Amanda Spencer
Pronoun
Director, Solutions Engineering
Cloudfare
Since launching her career in the IT industry over 20 years ago, Amanda has built deep expertise across consulting, solution architecture, and technical leadership. Her passion for continuous learning is reflected in top-tier certifications such as CCIE and CISSP, alongside a broad portfolio of credentials spanning networking, cybersecurity, application performance, cloud, and digital experience. Amanda actively invests in her own growth through coaching and leadership development programs, and she’s equally committed to helping others thrive. A strong advocate for elevating solution engineers, she’s especially driven to support and mentor women in technical roles—championing diversity, visibility, and career progression across the industry.
Amanda can share insights on the journey from deferring and downplaying your skills to confidently owning your value—shifting from simply “getting the job done” to intentionally taking up space, being seen, and being heard. Amanda will also explore the importance of finding mentors and advocates, building a strong support network, and challenging the culture around you—becoming part of the change, rather than just adapting to the status quo.
SESSIONS
Day 1
2:00
Mini Leadership Labs
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