone participated and had a voice. Alicia's style is so energising that it didn't matter what time of the day the sessions were scheduled, everyone found themselves focused and paying attention, ready to contribute.
Dec 22, 2022
Emma Speight
Director Regional Relationships at Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency
Alicia never gave up, even when achieving an outcome appeared unlikely!
Dec 22, 2022
David Mackay
Deputy Secretary - Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts

A huge thank you for your outstanding presentation to my team this afternoon. I’ve had so much great feedback on your session, and some of your phrases have already entered our lexicon. I am very grateful to you for having brought your wisdom, experience, and obvious enthusiasm for the local government sector to our meeting today. Thanks again

Nov 23, 2023
Katie Clements
Councillor | Mildura Rural City Council
I learned that I need to be in the WHY, not the WHAT. I would recommend this programme for any person who is in middle leadership in the public sphere, private enterprise or the education sector.
Feb 21, 2025
Rebecca Crossling
Councillor | Mildura Rural City Council
I loved the sessions with Alicia. Alicia's workshop was fun and unpretentious. She has a craft to speak to everybody in the room, no matter where they sit in the organisation and connect with them in a meaningful way.
Feb 24, 2025
John Vastianos
Chief Financial Officer - Glen Eira City Council
The most valuable things I learned were around the decision making process, public vs private, decision making. I found Alicia's teaching style to be excellent, engaging and uplifting. I loved the role playing and getting to know new Councillors and reinforcing concepts.
Nov 25, 2024
Kay Rimbaldo
Councillor - Glen Eira City Council
I enjoyed the interaction; Role Playing; Alicia’s energy in delivering the workshop. I found Alicia's teaching style to be fun and inclusive. Keep doing what you are doing Alicia - it's awesome.
Nov 27, 2024
Kellie Vise
Director Customer and Corporate Affairs - Glen Eira City Council
I loved Alicia's style and approach I really enjoyed the refresh on all of the strategy 101 concepts. I would recommend this programme for Executives and new Councillors. Alicia was engaging, energetic, funny and powerful!
Nov 27, 2024
Cr. Arabella Daniel
Councillor - Glen Eira City Council
I got a better appreciation of my executive team - that they are lovely humans as well as high level professionals. I would recommend this programme for community groups.
Nov 29, 2024
Li Zhang
Councillor - Glen Eira City Council
I enjoyed the fun way Alicia delivered important skills and knowledge to us.
Nov 30, 2024
Andrea Metcalf
Mayor | City of Greater Bendigo Council
I enjoyed the engaging and energetic way the training was delivered that had us all thinking and working. Alicia's facilitation style was engaging, energetic and incredibly knowledgeable. Thank-you for making it so practical.
Feb 7, 2025
Brian Westley
Director - Presentation & Assets | City of Greater Bendigo Council
I loved the content, format and style of the workshop. Alicia's facilitation style is awesome. Heavy content delivered in an engaging way with lots of relevant lived experiences.
Feb 7, 2025
Karen Corr
Councillor | City of Greater Bendigo Council
I enjoyed the connections & the conversations between Councillors & Executive. Loved learning more about role clarity, question frameworks & decision making
Feb 7, 2025
Stacy Williams
Director Healthy Communities and Environments | City of Greater Bendigo Council
I love Alicia’s style, her stories and her practical approach. Alicia's facilitation style is real, authentic and heaps of fun!
Feb 8, 2025
Thomas Prince
Councillor | City of Greater Bendigo Council
I can't pick specifics on the most valuable things I learned. I felt some elements confirmed a lot of the frustrations I've raised since joining council. A lot of the content also helped me articulate sentiments I've tried communicating . It's also helped challenge me to how I can take this into other areas (my university groups) (while having to adjust to their governance structures). But the most valuable thing by far was the informal elements. Connecting with my Exec and other councillors. The importance of those relationships will go beyond my time at council.
Feb 16, 2025
Merri Southwood
Mayor | Lane Cove Council
Alicia's delivery was great. She drew all participants in to the discussion. I think our group discussions were useful and insightful. The role play exercise was fantastic - probably the most thought provoking activity.
Jan 25, 2025
Katie Little
Councillor | Lane Cove Council
I thought it was two days of really interesting, fast moving, thought provoking concepts … I loved that as a squeaky new councillor I didn’t feel stupid! And that the level of knowledge was assessed and moderated to fit discussions throughout.
Jan 25, 2025
Steve Kludass
Director - Corporate Services & Strategy | Lane Cove Council
I enjoyed learning new things about myself and others. Excellent session. Alicia was interactive and engaging.
Jan 27, 2025
Stephanie Kelly
Director Community and Culture | Lane Cove Council
Loved the energy and the plain english approach to leadership
Jan 28, 2025
Corinne Hitchenson
Executive Officer to the GM | Lane Cove Council
I loved how topics with 'complexity' were explained in relatable ways to offer some certainty in what is a challenging environment. There are many managers who would benefit from understanding their role in the bigger picture.
Jan 29, 2025
Judy Jordan
Finance Manager - Bega Valley Shire Council
I would describe Alicia's teaching and facilitation style as honest, approachable, she has a sense of humor and connected well with the audience
Dec 13, 2024
Helen O'Neil
Councillor - Bega Valley Shire Council
