1. Pre-Summit Workshop
22 August 2016
Summit
23 & 24 August 2016
Post-Summit Workshop
25 August 2016
Primus Hotel Sydney
EXPLORE
An Exceptional Learning Platform to Develop Leadership Capabilities
and Achieve Career Excellence in Communication and PR
Inspirational leadership journeys from
distinguished industry frontrunners
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTS
Book & Pay by 25 May 2016 to
receive an additional Value Plus Discount!
Proactive strategies to reach your
career goals
Enlightening techniques to develop an
authentic leadership style and brand
Learning how to develop resilience and
the courage to unlock your full potential
The 8th Women in
Communications and PR
Leadership Summit 2016
FEATURED SPEAKERS
Luisa Megale Vice President Asia, International Public
Affairs and Communications
American Express
Rita Zonius Head of Internal Digital Communications
ANZ
Joanne McCafferty Vice President External Affairs and
Communication
Thales Australia
Bessie Hassan Head of PR Australia and Money Expert
Finder.com.au
Catherine Parker Director Strategic Communications
Department of Justice
Jackie Gleeson Branch Manager, Communication
Department of Education and Training
Alix Rimington General Manager, Public Affairs and
Communications
Coca-Cola Amatil
Nicole McKechnie Director of External Communications
Telstra
Gill McLaren Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Syntegrate
Shannon Kliendienst Director of Communications
Macquarie University
Sally Kissane Managing Partner, Sydney
Ogilvy
Marian Theobald Director of Marketing and
Communications
University of Sydney
Meghan Senior Corporate Affairs Director
Mars Food Australia
Sally Harris Director, Communications Branch
Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
Justine O’Brien Corporate Communications Manager,
Defence Science Communications
Defence Science & Technology Group
Elanor Parsons General Manager, EDEI Communications
Department of Economic Development, Jobs,
Transport and Resources
Denise Healy National Media and Public Affairs Manager
Family Court of Australia
Maryanne Graham Director Strategy and Engagement
Sydney Motorway Corporation
Helen Black Head of Marketing, Communications &
Customer (General Insurance)
Zurich Financial Services Australia
Tina Chawner Senior Manager at The Difference
PwC
Jacquie Fegent-McGeachie Director, Public Affairs,
Communications and Sustainability
Kimberly-Clark Australia and New Zealand
Phone: +61 2 8239 9711
Fax: +61 2 8239 9777
www.liquidlearninggroup.com
Booking Code - P
2016 Theme:
‘Visions of Success’
2. 9.00 - 4.30
Take the Initiative - Creating a Foundation for Accelerated Career Progression
In the competitive communications landscape, women remain underrepresented in senior leadership roles and are often subject to a gender pay gap
significantly higher than average. Whilst some initiatives are being implemented to reduce this imbalance on a national scale, aspiring leaders must
develop a foundational leadership skill set to facilitate accelerated career progression.
In order to position themselves for promotion, aspiring leaders require more than just a wealth of experience in their field. They must also have the ability to
effectively identify and leverage their strengths, manage stress in high pressure situations and bounce back from obstacles.
This workshop will prepare participants for career advancement by equipping them with the foundations for self-promotion. They will develop self-
awareness and an extensive suite of leadership skills tailored for escalated career progression in Communications and PR. By applying the tools to unlock
courage and confidence, aspiring female leaders will leave prepared to overcome the obstacles that stand between them and their vision of success.
Developing mental toughness
• Gaining awareness and adjusting your negative thought patterns
• Building professional and personal resilience
• Identifying strategies to leverage your inner power to achieve
Being assertive
• Communicating naturally and confidently about yourself and your ambitions
• Be well respected and seen as an authentic leader
• Know and be your authentic self
Negotiating for more
• Negotiating for career advancement and salary acceleration
• Ensuring your needs are met (flexibility, development and more)
• Assessing the tangible and intangible benefits of negotiation
Marketing your strengths
• Recognising and identifying your strengths and development areas
• Promoting the value of your skills for career advancement
• Planning and setting goals for today, tomorrow and the next 90 days
Expert Facilitator: Katrina Boyle Managing Director
Katrina Boyle
Katrina was a senior executive and had extensive experience in a number of management positions over 20 years including different functional roles
across HR, Marketing, Communications and Sales. She now operates her own business as an executive coach, speaker, author and facilitator with a
focus on empowering women and leaders to navigate change.
