Wednesday 14 October 2026 · Cliftons Spring St, Sydney
Leading into the Future
The skills, mindset and network to lead what's next. For you, and for her.
Secure your early bird placeThe Masterclass
A full day to step into the leader you're becoming
Women for Change is delighted to present the Level Up Leadership Masterclass 2026. A transformative day of keynotes, practical workshops, panel discussions and networking, designed for women ready to lead through a fast changing world.
This year we turn to what comes next: leading with clarity and confidence in an AI shaped workplace, and building the presence, resilience and networks that carry you toward senior leadership. Every ticket funds tertiary education for young women in India, Nepal and Kenya, so as you grow, another woman steps forward too.
What you'll explore
Lead with confidence in an AI shaped world
Leading in an AI-enabled world
Develop a clear point of view on how AI and rapid change are reshaping the workplace, and the judgement to decide where technology serves your strategy and where human leadership matters most. Leave ready to guide your team through transformation rather than react to it.
Leading self with clarity and presence
Strengthen the self-awareness, presence and resilience that steady leadership begins with. Through plenary and hands-on workshop sessions, learn the tools that help you lead yourself, so that you show up as the most resourceful and constructive leader you can be, whatever the pressures you experience.
Leading others through uncertainty
Learn to steady, influence and inspire others when the path ahead is unclear. Drawing on a panel of leaders who have led through change, and a workshop on influencing through ambiguity, take back to your team the practices that build trust and keep momentum alive.
Take your seat
Places are limited, so make the most of our early bird offer before 15 August. Secure your spot today and we'll be in touch with booking details. Know someone who would benefit? Share this opportunity with a colleague or nominate an emerging leader within your network.
Reserve your placeThe line-up
Meet your keynote speaker
Keynote Speaker
Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz AM
Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz AM is Chair of the National Housing Supply and Affordability Council and serves as a Non-Executive Director of Rio Tinto and Macquarie Group. She is also a member of the Sydney Opera House Trust, the INSEAD Global Board and a Fellow of the University of Sydney Senate.
Susan brings more than 30 years' experience in property, infrastructure and large-scale asset management. She served as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Mirvac Group from 2012 to 2023, following senior leadership roles at LaSalle Investment Management, MGPA, Macquarie Group and Lendlease across Australia, Europe and the United States. Susan was also President of Chief Executive Women from 2022 to 2025.
Your inspiring presenters & panellists
Meet your experts
Hear inspiring stories and practical guidance from leading business women who have forged successful careers by navigating their moves with intent. Each has donated their time and expertise for this Masterclass experience.
Plenary & Workshop Facilitator
Karen Williams
Karen Williams is an executive coach who began her career in financial services, leading product, service and project teams, before founding The Partner Leader Co. 14 years ago on a simple premise: leading others starts with leading yourself first. She now partners with senior leaders at organisations including Bayer, Levi's and Channel 9 to build high trust, high performing teams.
Before coaching corporate leaders, Karen trained as a facilitator in Restorative Justice, leading honest, high-stakes conversations between offenders and victims, an experience she credits with shaping how she coaches leadership conversations today. Known for her compassionate candour, practical approach and focus on outcomes, Karen leads a combined plenary and workshop session on leading yourself with clarity, presence and resilience.
Panel Moderator
Kate McCormack
Kate McCormack is an experienced commercial leader with more than 25 years' experience in the pharmaceutical industry across the UK, Australia and APAC. She is passionate about creating organisations where people can contribute to their highest potential, grow and learn, with a mission to develop highly functioning, empowered teams and an exceptional customer experience.
A committed advocate for women in leadership and in the workplace, Kate guides our panel of leaders through a conversation on leading others through uncertainty, drawing out the honest, practical detail of how experienced leaders steady, influence and inspire their teams when the path ahead is unclear.
Leading for the Future
Kristin Stubbins AM
Kristin Stubbins was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2023 for services to finance, women and the community. Her career in finance has spanned more than 30 years working with some of Australia's and the world's leading companies as a senior partner at PwC, and she was named one of the Australian Financial Review's 100 Women of Influence in the innovation category.
Kristin has a passion for bringing people together to effect change, often through technology, in business and in the community. She is Chair of Taronga Conservation Society and a Board member of Mindgardens, a mental health and neuroscience alliance, and is Co-Founder of Women for Change.
Leaders in Conversation
The Panel
Our panel brings together senior leaders from across sectors to share how they have led through change and kept momentum alive when it mattered most, chosen to reflect a breadth of age, background and industry. Confirmed panellists include Gemma Kyle, Chief Risk Officer of Risk, and Samer Fouani, Acting Chief Information Security Officer of TAL.
Further panellists will be announced soon. Keep an eye on your inbox for the reveal.
We thank our speakers, facilitators and panellists. Each has donated their time and expertise, and shared their stories, for this Masterclass experience.
In their words
From past attendees
Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz, such an interesting and inspiring speaker. Many takeaways! Practical advice that provides confidence.
Karina Sharp, Nanosonics
I intend to bring my women managers to the class and create a space where they can exchange ideas, build confidence, and embrace the leadership mindset required to move their careers forward.
Cindy Xu, Iglu
It was extremely valuable to listen and learn from such powerful women in support of a fantastic cause.
T.B., University of Sydney
The day
Agenda
A full day of keynotes, workshops and connection, from 9am to 5pm at Cliftons Spring St.
The purpose
Leadership with purpose
Founded in 2016 as a committee of the LBW Trust, Women for Change has supported hundreds of young women across developing nations to access tertiary education, and with it the opportunity for a meaningful career and a better life.
Our work goes beyond education. Lasting community change requires a truly holistic approach: strong local partnerships, visionary local leadership, a focus on healthcare and economic opportunity, and a network of skilled, passionate supporters united by a shared belief in lifting others up. When you grow as a leader, you help another woman step into the future too.
Where your ticket goes
Your ticket funds our major projects
Every ticket purchase contributes directly to tertiary educational programs for young women, driving positive and ongoing change for them, their families and their communities.
Heartland Centre for Women
Kathmandu, Nepal
The Heartland Centre for Women will support 150 young women to complete Years 11 and 12, as well as housing a women's health clinic to address the health needs of these students and women in Kathmandu. Women for Change has committed to enabling these young women to break the poverty cycle and build a future for themselves and their families.
SPRJK College
Mumbai, India
A key talent program will lift up 25 exceptional young women already studying at SPRJK College in Mumbai, supporting their education and preparing them for transformative local career roles. Handpicked by the College Principal, these students will be offered employment opportunities that build on skills gained through the program.
Kakenya's Dream
Rural Kenya
To date Women for Change has supported over 100 high school graduates from the Maasai community to attend tertiary education in Kenya. In addition, four outstanding students have been supported through the International Scholar's Program to undertake a degree in Sydney, Australia. The program is ongoing, with one new student starting annually.
Who should attend
Is this you?
This Masterclass is for high potential, mid-career women, from middle management and senior professional roles, who aspire to influence and have an impact across the private and public sectors. If you want to be the first name that comes to mind when new opportunities arise, this day is for you.
Invest in this Masterclass for yourself, or for a future leader from your company.
Early bird
$1,295
Until 15 August 2026
Full price
$1,595
From 16 August 2026