I would describe Alicia's facilitation style as astonishingly bright, well read and has that rare gift of breaking down complex ideas into clear concepts - so that you can actually take them into daily work
Dec 16, 2024
Iliada Bolton
Director Business and Governance - Bega Valley Shire Council
Alicia is engaging. There was a fantastic balance of workbook, discussion, games, and presenting 'theory/concepts'. She is honest and passionate about conversations that help people appreciate each other's roles and responsibilities. Concepts were presented as imagery (tree, iceberg, interpretive dance) to help visual learners.
Dec 17, 2024
Jim Child
Mayor - Yarra Ranges Council
I enjoyed the style of presentation. Kept me engaged for two days.....
Nov 29, 2024
Jane Price
Interim Director Community Wellbeing - Glen Eira City Council
Practical, plain language and engaging session that really supported great collaboration and development of trust plus on point content around roles of Crs and good decision making approaches.
Nov 27, 2024
Peter Mcilwain
Councillor - Yarra Ranges Council
It's extremely hard to do what you do Alicia. You make it look easy but there's a ton of work that's gone into it. It's very clever the way you navigate in sometimes politically sensitive areas keeping a focus on achieving outcomes. It's intelligent, sophisticated and much needed. Many thanks.
Nov 29, 2024
Tim Heenan
Councillor - Yarra Ranges Council
In all my 15 years on Council I have never had had any facilitator as good as Alicia
Nov 29, 2024
Jordan Wright GAICD
Engagement Specialist | Councillor City of Wanneroo | Director | Local Government | Governance Professional
My morning ride was educational thanks to Alicia McKay. I met Alicia at a local government conference some two years ago however, have continued to engage in Alicia's content. Our Simon Sinek of Australia and NZ 💡
Nov 18, 2024
Rachel Frentz
Employee Experience | Senior Talent Advisor @ Sime Darby | HR & EX Design Specialist | DEIB Advocate
❤️ Loved this in my inbox this morning. Timely reminder well received. Alicia McKay
Oct 15, 2024
Nicole Smith
Councillor Wingecarribee Shire Council
So inspiring. Thank you so much Alicia McKay - looking forward to putting some of those strategies into practice for the benefit of our community!
Nov 7, 2024
David Kent
Councillor at Wingecarribee Shire Council
I enjoyed the whole thing. The most valuable moments were practical examples of what is in the book - and I really enjoyed hearing others 25 year visions for the Shire. Alicia is a wonderful facilitator.
Nov 1, 2024
Wingecarribee Shire Council
This week, our Councillors, Executives, and Managers participated in a transformative Strategic Public Leadership workshop led by the incredible Alicia McKay, author of Local Legends. With Alicia's practical strategies and frameworks, we’re building a foundation to ensure our Council has the best possible opportunity to succeed. By fostering collaboration and investing in the development of our leaders, we aim to strengthen our organisation to deliver better outcomes for our community. #leadership #LocalLegends #CommunityFocused #LeadershipDevelopment #LocalGovernment #community #WingecarribeeShireCouncil
Oct 31, 2024
Kathryn Baget-Juleff
Manager Community Life and Libraries at Wingecarribee Shire Council
It was such a great two days! Alicia is incredible, thanks for organising Lisa Miscamble and Imogen Baker !
Nov 3, 2024
Imogen Baker
Executive Officer, Wingecarribee Shire Council Executive Officer, Wingecarribee Shire Council
This week at Wingecarribee Shire Council I was so privileged to have time with the amazing Alicia McKay, someone I describe as the Taylor Swift of Local Government 😂 Delivering the Strategic Public Leaders program - Ask Powerful Questions and avoid Decision Bias were two of my key takeaways. Very grateful for the opportunity to participate in development opportunities like this with the support and vision of our GM Lisa Miscamble 🙏 #professionaldevelopment #strategy #localgovernment
Oct 29, 2024
Lisa Miscamble
General Manager at Wingecarribee Shire Council
A great session with Alicia, so grateful to have your perspective and wisdom- as we welcome back an elected Council, after 3 1/2 years of Administration. We have 9 new optimistic Councillors focused on working together to make a positive impact in our community. What an inspirational couple of days with Alicia, our Councillors and Management Team … off to a strong start … and yes that is our Big Potato at Robertson! 😊
Nov 3, 2024
Clare Phelan
General Manager at Sutherland Shire Council
Alicia McKay what a way to kick off this Term! So grateful to have the opportunity to work with you. Awesome strategy weekend 👊
Nov 3, 2024
Murray Wood
General Manager at Dubbo Regional Council
Thanks for being part of our onboarding Alicia McKay. We do push our elected body in their first three weeks and your sessions were the perfect way to wrap it. Had great feedback from Councillors and senior staff alike.
Nov 3, 2024
Mark Crawley
Managing Director | Volunteer Committee Member - Global Engagement Committee - ICMA | Experienced Local Government CEO | Local Government Specialist | Husband | Dad | Brother | Son | Poppy | Managing Director | Volunteer Committee Member - Global Engagement Committee - ICMA | Experienced Local Government CEO | Local Government Specialist | Husband | Dad | Brother | Son | Poppy |
Alicia McKay I enjoyed your latest book “Local Legends, How to make a difference in Local Government”, I would highly recommend this to those working in local government, Executives and Councillors should obtain a copy. Well structured and “the strategies outlined can transform a councils impact” in delivering for its community. Thanks Alicia, another great resource for Local Government, hope to catch up with you again some time in the near future. Cheers #localgovernment
Nov 2, 2024
Jim Farrell
Councillor at Wingecarribee Shire Council
