Chiou See Anderson, Chair, Conpago

Dr Diana Tolmie, D’Addario-endorsed woodwind performing artist | Senior Lecturer, Professional Practice, Griffith University

Drawing on her experience building a leadership career in one of Australia’s most demanding environments, Shannon Fentiman reveals how to stay composed, credible, and grounded when the pressure is high. Discover practical strategies for making confident decisions in uncertain conditions, sustaining wellbeing beyond the role, and pursuing bold, purposeful career paths.

Moderator: Chiou See Anderson, Chair, Conpago

Shannon Fentiman, Queensland’s Shadow Treasurer | Member for Waterford

How are CEOs adapting their leadership to meet the moment? This panel brings together senior executives to discuss the top trends keeping them up at night – from AI integration and workforce transformation to global instability and cost constraints.

• What trends are keeping leaders up at night, and where are they placing their boldest bets?

• How AI is reshaping productivity expectations and leadership priorities

• Turning AI anxiety into advantage across your organisation through mindset, clarity and upskilling

• Strategies for managing fatigue, maintaining trust, and building resilience in high-pressure environments to ensure long-term business performance and adaptability

Moderator: Chiou See Anderson, Chair, Conpago

Professor Margaret Sheil AO, Vice-Chancellor and President, Queensland University of Technology

Edward Chung, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, TechnologyOne

Rowenna Walker, Managing Director, Australia, EGIS

• Navigating tough calls to lead with conviction and clarity in complex environments

• Turning disruption into strategic advantage through clear decision-making

• What teams need most from their leader in uncertain times

Stephanie Leathers, Managing Director (ANZ), ghd; AFR Women in Leadership 2025 Young Leader Winner

Join CEO leaders as they share their lessons from navigating major crises, restructures, or controversies, and what grounded their leadership during these difficult moments.

• How to lead decisively when visibility is low and pressure is high

• Balancing stakeholder demands, values, and performance under fire

• Reflections on what they’d do differently and what they stand by

Moderator: Chiou See Anderson, Chair, Conpago

Stephen Smith AFSM, Commissioner, Queensland Fire Department

Session will be live streamed from Sydney 🎥

Leadership and influence take many forms – from the boardroom to the ballot box. In this candid conversation, Simon Holmes à Court shares how he came to recognise the lack of women in political leadership, why representation matters for national progress, and how he’s using his platform to back female candidates and shift the culture of influence and funding in Australia

Moderated by Georgina Williams, this discussion explores what genuine allyship looks like in action, and what lessons corporate and government leaders can draw from movements that are changing who holds power, who funds it, and how progress is made.

Moderator: Georgina Williams, Board Chair, UN Women Australia

Simon Holmes à Court, Founder, Climate 200

These interactive 45-minute sessions cut straight to the skills leaders need most today. Each lab zeroes in on a specific challenge, giving you tools, frameworks, and peer insights you can immediately apply in your role.

Lab A: Thriving in Male-Dominated Environments

Working in environments where women are underrepresented can lead to isolation, limited influence and stalled career growth. Develop practical tools to navigate power dynamics with confidence, amplify your voice in critical conversations, and build allies who accelerate your impact.

Skills Learned: Self-advocacy, navigating power dynamics, and building strategic relationships.

Amanda Spencer, Director, Solutions Engineering, Cloudfare

Lab B: Building Strategic Influence
Whether you are managing upwards, across or diagonally, influence is the currency of leadership. Learn how to frame ideas persuasively, shift thinking and gain buy-in from decision-makers across your organisation.

Skills Learned: Stakeholder engagement, persuasive communication, shaping strategic decisions, and driving organisational alignment.

Marnie Beckett, Strategic Advisor

Lab C: Leading High-Performing, Inclusive Teams
What separates good teams from great ones? This lab explores the leadership practices that create accountability, trust and sustained performance. You will learn how to lead effectively through conflict, address underperformance and bring out the best in diverse teams.

Skills Learned: Building trust, fostering accountability, leading inclusively, and resolving conflict to sustain performance.

Deborah Dixon, General Manager Navigation, Carers Queensland

• How shifting geopolitical dynamics are reshaping risks and opportunities for leaders today

• Embedding gender equity and inclusive leadership to build resilience and sustainable growth

• Practical strategies for leading with confidence and clarity through disruption

Dr Merriden Varrall PhD, Chief Executive Officer, Vantage Geopol

• Learn how to cultivate resilient leadership by using purpose and mindset to turn challenges into strength

• Gain insights on leading with mental clarity and composure during high-pressure moments.

• Champion authenticity and inclusion by using your platform to inspire others to act and lead with courage, empathy and integrity

Madison de Rozario, Australian Paralympic Athlete