PCOA24

Keynote Speakers

Malcolm Dix

Malcolm Dix is a Bullshift Facilitator, Executive Coach, Counsellor, Accredited PRINT Practitioner and recovering Stand Up Comedian with over 20 years of experience presenting to diverse audiences across Australia.

Over the years, Malcolm has worked with almost every industry imaginable – from Health, Community Services, Education and Finance to Government Departments, Local Councils and numerous small to medium businesses and global organistations

Malcolm’s natural energy, insight, empathy and great humour give him the flexibility to engage with a broad range of organisations.

In his younger days, Malcolm spent the best part of twenty years performing Stand-up comedy by night while working as a Youth Worker with homeless and at-risk people by day. Both those experiences enabled him to think quickly under pressure and respond effectively to whatever happens in the moment.

In recent years, Malcolm has completed Post Graduate studies in both Leadership Coaching and Counselling, which has further enhanced his understanding of how and why people do the extraordinary, delightful and sometimes bizarre things we humans tend to do.

Today, Malcolm blends all his learning and lifelong experience with the Bullshift Principles – and plenty of humour – to help people ‘Shift the Bull.’


Anthony Laye

Behaviour Expert, Anthony Laye has an exceptional ability to understand how we think and behave. His tagline 'I know what you're thinking' is the essence of his presentations that aim to empower individuals and organisations with powerful tools for success.

Through Anthony's insights, you can elevate your professional communication to stand out, win trust and amplify your influence. What could you achieve if you knew the secret to reading people, understanding their body language in communication and influencing their thoughts and choices?

Imagine becoming so attuned to your customers' needs that you can deliver experiences that far exceed their expectations. Picture leading inspired, engaged teams that represent your organisation with passion and excellence, transforming your brand's presence in the marketplace.

But there's more to Anthony than just reading and influencing people. He also shows you how to understand and influence the way you are thinking too, so you can build more self confidence and awareness.

By mastering these techniques, you will achieve stronger connections, more productive collaborations, and a level of leadership that truly resonates.

Anthony Laye is not just a motivational speaker, but also a body language expert who knows what you're thinking. And now, he's ready to share this remarkable skill with you and your organisation.

  • For communicators who need to understand and be understood
  • For leaders who need to increase their awareness within their executive team
  • For Sales & Customer Service Professionals who want to create deeper connections and experiences
  • For Teams who are experiencing disconnection, conflict and miscommunication
  • For Conference & Event Planners who need an MC who can literally “read the room!”


Dr Louise Mahler

Moving from the Vienna State Opera back to Australia, Louise observed a ‘missing ingredient’ in corporate leadership and completed an award - winning PhD around the unsung wisdom of the mind-body-voice connection she named Vocal Intelligence.

Her highly participative sessions mean you leave knowing, understanding and even embodying the change. You will be transformed from the darkness of confusion to the lightness of laughter and song.

Louise’s qualifications include: B.Econ; B. Mus; Post Grad Dip Music; L.Mus.A; Master of Applied Science in Organisational Change as well as a PhD in the faculty of Business. She is also accredited in MBTI, a Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistics and certified in level 1 and 2 of Estill voice work. In 2006 Louise was the recipient of RMIT’s award for innovation in PhD research and in 2023, she was awarded the title of Adjunct Professor and an official member of Forbes Coaches Council.

She appears on TV and Radio for her work on Presence and Influencing for senior leaders in high-stake engagement. Having worked with Fortune 500 clients including BHP, IBM, Adobe, Gartner, Transdev after a lifetime of being a communications expert Dr. Louise Mahler will introduce you to new ways to engage and communicate in business.


Lauren Parsons, CSP, Accredited Speaker 


Adam Spencer

For the last 12 months, Adam has taught literally thousands of people what Chat GPT is and how this tech revolution may change everything. He has hosted award-winning breakfast radio shows in Australia’s toughest markets and live current affairs TV. He has won improvised theatre competitions and once interviewed John Travolta in front of 75,000 people. Whether it’s a technically demanding event with dozens of moving parts, or flying by the seat of your pants, Adam prides himself on the high level of energy, engagement and entertainment that he provides whenever on stage, set or screen.

One of Australia’s most respected event MCs with 25 years experience in television, radio and events, Adam loves curating challenging and thought-provoking conversations. He has interviewed prime ministers, Hollywood stars, Fortune 500 CEOs, Nobel Prize-winning scientists and Australians of the Year — and he was also the first person in the world to ever interview our legendary Thai cave rescuers. 



 

Bastien Treptel

With a keen obsession with technology, Bastien Treptel’s hacking skills have helped to shape the future of Australian cybersecurity as a cybercrime expert and security advocate.

Bastien began his hacking career at 14 after being inspired by stories of other famous hackers. It would only take him two years before he caught the attention of Australian police officers. As a teenager, Bastien managed to teach himself how to gain access to one of the big banks, accessing sensitive customer information and over 40,000 credit cards across Australia.

