Women In Leadership Summit 2025 Melbourne

Pre-Conference Workshops | 27th May

9:00 AM - 12:30 PM Your Balance Blueprint: Achieving Sustainable Success and Life Balance in Leadership:

In an era of relentless ambition and unprecedented challenges, the quest for leadership success has never been more demanding. The journey to the top is fraught with obstacles, not least of which is maintaining a harmonious balance between professional achievements and personal fulfillment. As we navigate through the complexities of the modern world, the significance of sustaining equilibrium in our lives and careers cannot be overstated.

Your Balance Blueprint is an innovative half-day masterclass designed to empower women with the strategies, tools, and insights necessary to achieve a sustainable blend of professional success and personal well-being. This workshop is more than a learning experience; it’s a transformational journey tailored to help you craft a life of equilibrium, where leadership excellence and personal satisfaction coexist harmoniously.

Key Course Takeaways:

• Master the Art of Equilibrium: Learn how to seamlessly integrate career aspirations with personal well-being to foster a fulfilling life of leadership.
• Strategies for Sustainable Success: Uncover the secrets to long-lasting achievement in your career, without sacrificing your health, relationships, or personal goals.
• Overcoming the Obstacles to Balance: Identify the common pitfalls that disrupt life balance and discover practical steps to navigate around them.
• The Blueprint to Your Best Self: Craft a personalized plan that harmonizes your professional ambitions with your personal life, ensuring you thrive in both realms.
• Mindset for Mastery: Shift your perspective to embrace a holistic approach to success, equipping you with the mindset needed to excel as a leader and individual.
• Building Resilience and Adaptability: Strengthen your capacity to handle stress, adapt to change, and recover from setbacks, all while keeping your sights set on your goals.
• Network of Empowerment: Engage in a supportive, collaborative environment with fellow women leaders, fostering connections that inspire growth and resilience.

By the conclusion of this workshop, you will leave with a comprehensive blueprint for achieving leadership success that does not compromise your personal happiness or well-being.

This session promises to be a dynamic and interactive experience, providing a safe space for women to explore, learn, and grow together, free from the constraints of judgement or organizational politics.

Join us on this enlightening journey to redefine what success looks like for women in leadership. Together, we will discover how to create a life of impact and fulfillment, proving that it is indeed possible to have it all.

12:30 PM Lunch

1:30 PM Communicate with confidence and get your voice heard

Discover how to lead with confidence and credibility using GrowthEQ Leadership – a powerful new model built on a growth mindset, greater emotional intelligence, and leadership with LOVE – Listening, Openness, Values, and Empathy.

Have you ever felt unprepared or unsure in your leadership role? Do you worry about not being seen or heard – and how that might hold you back from leading with true impact and influence?

As the workplace rapidly evolves, emotional intelligence and human connection are becoming the most sought-after leadership skills. This workshop will show you how to lead with heart and resilience – strengthening trust, collaboration, and long-term impact across your team and organisation.

• Why LOVE is your ultimate leadership superpower
• How to use GrowthEQ Leadership
• Communication techniques that elevate your executive presence
• How to approach difficult conversations
• Practical ways to apply the LOVE framework

• A deeper understanding of your leadership presence – and how to use it to be seen, heard, and respected
• The clarity and confidence to communicate like a leader – no more second-guessing yourself
• Tools to handle tough conversations with emotional intelligence, courage, and clarity – so you can lead without losing connection
• The mindset and emotional fitness to lead in a rapidly changing world that demands purpose and people-first impact

Conference Day 1 | 28th May

9:00 AM Welcome to Country

Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Elder

09:05 Opening remarks from the Chair

Dana Lightbody is the CEO of The Leadership Institute. She is a staunch advocate of equality for women in business and believes women should be helping other women every chance they get. Dana established Konnect Learning in 2013 and the Leadership Institute in 2017. Since then she has advocated for equality for women in all aspects of her entrepreneurial and professional life – in particular by chairing and assisting the production team in the development of TLI’s Women in Leadership line of events.

Session 1: Opening Keynote

9:20 AM Say Yes and Figure It Out Later: Taking on Opportunities as they Arise

Opportunities don’t always come at the “right” time—and sometimes, the best growth comes from saying yes before you feel ready. In this empowering session, Sarah shares how embracing uncertainty and taking bold chances shaped her leadership journey. Learn how to back yourself, navigate change with confidence, and stay open to what’s next.

10:10 IT’S TIME.....FOR NETWORKING!

