NZ agenda - Intrepid Minds

Wellington – 19-20 September 2018

	Conference day one – Wednesday 19 September
08.30	Registration
09.00	Opening remarks from the chair
09.10	Improving self-confidence to shine at work
	Dealing with the label of “you are just an EA” Gaining support from your executive on delegation of authority Improving confidence when working with other executives on behalf of your boss Stretching your comfort zone to expand your role and take more responsibilities Getting involved in organisational events
	Waveney Parkinson, EA to the Mayor, Wellington City Council
09.55	Panel discussion: Managing multiple priorities and conflicting demands
	Determining top priorities and balancing priorities Responding to unexpected change in schedules Planning ahead and giving enough notice Negotiating on behalf of your executives
	Christine Kavanagh, Private Secretary to Hon Phil Twyford, Minister of Transport and Housing and Urban Development Catherine McKerras, EA to Group Manager – Technology, Customer & Community Services, Western Bay of Plenty District Council Judi Whitcher, Executive Assistant to General Manager, Institute of Environmental Science and Research Cristina Victor, PA to EEOC & Team Coordinator, New Zealand Human Rights Commission
10.45	Morning Tea
11.15	Delegation and authority – Changing people’s perceptions of executive assistants
	Dealing with the label of “you are just an EA” Gaining support from your executive on delegation of authority Improving confidence when working with other executives on behalf of your boss Stretching your comfort zone to expand your role and take more responsibilities Getting involved in organisational events
	Catherine McKerras, EA to Group Manager – Technology, Customer & Community Services, Western Bay of Plenty District Council
12.00	Leading without positional authority – building effective leadership skills
	Building a positive and can-do attitude Leading and managing the office during stressful situations Exploring effective approaches to managing up Supporting and inspiring others
	Kevin Heppleston, Executive Coach, Ascendency – Business and Personal Mastery
12.45	Lunch
13.45	Panel discussion: Building strategic partnership with your executive and collaborative relationships with other officers in your organisation
	Understanding how your organisation works Building trusted working relationships with other executives and officers Managing changing demands and effectively prioritising meetings and tasks Applying the art of saying “no” when necessary
	Victoria Court, Executive Assistant to Commercial Director, Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Jolene Phillips, Executive Assistant to Chief Executive, Institute of Environmental Science and Research Suzanne Madsen, Executive Administrator, New Zealand Transport Agency
14.25	Managing stress: Why Mindset Matters
	Understanding the causes and triggers of stress Recognise 4 key mindsets that can keep you stuck in the “stress zone” and block you from effectively handling pressure Be equipped with practical strategies for managing unhelpful stress-related mindsets to enable high-performance at work and greater relaxation at home
	Dr Bex Hemmingson, Coach and Consultant, Remix Coaching and Consulting
15.10	Afternoon Tea
15.40	Panel Discussion: Creating your roadmap for career progression and development
	Discovering skill sets needed to move within the public sector Looking for career options outsides of EA role – where to from here? Creating a development plan and building skill sets Discussing the professional EA career path
	Nikki DuFresne, Business Service Manager, Wellington City Council Rebeka Adamson, Regional Administration Officer, New Zealand public department Vanessa Franks, Executive Assistant to General Manager Corporate Services, New Zealand Transport Agency Kirsten Campbell, Manager – Office of the CE and Board, Callaghan Innovation
16.20	Making the most of networking opportunities
	Understanding the business case for effective networking What are the social networking opportunities I should go? Meeting EAs within and out of your organisation Tips and advice for networking Using networking to your professional advantage
	Phillippa Plunkett, Personal Assistant to Group Manager, Corporate Risk and Assurance, Inland Revenue
17.00	Closing remarks from the Chair and of conference day one
17.10	Networking drinks reception – take advantage of this exciting opportunity to put your newly learned networking skills to practice

	Conference day two – Thursday 20 September 2018
9.00	Opening remarks from the chair
09.10	Panel discussion: Advice from the top – what are your senior executives expecting?
	Building a strategic partnership with your executive Setting and managing expectations Discovering skills that your boss values the most in the executive assistant profession Using effective communication to give your EA feedback
	Shagen Ganason, Head of Internal Audit and Risk Management, Ministry for Maori Development Jan Thomas, Vice Chancellor, Massey University Esther Livingston, General Manager People and Capability, Callaghan Innovation
09.55	Applying powerful communication strategies and skills
	Understanding why people misunderstand Taking small steps to feeling more powerful when communicating Building confidence and credibility in communication Enhancing communication via a 3-step process
	Pallas Hupé Cotter, Founder and Director, POP
10.40	Morning Tea
11.10	Workwise Outlook Efficiency
	Principles of efficient email management Ideas for managing the flow of incoming information Performance boosting ideas – best Outlook tips and shortcuts Streamline your work flow
	Jane Feek, Director, The Workwise Group
11.55	Panel discussion: Creating and supporting EA networks and mentoring programs
	Building effective mentor and mentee programs Identifying specific areas requiring development Building a constructive mentor mentee relationship for mutual benefit Establishing an EA networking group and a mentoring program in your organisation
	Brigid Kavanagh-Dee, Executive Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor, Massey University Vanessa Franks, Executive Assistant to General Manager Corporate Services, New Zealand Transport Agency Rebeka Adamson, Regional Administration Officer, New Zealand public department
12.40	Lunch
13.40	Embracing change in a positive and supportive way
	Getting mentally prepared for constant change in the public sector Discovering the benefits of change and supporting change in your organisation Sharing the ownership of change with your colleagues Supporting your executive during change and under conditions of uncertainty Using change as an opportunity to learn new professional skills
	Mary Beth Robles, Managing Director, Collective Intelligence New Zealand
14.25	Mentor and mentee – effective mentoring and coaching
	Seizing career mentoring opportunities for senior EAs Building a strong mentor and mentee relationship The art of mentoring for a mutual beneficial relationship
	Speaker to be confirmed
15.10	Closing remarks from the chair and end of conference