Women In Public Sector Leadership Summit 2026

Pre-Conference Workshops

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

Peak Leadership Performance: Biohacking for Feminine Leadership

3.5 Hour Workshop

What You'll Learn:

You’re sitting at the top table holding your own, because you deserve to be there but your operating system is unique. When supported adequately, this can become your edge. Discover the science-backed strategies that support high-performance leadership without sacrificing your wellbeing. This intensive workshop goes beyond traditional leadership development to explore how your biology, habits, and energy management directly impact your executive presence and decision-making capability.

You'll explore:

• The biological foundations of sustainable performance - hormones, sleep architecture, and nutrition strategies that optimize cognitive function and resilience
• Evidence-based approaches to physical wellness that enhance mental clarity and strategic thinking
• The Chocolate Bar Life framework for balancing work, rest, and renewal in high-pressure roles
• Emotional regulation techniques for maintaining composure and clarity in critical moments
• Practical boundary-setting strategies that protect your energy without compromising your influence

What You'll Walk Away With:

• A personalized performance blueprint tailored to your unique biological needs and leadership context
• Actionable biohacking strategies you can implement immediately to boost energy, focus, and resilience
• Tools for managing stress, optimising sleep, and maintaining peak cognitive function
• Practical frameworks for redefining success on your terms while maintaining your competitive edge
• A renewed commitment to leadership that's built on clarity, composure, and balance - not burnout

12:30 Lunch

01:30 – 05:00PM

No matter your role, it’s important that you speak your truth and learn how to communicate so that your voice is heard.
All too often we find ourselves leaving conversations frustrated that we haven’t been heard or understood clearly. There are times when we haven’t been able to find the space in a meeting to share our perspectives at all! This half day masterclass will give you the opportunity to build your gravitas in all contexts, communicate with confidence and
clarity, and make the practical mindset changes needed to remove roadblocks to expressing yourself.

You will Learn:

• Limit inner conflicts which might limit workplace performance
• Project more authority and communicate with gravity
• Master sustainable control of stress and stressors in the work environment
• Improve positive-attitude maintenance in challenging situations
• Assess and adjust personal leadership style quickly, accurately and privately

By the end of the workshop you will have:

• Uncovered what is in the way of you finding and expressing your voice with confidence and clarity
• Understood how to build capacity in your communication style and how to listen for and respond to other people’s styles of communication
• Built the confidence and know how to show up and have your voice heard

Conference Day One

09:05 AM Welcome to country + Opening Remarks from 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: 9:20 AM: Leading with Trust in Today’s Public Sector

Trust is the foundation of effective leadership in government. In an environment shaped by constant change, public scrutiny, and rising expectations from the communities we serve, leaders are being asked to demonstrate integrity, sound judgement, and clear communication. This opening keynote will explore what it means to lead with trust in today’s complex public sector landscape. Drawing on their leadership experience, our speaker will share insights into building credibility, guiding teams through uncertainty, and making decisions with confidence and integrity. This inspiring session will set the tone for two days of reflection, learning, and connection.

10:10 AM: LEADERSHIP NETWORKING

10:30 AM MORNING TEA

SESSION 2: INTERACTIVE KEYNOTE 11:00 AM: Leading Before You Feel Ready

Stepping into leadership rarely comes with certainty. For many women, growth brings self doubt, heightened visibility, and pressure to prove credibility in environments that often demand perfection. In this candid and empowering session, Dana Lightbody explores what it really takes to lead before you feel ready. Drawing on real world experience, practical insight, and the patterns she has observed across thousands of women leaders, Dana unpacks why confidence is not a prerequisite for leadership, but a result of action. She challenges common myths around readiness, authority, and self belief, and examines how women can build influence, presence, and trust without waiting for permission. This session is designed to help women reframe imposter syndrome, recognise their existing capability, and step forward with greater clarity and conviction. You will leave with practical ways to own your voice, lead authentically, and back yourself even when it feels uncomfortable. Because leadership does not begin with certainty. It begins with choosing to step forward.

SESSION 3 12:00 PM: Building Influence Without Formal Authority

Leadership in the public sector often requires influencing outcomes without relying on formal authority. Whether collaborating across departments, engaging stakeholders, or contributing to senior decision making, influence is a critical leadership skill. This session explores practical ways to strengthen your ability to communicate ideas, build credibility, and shape outcomes in complex organisational environments. Our speaker will share insights on developing strong professional relationships, navigating competing priorities, and presenting ideas with clarity and confidence. Attendees will gain practical strategies to strengthen their influence and contribute more effectively within their teams and organisations.

12:50 PM: LUNCH

1:50 PM: From Insight To Action Session

SESSION 4: COURAGEOUS CONVERSATIONS 2:20 PM: Navigating Difficult Leadership Moments

Every leader encounters moments where difficult conversations are necessary. Addressing performance issues, managing conflict, and providing honest feedback require both confidence and empathy. This session explores practical approaches to navigating challenging conversations while maintaining trust and professionalism. Our speaker will share strategies for preparing for difficult discussions, communicating clearly under pressure, and fostering open dialogue within teams. Attendees will gain tools to approach sensitive conversations constructively, helping strengthen relationships, clarify expectations, and support a positive and respectful workplace culture.

3:10 PM: AFTERNOON TEA

SESSION 5: CELEBRITY KEYNOTE 3:30 PM:  KEYNOTE + EXTENDED Q&A The Courage to Be Yourself in Rooms That Expect You Not To Be 

 Many professionals spend years learning how to fit into environments where expectations around behaviour, confidence, and credibility are constantly shifting. For women in leadership roles, the pressure to appear composed, certain, and endlessly capable can be particularly intense.

