Tom Tilley

Tom Tilley is a highly respected, entertaining speaker who combines 18 years of media experience with a powerful personal story. Tom is one of the most influential journalists of his generation, interviewing Australian Prime Ministers, and international icons such as Sir David Attenborough, AI Gore, and Julian Assange. He first rose to fame serving as the long-time host of Hack on Triple J radio, where he presented a range of television programs across the ABC. Tom has since reported for The Project and 7News Spotlight, is a regular on Nine, and hosts Southern Cross Austereo’s flagship news podcast ‘The Briefing’.

Whilst working with the ABC, Tom co-created, produced, and presented the ABC2 television series, Hack Live, and guest hosted various other flagship ABC programs including, Radion National Breakfast, and Foreign Correspondent. After years of sharing other people’s stories on radio and television, Tom published his own memoir, ‘Speaking in Tongues’, with Harper Collins. It details his childhood inside a tight knit pentecostal community, and the dawning realisation his church was a hardline sect, to tell the story of his breaking free and reinvention. From the gut-wrenching decision to leave, Tom rebuilt a life of truth, passion, and community, and his impactful story offers inspiration to anyone questioning the life they were born into.

Tom’s career began in finance, as a graduate from the University of Technology, Sydney. Throughout his career, he developed a dynamic communication style, and an outstanding ability to synthesise complex information and sell ideas, to ultimately lead teams effectively and connect with any audience. Tom has become a highly sought-after MC and event host, performing at events including the Sydney Opera House Antidote festival, Semi-Permanent, and various writers’ festivals.

On stage, Tom’s years of on-air experience give him a highly engaging and versatile delivery style, allowing him to present in any event, whether it be corporate or at ideas festivals. He weaves stories and motivating insights from his personal journey and his journalism career, with his knowledge of current affairs, enabling him to discuss a wide range of themes and current issues being faced in today’s world.