APS 5-6 High Performance & Leadership Conference

Understanding the importance of good data literacy

- Understand why learning about data is important

- Understand what data literacy is, the tools available, and how it adds value

- Understand how good data translates into effective outcomes

Understanding and using data

- Investigate different data types and sources and determine the relevant data to answer business questions

- Learn how to recognise good data and restructure data when needed

- Learn about the most common statistics used to describe data

Data visualisation for presenting compelling evidence

- Learn how to manipulate data into graphs, tables, and dashboards

- Learn to apply the 5 principles of data visualisation

- Identify the most appropriate medium to visualise data

Storytelling with data

- Identify the benefits of data storytelling

- Inform team decisions through comprehensive analysis

- Gain confidence in your abilities to present effective data-driven reports 

Join Liquid Learning for this opening session as we set the stage for two days of insights, practical strategies, and engaging conversations. Get ready to hear from experienced public sector leaders, gain fresh perspectives on high performance, and explore the capabilities needed to take the next step in your APS leadership journey.

Leadership isn’t always about grand gestures, it’s the small, consistent choices that leave the biggest mark. From high-stakes meetings to everyday moments, Sarah shares how consistent, values-led decisions shape trust and long-term leadership impact, and how integrity, presence and purpose fuel influence at every level. Whether you're preparing for your next step or leading a team through uncertainty, this keynote will offer powerful reminders that leadership isn't always about the spotlight, it’s about the quiet moments that shape trust, inspire others and build a legacy.

- Discover how small, values-driven decisions shape long-term leadership impact

- Explore how to stay purpose-led and people-focused in complex environments

- Learn to embed trust and mentorship in your leadership

If you think leading change and reform sits with the senior executive, think again. As an APS5-6, you are already in a leadership role, and your ability to influence, question, and act with integrity matters. In this session, Brendan shares lessons from a career spent navigating complex systems and driving equity, accountability, and reform across government. Learn how APS leaders at all levels can become agents of change.

- Gain insights into the realities of driving reform within complex government systems

- Understand how to lead with cultural and community accountability

- Learn when to challenge the status quo and how to stay steady when you do

Mix and mingle with your fellow leaders over a cup of coffee and light refreshments.

Effective leadership isn’t just about what you know, it’s about who you know and how you engage with them. This hands-on, interactive session unpacks practical strategies for building meaningful professional networks, leveraging connections to drive career growth. Learn how to navigate networking with confidence, create opportunities, strengthen your influence, and unlock opportunities across the service.

- Build connections that advance your leadership

- Navigate hybrid and cross-agency networking

- Create authentic relationships that fuel success

What does it mean to be truly ready for what's next? Being future-ready isn’t just about training programs or frameworks, it starts with mindset. This session explores how identity and purpose underpin the development of future-fit public servants and a workforce that’s capable, resilient and growth-oriented. Katrina draws on lessons from her career to unpack the human side of workforce development, and why building people is the key to building the future.

- Discover how mindset shapes growth and adaptability

- Connect personal purpose to APS capability uplift

- Create systems that support confidence, clarity, and continuous improvement

Enjoy a midday lunch break. A time to refresh, refuel, and prepare for a full afternoon of immersive learning and inspiration.

Change is constant, but good change leadership isn’t automatic. Whether it's a policy shift, restructure or a new system rollout, how change is managed can make or break team morale and performance. This panel explores real APS experiences managing reform, restructures, and uncertainty. Learn what worked, what didn’t, and how to support teams through times of disruption.

- Apply change leadership insights to your current role

- Reduce resistance and build team engagement

- Explore what it really takes to manage change

Ever felt like you're just pretending to know what you're doing? That's imposter syndrome in action and it's more common than you think. In this session, Bec helps you silence the inner critic and kick imposter syndrome to the curb.

- Identify your strengths and reframe your mindset

- Challenge negative self-talk and reframe your narrative

- Embrace each experience as a learning opportunity

A quick break to refresh and continue building your network with fellow leaders. Enjoy a light refreshment before finishing day one.

From frontline emergencies to whole-of-government initiatives, Commissioner Phillips has experienced the full spectrum of leadership from operational urgency to strategic decision-making. This session invites you to reflect on who you are as current or emerging leaders, what keeps you grounded in moments of doubt, and how to lead with purpose, regardless of where you sit in the hierarchy.

- Reflect on what defines your leadership identity

- Stay grounded and values-aligned under pressure

- Explore how voice and purpose shape leadership

As we wrap up Day One of the conference, take a moment to reflect on the insights and strategies shared throughout the day.

Which takeaways will support your development as a high-performing APS professional and how might they help you progress toward your leadership and career goals?

Join us for our end of day one networking. Enjoy canapés and drinks whilst getting to know your peers further, build ongoing relationships, and share your highlights of the day.

Welcome back for Day Two. We've already covered a lot of valuable insights and practical tools from our speakers and sessions so far.

Take this opportunity to reflect on the key takeaways from Day One and refocus your goals as we head into a full second day of actionable strategies, leadership insights and skill-building conversations.