I had read a significant amount of the book "Local Legends". The interaction gave the book more clarity for me. I liked the presentation, the presenter (accent and all). I particularly liked learning about "The Right Decision" and asking three systems questions.
Nov 1, 2024
Karin Targa
Manager Project Delivery at Wingecarribee Shire Council
I enjoyed getting to know each other and found the 'shared vision' exercise valuable. Alicia is great and engaging.
Oct 29, 2024
Michael McCabe
Director - Communities and Place at Wingecarribee Shire Council
I appreciated the informal yet structured format and found the 'why/how/what' really valuable. I will be using the workbook as a reference guide.
Oct 29, 2024
Jack Boyd
Mayor of the Sutherland Shire - Sutherland Shire Council
I've attended a lot of leadership, strategy and team building workshops through my time on Council and in my professional life - Alicia was hands down the best facilitator I've encountered and greatly exceeded expectations
Oct 28, 2024
Peter Tsambalas
Councillor - Sutherland Shire Council
Alicia is empathetic, clear and adaptable. Alicia made the content relatable, engaged everyone in the room, and adapted on the spot if needed. Alicia listened actively, encouraged participation, and made learning feel practical and empowering.
Oct 28, 2024
Steven Jennings
Acting Director Development and Environment at Dubbo Regional Council
I enjoyed the collaboration with the Elected Body Learning about Public Value and the difference between private industry and Council The workshop session looking at strategic priorities. Best in class, Alicia!
Oct 17, 2024
Angela
Manager Environment, Facilities & Regulations at the Federation Council
Alicia's real! She's a great facilitator.
Sep 18, 2024
Natasha Beer
Manager People and Culture at Tamworth Regional Council
I enjoyed Alicia's story telling, humour and frameworks. I would recommend this to people who want to elevate their thinking and embed regular, tangible strategic practices into their work lives. And those who want to develop their teams understanding of the importance of strategy.
Sep 18, 2024
Debbie Lewis
Sutherland Shire Council
I loved how Alicia was relaxed, open, honest and very collaborative, focusing on the criteria and not the project or task. I would recommend this course for people who want to lift their strategic thinking and approach.
Sep 18, 2024
Craig Swift-McNair
General Manager at Woollahra Municipal Council
Alicia was relaxed and inclusive. It was a fabulous couple of days well worth the investment - all management teams should attend this course.
Sep 18, 2024
Katie Kapp
Coordinator Youth Services at Wollongong City Council
Alicia was fun! This is great for people who lead teams + work in local government.
Sep 18, 2024
Michael M.
Coordinator Economy and Place at Camden Council
Alicia's interactive and it was really great to to learn how to set clear priorities linked to organisational goals. I would recommend this course to people who are struggling with the daily slog. Enjoyed the day!
Sep 18, 2024
Mark Dicker
General Manager at Blayney Shire Council
Alicia was easy to follow with a good sense of humor. Loved learning about structure and processes. I would recommend this course to people who feel overwhelmed and to busy.
Sep 18, 2024
Todd Williams
Deputy General Manager Corporate & Community at Bellingen Shire Council
I love Alicia's casual yet knowledgable approach, able to engage and continue conversations drawing out peoples needs. It's very valuable to learn that good decisions don't necessarily lead to success but need to be made. Thanks Alicia - Your energy and expertise are invaluable.
Sep 5, 2024
Tim Greensill
Group Leader IT & GIS at Bellingen Shire Council
I love how Alicia is empathetic, practical & no nonsense. It was really important to learn the ‘how’ and how poorly we (local government in general) develop and report on it.
Sep 5, 2024
Rachel Pleasant
Group Leader Development and Compliance at Bellingen Shire Council
I really enjoyed how Alicia can easily cut through complex challenges and ideas. It was really valuable to learn the frameworks to support better decision making. Love you work Alicia! Thanks for all your energy :)
Sep 5, 2024
Ashley Greenwood
Deputy General Manager Operations at Bellingen Shire Council
I love Alicia's very relational and practical delivery style.
Sep 5, 2024
Jayne Burke
Group Leader People and Culture at Bellingen Shire Council
I loved Alicia's story telling. She is down to earth, engaging and entertaining. I learned the importance of asking more questions and being inquisitive. It was a great two days with the leadership team with lots of valuable lessons and insights learnt. Looking forward to getting into my book!
Sep 5, 2024
Kate Barker
Director Regional Programs at Central NSW Joint Organisation
I really enjoyed Alicia's engaging and inspirational approach. It was brilliant. I've not stopped talking about this course to my colleagues. We will likely be in touch to arrange training for councillors and ELT across our region. There is so much value in this course. Thank you!
Sep 19, 2024
Tanya Goldberg
Executive Manager, Arts, Culture and Events at Waverley Council
I loved how Alicia was relaxed but switched on - energy directed in the right place: on content and ensuring a great vibe in the room from start to finish. It was pretty great, I really enjoyed it as it was. Best professional development I've done. Thank you.
Sep 19, 2024
Kaliegh Smerdon
Manager, Corporate Planning and Improvement at Bega Valley Shire Council
I really enjoyed how Alicia was relatable, real and honest. It was great to learn how to ask better questions. Keep doing this… please don’t get bored of it! :) Our sector and communities desperately need it. It’s the ultimate act of public service really- helping to make public servants better at what they do!
Sep 19, 2024
Marley Woods
Middle Childhood Services Coordinator at the City of Sydney

