Wisdom + Wonder: Newday Leadership Summit 2023

If you know our Summits, you'll know that the day is part festival, part wellbeing retreat and part conference. Our Summits feature a high calibre program of brilliant interactive speakers and activators and many other sensory delights, including our opt-in massage, yoga and art therapy, our popular pop-up shop and of course delicious food and drink from the events team.

We are delighted to announce our theme for 2023: Wisdom + Wonder.

This year, our Newday program is being carefully curated to respond to the invitation set by this theme, and bring both wisdom and wonder to the experience of everyone who shares the day. As we do every year, we set a limit to the number of tickets we offer. We're sure this event will book out as many tables are already accounted for.

Whether it’s the search for deep understanding and meaning, the beauty of curiosity and awe, the exploration of theoretical and practical knowledge, or the pursuit of universal ‘truth’, Newday is set to capture hearts, and free minds.

Here’s how Newday can ignite wonder and wisdom in your life, whilst inspiring and advancing your leadership potential:

• nourish your wellbeing, expand your connections, and inspire new ways of looking at the world, so you can lead with greater impact
• advance your cultural awareness, intelligence and understanding to new heights
• increase your knowledge on a diverse range of concepts and challenge preconceived notions, enabling you to broaden your leadership perspective.

Newday will be:

1. An outstanding leadership development opportunity 

2. An opportunity to thank your staff for their hard work

3. A wellbeing day 

4. A unique offering for a team Christmas celebration!

Our event on 2 November will give you the impetus and permission you have been waiting for to challenge the status quo and create positive impact; to become a person who embodies 'inspired leadership for the greater good'. 

The 2023 Newday Summit will be aligning its program to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We are passionate about taking action to make the world a better place, and these goals provide an effective blueprint for doing so.

This is the must-attend event for you. Whether you are an aspiring, emerging or established leader from the government, corporate, education, or not-for-profit sector, we welcome you to join us.

Ready to experience the power of wonder and deepen your leadership wisdom?

Our speaker and activator line-up so far includes the following inspiring leaders

DOWNLOAD THE SUMMIT FLYER (PDF) and THE SUMMIT PROGRAM (PDF)

Dr Fiona Kerr, NeuroTech Institute
 
Fiona is an expert in human synchronisation, building and leading flourishing systems and partnering with technology. The Founder & CEO of the NeuroTech Institute & FOCUSNTI, Fiona consults and researches globally to build bespoke solutions to emerging, complex problems. Her unique approach is based on qualifications in systems engineering, cognitive neuroscience, psychology and anthropology, coupled with forty years of industry experience. 

Fiona holds international advisory positions in health and ageing; robotic / bionics; ethical AI and defence, with ministerial advisory roles in Australia and Finland, and honorary academic positions with SAHMRI and Adelaide University. An international keynote speaker and science educator, her media appearances include SBS Insight, ABC Catalyst, Radio National (Ockham’s Razor, All in the Mind, Counterpoint), Irish Times, and TedX.

Dr Paul Callaghan, The Dreaming Path
 
Paul is an Aboriginal man belonging to the land of the Worimi People, now called Port Stephens in NSW. He is a best-selling author, leadership consultant and senior executive. Paul’s expertise in Indigenous affairs, cultural intelligence and executive leadership and coaching gives him a rich understanding of people, business and complex cultural contexts. We know this will translate to an inspiring keynote presentation and deep conversation on the day of our Summit.

Paul holds a PhD in Creative Practice, but his most important learning has been through going bush with Elders. His book, The Dreaming Path, draws on this. It became a bestseller in Australia soon after its release and we'll have copies at the Summit pop-up shop.

Dr Manisha Amin, CEO of The Centre for Inclusive Design 

Manisha is a thought leader in the power of thinking from the edge and has appeared on Big Ideas on Radio National. With over 20 years’ experience in strategic marketing, communication, transforming cultures and creativity, Manisha brings together an impressive team of industry experts and global partners to focus on the areas ripe for disruption where we can make the greatest impact.

Manisha has worked in the government, community and technology sectors. She is passionate about social justice and business growth, and believes that when we combine the two, we get gold. Manisha has presented on Inclusion and Allyship for a range of organisations, including, Microsoft, Atlassian, EY, Cengage, Human Rights Commission and most recently Macquarie Bank’s global summit.