Bastien's passion for cybersecurity would lead him to founding CTRL Group, the industry standard shaping Australian cybersecurity. After selling the company for millions in late 2021, Bastien spends his time advocating for greater focus on cybersecurity in the personal and professional lives of Australians everywhere.

As the hosts of two podcasts, ‘Cyberhackers’ and ‘CyberWatch’, Bastien tracks the latest news and tips in cybersecurity to his over 100,000 subscribers.

Frequently invited on national TV and various expert panels, Bastien also presents at keynote engagements where he seeks to inform audiences on the latest cybersecurity trends, threats and tips to stay as protected as possible.

As Australia moves towards an increasingly digital age, Bastien stays on top of cyber-threats by continuing to share the latest updates from within the cybersecurity industry.

Session Speakers

Warwick Merry CSP, CVP - Event Host | Online Producer | MC

Warwick Merry is a Certified Speaking Professional, twice Certified Virtual Presenter, the 2021 Global Outstanding Intrapreneur, the 2022 recipient of the PSA Nevin Award and 2022 Breakthrough Speaker of the Year award for his work in the virtual arena.

With over 20 years working as an Event Host/MC he knows what it takes to engage and energise an audience regardless of whether it is face to face, online or hybrid.

He is one part Technologist, one part Cat Herder, one part Ringmaster, one part Voice of God, one part Control Freak, one part Comedian, and many parts Human. Warwick is the spark that ignites the event, the glue that holds all the pieces together and the conduit of your brand voice.

Warwick is an event professional that brings energy, humour and professionalism to the fore to make your event awesome.


Libbie Ray, Director- Connected Event Group

Libbie Ray is the Director of Connected Event Group, a full-service technical production company that utilises creative AV solutions to produce innovative and meaningful event experiences.

With 20 years of experience across marketing, events, technology, and broadcast production, Libbie brings a well-rounded approach to the new world of events.

Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, Libbie is particularly enthusiastic about the potential of AI to transform the industry and is dedicated to sharing her wealth of knowledge with her sector.

She also serves as a Global Learning Ambassador for the Entrepreneurs' Organisation, further amplifying her impact on the industry.


Craig Rispin CSP, Business Futurist & Innovation Expert - 
The Future Trends Group

Craig Rispin is one of the world’s leading futurists - he is an expert in emerging business, people and technology trends – and how companies can profit from them.

Craig’s keynotes and strategic planning are powered by Artificial Intelligence research of over 1 million data sources - revealing the future of any industry or major topic.

He has over 35 years of experience working where the future has been created – with some of the most innovative organisations in the world.

An award-winning keynote speaker and CEO mentor, he shows his clients how to: Know First, Be First and Profit First.


Kristen Skinner, Director - Sponsorship Matters

Kristen Skinner is a dynamic consultant with a rich background in sales, marketing, and relationship building. With extensive experience in crafting mutually beneficial partnerships and securing sponsorships, Kristen has established herself as a leading expert in helping organisations forge strategic alliances and drive growth.

Her career began in the corporate hospitality world, where she excelled in sales and marketing roles, leveraging her keen understanding of market trends and consumer behaviour to achieve impressive results. Kristen's talent for building and nurturing relationships quickly set her apart, and she became known for her ability to connect with clients and stakeholders to create impactful, long-lasting partnerships in roles in the education sector.

7 years ago, Kristen ventured into consulting and her two consulting firms specialise in helping companies and schools to develop and execute creative strategies that enhance their market presence and foster strong, collaborative relationships.


Felicity Zadro, Managing Director - Zadro

A strategic and passionate communicator, Felicity Zadro founded Zadro in 2007, inspired to support the growth and development of companies through excellent communications.

With her extensive education and experience, Felicity brings a unique approach to communications and to date has worked with over 400 companies. Her training in sociology and anthropology, love of strategy, experience in leading market research projects, training in change management and leadership, combined with her business acumen, allows Felicity to broaden the standard scope of communications practice.

Felicity believes a strong strategic approach is key to all effective business communications. In 2009, Felicity designed and launched Zadro’s very own strategic communications planning tool COMM*BATTM which has inspired over 170 businesses and organisations to articulate their offering and communications and put them on the road to success.

Felicity often leads the creative campaigns of Zadro, and has ghost written millions of words for clients. She believes in the integrity of communications design; whereby internal communications and culture management is just as important as communicating with clients and industry. 

Acknowledgement of Country  

The PCO Association acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of Country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the people, the Cultures and the elders past, present and emerging.

PCOA24 Artwork

Discover more about the painting, "Strength" and Jemma Stewart, the artist. 

Birrunga Gallery represent the artist. Visit their website

Contact Us

Phone

Maxine Tod:  +61 435 103 912
Cindy Axisa: +61 435 374 476 

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