Drawing on her academic qualifications in commerce and human resources as well as her extensive experience as a business leader, Katrina is equipped with unique
skills and expertise to support clients across almost every department within a company, from small or medium sized companies to blue-chip corporations.
A passionate coach, Katrina specialises in change management, self-promotion and salary negotiation to help women and leaders develop practical
solutions to be empowered to change. Katrina developed The Achieving Woman Program to help women advance their career and increase their salaries
through her coaching, seminars, books and practical tools.
In addition to Katrina’s business background, her education and training contribute to her unique ability to help women and companies of all sizes achieve
success. Katrina has university qualifications in commerce, marketing and management. She is accredited in Human Synergistics; Hogan Leadership
Series; Mental Toughness MTQ48 and has a Certificate IV in workplace training and facilitation.
During her time working on The Achieving Woman Program, Katrina has become very aware of many disadvantaged women who needed support to
develop their confidence. Her community service focus is on Dress for Success, a cause that brightens the lives of women across the world by providing
professional attire, a network of support and career development tools to help women thrive in work and life.
Pre-Summit Workshop
22 August 2016
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
• 8.30 - 9.00 Registration
• 9.00 - 10.40 Session One
• 10.40 - 11.00 Morning Tea
• 11.00 - 12.30 Session Two
• 12.30 - 1.30 Lunch
• 1.30 - 3.00 Session Three
• 3.00 - 3.20 Afternoon Tea
• 3.20 - 4.30 Session Four
• 4.30 Close of Workshop
ALSO AVAILABLE
THE 8TH NATIONAL HIGHER EDUCATION
WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP
SUMMIT 2016
22, 23, 24 & 25 August 2016
Novotel Darling Harbour, Sydney
THE 3RD WOMEN IN ICT
LEADERSHIP SUMMIT 2016
25, 26, 27 & 28 July 2016
Primus Hotel Sydney
SPONSOR TODAY!
Limited sponsorship and exhibition opportunities
available. For your chance to brand yourself as a
market leader, please call: +61 2 8239 9711 or email:
partnership@liquidlearning.com.au
3. Day One 23 August 2016
Developing the Skills Required to become an Inspirat
8.30 - 8.55 Registration and Morning Coffee
8.55 - 9.00 Official Welcome and Opening Remarks from
the Chair
9.00 - 9.35 OPENING KEYNOTE CASE STUDY
The world of work - A new vision of success
The 24-hour news cycle, social media activism and
the increased importance of public affairs to executive
leadership teams mean we are ‘always on’. But what does
this mean in terms of overall life satisfaction? Exploration
of a serious topic, Luisa will explore career longevity in PR
while keeping on top of personal demands. Discuss:
• Staying on top of your game when the bar seams
impossibly high
• Managing the impact of societal expectations
• Modifying your vision of success without hesitation
Luisa Megale Vice President Asia, International
Public Affairs and Communications
American Express
9.35 - 9.50 Questions and Discussion
9.50 - 10.25 CASE STUDY
Choose your adventure - Communications
leadership to transition
Great things never come from within comfort zones, yet it’s
where many unknowingly stay. Dream big, back yourself
and you never know where you could land. Aspiring
leaders need to take the initiative to reassess and seek out
opportunities. Explore:
• Keeping an open mind
• Taking calculated risks
• Stepping out of your comfort zone as an aspiring leader
TBA
10.25 - 10.40 Questions and Discussion
10.40 - 10.55 Morning Tea
10.55 - 11.30 CASE STUDY
Finding your professional purpose to unleash
your full potential
The idea of success varies for each aspiring leader,
but at the core we are all looking for one thing; finding
our purpose. As the youngest person appointed to the
Australian Executive of the global consumer giant Kimberly-
Clark, Jacquie understands the importance of establishing
your purpose in an organisation. Explore:
• Establishing your purpose and the importance of self-
awareness
• Creating and seizing opportunities to propel you forward
• How to fast track achieving your goals
Jacquie Fegent-McGeachie Director, Public Affairs,
Communications and Sustainability
Kimberly-Clark Australia and New Zealand
11.30 - 11.45 Questions and Discussion
11.45 - 12.20 EXPERT COMMENTARY
Escalating career progression - Harnessing the
power of branding
In this business-driven world, everyone understands the
