SA Women in Leadership Summit 2026

Join Liquid Learning for this kick-off session as we prepare for two days of incredible speakers, senior leaders, expert deep-dives and unmissable panel discussions!

In today’s fast-changing world, agility is more than just a leadership trend, it’s a necessity. For leaders, the challenge is not only to respond to uncertainty but to do so in a way that keeps people and community at the centre. In this keynote, Dr Moira Jenkins will explore what agility really looks like in practice, beyond corporate language and into the lived reality of communities. Drawing on her experience as Mayor, Moira will share how adaptability, resilience, and collaboration can become the backbone of effective community leadership. 

- Practical strategies for staying responsive while keeping people at the heart of decision-making

- Lessons in building resilience and collaboration

- Real examples of agility in action from Moira’s leadership journey

True leadership is tested when uncertainty strikes. Drawing on more than 20 years in the public sector and a decade in emergency services, Kristy has led teams through some of the most high-pressure and unpredictable situations. In this fireside chat, Kristy reflects on the balance between command and compassion, how to make decisive calls while maintaining humanity and trust. She explores the importance of emotional intelligence, empathy and inclusion in crisis leadership, and how these qualities empower teams and volunteers to perform at their best when it matters most.

- Explore the balance between authority, empathy, and composure in crisis leadership

- Gain insights into leading diverse teams through uncertainty

- Learn how trust and emotional intelligence can strengthen performance under pressure

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

In today’s rapidly evolving workplace, technology is not just a tool, it’s a catalyst for opportunity. In this keynote, Jo will explore how women leaders can leverage technology to break barriers, amplify their impact and navigate traditionally male-dominated spaces. Through practical strategies and real-world examples, Jo will show how combining technological innovation with human connection creates powerful pathways for leadership growth and meaningful change.

- Learn how to harness technology as a tool for empowerment and career advancement

- Explore the role of mentorship in developing confidence and leadership influence

- Gain practical strategies for creating opportunities and driving change in tech 

Leadership is not just about the positions we hold, but the voices we amplify. As a proud Adnyamathanha woman, Vicky has spent more than 30 years in the public sector, using her platform to champion gender equality, respectful relationships and the empowerment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. Drawing on her experience Vicky will share her leadership journey and the barriers she has navigated along the way. This keynote will highlight the importance of creating opportunities, challenging power imbalances and ensuring women’s voices are heard at every level of decision-making. For emerging leaders, her message is clear: when you stand firm in your values, use your voice and open doors for others, you create pathways to equity that will last for generations.

- The role of cultural identity in shaping authentic and resilient leadership

- How advocacy can influence policies and create systemic change

- Practical ways leaders can amplify women’s voices and build equity

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

In a time of rapid transformation, leadership is no longer just about managing change, it’s about anticipating it and adapting quickly. This forward-looking panel, brings together leaders who are driving transformation across industries in South Australia. Through their experiences, you’ll gain practical insights into what it takes to not only lead through change, but to confidently lead what’s next.

- Explore how to adapt your leadership approach in times of rapid change

- Gain strategies for harnessing innovation and technology to drive impact

- Learn how to prepare for the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of work

Leadership is rarely a straight path, it’s shaped by defining moments that spark growth and transformation. With over 20 years of experience in strategy and leadership roles across Australia and the UK, Rebecca has guided organisations through complex change while forging her own path as a leader. In this session, she shares the lessons learned from breaking barriers and finding inspiration in the moments that matter.

- Leverage self-directed learning to grow as a leader

- Reflect on the defining moments that shape your journey

- Gain insights on breaking barriers and driving transformation

A quick break to refresh and continue building your network with fellow leaders. Enjoy a light refreshment before diving back into your last session of the day.

In an era where technology underpins every aspect of how we live and work, leaders are under increasing pressure to deliver transformation that is fast and secure. Drawing on her executive experience leading large-scale digital initiatives, she reveals what it takes to steer digital transformation without losing sight of the people it serves. From embedding culture into technology programs to balancing innovation with resilience, she will shares the lessons she’s learned navigating complex systems and rapidly evolving digital landscapes. 

- Discover practical strategies to lead digital change

- Explore how to embed culture and collaboration into large-scale technology initiatives

- Learn lessons from both the public and private sector on building resilient, future-ready organisations

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 - there's a lot to digest from our amazing speakers and action modules so far!

Recap the key learnings and takeaways from Day One, and prep an action plan to maximise your event experience over our jam-packed second day!