Alicia was engaging and interesting. Had enough breaks scattered throughout to keep energy levels up and didn't require too much 'moving around' for the sake of group work. Learning about the tools to assist with finding clarity on the why, what, how and prioritisation were the two big ones for me.

Sep 19, 2024
Michael Chorlton
Manager Financial Services at Tweed Shire Council
Alicia was down to earth and gave practical examples. I like the casual approach where everyone is encouraged to contribute.
Sep 19, 2024
Rebecca Whitburn
Campbelltown City Council
I love how Alicia was easy going and personable.
Sep 19, 2024
Esther N.
Principal Solicitor at the City of Parramatta
Alicia was engaging, easy to understand and practical. I really enjoyed the conference and found it really helpful.
Sep 19, 2024
Adam Callahan
Eurobodalla Shire Council
I really enjoyed how Alicia was informative, but informal. Professional, but personal. Thank you for sharing your wise words and advice.
Sep 19, 2024
Amy Ryan
City Significant & Strategic Planning Manager at City of Newcastle
I loved that Alicia was authentic and funny. This is great for senior leaders in local government and want to be more effective.
Sep 20, 2024
Bianca Nuku
City of Sydney
Alicia kept me listening and engaged. There was the right amount of presenting, activities and conversations to keep things flowing. Alicia is an excellent presenter, I did not feel my eyes closing once - which is almost guaranteed for most workshops!
Sep 20, 2024
Brooke Conroy
Business Improvement Lead at Penrith City Council

