Fearless Leaders – Sydney 2-4 Sept
The theme of our National Symposium that took place 2-4 September was Fearless Leaders. It brought together exceptional women leaders from across Australia and abroard, and was the culmination of 15 months of work by our organising team.
Co-chairs Rachel Scanlon and Reyna Matthes were well supported by their NSW colleagues, together with Maria MacNamara who produced all of our digital assets and communications. The Perfect Events team led by Liliana, Sarah and Hayley were outstanding in bringing the Public Library of New South Wales venue to life, including a very busy coffee cart, a warm ‘nothing is too much trouble’ attitude, and leading the AV so smoothly.
IWFA Business Manager Kylie Gregory as always delivered support in numerous ways over many months and in person in Sydney. She really enjoyed meeting so many members including a number of our 2026 new members. Our thanks also to Heidi Victoria who took so many wonderful photos capturing the essence of the event, and which will unfold and be shared with all.
Thank you for entrusting me to curate the program as my contribution. Your feedback on the calibre of the sessions, structure, speakers and topics was humbling. Our collective thanks to all our speakers and moderators, and to every attendee who gave their time and investment to join and connect as IWFA does so beautifully.
The National Symposium, held every two years, provided a unique opportunity to connect, catalyse, and engage in meaningful discussions on some of the most important issues shaping our future. Over two days, we explored technology sovereignty, global sports and entertainment rights, climate change and the law of the sea, social impact of third chapter programs, Olympians and legacy, the importance of women in political leadership, AI founder learnings and responsible leadership, mindset as a muscle in community, evolving media, AI filmmaking, a new IWFA Circle concept pilot proposal, to name a few, plus so many leadership lessons from wise and generous leaders in person and online.
The conference opened with a warm Welcome to Country by Aunty Donna Ingram, followed by a powerful performance of ‘I am Australian’ by Wiradjuri contemporary Aboriginal vocalist Olivia Coe Fox (who has performed on ‘The Voice’), brought to us by Rachel Scanlon. Hosted within the beautiful and historic surroundings of The Public Library of New South Wales, the Symposium was complimented by a memorable dinner at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, creating further opportunities for great connection, conversations, celebrations and reflection.
We were privileged to hear from an outstanding line-up of speakers and moderators, including Margarete McGrath (IWF UK), Head of Sovereign AI EMEA for Snowflake, who flew in from London to deliver the opening plenary. Dr RaShall Brackney, Chief of Police of the City of Jackson, Mississippi, joined online giving a truly extraordinary powerful account of her leadership journey with everyone on the edge of their seats and some in tears.
Lieutenant General Susan Coyle AM CSC DSM, Chief of Army, and Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) Chair, Sarah Court both shared their valuable and deeply personal insights into leadership in times of complexity and volatility. In addition, our many wonderful panels gave us thought provoking insights and perspectives.
In true IWF fashion, the experience began even before the conference officially opened. Members gathered across Sydney for a series of IWF signature intimate ‘Dine-Around’ events, providing beautifully curated settings and hosts that strengthened friendships, welcomed new members and with delicious food and a question for all, “What will you say yes to more often?” Our thanks to Reyna and Rachel and our venue hosts for the Dine Arounds. Everyone loved them as always.
We were delighted to hear from other international contributors, including UK IWF member and former board member Marty Wikström, Chair Fortnum and Mason, whose reflections on leadership and resilience added a valuable global perspective, “Never mistake kindness for weakness”. What stood out was the warmth, generosity, fun, plus a little early morning dancing led by Brett Torossi. Thank you to Gillian Corban for the beautifully created notebooks and bookmarks that shared the story of Mursal Azizi, Afghan artist, refugee, and founder of Hoori Handmade bringing opportunities for Afghan women to earn income through their skills and craftsmanship.
We made a conscious decision not to record the event and we heard that because of that choice, the speakers gave even more of themselves in the safe space that is IWF. We deliberately kept the registration cost below the 2024 Melbourne event pricing, and our 2026 ticket included the wonderful dinner at the Art Gallery of NSW organised by Sandy Verschoor.
Margarete noted in her summary back to IWF UK: “I left Australia feeling energised, inspired and profoundly grateful; grateful for the deep friendships forged, the insights generously shared, and the opportunity to be part of a global network that continues to champion courageous, purpose-led leadership. Our Australian IWF sisters embody the very best of the organisation: friendship, generosity, kinship and a commitment to making a meaningful difference. Their example is a powerful reminder of the unique value and enduring impact of our remarkable global community.
As President and on behalf of the IWFA Board, I presented the Spirit of IWF Australia Award 2026 to our founders: Karen Hayes, Helen Rule, Lopa Mehrotra and Eileen Henderson, and to the inaugural board of directors: Michaela Healey, Kate Mason Dryden, Michelle Loader, Nikki May, Ruveni Kelleher, Cathy Doyle, Catherine Curry-Hyde and Mary Lemonis. We remain in awe of their legacy.
The inaugural Emerging Women Leaders (EWL) Alumnae Summit was successful and inspiring. Curated and led by Karen Hayes and Karina Marcar with an outstanding program of speakers, we are appreciative of all of the effort to deliver such a special event.
Read more on these initiatives separately on our website and our thanks to our Communications Specialist, Roxy Sinclair, for bringing it all together to share with you.
