Status Quo - The Conversations we're not having

The Conversations We're Not Having: Why are workplace conversations getting harder - and what helps us navigate them?

Join Therese Joyce, Phoebe Tocco, and Melbourne Playback Theatre for an evening exploring the communication challenges shaping today's workplaces.

Drawing on current research, practical experience and real workplace stories, we'll explore why difficult conversations are often avoided, what gets in the way of genuine connection, and what helps people communicate more effectively across difference, uncertainty and change.

Through expert conversation, audience participation and the transformative power of Playback Theatre, you'll leave with fresh perspectives on one of the most important leadership skills in today's workplace.

Thursday 27 August, 2026

6.30pm - 8.30pm

Brunswick Mechanics Institute

270 Sydney Road, Brunswick

Meet the Contributors

Therese Joyce (Snow Daisy)
Therese Joyce is a leadership consultant, executive coach and facilitator with more than 25 years' experience helping leaders build psychologically safe, high-performing workplaces. She works with organisations to strengthen communication, trust and leadership capability, particularly in complex and changing environments.

Phoebe Tocco (Cultural Synergies)
Phoebe Tocco is an experienced corporate trainer, facilitator and consultant specialising in cross-cultural communication, cultural intelligence and inclusive leadership. Drawing on over 12 years’ experience, including a decade working with global organisations in Tokyo, Phoebe helps leaders and teams navigate cultural difference, communicate effectively and build stronger working relationships. Her work at Cultural Synergies complements Dr Tom Verghese’s focus on cultural intelligence and inclusive leadership, bringing a practical, workplace-focused perspective to navigating difference.

Mike McEvoy (MC)
Mike McEvoy is Head of Learning Design at Melbourne Playback Theatre and an experienced facilitator specialising in leadership development, storytelling and communication. He designs engaging learning experiences that help people build confidence, strengthen relationships and navigate complex conversations through creativity and participation.

Melbourne Playback Theatre
For 45 years, Melbourne Playback Theatre has transformed real audience stories into improvised theatre. Combining deep listening, skilled facilitation and spontaneous performance, Playback Theatre creates experiences that build empathy, encourage reflection and make complex conversations engaging, memorable and deeply human.