The Future of Work: From A to Gen Z
Tuesday, 22 October 2024
This conference is driven by elevate, one of the SkyCity employee resource groups focussed on rangatahi and is open to all interested parties both internal and external. Like every generation, we in Gen Z face our fair share of negative stereotypes – particularly when it comes to the subject of work! They make us wonder how we’ll fit into the workforce – how will we get on with the Baby Boomers, Gen X, or Millennials? Global statistics suggest that Gen Z will be make up 58% of our workforce by 2030, so SkyCity wants to explore how to embrace Gen Z and empower not only us but those we’ll be working alongside.
There will be engaging discussions led by some amazing speakers on critical topics such as sustainability, diversity, equity and inclusion, wellbeing, and AI. Dive into the evolving landscape of work and gain valuable insights from inspiring success stories. The Future of Work provides a unique platform for shaping the future together. We hope to encourage workplaces to adapt to ensure that we empower the upcoming generation of leaders to foster a bright future together.
Programme
12:30pm Doors Open for Ticket Holders
1:00pm Opening Ceremony- Welcome to The Future of Work Conference
INFORM SESSION
Each of the speakers will deliver concise and impactful talk focusing on the conference core pillars; AI and technology, sustainability, DEI and wellbeing.
Keynote Speaker- AI & Technology
- Angela Lim
Dr. Angela Lim is a medical doctor and CEO and co-founder of Clearhead, an innovative workplace wellbeing EAP provider.
Keynote Speaker- Wellbeing
- Matt Fenn
Endurance Athlete & Change-Make. Well-being leads to Performance.
Keynote Speaker- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- Dr Sripriya Somasekar
Priya is an active advocate for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in several contexts. With a PHD in Community Psychology and her current role of Belonging and Inclusion Lead at MBIE.
Fireside Chat- Sustainability
- Anthony Thompson (SkyCity Entertainment Group) & Levi Mokoare (Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei)
INSPIRE SESSION
A panel discussion from inspiring rangatahi who will be sharing their experiences and insights into the changing world of work.
- Tamara Grant- Artist, Māmā and Co-founder of Xabilities
- Veisinia Maka- Youth Advocate, Governance Member and UoA Women in Law Treasurer
- Morgan Goodwin- Youth Development Worker & Rangatahi advocate
4:30pm Closing Ceremony
Concluded with drinks and nibbles in the theatre lobby. Don’t forget to take a photo at our photobooth and tag #ElevateOurFuture
Get to know our speakers/panellists:
Ramon Narayan - MC
Ramon is a Poet, DJ, Youth Worker, and Facilitator with over 20 years of experience working with young people. In 2016, he was recognized with a Local Hero award for his community work. As co-founder of the South Auckland Poets Collective, Ramon has supported youth through facilitation, mentoring, event coordination, and developing youth development tools. Since 2010, he has served as Action Education Manager, leading programs such as DJ Breakdown, Drama Toolkit, WORD – The Front Line, and spoken word poetry workshops, while overseeing a team of youth workers and facilitators.
Ethan Mahon - MC
Well, I'm Ethan, a 28 year old millennial who has been working at SkyCity for the past six years. I was born and raised over on the North Shore attending Birkenhead College and EXCEL out in New Lynn back in 2014. I've always been a theatre kid at heart and singing/music has been my passion since day one. I look forward to one day being able to walk in my dad's shoes as a full time MC, luckily my time here at SkyCity has provided me with the opportunity to hone my craft and learn from the best. I'm genuinely excited to be presenting for everyone coming along and hopefully can speak true to how my generation interpret things.
Angela Lim- Keynote Speaker - AI & Technology
Dr. Angela Lim is the CEO and co-founder of Clearhead, a workplace wellbeing EAP provider offering personalized, accessible therapy. Trained as a medical doctor with research experience at the Harvard School of Public Health, Angela is passionate about using technology to improve health outcomes and reduce inequality. With experience serving on over 15 boards, she understands the importance of governance and managing Health and Safety risks. Angela founded Clearhead in 2018 to promote a holistic approach to mental healthcare, helping businesses drive culture change through wellbeing data insights and providing digital tools to support employees' mental health.
