Meet Dr Yemi Penn
I see myself as a global thought leader, author, documentary producer, and researcher dedicated to transforming cultural narratives through rebellious curiosity. With a practice-based PhD focused on decolonising trauma through the arts, I bridge academia, storytelling, and lived experience to challenge outdated systems and foster cultural peace-brokering. My work, whether through keynotes, LEGO Serious Play, workshops, deep dives, dismantles disruptive patterns that fast become the norm, building spaces where difficult conversations lead to healing, transformation, and systemic change.
Through my speaking, writing, research, and documentary work, I help individuals and organisations move beyond passive efforts to actively repairing, reimagining, and rebuilding. I am driven by the urgency to broker peace in the global cultural war—navigating tensions around gender, race, class, Indigenous sovereignty, and beyond.
My upcoming book, Rebelliously Curious Leadership, challenges traditional leadership models, advocating for bold, adaptive, and courageous leaders who thrive in complexity. I am also launching a PhD Global Roadshow, sharing my research and insights with communities and organisations across Australia, the UK, and the USA.
At my core, I believe transformation begins with the willingness to sit in discomfort, challenge the status quo, and imagine new possibilities for ourselves and our societies.
My Why
I am endlessly fascinated by humanity—our boundless ability to create, innovate, and build. Yet, history and lived experience reveal an undeniable truth: alongside this brilliance, we also hold the capacity for deep harm. My work is driven by the pursuit of transformation—turning moments of distress and disruption into opportunities to reshape leadership and reimagine the systems that shape our world. I believe that when we cultivate leadership that brings out the best in people, we empower those who design our cities, develop life-saving medicines, and rethink how we care for our planet. Transformation isn’t just personal—it’s structural, and it’s urgent.
My Accomplishments
TEDx Speaker First Class Degree Mechanical Engineer Keeping 2 humans alive White Ribbon Advisor Women's Agenda Setter Finalist (2023) Sony Films Festival Finalist (2021)
Fun facts
I opened up a cafe during COVID (Go figure!). I can’t ride a bike for $hit and can barely swim (We can’t all be perfect). I got to the penultimate stage of ‘The Voice’ and ‘Survivor’ (Definitely something in this….). I am an introvert.
How I can help
Liberatory Leadership & Culture – Dismantle outdated systems and build liberatory, thriving cultures.
Transformative Conversations – Facilitate deep dialogue on cultural trauma and healing.
Cultural Peace-Brokering – Mediate conflicts and foster meaningful cross-cultural connections.
Rebellious Leadership – Challenge norms, embrace discomfort, and lead with bold curiosity. Storytelling for Change – Use documentary and media to shift narratives and amplify marginalized voices.
Immersive Learning – Design powerful experiences that spark insight and action.
Profile information supplied through Cuppa’s talent directory. Availability and suitability are confirmed on enquiry.