Leadership is not just about position or power, it’s about purpose, culture and the courage to advocate for what’s right. In this inspiring keynote, Cheryl will reflect on her 40-year journey working with Aboriginal communities, government and justice systems, sharing the lessons learned about leading with authenticity and conviction. She will explore how culture and connection to Country shape leadership and how leaders can empower the next generation to reimagine a future grounded in respect and equity. For leaders seeking to make a difference, Cheryl’s message is clear: leading with values and community at the centre can turn dreams into lasting change.

- Lessons from purpose-driven leadership and advocacy

- Practical ways to embed cultural awareness and inclusion into leadership

- Inspiring the next generation of leaders to act with courage, authenticity and vision

Clear goals and strong processes are important, but they’re not enough on their own to create a high-performing team. At the core is psychological safety; an environment where people feel free to speak their minds, take bold ideas forward, learn from mistakes and show up as their authentic selves without fear of criticism or backlash. Psychological safety isn’t accidental; it’s cultivated through consistent trust-building and the courage to be real. In this panel, leaders will go beyond buzzwords to uncover what psychological safety really looks like in practice. They’ll share how to create environments where trust runs deep, feedback is welcomed and open dialogue fuels collaboration and performance.

- Showing vulnerability and courage as a leader and why it matters

- How to acknowledge, address and rebuild when safety has been compromised

- Breaking the silence: recognising the hidden costs of fear-driven cultures

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

To effectively influence others, leaders must connect, build trust, and create supportive learning environments, and emotional intelligence is the foundational skill for building this capability. With a firm grasp and understanding of your emotions, you will in turn be able to make more effective personal and professional decisions. In this interactive session, Jane will draw on applied positive psychology and neuroscience and explore actionable techniques to achieve your goals.

- Develop strategies to build high-quality and psychologically safe connections 

- Explore how to understand different perspectives to build trust 

- Strengthen your ability to positively influence others

You don’t need a corner office or a big title to be a leader, leadership is a mindset and a way of approaching challenges and opportunities. In this energising keynote, Bev will explore how anyone, at any stage of their career, can step into leadership by thinking strategically, acting with purpose and inspiring those around them. Drawing on her experience and success in building high-performing teams, Bev will show that leadership is less about position and more about influence, initiative, and the courage to make an impact.

- How to cultivate a leadership mindset regardless of role or seniority

- Practical strategies to influence and inspire others through action, not authority

- Creating team cultures where initiative, collaboration, and accountability thrive

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

Leadership isn’t always defined by formal structures; it often emerges in the pivotal moments when choices, courage and conviction matter most. This reflective panel brings together leaders who have navigated the unspoken expectations and career-defining decisions that shape a leadership journey. Together, they will explore the moments where stepping up made all the difference, how speaking out built trust and influence and what it takes to move forward with conviction in complex environments. Through their stories, you’ll gain insight into the practical and often unwritten rules that guide success in their careers.

- Explore how to recognise the right moments to step up with confidence

- Learn strategies for speaking out with impact and authenticity

- Understand how to move forward and lead with conviction through uncertainty

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

Leadership in any environment demands vision, resilience and the ability to drive organisational transformation. Angela Wiggins brings a wealth of experience across law, corporate strategy and human resources to her role at the helm of one of Australia’s most challenging defence organisations. In this interview session, she will share insights on building high-performing teams, fostering inclusive cultures and supporting career growth for women in male-dominated industries.

- Explore strategies for leading large, diverse teams 

- Gain insights into mentoring, coaching and supporting career development across all levels of an organisation

- Learn how to challenge organisational norms and drive culture change

We wrap up our two days of insight and inspiration with this interactive roundtable session. This is your chance to table any topic or trend for a final group discussion. Network with your peers, reflect on your journey so far and create an action plan to carry you forward!

- Reflect on your key takeaways from the Summit

- Identify opportunities for career progression and growth

- Create an action plan for your leadership journey

Take your Women in Leadership Summit journey to the next level with the Platinum Pass. Enjoy exclusive access to our 2-day immersive leadership workshop, designed to translate inspiration into action. Your pass also includes unlimited streaming access via our iQon app, giving you the flexibility to revisit every session, anywhere, anytime.

Plus, enjoy bonus networking opportunities and premium inclusions that elevate your professional development experience beyond the main event.

Transform your inspiration into real-world impact: Go Platinum!