Introducing the GenderGurus


Trish SpringsteenTrischel

Trish Springsteen is a Communication Expert, Senior Trainer, Professional Speaker and Author specialising in Communication, Leadership and Management, Team Building and Retention, Stress Management, Public Speaking and Interview Skills

With over 10 years experience in Communication, Training and Speaking, Trish is often asked to MC festivals and gala events and has delivered numerous keynote presentations at conferences, events and workshops for both corporate and community organisations.

It was an intense fear of public speaking that led to Trish’s fascination with communication. She once found herself in a role that required her to get out and meet people and attend networking events. Terrified, Trish would often hide in the corner with no self confidence. Determined to overcome her debilitating fear Trish threw herself in the deep end and went to learn how to speak professionally. It was the change she saw in her own self development that has ignited a passion to help others to eliminate their nerves and fears by improving their speaking skills and self confidence. 

As a direct result Trish now spends her time training individuals and corporate companies on overcoming communication barriers to become effective communicators and public speakers.


With over 20 years in the corporate arena in Banking and Finance, IT and Project Management, Phil understands the dynamics of team collaboration.

Phil specialises in business and personal leadership coaching and training ands holds a Certificate IV in Workplace Assessment and Training.

In his military service, Phil served in the Australian Army Reserve for 12 ½ years in various roles from intelligence, commandos and infantry, to training officer cadets for leadership in peacetime and combat situations. 

Phil's involvement with training for both men and women first introduced him to the misunderstandings which can arise from making assumptions about the way we communicate.  He brings that personal experience and knowledge to the GenderGuru's project from a masculine point of view.

Phil is a past Board member of the National Speakers Association of Australia (Victorian Chapter), a member of the International Federation of Professional Speakers and Immediate Past Metropolitan Division Governor for Brisbane for Toastmasters International and holds the Advanced Toastmaster accreditation

Michele KeighleyTrischel 

Michele Keighley is a Communication Expert, Senior Trainer, Professional Speaker and Author specialising in Communication, Leadership, Management and Public Speaking with a special interest in Women & Leadership.

With over 27 years experience in Communication, Training and Speaking, Michele has delivered more than 100 keynote presentations at conferences, events and workshops for both corporate and community organisations. In addition, Michele has been awarded the highest honour given by Toastmasters International - the presidential Citation.
Michele is passionate about the importance of Leadership and Communication Training. As a former member of the Australian Army ranked as Warrant Officer Class Two, she has experienced the problems faced by women working in traditional leadership roles.