Where do you turn when things get challenging?

Expectations of leaders at work are changing. They are being called on to bring empathy, inclusion and openness to their teams, while navigating the pressures of responsibility, mental health and family life.

Marking our IPAA Future Leaders finale on International Men’s Day, join IPAA ACT for an intimate panel conversation led by Kieran Vassallo from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts. Our panel, including Michael Lye, Secretary of the Department of Social Services and David Smith MP, Member for Bean and Government Whip for the Australian Labor Party, will share candid reflections on the good, the difficult and the often-unspoken parts of leadership during difficult days. Held under the Chatham House Rules, the discussion will create space for honest questions and practical insight into leading with humanity, whether that’s communicating a tough choice to your team, or telling your supervisor when a project hasn’t gone to plan.

Stay after the conversation to connect with leaders and peers from across the public sector.

Why attend?

• Hear from senior leaders about how they handle difficult times at work.
• Explore how empathy and inclusion can strengthen teams and workplace relationships – particularly when under pressure.
• Gain insights into managing difficult conversations with your team members or your supervisor, whilst protecting your own mental health
• Ask questions in a trusted setting and network with like-minded professionals.

Who is this for?

Public sector professionals who are stepping into or already are in leadership roles who:

• want to hear from senior leaders about managing difficult days and conversations

• have difficult questions they cannot ask at work
• Want to better manage themselves in difficult situations.

• network with other like-minded people in the public sector.

If you work for the federal or ACT public service, or in the broader public-for-purpose sector, you’re most likely already a member of IPAA ACT. Check our membership list if you’re not sure.