Matt Fenn - Keynote Speaker- Well being
Matt Fenn has an impressive track record, but it’s what lies ahead that’s so inspiring. What began as an idea and a means to raise mental health awareness in New Zealand has quickly become a way of life for Matt: the advocate and spirited runner tackling some world records in the process. Matt has taken on numerous ultra-endurance physical challenges over the years running thousands of kilometers around the country earning him the title of New Zealand’s Forrest Gump. Matt’s journey speaks to the resilience of the human spirit, highlighting the importance of communication, understanding, love and support to care for ourselves and in turn, perform at the highest level. As a speaker he is deeply passionate, down-to-earth and relatable, communicating that well-being can be the foundation to all sustainable performance through embracing change.
Dr Sripriya Somasekhar (Priya) – Keynote Speaker- Diversity Equity & Inclusion
Priya is a dedicated advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) with a strong focus on social justice and supporting vulnerable communities. She holds a PhD in Community Psychology from the University of Waikato, where her research focused on Indian women and domestic violence in New Zealand. Her academic background also includes a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology, a Master of Social Work, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Madras, India. At MBIE, Priya has led the refresh of the Inclusion and Diversity strategy and provided expert advice to senior leadership. In 2021, she received the Public Service Medal for her impactful work.
Anthony Thompson - Sustainability Panellist
Anthony Thompson is a young Māori leader with insightful perspectives on sustainability, governance and leadership. As the Group Sustainability Manager and Te Ao Māori Strategy Lead of the SkyCity Entertainment Group, and Chairman of Whakauae Research Services, Anthony brings a wealth of first-hand experience in driving sustainability initiatives and integrating indigenous perspectives into organisational strategies. His focus is engaging and empowering audiences to embrace sustainable practices, guiding organisations towards a more ethical and prosperous future.
Tamara Grant- Panellist
Tamara Grant is a proud 24 year old, Māori neurodivergent and mother of two living with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, mental health disorders, and fibromyalgia. In 2017, while eight months pregnant with her oldest son, she helped deliver the first Invisible Disability Sector report to Parliament. Concerned for the next generation of neurodivergents, she also established the first-ever neurodiversity center made for and by neurodivergents the same year. As a qualified Māori artist and public speaker, Tamara has become a powerful advocate for neurodivergents and cultural perspectives, educating over 20,000 people, including corporations, organizations, teachers, and community members. Through Xabilities, she aims to create even more changes in the neurodiversity sector.
Morgan Goodwin- Panellist
Morgan has a deep passion for youth development, she has dedicated the past five years to working in this field, focusing on the well-being and growth of taiohi. She is committed to empowering young people, providing guidance and helping them realize their potential through supportive and meaningful engagement. Morgan's goal is to contribute to the positive development for future generations and she does this by leading a team of Youth Workers to awhi young people to achieve their goals and aspirations.
Veisinia Maka- Panellist
Veisinia Maka is of Tongan descent and hails from the villages of Folaha and Longoteme. She was raised in the hearty suburbs of Mangere and Panmure. Veisinia is a dedicated advocate for increased youth inclusiveness concerning the development of communities, systems, and processes. She is currently an Undergraduate University of Auckland student studying a Bachelor Arts and Law and hopes to become an appointed New Zealand Judge in the future. Veisinia is a Trustee for SkyCity Auckland Community Trust, a Kiwibank Local Hero recipient and a YouthLaw Board Member. She was previously the Chairperson of the Tāmaki Youth Council and Chair of Auckland Council’s Youth Advisory Panel. In her spare time, she dedicates her time to writing a blog called, 'Brown Privilege' in the hopes to share her lessons and learnings within institution through the eyes of a young Pasifika woman. She believes that storytelling can change the world and encourages young people to influence change by sharing the one thing that no one can take away from you - your experiences.