value of an organisation’s reputation and brand. However,
when it comes to personal branding, many female
leaders lack the foundation to invest in and promote
themselves. In this interactive session, Katrina will explore
how to embody core values and a Vision of Success to
create and enhance your personal brand. Discuss:
• Recognising your personal strengths and weaknesses
• Establishing your unique selling points
• Marketing your personal brand
Katrina Boyle Managing Director
The Achieving Woman
12.20 - 12.35 Questions and Discussion
12.35 - 1.35 Networking Lunch
1.35 - 2.25 INTERACTIVE PANEL DISCUSSION
Prioritisation and time management - Achieving
balance as an executive leader
In today’s digital world, many organisations give employees
the flexibility to work from home and offer mutually
beneficial arrangements that allow more time for personal
commitments. However, such flexibility can blur the lines and
prevent people from keeping their work and personal lives in
balance. This panel of experienced leaders will discuss how
they effectively distinguish between work and personal life,
and why this balance is necessary when working towards
your vision of success. Discuss:
• Setting personal and professional priorities
• Strategies to recognise work / life imbalance and realigning
the equilibrium
• Navigating your changing career priorities and vision of
success
Meghan Senior Corporate Affairs Director
Mars Food Australia
Catherine Parker Director Strategic Communications
Department of Justice
Sally Kissane Managing Partner, Sydney
Ogilvy
Rita Zonius Head of Internal Digital Communications
ANZ
Denise Healy National Media and Public Affairs
Manager
Family Court of Australia
Bessie Hassan Head of PR Australia and Money
Expert
Finder.com.au
Jackie Gleeson Branch Manager, Communication
Department of Education and Training
Emma Rossi Media and Strategic Communications
Executive
Australian Communications and Media Authority
2.25 - 3.00 CASE STUDY
Grand plans and outrageous expectations -
Cutting through the white noise of leadership
In a world of constantly changing expectations and increasing
pressure to perform, getting the best out of yourself and others
VALUE PLUS DISCOUNT
Receive up to $300 off registration if you
register and pay by 25 May 2016
PLUS TWO WORKSHOPS!
Plus Two Separately Bookable Full-Day
Workshops on 22 & 25 August 2016
2016 Theme: ‘Visions of Success’
We talk a lot about how to reach your potential and succeed as a leader,
but what does success really look like? And furthermore, what does it
mean to you? The vision of success varies for each individual and tends to
change as you grow and develop, both professionally and personally. What
were you striving for when your leadership journey began? Are you still on
the same path? How does it compare and what’s next? We have invited
some of Australia’s most influential and inspiring leaders to reflect on their
own personal vision of success, how it has changed and developed, and
their advice to you for turning that vision into a reality.
4. tional and Adaptive Leader
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT
Receive up to $100 off registration if you
register and pay by 22 July 2016
SUPER SAVER DISCOUNT
Receive up to $200 off registration if you
register and pay by 24 June 2016
Day Two 24 August 2016
8.30 - 8.55 Morning Coffee
8.55 - 9.00 Opening Remarks from the Chair
9.00 - 9.45 OPENING CASE STUDY
Harnessing the power of flexible and agile
working for yourself and your team
Career progression comes with many challenges, one of
those being the mass commitment of time. However, in
today’s digital world, many workplaces give employees
the benefit of flexible hours. With this, aspiring leaders
have the ability to create a more balanced and healthy
lifestyle. Working in senior leadership roles across the
public and private sector, Meghan will discuss how she
has used flexible work arrangements to be effective as a
leader and optimise productivity of the team. Explore:
• Increasing efficiency through flexible work
• Using technology to enable flexibility at work
• Managing a team working unconventional hours
Meghan Senior Corporate Affairs Director
Mars Food Australia
9.45 - 10.00 Questions and Discussion
10.00 - 10.45 EXPERT COMMENTARY
Connect, engage and persuade - Strengthening
communication skills as an executive leader
As a leader, it is not just nice to be influential, it is
imperative. Aspiring leaders must develop a strong
grasp of techniques and strategies to influence others
in productive ways and ensure that their ideas resonate.
