Conference speakers and workshop facilitators include -
International Speakers
Prof Amanda Kirby MBBS MRCGP PhD - International Speaker
CEO of Do-IT Solutions, Emeritus Professor at University of South Wales, Honorary Professor at Cardiff University
Amanda is an emeritus professor at the University of South Wales and an honorary professor at Cardiff University in Wales. She has clinical and research experience and founded and ran a transdisciplinary clinical and research team for 20 years relating to neurodiversity. She is a qualified GP and has a Ph.D. relating to emerging adulthood and neurodiversity.
Sharon Carroll - International Speaker
Diversity and Inclusion Business Partner, at Australia Post
With over 15 years’ experience working across culture, engagement and inclusion at Australia Post Sharon has been leading the organisation’s strategic approach to improving access and inclusion for employees, customers and the community through the delivery of the organisation's Accessibility and Inclusion Plans since 2017..
Susan Scott-Parker OBE HonD - International Speaker
Founder, business disability international
Susan Scott-Parker is an internationally recognised thought leader who has made a career from challenging outdated assumptions regarding both disability as it affects business and the potential of responsible business to adapt respectfully for human reality.
Thea Kurdi - International Speaker
RAIC Affiliate, Dip. Arch. Tech., CPABE Level 2 – Expert (IAAP), Accessibility Specialist and President of DesignABLE Environments Inc.
Thea has 20 plus years of experience in barrier-free and universal design for architectural projects of varying size and complexity.
Speakers and Facilitators
Annamarie Jamieson - Keynote Speaker
People and Culture Director, Stuff NZ
Annamarie is a people-focused executive who leads with integrity, an executive senior leader with over 20 years experience in multiple disciplines across the business sector. Skilled in creating, driving, and implementing innovative commercial solutions that result in positive business and social outcomes. Annamarie has been successful in engaging a diverse workforce to deliver cultural and commercial change and has a track record of driving successful business transformation.
Annamarie is co-presenting with Gerard.
Gerard Stewart - Keynote Speaker
Talent & Acquisition Manager, Stuff NZ
Gerard has been helping hiring managers over the past eighteen years in their journey to reach success through inclusive recruitment practices to create inclusive cultures and inspiring workplaces where people feel comfortable and achieve their professional goals.
Gerard is co-presenting with Annamarie.
Callum McKirdy - Pre-conference Workshop Facilitator / Panel Facilitator
Speaker, Author, Mentor and Facilitator
Callum McKirdy is a speaker, author, mentor and facilitator specialising in workplace dynamics and behaviour. Over a 22-year career in and around the HR profession, he assists leaders and teams to develop radically authentic workplaces by leveraging their uniqueness across Australasia.
Jay Barrett - Keynote Speaker
Pyschologist, Glia
Jay will share his insights in to Taking a Strategic Approach to Supporting Workplace Mental Health.
Korrin Barrett - Keynote Speaker
Korrin - life unlimited
Korrin will share her personal story about the importance of the prospect of employment was to her, as she learnt to live as a quadruple amputee.
Paula Tesoriero MNZM - Keynote Speaker
New Zealand Disability Rights Commissioner
Paula Tesoriero MNZM is New Zealand’s Disability Rights Commissioner. She has a broad mandate under the Human Rights Act 1993 to protect and promote the rights of disabled New Zealanders.
Phil Turner - Speaker / Workshop Facilitator
Managing Director, Accessibility Tick / NZDEN
Phil is committed to seeing a change in the inclusion of disabled and neurodiverse people through supporting employers to make meaningful and sustainable changes to their culture. He believes that this can only be achieved by treating them as a partner and empowering them to have ownership of their own journey.
Sandra Budd - Facilitator / Panelist
Senior Relationship Manager, Accessibility Tick / NZDEN
Following a career as a senior executive in the Australasian health, disability and not for profit sectors and with governance experience on social purpose Boards, Sandra is passionate about working with employers to build capability and confidence within their organisations to unlock the potential for more disabled and neurodiverse people to gain employment.