Authenticity - Is it the new emotional intelligence? What does it mean for us as individuals and how can we achieve this in our relationships?

Being authentic in our conversations, communications and relationships can reap long term rewards, but it doesn't come easily. It takes practice to really be ourselves, especially in a time where technology creates perceptions of perhaps who we aren't. Face to face conversations are also taking a back seat to the online world. So how do we get back to basics?

Our experienced facilitator Melinda Smith will guide our panel of speakers to navigate this topic in July. We will explore the lost art of authentic face-to-face communication, the benefits and potential risks of being our authentic selves in a world that is pushing us to do more online.

Melinda Smith spent 25 years working as a journalist and presenter in the media across radio and television, co-anchoring NBN Television’s 6pm News for more than a decade. After undertaking a Master of Business at The University of Newcastle, she applied her expertise and media experience to corporate communication and public relations roles in both the for-purpose and private sectors, later establishing her own consultancy firm to deliver strategic communication and media profiling services, skills training, and coaching. She is co-founder of www.peakpresenting.com.au , which helps organisations upskill their people to be effective communicators and presenters. Melinda was a Non-Executive Director on The Mutual Bank Board for nearly a decade, has served on a number of community advisory boards, and supported many charity events across the region. She is a strong advocate for mentoring and is co-founder, Life Member and Patron of Mentor Support Network. Working across business, industry and community, Melinda understands the art and impact of authentic communication, what it is, why it’s important, and how to make it happen.

Viv Allanson is a CEO who never accepts the status Quo, in fact for 3 years running she was announced as the Australian – Game Changer of the Year and Visionary CEO of the year in her role as CEO of Maroba. Viv is a leader who strives to bring others on the journey of growth and change always sharing generously her time and experience to support all who aspire to be a “Difference Maker”. The Registered Nurse in Viv never lays down and is always advocating for the profession and its advancement as an integral part of the Health Care team.” Viv was the recipient of the 2022 Hunter Business - Presidents Award for her courageous advocacy for Older Australians. In 2023 Viv was awarded the Order of Australian Medal in the Kings Birthday Honors List for her services to Aged Care. She celebrates 30 years at Maroba this year. Viv has created a positive teaching Aged Care facility over 29 years which continues to provide exciting career opportunities for the young and more mature students and employees. Viv is best known for her thought leadership and candid unscripted yet powerful commentary across many Media platforms on a wide range of topics.

Garth Russell has worked in the media for 40 years, in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, and of course here in the Hunter, on stations NEW FM, NXFM, and 1233 ABC. In late 2009, after a second seven-year stint with the ABC, Garth decided to do something different with the skills he’s developed as a versatile radio presenter. What Garth enjoys most, is interviewing people, and getting the best out of them, so they can tell their stories authentically. He does this with a mixture of genuine interest, compassion, and a fair bit of humour. Garth now applies this ability to the people he interviews on camera, in his new venture called “a life recording”. An engaging, audio/visual record of a person’s life, from their earliest memories, right through until today. After many years working as a radio presenter, actor, master of ceremonies, and even as a stand-up comic, Garth guarantees you an entertaining presentation. Talking about the art of listening, and those he has got the most out of interviewing, both over the airwaves, and from behind the camera. Garth’s work enriches those people’s lives. Garth’s work creates an everlasting history you can share with family, friends and colleagues. A worthy contribution you can leave for our community – your history.

Michelle Faithfull has spent the past 20 years in Newcastle building a loyal community through volunteering, fundraising and managing events for many charities in the Hunter. Much of this community work resulted in her receiving the Newcastle Citizen of the Year award in 2020. Michelle’s contribution to the community and events experience has led to her current role as Events & Partnerships Manager with Home in Place, where for the past 9 years she has continued to connect businesses with charitable causes, specifically focusing on supporting people experiencing homelessness and young people who are living with disadvantage. Outside of her role with Home in Place, Michelle is also a Marriage Celebrant and a volunteer fundraising trek leader with Inspired Adventures. All of these activities have collectively provided many opportunities over the years, to authentically connect with people, often in the most physically and spiritually challenging times of their lives.