Industry Spotlight: Robyn Henderson – Reinvention, Screenwriting, and the Power of Strong Female Leads
After more than 25 years as a networking strategist, professional speaker, and author, Robyn Henderson has begun an entirely new chapter in her career: screenwriting. Having spoken in 13 countries and written or contributed to more than 25 non-fiction books, she is now bringing decades of communication, networking, and life experience into the world of film.
In this Industry Spotlight, Robyn shares what inspired her to pursue screenwriting, the lessons she has learned while writing her first screenplay, why she is drawn to strong female leads, and her advice for anyone considering screenwriting later in life or as a second career.
1. Could you introduce yourself to our readers in 3–4 sentences?
Please tell us a little about yourself, your professional background, and what led you into the world of screenwriting.
My latest business card says Robyn Henderson - screen writer, note taker for writer's rooms, author, ghost writer, and I would also describe myself as a problem solver. Prior to writing my first screenplay in 2026, over 25+ years I had built a career as a networking strategist, and a professional speaker speaking in 13 countries about my passion - networking and business and career development. I wrote and contributed to 25+ non-fiction books on networking, business, and career development.
2. After more than 25 years as a networking strategist, author and professional speaker, what skill from your previous career has proven most valuable as you entered the film industry?
It’s hard to limit it to one skill. Definitely my networking skills have helped me to build my networks strategically. My communication skills have helped me to confidently approach key players in the industry with humility and curiosity. And of course my writing skills have given me the discipline to stick with it and continue to write, even if I am not happy with the writing, just keep at it until it gets better.
3. Many people spend their entire careers in one profession. What gave you the confidence to begin a completely new chapter as a screenwriter?
Although international travel is exciting and quite an adventure, it can be exhausting and after 25+ years of travelling for speaking engagements, it was time to reinvent my career. I have had a passion for film since I was a child, it was time to learn about screenwriting and network with others who were doing what I wanted to do.
4. What surprised you the most while writing your very first screenplay?
There was so much to learn, it wasn’t just about bringing a story to life, it was developing the characters, juggling parts of the story, learning how to use First Draft and being prepared to admit I needed help.
5. You mentioned that you enjoy writing dramas and thrillers with strong female leads. What draws you to these stories, and what makes a character truly memorable in your eyes?
I am drawn to films and series with strong female leads because there are so few of them being made today. The strong female characters are everyday women who have a clear vision of what they want to achieve. They are strong, yet vulenerable, kind but not prepared to be taken for granted and true leaders.
6. If you were looking back five years from now, what achievement as a screenwriter would make you feel most proud?
Five years from now, I would love to be able to look back at completed films and series and know that my work had been seen and enjoyed by thousands of people around the world. And that I had encouraged others to write strong female leads, and that they become the norm, not the exception.
7. Finally, what advice would you give to people who are considering pursuing screenwriting later in life or as a second career?
Study and learn as much as possible about screenwriting as you can. Be that online, or face to face. Join industry groups in your country so that you can network with those who are making a living doing the things that you want to do. Read scripts and learn from every one of them either how to do it, or how not to do it. The film industry is not age adverse e.g. Clint Eastwood, Stephen Spielberg. You have a lifetime of experiences, include them in your writing.
About Robyn Henderson
Name: Robyn Henderson
Position: Ghost Writer, Networking Strategist, Screenwriter
Website: www.networkingtowin.com.au
Website: www.writeitforme.com.au
Interested in being featured?
FilmPlatforms Industry Spotlight showcases filmmakers, producers, distributors, sales agents, investors, festival professionals, and other voices from across the global film industry.
If you'd like to share your story, experience, and insights with our international filmmaking community, we'd love to hear from you.
Get in touch to be featured in an upcoming Industry Spotlight.
After more than 25 years as a networking strategist, professional speaker, and author, Robyn Henderson has begun an entirely new chapter in her career: screenwriting. Having spoken in 13 countries and written or contributed to more than 25 non-fiction books, she is now bringing decades of communication, networking, and life experience into the world of film.
In this Industry Spotlight, Robyn shares what inspired her to pursue screenwriting, the lessons she has learned while writing her first screenplay, why she is drawn to strong female leads, and her advice for anyone considering screenwriting later in life or as a second career.
1. Could you introduce yourself to our readers in 3–4 sentences?
Please tell us a little about yourself, your professional background, and what led you into the world of screenwriting.
My latest business card says Robyn Henderson - screen writer, note taker for writer's rooms, author, ghost writer, and I would also describe myself as a problem solver. Prior to writing my first screenplay in 2026, over 25+ years I had built a career as a networking strategist, and a professional speaker speaking in 13 countries about my passion - networking and business and career development. I wrote and contributed to 25+ non-fiction books on networking, business, and career development.
2. After more than 25 years as a networking strategist, author and professional speaker, what skill from your previous career has proven most valuable as you entered the film industry?
It’s hard to limit it to one skill. Definitely my networking skills have helped me to build my networks strategically. My communication skills have helped me to confidently approach key players in the industry with humility and curiosity. And of course my writing skills have given me the discipline to stick with it and continue to write, even if I am not happy with the writing, just keep at it until it gets better.
3. Many people spend their entire careers in one profession. What gave you the confidence to begin a completely new chapter as a screenwriter?
Although international travel is exciting and quite an adventure, it can be exhausting and after 25+ years of travelling for speaking engagements, it was time to reinvent my career. I have had a passion for film since I was a child, it was time to learn about screenwriting and network with others who were doing what I wanted to do.
4. What surprised you the most while writing your very first screenplay?
There was so much to learn, it wasn’t just about bringing a story to life, it was developing the characters, juggling parts of the story, learning how to use First Draft and being prepared to admit I needed help.
5. You mentioned that you enjoy writing dramas and thrillers with strong female leads. What draws you to these stories, and what makes a character truly memorable in your eyes?
I am drawn to films and series with strong female leads because there are so few of them being made today. The strong female characters are everyday women who have a clear vision of what they want to achieve. They are strong, yet vulenerable, kind but not prepared to be taken for granted and true leaders.
6. If you were looking back five years from now, what achievement as a screenwriter would make you feel most proud?
Five years from now, I would love to be able to look back at completed films and series and know that my work had been seen and enjoyed by thousands of people around the world. And that I had encouraged others to write strong female leads, and that they become the norm, not the exception.
7. Finally, what advice would you give to people who are considering pursuing screenwriting later in life or as a second career?
Study and learn as much as possible about screenwriting as you can. Be that online, or face to face. Join industry groups in your country so that you can network with those who are making a living doing the things that you want to do. Read scripts and learn from every one of them either how to do it, or how not to do it. The film industry is not age adverse e.g. Clint Eastwood, Stephen Spielberg. You have a lifetime of experiences, include them in your writing.
About Robyn Henderson
Name: Robyn Henderson
Position: Ghost Writer, Networking Strategist, Screenwriter
Website: www.networkingtowin.com.au
Website: www.writeitforme.com.au
Interested in being featured?
FilmPlatforms Industry Spotlight showcases filmmakers, producers, distributors, sales agents, investors, festival professionals, and other voices from across the global film industry.
If you'd like to share your story, experience, and insights with our international filmmaking community, we'd love to hear from you.
Get in touch to be featured in an upcoming Industry Spotlight.
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