Exclusive Dinner Event Invitation: The Global Future of Workplaces

From 6:00pm

At PwC Melbourne

2 Riverside Quay, Southbank

We are delighted to invite you to an exclusive dinner event featuring a thought-provoking panel discussion on: Navigating Change: How U.S. Policy Shifts in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are Shaping Australian Workplaces

We are pleased to announce Emma Hardy, part of PwC's Workforce practice will be joining the panel discussion.

As we navigate the evolving landscape of political discourse and workplace dynamics, join us for a compelling exploration of how recent developments in U.S. policies are reshaping the business environment in Australia. What can we expect in terms of workplace practices, employee engagement, and organisational culture as these shifts unfold?

This discussion will delve into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, examining how recent political debates, policy changes, and societal shifts in the U.S. are influencing public perception and corporate governance in Australia. We will explore the impact of these developments on organisational practices, community engagement, and global collaboration, preparing you to adapt to the changing landscape.

Your voice and insights will be vital in shaping this important conversation. Please secure your spot using the link.  If you are unable to attend, we encourage you to send a senior member of your team in your place.

We urge our G100 organisations to take an active role in this transformative journey by nominating representatives to join our Group of 100 DEI Committee. Your participation is crucial in shaping impactful policies and initiatives that reflect diverse perspectives and drive real change. Together, let’s build a more inclusive future.

If you are ready to nominate for a position on the G100 DEI Committee please register your interest with [email protected]

We look forward to an engaging evening of discussion and collaboration.

Guest Speaker

Frances Feenstra

Frances is a registered organisational psychologist with more than 18 years‘ experience and core expertise in leadership assessment and development, talent management, team facilitation, and executive coaching. She has designed  and delivered a range of programs and services for leading Australian organisations both in the public and private sector and has worked with staff at all levels, from the most senior executives to frontline employees. Frances is well-known for her passion for objective assessment and leadership development and her desire to create more opportunities for women to take up senior leadership positions in Australia. Prior to joining People Measures, Frances was a director at PricewaterhouseCoopers where she led the establishment of a talent assessment and development consulting team as part of the reinvigoration of the PwC Advisory Services Practice. Earlier she was employed by Right Management where she was in charge of a national team of psychologists and headed the individual assessment practice. She was the inaugural Chair of The 100% Project, a not for profit organisation which aims to increase opportunities for women. She also chaired the Advisory Board for the Australian Centre for Research into Employment and Work (ACREW) at Monash University, and is a supervisor and examiner for postgraduate research students at Deakin University (Victoria).

Victoria Smith

Victoria Smith is the Managing Director of Stella Brokers and the Chair of the Group of 100 DEI sub-committee. With a career that began in insurance audit at PricewaterhouseCoopers, Victoria has built a distinguished track record across Australia, London, and Bermuda—markets that have shaped her as a leader and expert in her field. A Chartered Accountant, Victoria also holds a Business Degree and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).

Victoria has held key leadership roles with prominent insurance organisations demonstrating a strong track record of expertise and strategic impact. Now at the helm of Stella, Victoria is leading the company into its next phase of innovation and growth. Her role involves overseeing driving strategic initiatives, expanding market presence, and maintaining a relentless focus on exceptional customer outcomes. She is deeply committed to fostering a culture of innovation, empowerment, and continuous improvement within her team.

Beyond the boardroom, Victoria is a passionate advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) in the workplace. She works tirelessly to improve gender equity and inclusion in what remains a traditionally male-dominated industry. Her efforts are informed by her own experiences and a steadfast commitment to reshaping the landscape for future generations of women in leadership.

Andrew Walter

Andrew Walter is Professor of International Relations and co-chair of Political Science in the School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Melbourne. He has a BA Hons in economics and politics from the University of Western Australia, and M.Phil. and D.Phil. degrees in International Relations from Oxford University. His previous academic positions were at Oxford University and the London School of Economics and Political Science, and he worked for JP Morgan(London) over 1987-1990. Over 2001-2012, he was LSE Academic Director of the TRIUM Global Executive MBA program. He has published numerous articles on the political economy of international money and finance and their regulation and governance among and within countries. His book, The Wealth Effect: How the Great Expectations of the Middle Class Have Changed the Politics of Banking Crises (Cambridge University Press, 2019, with Jeffrey Chwieroth), won the XXVth Stein Rokkan Prize for Comparative Social Science Research (Paris) and the Best Book award in International Political Economy by the International Studies Association (United States). His current research projects are on the politics of international investment and the role of finance in the energy transition.

Emma Hardy

Emma is a Partner in PwC's Workforce practice, leading a team focused on helping organisations with their specialist workforce and HR needs. Whether it's shaping the workforce transformation agenda, diving in to navigate a complex organisational transition, or deciphering the bewildering and ever-changing workplace legislation. Emma is passionate about equipping leaders, teams and individuals with the capabilities and insight; as well as setting up the HR team to stay at least one step ahead.