EA/PA Leadership Summit Melbourne 2025

Pre-Conference Workshops | 27th May

09:00- 17.00: The Elite EA Masterclass Agenda

From Support Role to Strategic Partner: Your Career Transformation Starts Here!

• The most successful Executive Assistants aren’t defined by the executives they support, but by how they transform those executives’ effectiveness through strategic partnership rather than mere support.
• The Executive Assistant who masters both human connection and technological advancement doesn’t just survive disruption—they become the indispensable bridge between the efficiency of automation and the emotional intelligence that drives organisational success. The difference between a career plateau and continued advancement for Executive Assistants isn’t technical skill—it’s the courage to step beyond your assigned role and into the strategic vacuum others haven’t yet recognised
  
  

Are you ready to be recognised as the strategic asset you truly are?

The Elite EA Masterclass isn’t just another training program—it’s your career reinvention blueprint. Designed exclusively for ambitious Executive and Personal Assistants who refuse to be boxed in by outdated perceptions, this intensive experience transforms how you work, how you’re perceived, and where your career can go.

The Reality EAs Face in 2025:

• Expected to master AI tools without proper training
• Transitioning from administrative to strategic roles with little guidance
• Navigating unclear pathways from “assistant” to “advisor”
• Managing increasing responsibilities without corresponding compensation
• Fighting to be recognised as more than “just an Assistant”

Your 4-Session Journey to Excellence:

1. Confidence, Empowerment, and Mindset breakthrough limiting beliefs and develop the executive mindset that
   commands respect
2. Executive Presence and Creating Opportunities Master the subtle art of presence that turns heads and opens doors
3. Strategic Thinking and Leadership Elevate your thinking from task execution to strategic partnership
4. Effective Partnering and Career Progression Position yourself for advancement and negotiate your true value

The 5 Essential Skills Every EA Needs in 2025:

1. Insight & Decision-Making Capabilities - Move beyond executing decisions to shaping them
2. Adaptability in Rapidly Changing Environments - Thrive amid uncertainty while others merely survive it
3. Executive-Level Communication - Speak with the clarity and influence that drives organisational outcomes
4. Critical Thinking Beyond Basic Problem-Solving - Anticipate needs and develop strategic solutions before problems arise
5. Digital Literacy, Especially AI Integration - Harness technology as a force multiplier for your effectiveness

EXCLUSIVE BONUS: Receive a custom AI prompt template designed specifically for EAs to automate routine tasks and
reclaim valuable time.

Don’t just survive your workday—learn to thrive within it. Your executives (and your peace of mind) will thank you.

Through expert-led sessions, immersive exercises, and personalised guidance, you’ll emerge with both the mindset and
practical tools to transcend the traditional boundaries of your role.

Your career evolution doesn’t have to wait. The strategic partner your executive needs is already within you—we just help bring
it to the surface

Conference Day One | 28th May

09:00 Welcome to Country

09:05 Opening Remarks from Chair

Danielle Colley is an integrative life coach and founder of Your Good Life. She helps successful women in business who are dissatisfied with their lives and dealing with pressures from all angles, to reach their full potential by helping them clear the debris from their past, super charge their present and transition from where they are now to where they desire to be.

Session 1: 09:20 Building and Sustaining Professional Networks and Communities

This session will focus on the importance of networking in career development for EAs and PAs, highlighting methods to build, maintain, and utilize professional networks effectively. Attendees will learn best practices for networking, leveraging connections to support both personal and organizational goals. Additionally, the session will explore creative approaches to building networks and communities, utilizing the unique authority of EAs to implement new ideas for improving workplace culture.

10:10 It's Time.... For Networking! 

10:30 MORNING TEA

Session 2: 11:00 Building a Personal Brand as an EA/PA

How do you stand out in a sea of skilled professionals? For Executive and Personal Assistants, your personal brand can be the key to unlocking new opportunities, growing your influence, and shaping the perception of your value within the organisation.

