Jessica Ridley
PROFILE
Jessica Ridley boasts more than a decade of experience in some of Australia’s busiest newsrooms. She’s a journalist, broadcaster and presenter having worked on Channel 7’s Sunrise, Nine’s Today Show, 2GB radio Sydney and 7News, covering a range of diverse topics from finance to health and entertainment. Jessica is the founder of BTW Media, a renowned Sydney-based media training, PR and content business, and is a widely in-demand speaker, presenter and corporate trainer for prominent organisations across Australia.
Jessica has always been a connector of the dots, a communicator, and a networker, which naturally led to a career in news media. Her career took off in the fast-paced, frenetic world of broadcast journalism. A typical day? Perhaps a live cross from rising floodwaters, a Premier’s press conference, then celebrity interviews. She learned invaluable skills—how to listen carefully and speak with clarity and meaning.
Her years in journalism ignited a deep interest in the immense power of the media. Jessica wanted to help brands identify their own stories and shine the media spotlight on their unique narratives. This passion culminated in the founding of By The Way Media—a team of media and PR training specialists dedicated to guiding others through the media landscape. Jessica teaches people how to harness their personal brand, tell their company’s compelling story with captivating video, or coach them to handle challenging questions from journalists.
With her expertise, Jessica prepares individuals for ‘lights, camera, action’ moments in live broadcasts, or help redefine a company’s public relations strategy.
As a keynote speaker, Jessica is confident in engaging attendees and conveying core messages effectively. During panel discussions, she is adept at moderating the conversation, seamlessly keeping the forum on schedule and being agile under pressure.
SPEAKING TOPICS
Event MC
Seamless flow and natural warmth. Jess brings energy and polished structure to the stage, ensuring your audience is engaged and your event runs better than planned. From high-stakes launches to multi-day conferences, she manages the room and the moving parts so you can focus on the big picture.
Live Presenter & Interviewer
Broadcast-quality under any pressure. With a background on The Today Show and Sunrise, Jess is unflappable in live environments. Whether handling last-minute schedule shifts or conducting high-energy red carpet interviews, she is adaptable and knows how to improvise off-script for a high-impact result.
Panel Moderator
Conversations with clarity and purpose. Great panels require a steady hand. Jess creates an inclusive space where panelists shine and stories flow naturally. She steers the conversation with precision, balancing the clock with the chemistry to keep the session impactful.
Fireside Chats
Genuine connection, expertly guided. Moving beyond the script, Jess facilitates relaxed, high-level conversations that feel like an authentic dialogue. She knows exactly when to lean in with the right question to help extract stories and insights that truly resonate.
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