The 2020 Student Leadership Conference took place on Friday 18 September 2020.
The theme for 2020 was Inspirational and Collaborative Leadership.
The Conference was held virtually through the EventsOnAir Online platform and included:
- inspiring keynote presentations
- interactive workshops
- speed networking opportunities in between workshops to meet new people
- a stretching session to promote physical and mental wellbeing
- an opportunity to participate in a paint & sip event
Conference Program
Official Welcome: Leon Kerr (Director, Student Services) and Alexander Haw (Student Leadership Assistant)
Acknowledgement of Country: Karen Jackson, Director Moondani Balluk
Opening Keynotes
Professor Corinne Reid ‘Extreme Teams’
Professor Corinne Reid (DVC) is responsible for the VU Research Portfolio and co-sponsor of the Planetary Health initiative at VU.
Corinne formerly held a Chair in Psychological Therapies in the School of Health in Social Science, The University of Edinburgh and continues to be a Senior Fellow of the Global Health Academy.
Corinne is also a primary researcher with the Ngangk Yira Research Centre for Aboriginal Health and Social Equity in Western Australia, and co-lead of the FLOURISH research team with members in the UK, Chile, Malawi and Australia.
Corinne is committed to the values of Olympism; that is, the strengthening of the global community and development of mutual respect through sport. For the past 25 years she has worked with Olympic teams and individuals as they strive to be the best they can be.
Corinne’s PhD explored the personal qualities and values that support individuals and teams to perform under the most extreme conditions and to build team relationships that can withstand the pressures of the highest levels of competition.
Dr Ross Coller
Ross is a senior executive with over 25 years’ experience within the tertiary education sector, the last 14 with a focus on advancing the educational mission of universities through engagement with those outside the institution.
His approach is on creating value through understanding the drivers of the University and building relationships based on trust, relevance, authenticity and resonance.
Ross is also the Chair of the VU Ally Network and is committed to creating an inclusive and respectful culture at VU for LGBTQI+ and gender diverse community members, staff and students.
Workshops
“Tell me about yourself" confidently in 2020 - Annique Teycheney
Networking for Success – Anita van Rooyen, Confidence Hackers
Power up Your LinkedIn profile - Daniel Lunardi
Commitment to gender equality: a core 21st century skill - Marion Cronin & Fleur Taylor
Wise Words I Have Heard - Grant Weir
Being an LGBTQIA+ ally can inspire you to be a better leader - Tessa Caramia, Minus18
Performing Brave - resisting the persistence of sexism - Jeannie Rea
Leading Fearlessly – Anita van Rooyen, Confidence Hackers
How to foster team well-being, innovation and collaboration amidst the ultimate disruptor: a global pandemic! - Donna de Zwart, Fitted for Work
Stretching Plenary Session
Brooke Olsen from VU Sport guided conference attendees through a stretching session in the middle of the day. The much needed stretch after being zoomed out acts as a movement break that energizes students for the rest of the day’s workshops.
Closing Keynote
Catherine Bell ‘The Heart of a Leader’
A proud Victoria University graduate, Catherine is the Director of Bell Training Group, a boutique consulting firm inspiring visionary leadership and best people practice with organisations around the globe.
Catherine passionately believes that good business can change the world and through her own work, has contributed over 100,000 impacts towards the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals, including clean drinking water, health and education support for those in need.
Catherine works with leaders and teams to help them find the courage to face challenges, create environments of excellence and bring out the best in every individual, and brings her unique blend of science and heart to every interaction.
Post Conference Social Event
Paint & Sip with Cork & Canvas: Conference attendees received a Creativity Kit with everything needed to paint. A talented artist guided participants step-by-step to paint the featured artwork while enjoying a glass of wine or other beverage and some nibbles.