This is easy to do when you naturally connect. But
what happens when you don’t? Do you give up?
Change teams? This expert commentary session will
give the audience the skills necessary for influential
communication. Arabella will explore:
• Understanding yourself and why you do what you do
• Assessing what engages and motivates others
• Delving into strategies to influence colleagues, clients
and stakeholders...consistently
Arabella Macpherson Communications Coach
Resonate Communications Coaching
10.45 - 11.00 Questions and Discussion
11.00 - 11.15 Morning Tea
11.15 - 12.15 INTERACTIVE PANEL DISCUSSION
Conquering unconscious bias in
Communications and PR
In an industry heavily reliant on media, it is sometimes
impossible to resist its influence, and whilst the
unconscious gender bias is represented everywhere, it
is particularly evident in the media. However, the way to
avoid perceiving the world through biased lenses begins
with acknowledging it. These leaders will discuss strategies
to recognise and overcome unconscious bias in the
workplace. Explore:
• Recognising your triggers for stereotyping
• Taking steps to recognise unconscious bias in workplace
• Assessing the impact of bias on our career prospects
Shannon Kliendienst Director of Communications
Macquarie University
Marian Theobald Director of Marketing and
Communications
University of Sydney
NETWORKING RECEPTION
4.30 - 5.30
Make the most of your Liquid Learning
experience, join us to network over
complimentary canapés and drinks
Tweet about this event using the hashtag #WIM16 and
@LiquidLearning for daily industry updates!
FOLLOW THIS EVENT
2.25 - 3.00 CASE STUDY
Grand plans and outrageous expectations - Cutting
through the white noise of leadership
In a world of constantly changing expectations and increasing
pressure to perform, getting the best out of yourself and others
has never been more important. Taking the time to assess your
style, recognise your blind spots and maintain objectivity along
the way can help you cut through the white noise and discover
the leader within. With experience across the public and private
sector, Maryanne has navigated the challenges of executive
leadership for over ten years. She will discuss:
• Changing expectations of leadership
• Leading in complex environments
• Navigating your career to realise your vision of success
Maryanne Graham Director Strategy and Engagement
Sydney Motorway Corporation
3.00 - 3.15 Questions and Discussion
3.15 - 3.30 Afternoon Tea
3.30 - 4.05 CASE STUDY
Taking the lead - Seizing every opportunity
Leadership progression in the competitive world of
communications and PR is a challenge. Consequently, seizing
every opportunity and demonstrating an aptitude for leadership
is key to a successful and rewarding career. Aspiring leaders
should aim to develop their own unique Vision of Success and
never compromise their own values or principles. Explore:
• Understanding the importance of building strong teams and
networks
• Leading to continually renew and reinvent
• Ensuring that you leave a positive legacy
Alix Rimington General Manager, Public Affairs and
Communications
Coca-Cola Amatil
4.05 - 4.20 Questions and Discussion
4.20 Concluding Remarks from the Chair
All WILMA Members receive 10% off the Standard Rate
Sign up today at www.wilma.net.au
5. Recognising your Ambitions and Achieving your Vision of Success
Phone: +61 2 8239 9711
Fax: +61 2 8239 9777
www.liquidlearninggroup.com
• Communication
• Public Relations
• Public / Corporate Affairs
• External Affairs / Relations
• Media
• Digital
• Internal Communication
• Community / Stakeholder
Engagement
• Marketing
• Agency Heads / Account
Directors
• Communication Consulting
WHO WILL ATTEND
Executives, managers and specialists from a variety of public and private
sector organisations in roles spanning:
• What was your initial vision of success?
• How has that vision changed over time?
• What do you need to do to reach your career goals now?
