Sydney Cricket Ground
26-27 November 2024
Key Highlights
Hear from Emma McKeon AM as she reveals her winning mindset, both in and out of the pool.
Emma McKeon AM, Australia’s Most Decorated Olympian and 2024 Young Australian of the Year
Gain practical insights on how CEOs are navigating VUCA environments through empathy and agile leadership:
Annika Freyer, Chief Executive Officer, Champions of Change Coalition
Lisa Harrison, Chief Executive Officer, Insurance Product and Portfolio, Suncorp
Ashok Sukumaran, Managing Director Australia, Stantec
Join Sarah Walsh to learn how to translate the National Gender Equality strategy into actionable plans and practices for your organisation.
Sarah Walsh, Head of AFC Women's Asian Cup™ 2026 Office, Football Australia
Hear practical examples on how to champion intersectionality and allyship to effectively build inclusive, high-performing teams:
Chantelle Stratford PSM, Member, Women’s Economic Working Group, G20 Brasil 2024; Chair, Global Policy Partnership on Women and the Economy, APEC – Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
Lisa Sarago, Chief Executive Officer & Founder, Land on Heart, Winner – Indigenous Leader of the Year 2022 for Women in Digital
Nicholas Stone, Chief Executive Officer APAC, Bupa
Discover how to lead authentically and harness your team’s diverse skills to capitalise on new opportunities with Moo Baulch.
Moo Baulch, Chair, Our Watch; Director Primary Prevention, Women and Girls’ Emergency Centre; Advisor, Commonwealth Bank of Australia
Action-Packed Reflection: Develop an action plan to transform your learnings into actionable steps for leadership growth.
Meet the Speakers
Agenda
Day One – Tuesday, 26 November 2024
7:50
Registration and Morning Refreshments
8:30
Welcome to Country
8:40
Women Leaders Institute Welcome Address
8:50
Chairperson's Opening Address
Simone Clarke, Chief Executive Officer, UN Women Australia
FUTURE READY LEADERSHIP
9:00
Keynote: Driving Gender Equality Innovation & Economic Adaptability
Explore how inclusive policies like pay transparency and gender budgeting drive economic competitiveness and societal reform
Unpacking how adaptable policies in areas like parental leave and the care economy respond to market disruptions and technological advancements
How gender-responsive reforms boost productivity and workforce participation, driving long-term economic growth
Real-world examples of how gender-focused policy adaptations have improved social and economic outcomes
Practical steps for applying empathy, collaboration, and resilience to lead change and foster inclusive growth in your organisation
Chantelle Stratford PSM, Member, Women’s Economic Working Group, G20 Brasil 2024; Chair, Global Policy Partnership on Women and the Economy, APEC – Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
9:30
CEO Fireside Chat: The Art of Agile Leadership & Bold Decision Making
How do you make better, more decisive leadership decisions under pressure?
Leading teams through uncertainty and change, whilst maintaining team morale and focus during transitions
What are the most practical tools for effective decision-making and leadership in VUCA environments?
How do you ensure a culture of psychological safety and encourage an environment where team members are empowered to share ideas, innovate and take risks
Moderator: Annika Freyer, Chief Executive Officer, Champions of Change Coalition
Lisa Harrison, Chief Executive Officer, Insurance Product and Portfolio, Suncorp
Ashok Sukumaran, Managing Director Australia, Stantec
Mike Zorbas, Chief Executive, Property Council of Australia
Anouk Darling, Chief Executive Officer, Scape
10:10
Networking Activity: Get to know your fellow attendees
10:30
Morning Tea
BUILDING YOUR LEADERSHIP TOOLKIT
11:00
Golden Ticket – Stand a chance to win our mystery prizes
11:05
Keynote: Leading with Authenticity – From Purpose to Impact
Rethinking what it means to be a leader to lead according to your strengths and staying true to your ethics and values
Learn the value of having diverse strengths within your teams by focusing not on the ‘what’ but ‘who’, ‘how’ and ‘why’
Harnessing the strengths of your environment to take advantage of emerging opportunities and navigate potential risks
Moo Baulch, Chair, Our Watch; Director Primary Prevention, Women and Girls’ Emergency Centre; Advisor, Commonwealth Bank of Australia
11:35
Introduction to the "How-To Leadership Toolkit"
Join our "How-To Leadership Toolkit" sessions for two focused 30-minute sessions. Bring your questions and leave with actionable strategies as you'll work with seasoned leaders and peers to tackle key leadership challenges.
11:40
"How-To" Leadership Toolkit
Personal Leadership
1. How can you communicate your worth effectively to advance your career?
Anna Cheney, Communication Performance Coach, Bendelta
2. Which strategies are effective for making decisive leadership decisions under pressure and communicate effectively and confidently?
Hanna Fold, Sales Director, Kenvue
3. How do you leverage mentorship and networking for continuous career growth?
Penny Ransom, Chief Investment Officer, Lendlease
4. How should you balance ambition with your well-being to avoid burnout and sustain long-term success?
Mariam Veiszadeh, Chief Executive Officer, Media Diversity Australia, Advisory Group Member, Yindyamarra Pledge for Democracy, Charles Stuart University, Chair and Founder, Islamophobia Register Australia, Ambassador and Advisory Panel, Welcoming Australia
Team Leadership
1. How to lead teams through uncertainty and change, while maintaining team morale and focus during transitions?
Kerryn Coker, Co-chair Australasia, Arup
2. How to coach and mentor team members for development and growth?
Professor Susan Rowland, Vice Provost, University of Sydney
3. How to attract and retain diverse talent?
Sam Turner, Chief People Officer, Allens
4. How do you delegate effectively, empower your team, manage team performance and accountability?
Kristen Sweeney, Group Executive, People & Corporate Affairs, Sydney Airport
12:50
Networking Lunch
CREATING A CULTURE OF EMPOWERMENT
1:50
Trivia
2:00
UN Women Aotearoa New Zealand In Conversation Keynote
Session will be live-streamed from Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand
Catherine van der Meulen, Co-Founder, Girls who Grow; Founder, Climate Action Marlborough; Board Member, UN Women Aotearoa New Zealand
3:00
Afternoon Tea
INSPIRING PURPOSE AND CHANGE
3:30
Sharing of "Your Breakthrough"
3:40
A Conversation with Olympic Gold Medallist Emma McKeon AM
Emma McKeon AM, Australia’s Most Decorated Olympian and 2024 Young Australian of the Year