Alicia was authentic! She had the room hanging on her every word with her engaging storytelling and linkages back to practical tools. Alicia is a rockstar and the formula works. I feel very grateful to have been able to soak up Alicia's experiences and knowledge over the few days. The effort she took to personalise the course and to have connections with the participants in the training was a standout. And the story telling when we came back together was a great example of how to facilitate. The content itself was also very valuable to me and the way it was structured and broken down makes it so simple. Alicia, you're a gun and hope to see you again!!

Sep 20, 2024
Melinda McNaughton
Senior Manager Arts and Libraries at Sutherland Shire Council
I really enjoyed Alicia's honesty, knowledge and ability to pivot. It's great to learn how to ask better questions and lots more! Great to meet Alicia, I am inspired.
Sep 20, 2024
Ryan Tranter
City of Newcastle
I loved Alicia's ability to connect the theoretical to real work application. Great to learn the value in establishing the decision criteria to assist in connecting the higher level strategic direction to the operational work delivery.
Sep 21, 2024
Melissa Lee
Governance and Risk Manager at City of Canada Bay
I loved that Alicia is engaging, fun and relaxed. If I had to pick one or two - it was really valuable to learn how to know/ set your criteria and ask the right questions. Loved it!
Sep 23, 2024
Anna Newell
Economic Development and Investment Team Leader at Tamworth Regional Council
I really enjoyed how Alicia delivered information from a place of extensive experience in a straight forward, no jargon and relaxed way. She used learned examples where concepts translate and was very engaging. Was wonderful to meet you Alicia and look forward to you working your magic in Tamworth!
Sep 23, 2024
Michael Jethro Cadion
City of Parramatta
I loved the games and communication with others. Everything is excellent.
Sep 24, 2024
Melissa Stanford
Manager at Orange City Council

I enjoyed how engaging Alicia was and that she was easy going, relatable and gave first hand experience stories. Thanks Alicia, what an amazing speaker you are! I admire your public speaking abilities. Well done, such an interesting and relevant course!