Gill McLaren Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Syntegrate
4.30 Concluding Remarks from the Chair
and Summit Close
Sally Harris Director, Communications Branch
Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
Justine O’Brien Corporate Communications
Manager, Defence Science Communications
Defence Science & Technology Group
Elanor Parsons General Manager, EDEI
Communications
Department of Economic Development, Jobs,
Transport and Resources
Helen Black Head of Marketing, Communications &
Customer (General Insurance)
Zurich Financial Services Australia
Tina Chawner Senior Manager at The Difference
PwC
12.15 - 1.15 Networking Lunch
1.15 - 2.00 CASE STUDY
One step sideways, two steps forward - Moving
Horizontally to reach your goals
Just like a game of chess, leadership progression involves
careful consideration of possible outcomes and a variety of
strategic moves. Consequently, aspiring leaders may need
to move laterally to step onto their desired career path. Jo’s
vision of success changed with taking a slightly left of field
opportunity with Thales, but it has propelled her into an
executive leadership role. She will explore:
• Employing a flexible approach to your career advancement
• Considering all opportunities for career progression
• Ensuring a willingness to adjust your vision of success
Joanne McCafferty Vice President External Affairs &
Communication
Thales Australia
2.00 - 2.15 Questions and Discussion
2.15 - 3.00 CASE STUDY
Building and managing reputation as a public
relations professional
Reputation is everything in the competitive, consumerist
21st century. A reputation can take years to build and
minutes to destroy, so public relations and communications
leaders must be able to act strategically in crisis. As one of
the most senior communications leaders at Telstra, Nicole
will draw from her wealth of experience in leading teams
through challenging situations. Explore:
• Understanding the importance of reputation
• Focusing and not losing sight of the overall strategy
• Leading during a crisis
Nicole McKechnie Director of External
Communications
Telstra
3.00 - 3.15 Questions and Discussion
3.15 - 3.30 Afternoon Tea
3.30 - 4.30 INTERACTIVE ROUNDTABLE
Future directions - Navigating a changing vision
of success for aspiring leaders
Across the complex and competitive communications and
PR industry, aspiring leaders are presented with new and
exciting opportunities. As these roles evolve in both the
public and private sectors, embracing workplace flexibility
and leadership diversity, high-achieving women are set to
create a new vision of success at the executive level. In this
session, the floor will be opening to free-flowing discussion
as participants reflect on the key themes addressed
throughout the summit. Explore:
ABOUT THE EVENT
The communications and PR landscape is constantly changing
and evolving. As the public relations role converges with marketing
and consumers’ attention spans shorten, leaders are faced with an
increasing variety and intensity of challenges. Digital disruption and the
business transformation that this is driving, presents both challenges
and opportunities for leaders. In order to succeed, professionals
in this environment must be prepared to embrace uncertainty and
change, and this means developing an agile and adaptive suite of skills.
Successful organisations are taking a proactive approach, and investing
in their communication leaders early to ensure ongoing success.
Whilst specialist knowledge is highly valued in technical communication
and PR roles, the key to advancement to a higher level in the industry
is developing advanced leadership skills. Despite a large number
of women occupying communication and PR roles, this does not
correlate with representation at the senior executive leadership level.
Communication and PR leaders who wish to secure a seat at the senior
executive table must focus on the development of their leadership
capability and strategic skill set.
Although there has been considerable progress towards gender
equality in recent years, women are still faced with a number of unique
and confronting challenges in their career journey. As a result, it is
paramount that these leaders have a strong grasp of strategies that will
assist them in overcoming these barriers to career advancement. The
8th Women in Communications and PR Leadership Summit explores
these complex and varied obstacles faced by women in the workforce
and provides them with insight into the skills necessary to overcome
them.
This is the premier event for current and aspiring female leaders seeking
inspiration and motivation to position themselves for success. With
their ‘Visions of Success’ in mind, attendees will leave equipped with
a leadership mindset - they will learn to tackle problems and seize
opportunities in spite of the myriad of challenges female leaders face in
6. 9.00 - 4.30
Turning Knowledge into Strategy - Applying an Adaptive and Authentic Leadership Style to Overcome Complex Challenges
In the highly connected digital world of the 21st century, the importance of communications, media and PR leaders cannot be underestimated. When
a crisis arises, credibility is at risk. Organisations confronted with a crisis must be able to rely on their leaders to keep their reputation in tact and brand
afloat. Consequently, aspiring leaders must take the initiative to develop and refine their leadership skill set and consider crisis management strategies.
