Agenda

This inspiring keynote will feature Naomi Ballantyne (ONZM), the single longest servicing Chief Executive in the New Zealand Life Insurance market as well as the Founder of two of the largest current competitors in the market. Naomi will share stories and unique insights about her growth as a leader, how she overcame challenges in her incredible career, and her achievements that continue to make a difference to many New Zealanders.

From initiating conversations to finding new ways to create connections in a post-Covid era, this workshop will cover practical tips and advice on networking.

Expand your network, make connections and meet fellow delegates in a structured networking session.

Organisations have learned to pivot in many aspects of the business but the past year has also called many to rethink how we approach diversity and inclusion. With changing work arrangements, increased business demands, and juggling personal responsibilities, how are organisations adapting to support their workforce to succeed in the new normal? 

• Redesigning flexible work arrangements
• How to build resilience across teams
• Sustaining the support of female leaders into executive roles
• Developing an inclusive recruitment process
• Ensuring inclusion when managing hybrid teams
• How to ensure diversity, inclusion, and equity remain a business priority

Successful leaders embrace different perspectives, and often this uniqueness is what allows individuals to naturally thrive. How do gender stereotypes play a role in achieving your potential as a leader in the workplace? How can rising and established leaders confidently and authentically address gender biases? In this session, Amanda will share real examples of achieving incredible goals without sacrificing her values.

Mental health issues have been on the rise since the start of COVID-19 and as we continue to experience changing conditions at home and at work, many organisations are prioritising the mental wellbeing of their employees. This session will discuss best practices for creating a positive work environment that truly supports your team.

• Developing initiatives to manage mental health and stress for a remote workforce
• Establishing a culture of support within teams
• Mindfulness, social groups, and other tools to promote self-care
• Promoting and supporting mental health discussions in the workplace
• How to be an empathetic leader while balancing business priorities

Career advancement can look different for everyone but how exactly do you step out of your comfort zone and find new opportunities to develop your career? In this session, Claire shares her career journey and the importance of being open and bold in accepting opportunities to find personal success.

• How to continuously build and develop your skills
• Finding a balance between personal and professional goals
• Defining success at different career stages
• Identifying the next steps once you reach your career goal

Resilience is one of most important traits of a successful leader and having the ability to adapt and overcome challenges is key in this unpredictable business environment. In this session, Agnes will share significant moments in their life that required resilience and how they overcame obstacles.

• What is resilience and how can you assess your own level of resilience?
• What essential techniques can you use for resilience training?
• Self-awareness, mental agility, optimism, and other traits to focus on
• Tips for how to cope with stress and to improve performance

2020 was a year of accelerated digital transformation and innovation remains necessary to stay relevant and competitive amidst rapidly changing markets. How can companies create a culture of innovation and skillfully lead? Hear from key leaders as they share how the industry has progressed and where we are heading.

• Understanding the role of innovation in the business and leadership principles
• Finding client success in a remote world
• Virtual leadership: successfully managing a hybrid workforce
• Creating learning opportunities for skill development
• How does diversity contribute to innovation?
• What’s next – emerging technology trends in 2022 and beyond