Sep 24, 2024
Katrina Gresser
Management Accountant & IPR at Liverpool Plains Shire Council
I loved how Alicia was down to earth, relatable and engaging. Really, really enjoyed it, can't wait to see what's next!
Sep 26, 2024
Priscilla Emmett
City Wide Development Assessment Manager City of Newcastle
I really enjoyed Alicia's openness, honesty and sense of humour. I would recommend this to people who need to think more strategically and move out of the weeds.
Oct 27, 2024
MIchael Schoen
Manager Program & Performance, Parks Victoria
Alicia seems to be tapped into what's needed in the present for me ( - once a week she provides pure gold taking the form of punchy a clear advice to work thru what is important - all with a fresh and lighthearted vibe that literally provides a boost. Understanding that success is never a 'magic bullet' but rather a 1000 small changes - WW provides the guidance along the journey of those changes.
Oct 3, 2024
LG Professionals, NSW
The Strategic Public Leaders course is officially underway! This intensive, two-day program is designed for senior and mid-tier local government leaders to develop essential strategic skills. Led by the exceptional Alicia McKay a leadership and strategy expert specialising in local government, the course kicked off with a lively and engaging session. Participants received "connect cards" that prompted self-reflection and meaningful conversations, making for a fun and insightful start. There is great energy in the room as leaders begin their journey of leveling up their leadership, elevating their impact, and future-proofing their careers. Enjoy! ✅ #localgovernment
Sep 17, 2024
LG Professionals, NSW
Day 2 of the Strategic Leaders Program with Alicia McKay, and we’re diving deep into the power of strategic thinking. Today, we are exploring how stepping out of the weeds and focusing on asking the right questions, rather than telling, can create meaningful context. We are discussing key principles of building understanding, what good decision-making looks like and the immense value of curiosity in leadership. #localgovernment
Sep 18, 2024
Nic Quilty
Chief Executive at WasteMINZ

Alicia is herself - she is vulnerable, up-front and tells it like it is. She is also very good at engaging with the audience. Alicia doesn't read off notes. She gave us learnings and tools we could take away and use. It was inspirational, funny, and vulnerable. I would recommend Alicia for events where you want to challenge your delegates' thinking, inspire them, and make them think differently.

Jun 7, 2024
Paul Bennett
General Manager, Tamworth Regional Council

THANK YOU for your incredible positive impact on our organisation during 2020. All of our Strategic Projects have progressed in line with our original plans. We have established a new and reinvigorated Executive Team, have regular strategic sessions to evaluate our performance and stay on track, and are finally starting to trust our managers and staff to do their jobs without feeling like we have to meddle/interfere. The change has been noticed not only by our staff and Councillors but by many of our community stakeholders, who have commented on the progressive, positive and proactive attitude that is now becoming evident across all areas of our operations. You taught me so much about my role, purpose, approach, and attitude. You opened my eyes to obstacles that were right in front of me, but they had become so much a part of the scenery that I had become almost oblivious to their impacts on our progress. You are a star.