In the public service, the answers aren’t always clear and the path forward often lies outside the initial brief. In this session, James offers an inside look at what it means to lead with curiosity, emotional intelligence and integrity in complex, high-pressure environments. Explore how to stay grounded in your values, communicate with impact and lead with courage when navigating ambiguity and rapid change.

- How to lead with influence when the path forward is unclear

- Communication techniques to build trust and navigate complexity

- Strategies to stay emotionally grounded and lead with authenticity

From conflict zones in Iraq to leading humanitarian operations during crises, Lyndall has spent over four decades representing Australia in some of the world’s most complex environments. This session delves into the resilience, decision-making, and personal conviction it takes to lead on the frontline. Learn how to thrive under pressure, maintain composure and conviction in the face of uncertainty.

- Lead effectively under pressure and uncertainty

- Explore the mindset needed to lead in high-stakes environments

- Build resilience and steady decision-making

Mix and mingle with your fellow leaders over a cup of coffee and light refreshments.

Leadership isn’t something you wait for, it’s something you practise every day. It isn’t just a job title or a rank. It’s a mindset, responsibility, and the commitment to bring people together. In this session, LCDR Kell explores how influence, trust and presence show up in everyday APS roles, offering practical ways to lead from where you are.

- Explore how to lead in your current role

- Build trust, accountability and cohesion in any team environment

- Step into leadership with confidence, even when you’re still learning

Whether you're drafting policy, briefing stakeholders or navigating complex internal conversations, the ability to communicate with strategic clarity can determine whether your ideas gain traction or get lost in translation. In this expert commentary Carolyn draws on 25+ years of experience across government and not-for-profits to unpack what makes communication effective and influential in policy environments. This session will equip you with practical tools to sharpen your thinking, communicate with intent, and build trust through transparency especially when the stakes are high.

- Learn how to frame advice for maximum impact

- Explore how strategic communication shapes trust and credibility in public service work

- Practical tools to communicate complex issues with impact and integrity

Enjoy a midday lunch break. A time to refresh, refuel, and prepare for a full afternoon of immersive learning and inspiration.

Stepping up from APS6 to EL1 can feel like navigating a maze with no map. This candid panel lifts the curtain on career progression in the public service, sharing what actually works, and what to watch out for. From practical strategies to personal reflections, you’ll hear the real stories of career turning points, hard-earned lessons and moments of growth that shaped their journeys, and what they wish someone had told them earlier.

- Spot real opportunities for progression

- Avoid common traps and false starts

- Gain insight from practical, lived APS experience

Mikaela has led teams across borders, cultures and complex policy environments, from her time as First Secretary (Defence) at the Australian Embassy in Washington DC to her current leadership role. This session explores how she navigated major transitions, built influence in new environments and adapted her leadership style to meet the moment. This session offers tools for agile, confident leadership in change.

- Lead confidently through transitions and ambiguity

- Quickly build trust and credibility in new environments

- Practical takeaways from an APS career that spans both domestic and international impact

A quick break to refresh and continue building your network with fellow leaders. Enjoy a light refreshment before finishing day one.

How do you chart a purposeful, rewarding career in the APS? Closing out Day 2, Graham reflects on over four decades experience across DFAT and PM&C to share the choices, opportunities and turning points that shaped a long and fulfilling career, and the power of values and adaptability. A roadmap for building your own legacy.

- Chart a flexible, rewarding career in government

- Navigate opportunities and career pivots with purpose

- Build lasting credibility and capability over time

We conclude two days of learning, insights, and connection with this interactive action planning session.

This is your opportunity to raise any key topics or trends for group discussion, reflect on the ideas shared, and translate your learnings into practical next steps.

- Revisit your key takeaways from the conference

- Identify areas for professional growth and advancement within the APS

- Develop a clear action plan to support your leadership development

Emotional Intelligence and communication challenges

- Understand the impact of emotions and manage them effectively

- Increase self-awareness to improve interactions and collaboration

- Explore alternative communication styles

Key strategies

- Utilise body language and tone of voice

- Tailor your message to better meet your audience's needs and rhythms

- Use curiosity to overcome assumptions and bias

- Explore alternative communication styles

Creating a connection

- Build rapport quickly and authentically

- Explore the benefits of assertiveness and accountability in building trust

- Develop your questioning and listening skills

Making an impact

- Strategies for managing expectations

- Give and receive feedback effectively

- Demonstrate confident and fluent presentations

- Utilise persuasive techniques

Impact, influence, and persuasion

- Understand the distinction between influence and persuasion

- Practical strategies for influential and persuasive writing

- Avoid adverse reader reactions

Influential and impactful writing essentials

- Explore the components of effective written communication

- Understand the effect of voice and tone in creating impact

- Recognise loss of context in written communication

- The role of Emotional Intelligence in written communication

Taking a reader-centred approach

- Understand your target audience

- Articulate your desired goal and purpose, and align this with your readers' needs

- Build trust and demonstrate empathy

Planning, structure, and editing

- Develop your understanding of objectives and structure

- Learn classic structures for alternative communication styles

- Enhance formatting to create impact

- Improve editing of content, impact, flow, grammar, and spelling