Are you ready to lead the future of the public sector?

IPAA ACT’s Senior Executive Leadership Conversations program is designed to equip SES Band 1 and equivalent leaders with the tools, insights, and strategies to navigate the complexities of tomorrow’s public sector.

This program dives deep into emerging trends, strategic foresight, and the anticipated challenges shaping public administration. Each session fosters authentic leadership, intellectual curiosity, and strategic thinking, empowering leaders to tackle evolving demands with confidence and agility.

Develop the mindset and skills required to excel in an increasingly complex and volatile environment. Explore strategies for building resilience against global challenges, leveraging innovation, fostering inclusivity, and delivering citizen-focused outcomes.

This program also provides a unique opportunity to build meaningful connections with peers across the sector, fostering collaboration and shared learning.

Join us to expand your leadership impact, strengthen your networks, and prepare to lead a future-ready, adaptable, and resilient public sector.

About this program

The Senior Executive Leadership Conversations program is a seven-session initiative tailored for SES Band 1 and equivalent leaders from across the ACT public sector. The program equips participants with the skills, mindset, and insights necessary to navigate emerging challenges and future trends in public administration.

Focusing on the question, What does it mean to be a high-performing public sector leader in a rapidly evolving environment? the program emphasises leadership attributes such as strategic foresight, adaptability, and collaboration. Participants will engage in discussions that prepare them to lead effectively in volatile, complex environments.

Download our 2025 program here.

Format 

Sessions are delivered in two interactive parts:

In-Conversation
Each session begins with an intimate, thought-provoking conversation led by experts and senior practitioners from within and beyond the public sector. These sessions explore pressing issues and future challenges, such as climate resilience, workforce transformation, and the integration of digital technologies. Participants actively engage, sharing experiences and deepening their understanding of leadership in a rapidly evolving public sector.

Mastermind groups
Following the conversation, participants join facilitated small-group discussions. These forums allow leaders to collaborate on shared challenges, exchange insights, and co-create solutions. Facilitators guide discussions to help participants define success and apply learnings to their roles.

Who can apply?

The program is designed for SES Band 1 and equivalent leaders in the Federal and ACT public services who are staff members of IPAA ACT member organisations. Participant selection is managed through internal nomination processes within member organisations.

SES Conversations – 2026 Update
We’re redesigning the SES Conversations program for 2026 to ensure it remains contemporary, high-impact, and relevant to the evolving needs of senior public sector leaders. The refreshed program will adopt a new intensive format and feature expert-led workshops on topics such as resilient teams, inclusive leadership, and influence through storytelling.
Program dates will be confirmed soon—stay tuned for updates.