Emma Donaldson
Emma Donaldson brings a rare and deeply authentic perspective to conversations about resilience, leadership, identity and the human side of service. As both a Defence veteran and the partner of a soldier who served in elite, high-tempo Army units, Emma understands the culture, the pressure and the unseen emotional load of Defence life from both sides of the experience.
During her own service, Emma worked in fast-paced Army environments and gained firsthand insight into the expectations, tempo and values that shape military culture. Later, as the spouse of a frontline operator, she navigated the other side of service: raising two children through long absences, carrying the quiet worries that never make the news, and rebuilding her own identity through constant change and transition.
Professionally, Emma serves as a Veteran Liaison Officer with Legacy, where she builds strategic relationships with Defence and Ex-Service Organisations and advocates for families who continue to carry the long tail of service.
In the recent past, Emma has led national lived-experience initiatives within Open Arms, applying trauma-informed and family-centred approaches to improving wellbeing support across Australia.
Emma’s story sits at the intersection of service, family and leadership. Her openness, emotional intelligence and lived experience create a powerful connection with audiences across corporate, government, community and Defence sectors. She offers a grounded and relatable voice on resilience, change, identity and the quiet forms of leadership found in the moments no one sees.
Warm, articulate and deeply real, Emma brings both credibility and humanity to the stage — reminding audiences that strength is not only found on the frontline, but also in the everyday courage of adapting, enduring and leading through uncertainty.
