Speaking of Change

Introducing our new speaker series!

Change is a constant force in business and life. Our city has been going through a lot of that change, with some of us feeling like there’s simply been too much in these challenging times.

So, in partnership with FCB Aotearoa, we’re bringing you Speaking of Change. This event will bring together a panel of our best thinkers, problem-solvers and future-shapers to share their experiences when it comes to facing change.

Spanning the good and the challenging, you’ll hear how some of our best minds have navigated the biggest changes in their industry, careers and lives.

FCB Aotearoa is known as the Change Agency, and they feel privileged to be part of our capital city’s dynamic business and creative community. That’s why we’re proud to be partnering with them for this great event on an important topic for business.

Speakers

Jo Avenell - CEO, Russell McVeagh

Brighid Kelly - Executive General Manager People, Transpower

Hilary Souter - CEO, Advertising Standards Authority

Moderated by Sean Keaney - CEO, FCB Wellington

Agenda

• 5.00pm- Guest arrival, networking
• 5.30pm- Panel
• 6.30pm- Drinks & nibbles
• 7.00pm- Event concludes

Brighid Kelly - Executive General Manager People, Transpower

Brighid joined Transpower in March 2018, and has been instrumental in driving change across the electricity sector as they work to attract, retain and inspire a more diverse workforce. Brighid was previously General Manager, People at Tourism New Zealand, and held senior executive and management positions at Te Papa, Telecom, BNZ and Fletcher Challenge Forests. Brighid brings diverse industry and functional experience across a number of sectors, and has helped transform several organisations to successfully meet their future challenges.

Jo Avenell - CEO, Russell McVeagh
Jo is an accomplished senior executive, with broad experience and a proven track-record in transforming organisational performance across national and global firms. As CEO of Russell McVeagh, her focus is to lead the firm on an ambitious growth and transformation agenda. Her primary passion is ensuring companies thrive and prosper by embodying the strength of the culture, leadership and values. Jo is also a Champion for Change helping to foster more diverse, equitable and inclusive workforces across Aotearoa.

Hilary Souter - CEO, Advertising Standards Authority (ASA)

Hilary Souter is the Chief Executive of the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) and has worked in the wider media industry to support responsible advertising for over 25 years. Hilary leads the ASA’s work to set ad standards, provide training and education, support the independent Complaints and Appeal Boards, and advocate for the value of self-regulation as a part of the regulatory framework. She is a Vice-President of the International Council for Advertising Self-Regulation, a member of the Oversight Committee for the Aotearoa Code of Online Safety and Harm and a member of the School of Marketing and International Business Industry Advisory Group at Victoria University of Wellington.

Sean Keaney - CEO, FCB Wellington
Sean has spent the last 21 years leading large public awareness and behaviour change work across diverse sectors including Energy, Transport, Workplace, Road Safety, and Financial Services, delivering campaigns for mental health, family violence, and general elections. As FCB’s Wellington CEO, Sean is an effective and collaborative leader known for his ability to build strong relationships, engage stakeholders effectively, and navigate complex environments. He sits on the Barnardos Foundation and Commercial Communications Council Boards and is also a Champion for Change helping to foster more diverse, equitable and inclusive workforces across Aotearoa.