Dec 17, 2020
Ebel Kremer
Southland District Councilor at Southland District Council
Alicia is straight up! She challenges every one in the room. Visionary. Alicia is an exceptional facilitator who understands the topic. She’s easy to listen to and interacts well with participants. Highly recommended! Many thanks for a great day Alicia.
Dec 22, 2022
Bodo Hellberg
Senior Consent Officer at Tauranga City Council
Very straight forward, no time wasting. As she said, we did a days work in half a day and her local government insight helped us. Thanks for facilitating the workshop. I took more away than I was hoping for.
Dec 22, 2022
Neels Janse van Rensburg
Group Chief Executive Officer, Bible Society Incorporated
If you want your leadership, strategy and management paradigms to be challenged, look no further than Alicia McKay. Her professional, unorthodox and no nonsense approach helps organisations take bold and courageous steps towards the future. Our leadership experience with her enabled us to re-direct/prioritize our thinking or strategic priorities helping us navigate through difficult situation especially our current challenges brought on by Covid19.
Nov 29, 2022
Mayurie Gunatilaka
Principal & NZ Country Leader at Arup
Alicia leads high energy, high impact strategy sessions assisting teams solve a range of complex problems. She has a unique ability to assist teams lift up from operational to strategic thinking whist also ensuring we are having a lot of fun along the way. I have thoroughly enjoyed and learnt from our strategy sessions with Alicia and would recommend her to anyone who is looking at clarifying their organisational strategy to solving complex customer issues and engaging their teams. Above all she is incredibly talented and fun to work with!
Nov 29, 2022
Dr Lyndsey Dance
CEO, Safer Farms
Don’t even hesitate - just get this superbly intelligent lady on board to help you and/or you org achieve greatness! Alicia literally fizzes with energy and captures the attention and focus of any audience in order to help guide and facilitate the generation of ideas into a meaningful outcomes. This is no easy feat when dealing with an ultra busy executive leadership team yet Alicia managed it with easy, over a short space of time (6 weeks!) during exceptional circumstances (COVID-19, level 4). By the end of the 6 weeks we had a clear direction of where we needed to steer our organisation in terms of project investments and understood the fundamental principles of sound, robust, practical and GOOD decision making!! Not bad for 6 weeks, eh?! (Thanks Alicia!)
Nov 29, 2022
Lyndsey Dance
General Manager Strategy & Investment, Executive Leadership Team at Stats NZ
Our workshops were relaxed and inclusive and ensured everyone participated and had a voice. Alicia's style is so energising that it didn't matter what time of the day the sessions were scheduled, everyone found themselves focused and paying attention, ready to contribute.
Dec 22, 2022
Emma Speight
Director Regional Relationships at Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency
Alicia never gave up, even when achieving an outcome appeared unlikely!
Dec 22, 2022
David Mackay
Deputy Secretary - Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts

A huge thank you for your outstanding presentation to my team this afternoon. I’ve had so much great feedback on your session, and some of your phrases have already entered our lexicon. I am very grateful to you for having brought your wisdom, experience, and obvious enthusiasm for the local government sector to our meeting today. Thanks again

Nov 23, 2023
Katie Clements
Councillor | Mildura Rural City Council
I learned that I need to be in the WHY, not the WHAT. I would recommend this programme for any person who is in middle leadership in the public sphere, private enterprise or the education sector.
Feb 21, 2025
Rebecca Crossling
Councillor | Mildura Rural City Council
I loved the sessions with Alicia. Alicia's workshop was fun and unpretentious. She has a craft to speak to everybody in the room, no matter where they sit in the organisation and connect with them in a meaningful way.
Feb 24, 2025
John Vastianos
Chief Financial Officer - Glen Eira City Council
The most valuable things I learned were around the decision making process, public vs private, decision making. I found Alicia's teaching style to be excellent, engaging and uplifting. I loved the role playing and getting to know new Councillors and reinforcing concepts.
Nov 25, 2024
Kay Rimbaldo
Councillor - Glen Eira City Council
I enjoyed the interaction; Role Playing; Alicia’s energy in delivering the workshop. I found Alicia's teaching style to be fun and inclusive. Keep doing what you are doing Alicia - it's awesome.
Nov 27, 2024
Kellie Vise
Director Customer and Corporate Affairs - Glen Eira City Council
I loved Alicia's style and approach I really enjoyed the refresh on all of the strategy 101 concepts. I would recommend this programme for Executives and new Councillors. Alicia was engaging, energetic, funny and powerful!
Nov 27, 2024