In this empowering session, Ruth Kilah—executive EA career coach and founder of Hoxton Hyde—will walk you through the strategies to build and communicate your personal brand with clarity and confidence. Drawing on her years of experience helping EAs step into leadership and navigate bold career moves, Ruth will explore how to identify your strengths, align your values with your work, and become known for what makes you exceptional.

You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of how to position yourself as a strategic, visible, and trusted partner—no matter where you are in your career journey.

Session 3: EXCLUIVE KEYNOTE SESSION

11:50 Fearless Leadership: Pushing Boundaries, Breaking Barriers

What does it take to step into the unknown, push past fear, and embrace the challenges of leadership? Dr. Dianne McGrath has spent her career doing just that—whether pioneering sustainable solutions, advocating for environmental change, or preparing for the ultimate frontier as a Mars astronaut candidate.

In this inspiring keynote, Dianne will challenge you to reimagine leadership as an act of boldness, adaptability, and resilience. She’ll share the lessons she’s learned from tackling high-risk missions, the importance of staying curious, and how to lead fearlessly in an ever-changing world. If you’re ready to push the limits of what’s possible in your career and life, this is the session for you.

12:50 LUNCH

Session 4: 13:50 Harnessing AI and New Technologies to Enhance EA Efficiency

In this cutting-edge session, explore how the latest advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and technology can revolutionize your role as an Executive Assistant (EA). Discover practical ways to integrate these tools into your daily workflow to boost productivity, streamline tasks, and elevate your professional impact.

Session 5: 14:40 Master Your Workflow, Elevate Your Impact: The Strategic EA’s Guide to Productivity

Is your to-do list managing you instead of the other way around?

Join Jacqueline Delarue for a game-changing productivity session where you’ll discover why the
most successful EAs aren’t those who complete the most tasks—but those who complete the
right tasks at the right time.

In just one session, master the mindset shifts and practical strategies that will:

• End the cycle of overwhelm for good
• Transform chaotic workloads into structured systems
• Replace stress-inducing habits with peace-of-mind practices
• Revolutionise how you handle emails, meetings, and calendar management

15:30 AFTERNOON TEA

Session 6: EXCLUSIVE KEYNOTE SESSION & Q&A

15:50 Stories That Transform: A Conversation on Creativity, Connection & Leadership

Join us for an intimate conversation with Liane Moriarty, the literary powerhouse behind global sensations Big Little Lies, Apples Never Fall, and her latest triumph Here One Moment – the #1 bestselling Australian fiction book of 2024. From page to screen, Liane’s storytelling continues to
captivate audiences worldwide, with The Last Anniversary now streaming as a six-part series on Binge and multiple adaptations produced by Nicole Kidman.

During this exclusive fireside chat, Liane will reveal the creative process behind her compelling narratives and share how storytelling principles can revolutionise leadership approaches. Drawing from her journey as one of the world’s most beloved authors, she’ll explore how authentic
communication, emotional intelligence, and embracing your unique voice can transform how you connect with and inspire others. This rare opportunity offers valuable insights for leaders seeking to harness the power of storytelling to create lasting impact in their professional environments.

Conference Day Two | 29th May

09:00 Day 1 Recap & Opening Remarks

Session 1: 09:10 Shifting From Hustle & Grind to Empowered Achievement

Join Danielle for an inspiring keynote on transcending relentless hustle to embrace empowered achievement. Discover actionable strategies to break free from the grind and attain balanced success. Learn to conquer past challenges, energize your present, and shape a future where ambition and ease thrive together.

Key Takeaways:

• Liberate yourself from the hustle and grind mentality.
• Cultivate inner peace while chasing your goals.
• Achieve professional success without sacrificing personal fulfillment.
• Prioritize self-care and build emotional resilience.
• The 7 essential truths for empowered excellence

Step into a journey of empowerment and holistic success with Danielle’s guidance. Equip yourself with practical tools and insights to thrive in your career while safeguarding your wellbeing.

