Original Australian Voice of Siri, The GPS Girl® & International Keynote Speaker

Karen Jacobsen is one of the most recognisable Australian voices in the world — the original Australian voice of Siri, heard in more than a billion GPS units and smartphones — and she's turned that voice into The GPS Girl® keynote brand and an international career on stage as a speaker, concert artist and TEDx presenter.

Who is Karen Jacobsen?

Karen Jacobsen is a Mackay-born, Queensland-based international keynote speaker, concert performer, voice-over artist, songwriter and author. Her speaking voice has been recorded into more than a billion GPS units, smartphones and software systems worldwide — including the original Australian voice of Apple's Siri (2011–2014). She founded the empowerment brand The GPS Girl® and her signature keynote 5 Directions for Recalculating is delivered globally. A Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University graduate, she spent 20 years in New York performing on Broadway, off-Broadway, at Madison Square Garden, Fenway Park, Dodger Stadium and Giants Stadium, and was named one of People Magazine's Most Intriguing People. She returned to Airlie Beach during the pandemic.

Career Highlights

• Original Australian voice of Apple's Siri (2011–2014)

• Heard in over 1 billion GPS and smartphone devices worldwide

• Founder of empowerment brand The GPS Girl®

• TEDx speaker and Global Artist in Residence at High Point University

• Author of Recalculate: Directions for Driving Performance Success and The GPS Girl's Road Map for Your Future

• President's Award for Distinguished Service, National Speakers Association (2016)

• President, New York Chapter of the National Speakers Association (2015)

• Premiered Misogyny Opus, setting Julia Gillard's 2012 speech to orchestral music

Key Speaking Themes

• The 5 Directions for Recalculating — navigating change

• Voice, communication and personal brand

• Resilience and finding your way back after setbacks

• Performance, presence and stagecraft

• Reinvention, identity and career navigation

What Your Audience Will Gain

Karen blends keynote with live performance at the grand piano — a rare format that delivers both inspiration and entertainment. Audiences leave with a clear framework for "recalculating" in their work and life, immediately useable practical advice and a moment they'll genuinely remember.

Ideal For

• Conference openings, closings and gala nights

• Sales kick-offs and team off-sites

• Women in leadership and personal development events

• Customer experience, voice and brand-focused events

• After-dinner keynotes and awards events

Frequently Asked Questions about Karen Jacobsen

What does Karen Jacobsen speak about? Resilience, change, voice and communication, personal brand and her 5 Directions for Recalculating framework.

Where is Karen Jacobsen based? Karen is based in Airlie Beach, Queensland after 20 years in New York City, and travels globally for engagements.

What is Karen Jacobsen best known for? Being the original Australian voice of Apple's Siri and her empowerment brand The GPS Girl®.

Does Karen sing and speak in her keynote? Yes. Karen's signature keynote blends storytelling, practical insight and live performance at the grand piano.

Has Karen Jacobsen written a book? Yes — Recalculate: Directions for Driving Performance Success and The GPS Girl's Road Map for Your Future.

Is Karen Jacobsen available for international events? Yes. Karen has spoken across the US, Mexico, Canada, NZ, Singapore and Australia, and is available globally.