Ash Barty

Ash Barty

Australian Ashleigh Barty, 27, was a professional tennis player on the Women’s

Tennis Association tour from 2011–2022 (with a break from late 2014 to early 2016).

Widely regarded as one of the sport’s most naturally talented players, Ash’s game

style and ability to play a wide variety of shots set her apart from her opponents.

Ash’s off court approach endeared her further to the tennis community and fans

around the world. With her unassuming manner, confidence to guide her own path

and commitment to being a good person before all else, she became a role model

for many.

Ash announced her retirement from professional tennis in March 2022. Ranked

number 1 in the world and the reigning ladies singles champion at Wimbledon and

the Australian Open, she departed from the sport as one of the most accomplished

players ever. Her tennis achievements include: 3 Grand Slam singles titles, 1 Grand

Slam doubles title, 12 WTA singles titles, 11 WTA doubles titles and an Olympic

bronze medal for mixed doubles. Ash held the WTA world number 1 ranking for 114

consecutive weeks, the fourth-longest streak in tour history, behind Steffi Graf (186

weeks), Serena Williams (186) and Martina Navratilova (156).

Ash is committed to creating sport and education opportunities for youth in

communities around Australia and launched the Ash Barty Foundation in 2024. Ash

has released a bestselling memoir, ‘My Dream Time’, a children’s book series ‘Little

Ash’, a picture book ‘My Dream for You’ and is set to release a Middle Grade fiction

series this year. Family has always come first for Ash who is Mum to baby Hayden

and dogs Affie, Chino and Origi.

2:30 pm - 3:15 pm
Adelaide Convention Centre

Closing Keynote

From Grand Slams to global admiration, Ash Barty has proven what it takes to lead with grit, humility and precision. Now, she brings that mindset to the business stage. At the intersection of elite sport and high-performance leadership, Ash will share the habits, mindset and frameworks that supported her rise to the top — and how they can translate into navigating complex challenges, sustaining long-game vision, and performing when it matters most. For leaders in the development industry, her story is a masterclass in discipline, decision-making, teamwork and resilience — the same core pillars that drive success in shaping communities and the built environment. A must-hear session to close the event with purpose, clarity and momentum.