Session 2: 10:00 Getting Sh*t Done as an Executive Assistant

EAs are the ultimate multitaskers, jugglers, and problem solvers who keep the wheels turning in organisations. But in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, how do you stay on top of competing priorities, maintain focus, and achieve the impossible daily? This session dives into practical strategies, real-life tips, and mindset shifts to help EAs get things done like pros—every single time.

• Learn practical tools and systems to organise workflows, manage competing deadlines, and prioritise tasks effectively.
• Discover techniques to stay calm and focused when chaos hits, ensuring you remain the person your team can count on.
• Understand how to communicate assertively and set boundaries to ensure productivity doesn’t come at the cost of burnout.
• Explore methods to anticipate needs, solve problems proactively, and deliver results before anyone even asks.

Session 3: EXCLUSIVE KEYNOTE SESSION

11:20 Taking Creative Control and Elevating Women’s Stories on Screen

In an industry obsessed with youth and turnover, Asher Keddie has defied the odds, staying at the forefront of Australian television while moving into a position of creative influence.

In this session, she shares how she has navigated an ever-changing industry, built a lasting career in a notoriously fickle field, and taken control of the stories she tells, ensuring complex and compelling female characters remain at the heart of the screen.

Through resilience, reinvention, and a commitment to storytelling, Asher offers insights into staying relevant, embracing change, and leading with creative vision.

Session 4: EXCLUSIVE KEYNOTE SESSION & Q&A

12:10 Breaking Barriers With Humour: Leadership Lessons From the Spotlight

Melanie Bracewell, award-winning comedian, presenter, and writer, brings her razor-sharp wit and unique perspective to the stage to explore how humor can be a powerful tool for leadership. From navigating challenging situations to connecting with diverse teams, Melanie will share how the
lessons learned in the comedy world can inspire confidence, creativity, and resilience.

Join this lively and thought-provoking session as Melanie highlights the importance of authenticity, breaking barriers, and leading with a smile.

Session 5: 14:10 The Leadership Essentials for Being an EA/PA

The role of an EA/PA isn’t just about support—it’s about leadership. To excel in today’s dynamic and demanding work environments, EAs and PAs must master core leadership skills that empower them to influence outcomes, foster collaboration, and drive results.

This session explores the essential leadership qualities every EA/PA needs to thrive and succeed in their pivotal roles.

15:00 From Support to Strategic Partner: Expanding Your Leadership Impact as an EA

The role of an Executive Assistant has evolved far beyond traditional boundaries. Today’s EAs often find themselves contributing to key decisions, managing complex projects, and influencing organisational outcomes. But how do you transition from a purely support role to a trusted
strategic partner within your team?

This session is designed to empower EAs who want to step into a broader, more impactful role in their organisation. Gain insights into developing leadership qualities while staying grounded in the vital responsibilities of your position. Learn practical strategies to maximise your contributions, elevate your influence, and make a lasting impact.

It will leave you inspired and equipped to take the next step in your EA career, moving beyond the title and into a role of greater leadership and impact.

Post-Conference Workshop| 30th May

09:00 - 16:00 Mindful Leadership for Women Masterclass

This one-day workshop for aspiring and current female leaders will provide progressive approaches to boost self-confidence, gain influence at multiple organizational levels, live a more balanced life, and inspire other women to do the same. This program will take an “inside-out” approach to introduce the relevance and benefits of mindfulness and compassion in leadership.

The facilitator will utilize practical activities, exercises, and tools, and will incorporate case studies on how mindfulness can make a measurable impact on organisational effectiveness.

Key Benefits Of Attending:

• Lead with authenticity
• Unlock your highest potential
• Cultivate greater influence
• Build a courage mindset
• Create greater joy and meaning
  
  

By the end of the day you will have a personalised plan to build your gravitas that will have you seen as a serious contender for major role advancement/promotion/project lead/overseas secondment/board appointments. This is a collaborative and highly interactive experience for women, in a safe environment free from judgement, censure, politics or organisational power plays.