Hugh White is one of the nation's most listened-to defence strategists. For decades, he's been helping shape Australia's foreign policy from all the places that count: media, politics and the public service.

Ian Plimer is one of the most imperious purveyors of climate scepticism in the world. He's a prize-winning academic and bestselling author, meaning he's got the cultural capital and turn of phrase needed to put forward a compelling case.

John Roskam is the whip smart and media savvy executive director of the Institute of Public Affairs, the loudest – and most right wing – think tank in the country.

When it comes to pulling down the patriarchy, there aren't too many in the sisterhood willing to go in as hard, or as often, as Leslie Cannold.

Who are the intellectuals most influencing our public debate? Next week we're counting down the Top 10 Most Powerful Thinkers. Here, Tom Cowie presents the shortlist.

Perched at the top of the biggest game in Australia's most sports mad city, the chief of the AFL is always going to demand fealty.

Art dealer Ronald Coles facing up to 10 years in jail over a major art fraud that has left dozens of people—who bought his paintings as investments—$8 million out of pocket.

Don't feel the need to automatically return compliments. True power is giving praise when it is warranted, says Rose Herceg.

Powerful people shouldn't always need to be right. It's better to be original and interesting, explains Rose Herceg.

Marketers and their chief executives everywhere are watching what James Sutherland and Mike McKenna are doing to Australian cricket and taking notes, and not just because they like the game.