Carol Fox, an Icon of Change in Australia

Icons of Change International Awards 2026

Carol Fox
Founder, Carol Fox & Co
Co-author, Confident Communication for Leaders
Australian Financial Review 100 Women of Influence
Former President, Women Sport Australia
Australia

First female surf lifesaver in Victoria

Ambassador for the ICC T20 World Cup 2020
Director of the Gold Coast Academy of Sport
Patron of the AFL Premiership Players Club
Advisory board of the AFL USA (Coach and Culture)

SDG Focus: Goal 5 – Gender Equality
Changemaker for Women in Sport Advocacy, and Inclusive Communication (Australia)

Carol Fox is an accomplished leader with more than thirty years of experience guiding individuals and organisations in elite sport performance, emergency services, leadership and teamwork. Through Carol Fox & Co she helps leaders eliminate self-doubt, communicate with clarity under pressure, and create positive interactions that deliver successful outcomes.

Turning Communication into Leadership Impact

Carol co-authored the book Confident Communication for Leaders and created the program inspired by its principles. Her executive coaching, masterclasses and training equip leaders at every level with practical skills for clearer expectations, stronger accountability, effective feedback and high-stakes conversations. She has supported hundreds of leaders, elite athletes, corporate executives, government officials and community figures through moments of transition and opportunity.

Her clients and partners have included the Australian Institute of Sport, Tennis Australia, Victoria University, Australia Post, the Department of Justice and many others across sport, education, government and the corporate sector in Australia and New Zealand.

A Mission of Equality and Allyship in Sport

As former President of Women Sport Australia, Carol is a respected advocate for women and girls in and through sport. She re-established the WSA Mentoring Program and developed the Women in Sport Leadership Masterclasses for coaches and administrators at all levels. She is a sought-after speaker on male allyship and the essential role it plays in supporting women leaders in both sport and business.

Her personal story began with persistence. As a twelve-year-old told she could not become a surf lifesaver because of her gender, she challenged the barrier and became the first female surf lifesaver in Victoria. That early experience shaped a lifelong commitment to questioning the status quo and creating pathways for women.

Leadership Across Sport, Business and Community

Carol’s recognition as an Australian Financial Review 100 Woman of Influence reflects her dual impact in business and sport leadership. She has served as an Ambassador for the ICC T20 World Cup 2020, Director of the Gold Coast Academy of Sport, Patron of the AFL Premiership Players Club, and on advisory boards including AFL USA Coach and Culture.