Building on key concepts discussed throughout the Summit, this workshop delves into essential leadership skills and focuses on strategic
communications leadership. Using the Syntegrate 3 step methodology, participants will work on their personal leadership development and hone in on
strategies to deconstruct and solve complex business challenges.
Reflecting on previous components of this premier event, participants will explore work life integration and refine their personal Vision of Success. They will
strategise to reach their personal potential and leave with a customised action plan to successfully lead in the high pressure communications space.
Driving change and encouraging innovative approaches
• Using innovative problem solving to drive better solutions
• Improving team performance by encouraging self-improvement and inclusive leadership
• Recognising and overcoming barriers to change
Reacting to crises as a leader
• Maintaining focus, trust and clarity in high pressure situations
• Engaging others to drive co-ownership and accountability
• Building a learning culture that drives improvement post-crisis
Creating shared public and private partnerships
• Finding common ground and shared purpose
• Optimising stakeholder mapping and engagement
• Improving internal communication and engagement skills
Guiding you and your teams’ vision of success
• Recognising your strengths to master your authentic leadership style
• Utilising mentors and sponsors to position yourself for career development
• Creating an integrated plan to reach your personal and leadership goals
Expert Facilitator: Gill McLaren Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Syntegrate
Gill McLaren is an experienced leader , innovator and sought after executive coach. As the Founder and CEO of Syntegrate she provides the integration
of Leadership, Strategy, Executive and Business coaching to help her coaching clients develop clear, realistic and comprehensive plans to reach their
potential, be fulfilled and live a life in balance.
For the 20 years before starting her own business Gill worked in leadership roles across the UK, Australia, Malaysia and Singapore in the areas of General
Management, Strategic Planning, Commercial, Customer and Marketing at Coca-Cola.
Gill also chaired the Pacific Women’s Leadership Council and was part of the Global Women’s Leadership Council. Shaping the right approaches to recruit,
develop and advance women within Coca-Cola.
Her career journey has given her deep experiences of different functions and cultures .She deploys this knowledge to help her clients in two ways : find
solutions to complex and challenging business problems and to help them define and build rewarding careers in tune with their purpose. Gill is also a
passionate Speaker and opinion leader on the Topics of Authentic Leadership, Women In Leadership and Shared Value Creation.
Her speaking engagements have included TV (Channel News Asia’s Perspectives Program) , Radio (Women of Worth Interview on 938Live Singapore) and
Press in both Singapore and Malaysia.
She has spoken and facilitated at industry conferences on the subjects of Shared Value (The World Marketing Summit, Sustainable Brands Global
Conference, CSR Asia Summit YSEALI Summit) and Women in Leadership (Break the Ceiling Touch the Sky Conference, Catalyst Global Conference)
Post-Summit Workshop
25 August 2016
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
• 8.30 - 9.00 Registration
• 9.00 - 10.40 Session One
• 10.40 - 11.00 Morning Tea
• 11.00 - 12.30 Session Two
• 12.30 - 1.30 Lunch
• 1.30 - 3.00 Session Three
• 3.00 - 3.20 Afternoon Tea
• 3.20 - 4.30 Session Four
• 4.30 Close of Workshop
TEAM BOOKINGS AVAILABLE
TEAM OFTEAM OF TEAM OF
653 874 +
15%DISCOUNT10%DISCOUNT 20%DISCOUNT
SPONSOR TODAY!
Limited sponsorship and exhibition opportunities
available. For your chance to brand yourself as a
market leader, please call: +61 2 8239 9711 or email:
partnership@liquidlearning.com.au
TEAM BOOKINGS
Receive a 20% discount when
booking a team of 8 to attend,
please call: +61 2 8239 9711 or
email: registration@liquidlearning.com.au