Madhavi Nawana Parker, Positive Minds Australia

Madhavi is one of Australia’s leading experts on Mental Health and Wellbeing. Her evidence based programs are implemented throughout Australia and overseas, providing over two decades of contribution to her field, positively impacting thousands of young, disconnected and vulnerable young people.

Madhavi brings her studies in Psychology, Counselling and over two decades of professional work in schools and organisations, to lead Positive Minds Australia in their commitment to improve connection, compassion, empathy and wellbeing for all. Madhavi is currently a finalist in the Global 2023 ‘Women Changing the World’ Awards in two categories, ‘Hall of Fame’ for over 20 years consistent commitment to her field, and ‘Education,’ for her work on Teacher, Parent and Student Wellbeing in Schools.

Cedric Varcoe, storyteller, artist and weaver

Cedric is a proud Ramindjeri Narrunga man, sought-after artist and incredible weaver who runs cultural awareness programs. A master at sharing rich culture and dreaming stories, Cedric has an undeniable way with words that engages audiences. He also runs art and weaving workshops, working with people of all ages and backgrounds in schools, kindergartens, workplaces and community.

Committed to building relationships, connecting people to Country, and sharing First Nations culture, Cedric helps people to understand the importance of local lands, waters and the bush foods.

We can't wait to have him inspire and captivate Summit participants, whilst advancing their cultural intelligence. Our 2023 cohort for our Inspired Leadership program met Cedric for their opening session and were most definitely filled with wonder in the experience! 

Dr Tabitha Healey, executive health coach and former oncologist

A professionally unfortunate aversion to blood and a love of human connection drew Tabitha to a 20-year career as a Medical Oncologist where she specialised in the care of young women with breast cancer. 

With 90–95% of cancers attributable to lifestyle and environment, Tabitha chose to move from palliation to prevention and retrained as an Executive Health Coach. As a Director of Small Moments, Big Lives, Tabitha works with leaders and organisations to recognise the impact of burnout and stress, understand the science of wellbeing and motivate clients to implement change that transforms their lives.  

Having sat with so many as they confront death, Tabitha brings a unique perspective on the urgency to reconnect; with ourselves, with the people who matter, to our health, with nature and to the simple pleasures of the everyday. 

At Newday, Tabitha will invite you to reflect on how dealing with death, allows you to learn the lessons for living and leadership.

Magic Mike (not the stripper), professional magician

Mike has been a professional magician for over 15 years and performing full-time for events around Australia and around the world. He recently performed a very personal and powerful piece on Australia's Got Talent, which has been shared and viewed over 10 million times. Since then, Mike has performed at events for comedians Hamish and Andy, Fitzy and Wippa and late last year at Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's private New Year's Eve party.

John Mannion, Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation 

Breakthrough is Australia’s only foundation dedicated solely to mental health research. John’s career in mental health has spanned more than 35 years including as a practitioner, in both mental health nursing and social work as well as leading mental health services across the state and previously holding the Lead Mental Health Commissioner Role for South Australia. 

John has a passion for normalising the mental health conversation, delivering mental health literacy programs to help drive meaningful change and continuing to expand his mental health knowledge and understanding. He is grateful for the many people he has met in the community, who have shared their own personal stories to help support wider change and positive outcomes for all.

Emma Horwood, Harpist and singer

Acclaimed harpist and singer Emma Horwood is one of Australia’s most versatile and acclaimed harpists and singers. With an extensive repertoire featuring classical, Celtic and contemporary music, Emma’s angelic tones and captivating harp playing will leave any audience spellbound.

With a celebrated reputation and acclaimed career, Emma’s work is synonymous with enchantment, beauty and wonder..

Emma's performances frequently sell out. She has been a core member of Adelaide Chamber Singers since 2000 and toured with them internationally, is a member of vocal quintet Syntony and was a founding member of female vocal trio Eve. 

Hannah Yates, Youth advocate

Hannah is a multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter and educator with a fire for social justice. This illuminates her volunteer work as St Vincent de Paul’s Youth Representative.