Women In Public Sector Leadership Summit 2025

Pre-Conference Workshops

9:00AM – 12:30PM

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 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 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 Precision and Purpose in High-Stakes Environments

As Chief Operating Officer of AUSTRAC, Alexandra Olivier works at the intersection of national security, financial intelligence, and regulatory oversight—where the stakes are high and the pressure is constant. In this session, Alexandra will share what it takes to lead with clarity and control in complex, fast-moving environments, and how women can rise through the operational ranks by mastering detail without losing sight of strategy. She’ll reflect on her path to executive leadership, the power of quiet influence, and how to build credibility in sectors that demand
precision, confidentiality, and strength.

10:10 AM: IT’S TIME....FOR NETWORKING!

11:30 AM MORNING TEA

Session 2: 10:30 AM: Adjusting leadership styles when you move departments

As Chief Operating Officer of AUSTRAC, Alexandra Olivier works at the intersection of national security, financial intelligence, and regulatory oversight—where the stakes are high and the pressure is constant. In this session, Alexandra will share what it takes to lead with clarity and control in complex, fast-moving environments, and how women can rise through the operational ranks by mastering detail without losing sight of strategy. She’ll reflect on her path to executive leadership, the power of quiet influence, and how to build credibility in sectors that demand precision, confidentiality, and strength.

Session 3: 11:50 AM: Still Laughing, Still Relevant: Jean Kittson Reflects on Comedy, Change, and Longevity

With decades in the spotlight, Jean Kittson has seen the comedy world shift dramatically—but has it changed enough? In this session, she reflects on her experiences navigating gender bias in a male- dominated industry, the progress (and setbacks) she’s witnessed, and what still needs to be done. With humor and insight, Jean also shares the secret to staying relevant across generations, adapting to new media landscapes, and why comedic storytelling remains a powerful tool for change.

Session 4: 1:50 PM: Lessons from the Top: Leadership, Boards and Big Decisions

Tess’ leadership journey spans senior executive roles across the public and private sectors, including her current position as Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. With board appointments at Screen Queensland, the Townsville Port Authority, and the Australian Institute of International Affairs, Tess brings a wealth of governance experience. In this session, she will share candid insights on navigating complex reforms, building resilient teams, and leading with integrity across diverse sectors. Tess will also discuss the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and fostering inclusive leadership to drive meaningful change.

Session 5: 2:40 PM: The Importance Of Effective Stakeholder Management In Leadership Roles

Behind every successful woman is often another who advocated for her, mentored her, or simply believed in her potential. In this powerful session, we’ll explore how mentorship and sponsorship
can transform careers, not just for those being supported, but for the leaders offering guidance. Learn how to identify and nurture talent within your team, create meaningful mentoring relationships, and use your influence to open doors for others. By investing in the growth of those  around us, we help shape a stronger, more inclusive public sector and empower other women to
become the best versions of themselves.

Session 6: 3:50 PM: Cutting Through in a Cut-throat World From Journalism to Bestselling Fiction: Jane Harper on Life Transitions, Complex Characters, and the Craft of Writing

Jane Harper’s journey from journalism to bestselling fiction is a masterclass in storytelling, blending investigative precision with deep emotional insight. In this session, she shares how her background in reporting shaped her writing, the pivotal  moments that led to her literary success, and how she crafts characters with rich psychological depth. With a keen eye for human emotions and the complexities of motivation, Jane reveals the secrets behind creating gripping narratives that resonate with readers worldwide.

Conference Day Two

09:00 Opening Remarks from Chair

9:10 AM: Leading Through Loss: Rebuilding Trust, Connection and Performance

True leadership is often forged in adversity. After experiencing the  challenges of COVID-19 and the personal loss of a colleague, this speaker brings a powerful perspective on what it means to
lead with humanity. In environments like the public sector, where connection and trust are vital, showing up with empathy, vulnerability and purpose can create lasting impact. This session explores how navigating grief and uncertainty can deepen your leadership, strengthen your team, and foster a culture of trust and accountability. Leave with practical insights on how to lead in a way that’s honest, resilient — and deeply human.

10:00 AM: Steady in the Storm: Leading Through Change and Disruption

Change is a constant in the world. Whether it’s policy shifts, organisational restructures or external pressures, leaders are expected to adapt, support their teams and keep delivering. This session explores how to stay focused and effective when everything around you is moving. Learn how to lead with clarity in uncertain times, keep your team motivated and make confident decisions even when the next step isn’t obvious. You will leave with practical tools to stay resilient and grounded while still getting the job done

10:50 AM MORNING TEA

EXCLUSIVE CO-LOCATED AUTHOR KEYNOTE

11:20 AM: Finding Your Voice and the Confidence to Use It

Sarah Harris has spent over 20 years navigating the pressures of live television, public scrutiny, and leadership in one of the most visible industries in Australia. While the career paths of public servants may look vastly different to those in the media, the challenges of being heard, taken seriously, and leading with confidence are deeply relatable.  In this candid session, Sarah reflects on how she found her voice in high-pressure environments, built resilience in the face of criticism, and learned to balance visibility with authenticity.

EXCLUSIVE CO-LOCATED AUTHOR KEYNOTE

12:10 PM: Fearless Creativity, Individuality and Authenticity

Kate Miller-Heidke has never taken the expected path — and that’s exactly what makes her leadership story so powerful. From operatic stages to pop charts, Eurovision spotlights to composing for the Metropolitan Opera, Kate’s career is a masterclass in creative risk-taking,
reinvention, and standing strong in your own voice. In this inspiring session, Kate shares how she’s navigated a male-dominated music industry, battled imposter syndrome, and learned to lead with authenticity in an industry that often values conformity over individuality. Expect raw insights, thoughtful reflection, and a powerful reminder
that leadership doesn’t have to look one way.

1:10 PM LUNCH

2:10 PM: Learning to Embrace Change, Cultivate Resilience, Prioritise Self-care as Your Career Grows

Great leadership isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about showing up with integrity, empathy, and authenticity. For leaders from migrant backgrounds, this can also mean unlearning the quiet
limitations shaped by cultural expectations and internalised norms.
In this session, Amanda shares her experience of breaking through those invisible barriers and embracing their identity to lead with confidence. Through the lens of personal journey and professional growth, she will explore how authentic leadership fosters stronger teams, deeper engagement, and a culture of openness and accountability.

3:00 PM AFTERNOON TEA

3:20 PM: Why Helping Others Rise Matters

For Lill, the turning point in her career wasn’t a promotion or a project – it was a person. Someone who believed in her before she fully believed in herself. That moment shaped how she leads today: with a deep commitment to lifting others as she climbs. In this session, Lill shares how powerful it is to be the one who backs someone’s potential – whether through mentoring, sponsorship, or simply opening a door that might otherwise stay closed. She’ll talk about how to recognise emerging talent, build genuine relationships, and create a ripple effect of opportunity and confidence. It’s not just about helping others grow – it’s about changing the culture of leadership for good.

4:10 PM CLOSE OF CONFERENCE

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.”