Agenda

Reduce anxiety, sharpen focus, and restore balance in this science-informed breathwork session. Designed for high-performing leaders, this session helps you regulate your nervous system and reconnect with your energy so you can lead with clarity, calm, and purpose.

Holly Neighbours, Breathwork and Sound Healing Facilitator, Holly Neighbours

Agnes Naera, Executive Director, Queen Victoria St Stephen’s Trust

Accelerate change and bring along an ally from your organisation to attend the morning block of sessions (up until morning tea).  Send across the details of your ally to info@womenleadersinstitute.com at least 6 weeks before the event.

This session brings together chief executive officers to address critical issues around intersectionality and allyship. Expert speakers will select one real-world scenarios from three and collaboratively explore practical solutions, aiming to foster a more equitable future in the workplace.

Moderator: Angela Penteado, Business Transformation Lead and Executive Results Coach, Leadership Insights

Karen Shires, Chair, PwC New Zealand

Malcolm Johns, Chief Executive, Genesis Energy

Matthew Wilson, Managing Director, DB Breweries

Hūhana Lyndon, Member, Green Party, New Zealand Parliament

Through the lens of 10,000 Hands, Stuart Robertson explores how art can surface unconscious bias and reveal whose voices—and hands—are missing from decision-making spaces. This talk offers a powerful reflection on how men can engage in reshaping leadership culture alongside women, creating space for equity and visibility in both corporate and creative worlds.

Stu Robertson, Artist Author Adventurer, Peace in 10,000 Hands

• Cultivate proactive allyship by equipping workplace allies to drive meaningful, collaborative change

• Strengthen allyship through role modelling empathy and integrity to foster safe, inclusive environments

• Identify ingrained cognitive biases and adjust behaviours to minimise microaggressions and promote a culture of safety and respect

Aliya ‘Allyn’ Danzeisen, National Coordinator, Islamic Women's Council, New Zealand

Write down your key takeaway from the morning sessions, then grab a number from the table and check the map to locate your group. Once you've found your group, share your takeaway and connect with fellow attendees.

Moderator: Madison Walker, Director, UN Women Aotearoa NZ

Professor Gail Pacheco, Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner, Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission, Adjunct Professor, Auckland University of Technology

Join us for an interactive session exploring the transformative power of mentoring circles for women. Learn how these circles foster leadership and connection, ignite shared learning, and unlock personal and professional growth. You’ll discover the essential roles and skills within a circle and gain actionable insights to design and lead your own, creating an environment of empowerment and continuous development.

Melanie Beirne, Founder, Women Step Forward | Wāhine Mā Rere Ki Runga

During a 30-minute lunchtime session, experience a live mentoring circle where you’ll connect with like-minded women in a supportive and engaging space. Join a meaningful discussion on a relevant leadership topic and receive real-time guidance and insights from fellow participants. Spaces are limited—register in advance for this unique opportunity to grow, share, and lead together

Refresh your mind and body with simple movements and inspiring motivational words to get ready for an engaging afternoon.

• Uncover the key reasons holding you back from advancing in your career

• Learn practical, actionable strategies to overcome challenges and unlock your potential

• Discover proven approaches to transition from mid-level roles into leadership positions with confidence

Moderator: Katie Bhreatnach, Chief Executive Officer, Global Women

Vanessa Sorenson, Chief Partner Officer, Microsoft ANZ, Managing Director, Microsoft NZ

In these interactive scenario based sessions you’ll have the opportunity to apply the insights and strategies you've learned over the past two days to real-world scenarios. Led by influential leaders, each session will foster peer-to-peer learning, where you’ll collaborate with fellow participants to tackle current challenges and co-create actionable strategies.

Scenario 1: Working collaboratively across gender lines to create inclusive workplaces

In a cross-departmental meeting, a team is discussing a new project. Tensions arise as a few team members dismiss ideas from others based on their gender.

Chantelle Stratford PSM, Chair, Global Policy Partnership on Women and the Economy, APEC – Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation

Scenario 2: Turning bad feedback into business growth

A business leader seeks team feedback on recent operational changes but receives vague, unhelpful, and overly negative responses.

Nicola Taylor, Co-founder, Tax Traders

Scenario 3: Navigating climate change challenges to leadership

A leader faces the challenge of integrating sustainable practices within the organisation, balancing profitability with environmental responsibility.

Charlotte Rutherford, Director of Sustainability, Fonterra

Scenario 4: Calling out microaggressions and discriminatory behaviour as it happens

During a team meeting, a manager notices subtle microaggressions directed at a colleague, such as dismissive comments about their ideas.

Anna Liumaihetau Darling, General Manager - People Experience, Sharesies