10:30 MORNING TEA

SESSION 2: EXCLUSIVE FIRESIDE CHAT + Q&A

11:00 AM: Leading Through Change and Competition at the Forefront of Retail

In a fiercely competitive and fast-changing retail landscape, Anna Lee, CEO of Flybuys, has led one of Australia’s most recognised loyalty programs through a period of bold transformation. In this session, Anna shares how she’s navigated shifting customer expectations, embraced innovation, and maintained strategic focus in an increasingly crowded market. With insights on leading through uncertainty, staying agile in a complex stakeholder landscape, while nurturing a high-performance culture, Anna will reveal what it takes to thrive and be future ready.

Session 2:

11:00 AM Collecting Key Skills as You Build a Career: a Roadmap to Leadership

Session 3: Exclusive Keynote Session

11:50 AM 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: 1:50 PM

Leading with Purpose: Driving Innovation That Makes a Difference

Innovation isn’t just about new ideas—it’s about challenging the status quo and creating solutions that truly make an impact. As the CEO and Founder of the LittleOak Company, Elke has redefined the infant nutrition industry by prioritising natural, science-backed solutions.

In this session, Elke will share her journey of leading through innovation, pushing boundaries in a competitive market, and building a purpose-driven brand that challenges industry norms.
Expect insights on how to stay ahead of industry trends, drive meaningful change, and lead with both passion and resilience.

Session 5: 2:40 PM 

Harness Your Experiences to Elevate Your Leadership Capabilities

This session is designed to empower leaders by providing practical tips and actionable tools that enhance leadership capabilities. Drawing from a rich background in public administration, civil
engineering, and infrastructure, Corrine will explore strategies that have proven effective in both the public and private sectors.

With insights from Corinne’s extensive experience in male dominated industries—from leading major projects at the Department of Premier and Cabinet to strategic roles in the Department of Transport and beyond—she will dive into the essentials that every leader should have in their toolkit.

Joint Session with EA/PA Leadership Summit 

Session 6: Exclusive Fireside Chat & Q&A

3:50 pm 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 2 | 29th May

9:00 AM Opening Remarks from the Chair

Dana Lightbody is the CEO of The Leadership Institute. She is a staunch advocate of equality for women in business and believes women should be helping other women every chance they get. Dana established Konnect Learning in 2013 and The Leadership Institute in 2017. Since then she has advocated for equality for women in all aspects of her entrepreneurial and professional life - in particular by chairing and assisting the production team in the development of TLI's Women in Leadership line of events.

Session 1: Interactive Wellness Experience

9:10 AM  Leading Creativity Through Change: The Art of Visionary Leadership

In a world where brands must constantly evolve, great leadership is about more than just managing change—it’s about leading with creativity, vision, and resilience. As CEO of Leo Burnett Australia, Clare Pickens understands what it takes to drive transformation in an industry where storytelling, innovation, and disruption go hand in hand. In this session, Clare will share insights on navigating industry shifts, inspiring teams to embrace new creative frontiers, and leading with confidence in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Session 2: 

10:00 AM  Tips and Tools to Put Into Your Leadership Toolkit

In this key session, Louise emphasises the significance of self-awareness in leadership development, urging attendees to identify their own personal strengths and areas for growth in the way that she identified theirs. Louise will share practical strategies harnessed for building resilience in the face of challenges and fostering inclusive work environments. Leveraging her own experiences, she highlighted the importance of continuous learning and mentorship and the importance of establishing a toolkit that works for you.

Session 3: Exclusive Keynote Session

Joint Session with EA/PA Leadership Summit

11:20 AM 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 Fireside Chat & Q&A

Joint Session with EA/PA Leadership Summit

12:10 PM 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

2:10 PM: Harnesssing Your Strengths to Drive Your Career

Darlene Mattiske-Wood’s journey is a testament to resilience and strategic focus. Overcoming, difficult personal circumstances on her career journey including health setbacks and raising
two children, as a single mother for a period of time, with no family support, she balanced being a mother, study, and work at a very young age. This often-meant difficult career choices, and
compromise, when personal circumstances limit the ability to choose.

Leadership success for her came through prioritising her strengths in all situations and choices. Her commitment to understanding human behavior, strategy and frameworks that link growth
aspirations with and through people became the cornerstone of her career, ultimately propelling her to the top as CEO. By staying true to her values and leveraging her ability to build strong people strategies in alignment with business aspirations she proved that focusing on people is not just
good leadership—it’s a formula for long-term success.

Session 6: CLosing Keynote

3:00 PM Bringing Your Whole Self to Work

Nicole shares why authenticity is one of the most powerful tools in a female leader’s arsenal. From infertility and motherhood to divorce, menopause, and chronic health challenges, Nicole opens up about the experiences that shaped her leadership and made her stronger.

She’ll explore how embracing your full self—strengths, struggles, and all—not only helps you thrive in male-dominated spaces but also empowers those around you to do the same.

Post-Conference Workshop | 30th May

09:00 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.