Seminars

Ken Wood, Workplace Interventionist, Banyan Management Services

"Leading and engaging talent in an uncertain economy"

For 18 years Ken operated as an international corporate trouble-shooter working for several multi–national companies. Born in Sunderland, England, he has worked and lived in Sydney, Singapore, Spain, Perth, visiting approximately thirty countries and now resides with his family in Adelaide. In 2000 Ken established his own consultancy practice, Banyan Management Services Pty Ltd which offers highly specialised consulting in change management for various industries together with mentoring of CEO’s in the field of management and Risk Management. He has a belief that people matter and effective change cannot be accomplished without winning the hearts and minds of an organization. In 2007 he embarked on a major study of generational change in Australia and the effects on business. This study is now complete and he is a well sort out speaker at International and national events on his findings. Ken has just completed his first book called “From Coal Dust to Gold Dust” based on his life and reflections as a corporate trouble-shooter and regularly writes articles for a number of national publications on a range of topics.

Michael Owen, Chief Operating Officer, Adam Internet

"Optimising the changes in technology for business success"

Michael will discuss and share insights into the successes and challenges in the growth of Adam Internet during a continuously evolving technological landscape. Michael will also outline some of the key challenges ahead for businesses and look at the opportunities that may arise, not only for Adam Internet, but all businesses as technology continues to change and evolve.

Michael is the Chief Operating Officer of privately owned South Australian Internet Service Provider (ISP) Adam Internet, having joined the company in November 2006 following a career in the banking and finance sector. Working closely with the owners of the business, Michael has helped guide the business through periods of rapid growth and expansion which has seen Adam become one of Australia’s largest ISP’s, today employing more than 200 local staff and delivering data and communications services to over 80,000 residential, business and government customers. Dedicated to the continued growth of the business, Michael helped facilitate a significant change in South Australia’s broadband landscape. In partnership with the Government of South Australia, Adam Internet identified broadband blackspots as a serious barrier to the development of states communication services. A WiMax network was the solution rapidly implemented ensuring that South Australians have access to high speed broadband networks that match or better the rest of the nation, well in advance of the Federal Government’s National Broadband Network. Michael holds a Masters in Business Administration from the University of South Australia and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management.

Shaun Hughes, Chief Information Officer, Elders

Shaun Hughes was chief financial officer at Elders Rural Services before becoming CIO of the company. Since making the switch to IT three years ago, he has embarked on a number of projects including outsourcing some operations to HP’s private Cloud. Shaun has had a successful career with a proven record of leadership and helping organisations achieve their goals. Holding senior executive positions, most recently with IBM and currently Elders Limited, he is a results oriented executive with over 20 years of business experience both in New Zealand, Australia and Internationally. Shaun is a Chartered Accountant, holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree and Bachelor of Arts Degree (University of Auckland) and is a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Valuing professional development, he supports a number of leadership programs including guest lecturing at Adelaide University Graduate School of Business.

Jodie van Deventer, Managing Director, deventer public relations and communciations

"Engaging and leveraging media online and offline to build customer influence"

Jodie van Deventer has been involved in media and communications for more than 20 years and currently runs award-winning public relations company Deventer Public Relations and Communications. Before that, Jodie worked as a senior journalist, both here in Australia and overseas with the BBC in London. Jodie’s philosophy is simple…know your product, know your market, then get them talking. She has an all-round expertise that makes it possible to advise clients – from multi-nationals to community groups - on a wide range of issues. Jodie enjoys excellent working relationships with key people in the media, community, business and government…her skills range from branding and marketing through to strategy development, government relations and media management. Jodie is also a Public Relations Institute of Australia award winner at both national and state levels. She loves nothing more than a good book, a secluded campsite under the stars, or the open road to somewhere interesting.

Melina Lipkiewicz, Manager SA, business support, contact centre & assessment centre, Randstad

Melina has over 15 years experience in recruitment with a strong grasp on assessment centre methodologies, a unique offering across the industry and one that many claim to have expertise in.  Underpinned by approx 8 years in financial services and 2 degrees – HR and Marketing – she is also the recipient of Awards at Randstad for her service and manages a consulting team at Randstad who in the last 24 months have won multiple national awards for categories such as Consultant of the quarter, Consultant of the year and the Randstad Values award.  Whilst she believes recruitment is not a perfect science, it is critical to understand that its about minimising risk and hiring the best, however its not a standalone and onboarding and engagement are critical components to the success of any new hire.

Sally Day, General Manager SA, Blaze Advertising
As General Manager of Blaze Advertising in SA, Sally leads a team of people to provide a full suite of advertising, communications and marketing services to the HR and Recruitment Industry.  Prior to joining Blaze in early 2010 Sally worked with TMP Worldwide Advertising & Communications and Neville Jeffress Advertising and has over 20 years industry experience. Sally is a hands-on manager of both client relationships and the specialist services offered by Blaze, she is committed to great client service through understanding, strategic thinking and creativity. Sally’s specialises in assisting clients develop and implementation their employer brand strategies including recruitment marketing plans, careers websites, and internal communications strategies that are all built  to attract, motivate and retain great talent for employers. Sally is a graduate and member of the Communications Council and she has a reputation in Adelaide for her customer service, enthusiasm and creative thinking. Companies such as SA Government, SA Health, ASC, Adelaide City Council, Anglicare, BHP Billiton and the Local Government Association have all benefited from her advice. Today Sally is focussed in on building the Blaze business and specialist skills in SA while working with organisations to achieve corporate HR objectives in attraction, engagement and using marketing and communication principles.

Jerry Kleeman, Group Chair at The Executive Connection, Owner at Kleeman International

Jerry has an extensive business background as a senior executive, Chief Executive Officer, and Board Member. He now uses this experience to assist executives grow their organisations and become better leaders. Jerry spent the early years of his career with global conglomerate Tenneco. After his time at Tenneco, Jerry assumed a variety of roles with global packaging organization Scholle. Jerry was responsible for their North American Sales and Service Operations base out of Chicago. He was then appointed Managing Director of their Asia Pacific operations headquartered in Adelaide. This role made Jerry one of the three line managers leading a nearly US$500 million business.

Jerry has been the CEO of AMCHAM South Australia as well as peak industry body Defence Teaming Centre. In both of these roles, Jerry worked with SME/s, Corporate's and Government to grow the opportunities for businesses in these sectors. Jerry has been on the boards of Seachange Technology, Scholle Industries, AMCHAM, and Time for Kids. In recent years Jerry has started Kleeman International which provides organisations with expertise in strategic planning, strategic human resources, and mentoring.

INTERACTIVE PANEL DISCUSSION
Moderator: Sally Day, General Manager SA, Blaze Advertising

Panel

Topic - Striving to achieve talent management best practice in an uncertain economy

-What are the key talent management challenges companies in Australia will face in the next 12 months and how are these similar/different to the rest of the world?
-How is technology changing the working environment and how can companies leverage this to develop a  more effective and efficient workplace? What are the key areas to focus?
-What is the role and impact of social media in business strategy? Can we really engage employees, candidates and customers using social media? What does the latest global research tell us?

INTERACTIVE PANEL DISCUSSION

Topic - Striving to achieve talent management best practice in an uncertain economy

-What are the key talent management challenges companies in the UAE will face in the next 12 months and how are these similar/different to the rest of the world?
-How is technology changing the working environment and how can companies leverage this to develop a more effective and efficient workplace? What are the key areas to focus?
-What is the role and impact of social media in business strategy? Can we really engage employees, candidates and customers using social media and achieve a positive ROI as a result? How does the latest global research in this area inform us about what we do next?