Clio Cresswell

One of Australia’s most stimulating and inspired thinkers, Clio Cresswell Ph.D. is an established best-selling author and is highly sought after as a social commentator. With a high level career at one of the country’s premier educational institutions, The University of Sydney, she has focussed her thinking on big brain topics ranging from Mathematics and Sex to The Ability of the Brain to embrace Positive Change to Gender Experience.

And while she is an intellect, Clio also happens to be one of Australia’s funniest and most entertaining scholars. Her audience appeal goes far beyond the field of mathematics, and she enjoys nothing better than inspiring clients to think about their lives in a fresh, productive and exciting new way. Clio’s specialty is connecting themes between apparently unconnected subjects. It is this sophisticated approach that has earned her numerous kudos as an MC, keynote and essayist, with her achievements listed in Crown Content’s Who’s Who of Australian Women.

Clio features regularly on television, radio and press, with celebrity interviews, serious book reviews, not-so-serious radio, relationship advice, and expert panel appearances. Her internationally acclaimed book “Mathematics and Sex” has been translated into numerous languages.

Diversity has been a constant theme in Clio’s life. Born in England, she spent her early childhood on a Greek island, and was schooled in the south of France where she studied Visual Art. At eighteen she moved to Australia where she discovered the joys of mathematics. Clio pursued the field at The University of New South Wales, going on to win the University Medal and complete a Ph.D. Today, Clio is regularly resident in the US, where she continues to write and develop her work.

Clio has interviewed international celebrities on the top rating Australian TV chat show The Panel; reviewed books for the reputable Science Show on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s Radio National; and has been a not-so-serious host on breakfast radio for one of Australia’s leading commercial stations, Triple M. Clio has also given relationship advice on Australia’s long-running TV program, Beauty and The Beast as well as, for several years, in her column in New Woman Magazine. She has written features pieces for leading Australian newspapers such as The Sunday Telegraph (a News Corporation publication), sat on The Brains Trust on the Australian TV show The Einstein Factor, broadcast on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) TV; and won the debate for The Greatest Australian on the ABC TV special of the same name (successfully speaking for Lord Howard Florey). She works regularly as a presenter on educational and training videos, such as for the Royal Australian Navy. And then, among other pursuits, Clio has launched one of the latest bras from the Triumph International collection! In 2001, Clio was not only selected as one of 200 Australia Day Ambassadors to promote Australian excellence every year during the Australia Day celebrations, but was also voted one of the 25 Most Beautiful People by Who Weekly (The Australian incarnation of People Magazine).

Dr Clio Cresswell talks about:

Mathematics, Sex and Your industry – Mathematics is indispensable for modern society. Since the middle of the 20th century, we’ve seen an explosion of mathematics used in the solving of real-world problems, infiltrating all industries and fields of investigation. So much so that it is to the point where it’s not only happening in your industry but it’s now reached the world of sex and relationships too! See how this has been working. A refreshingly funny way to gain a brand new perspective on your industry, mathematics – and sex of course!

Mathematics and Sex (Mathematics Education) – Even though mathematics takes up a large component of our years in education, its impact in our life remains largely unknown. Many people even have intense negative feelings associated with their mathematical experience. But contrary to popular belief, mathematical ability is not bestowed on a chosen few. So find out how mathematics stitches together the fabric of our society, the power it gives your mind, and how mathematically oriented you really can be. It’s about equipping you with solid knowledge to make sure a large part of our culture, and so your future, is not missed out upon.

Pathways to Success – I discovered mathematics at eighteen and it changed my life. I went from being a very mediocre student to someone with unlimited potential and a place in the world. My experiences of that time have made me one of the strongest advocates for identifying the brain as the most powerful of liberating tools. Find out about how I went from world-class dropout, ready to drift aimlessly seeking shelter in drugs and alcohol, to a totally unexpected success as a mathematician. I focus on developing genuine insight into the power and beauty of the brain and the importance of keeping it healthy.

The Gender Experience – Saying “I’m a mathematician” has always brought me interesting comments: “You must have a lot of testosterone”, “You must have a big left-brain for a woman”, and then “What’s the square root of 5672?” probably being among the top three. I don’t fit the stereotype. I’ve turned that into a positive but it hasn’t stopped me from investigating the impact of stereotypes in general. I also couldn’t be more feminine, so my journeys into traditionally male dominated arenas has led me to investigate gender roles and abilities too; as well as equipped me with not only some great stories to share but with a real message for those among us struggling to overcome some of the oppressions of stereotyping.