In this refreshingly honest keynote, acclaimed comedian, writer and broadcaster Judith Lucy reflects on what it takes to remain authentic in spaces that often reward conformity over individuality. Through humour, personal stories and sharp insight, Judith explores confidence, vulnerability and the courage it takes to show up as yourself in professional environments that can sometimes feel anything but human.

Following the keynote, Judith will take part in an extended audience Q&A, offering a candid and entertaining conversation with delegates about confidence, pressure, reinvention and navigating life in the public eye. 

4:30 PM: REFLECTION, FROM INSIGHT TO ACTION DAY CLOSE, MEET & GREET

Conference Day Two

09:00  From Insight To Action – Key Take Aways From Day 1

SESSION 1: OPENING KEYNOTE 9:10 AM: Finding Your Voice and Strengthening Leadership Presence

Strong leadership requires the confidence to speak up, share ideas, and contribute to important conversations. Yet many talented professionals underestimate the value of their voice in leadership settings. This session explores how leaders can strengthen their communication skills, develop greater confidence, and build a strong leadership presence. Our speaker will share insights into navigating professional environments, contributing to discussions with confidence, and ensuring ideas are heard. Attendees will gain practical strategies to strengthen their presence, communicate effectively, and contribute meaningfully to conversations that shape outcomes.

10:30 AM: MORNING TEA

SESSION 2 11:00 AM: Leading Teams Through Change and Uncertainty

Change is a constant in the public sector. Organisational reforms, policy shifts, and evolving priorities require leaders to guide their teams through uncertainty while maintaining engagement and performance. This session will explore how leaders can support their teams during periods of change while maintaining trust and stability. Our speaker will share practical insights on communication, resilience, and creating clarity in dynamic environments. Attendees will gain strategies for leading through change with confidence and helping their teams adapt and thrive during times of transition.

SESSION 3: EXCLUSIVE KEYNOTE 11:50 AM: EXTENDED Q&A Reinvention and Resilience: Rebuilding After Life Changes Course 

 Leadership journeys rarely follow a straight path. Careers evolve, unexpected challenges arise, and sometimes life forces us to start again. Drawing on her remarkable personal and professional journey, Indira Naidoo reflects on resilience, reinvention and the courage required to rebuild after adversity. Through powerful storytelling and honest reflection, she explores how setbacks can become turning points and how resilience is often forged through life’s most difficult moments.

This inspiring session invites leaders to rethink failure, embrace change and recognise the strength that can emerge when life does not unfold as planned. 

SESSION 4 2:10 PM: Ethical Leadership and Integrity in Government

Integrity sits at the heart of public sector leadership. Leaders are entrusted with decisions that affect communities, organisations, and public confidence in government institutions. This session explores how leaders can navigate complex decisions while maintaining strong ethical standards and building trust with colleagues and stakeholders. Our speaker will reflect on the role of values based leadership in guiding decision making and shaping organisational culture. Attendees will gain insights into how integrity, transparency, and accountability contribute to stronger leadership and more trusted public institutions.

3:00 PM: AFTERNOON TEA

SESSION 5: CLOSING KEYNOTE 3:20 PM: Creating Lasting Leadership Impact

Leadership is ultimately measured by the impact it creates. Whether supporting teams, shaping policy outcomes, or influencing organisational culture, leaders have the opportunity to create meaningful change. This closing keynote invites attendees to reflect on their leadership journey and the impact they want to create in their roles and organisations. Our speaker will share insights on sustaining leadership growth, supporting others, and continuing to develop as a leader. This inspiring final session will leave attendees with renewed motivation and a clear sense of purpose as they continue their leadership journey

Post-Conference Workshop

The Practical Leadership Playbook: Leading with Clarity & Courage

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Step into the next level of leadership.

This masterclass equips you with practical tools, advanced strategies and confidence to lead with clarity, courage, and impact.

You’ll walk away with a comprehensive toolkit—including proven templates, practical techniques and conversation guides—that you can immediately apply in your workplace and return to throughout your leadership journey.

“I wish I had done this workshop two years ago when I started as a manager”
 
What You’ll Learn:

Grounded in research and tested in practice, this masterclass will help you to:

• Strengthen self-awareness and emotional regulation: 
  Understand your personal leadership style, manage emotional responses and build lasting resilience.
• Set clear expectations for behaviour, performance, and working relationships: 
  Create a culture of accountability and psychological safety through clear boundaries and shared commitments.
• Provide advanced support to your team: 
  Recognise and respond to what your team members need to succeed and grow and manage in challenging times.
• Deliver feedback that drives performance and development: 
  Learn how to give confident, constructive feedback that supports good behaviour, addresses concerns early and
  strengthens your team.
• Navigate brave conversations with clarity and care
  Use the Correction Continuum to prepare for and engage in the conversations that matter—early, effectively and with integrity.

What You’ll Take Away:

Grounded in research and tested in practice, this masterclass will help you to:

• A practical leadership workbook packed with tools, templates, conversation scripts, and frameworks you can use for years to come.
  
  

“Every time I need to have a brave conversation, I go back to the templates and scripts. They give me the support and confidence I need to prepare well"

• A peer learning experience that connects you with like-minded leaders navigating similar challenges.
• The confidence and capability to immediately apply what you’ve learned in your leadership role.
  
  

“This is the most practical workshop I’ve ever attended.”