Unleashing human potential: The intersection of science and wisdom

The Asia Pacific conference on 30th November 2023 is a half day event offering interactive sessions, hearing from experts in coaching, psychology, neuroscience and AI. Get ready to unlock the full power of coaching at our groundbreaking conference: "Unleashing human potential: The intersection of science and wisdom."

About the Event

The AC is pleased to announce our first Asia Pacific conference offering interactive sessions with wisdom from experts in coaching, psychology, neuroscience, and AI.

Ignite your passion and fuel your expertise examining the cutting-edge synergies between science, data, and timeless wisdom.

Don't miss out on this transformative event hosted at the harbourside Doltone House in Sydney, featuring amazing speakers and insightful sessions, followed by drinks, celebration, and an opportunity to connect.

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Session One

Towards a Neuroscience-Informed Coaching Practice: Opportunities and Limitations with Dr Sarah McKay

Neuroscience provides coaches with a compelling lens through which to view thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. However, enthusiasm for integrating neuroscience into coaching often outpaces the coach’s knowledge of the subject matter. This talk will provide a lively and instructive session summarising the successes and failures of previous attempts to transfer neuroscience theory to coaching and related disciples of teaching and therapy. Dr Sarah will also discuss cutting-edge research concerning the ‘social brain’ and brain-to-brain synchrony. This new social neuroscience research provides an exciting opportunity to help coaches rethink how to build trust and rapport, build tolerance to uncertainty and how to coach via online platforms.

Dr Sarah McKay

Sarah is a neuroscientist and science communicator who specializes in translating brain science research into simple, actionable strategies for peak performance, creativity, health and well-being.

Sarah is the founder of Think Brain, which offers professional development programs in applied neuroscience and brain health. Sarah is the author of The Women's Brain Book: The Neuroscience of Health, Hormones and Happiness. Her second book, Baby Brain: The Surprising Neuroscience of how Pregnancy and Motherhood Sculpt Our Brains and Change Our Minds (for the Better) was published in 2023.

Sarah is a neuroscientist and science communicator who specialises in translating brain science research into simple, actionable strategies for peak performance, creativity, health and well-being.

Sarah is the founder of Think Brain, which offers professional development programs in applied neuroscience and brain health. Sarah is the author of The Women's Brain Book: The Neuroscience of Health, Hormones and Happiness. Her second book, Baby Brain: The Surprising Neuroscience of how Pregnancy and Motherhood Sculpt Our Brains and Change Our Minds (for the Better) was published in 2023.

Session Two

Leading Innovation Responsibly in the Race for AI with Rita Arrigo

Melbourne-based digital strategist and AI ambassador Rita Arrigo from the CSIRO's National AI Centre will deliver the keynote on the race for AI and how to harness opportunities by innovating with AI responsibly.

Rita Arrigo

Rita is Strategic Engagement Manager at CSIRO National AI Centre, focused on building a Responsible AI Network RAIN a world first cross-ecosystem collaboration aimed at establishing and sharing the best practice of responsible AI in the commercial sector. Her work includes engaging partners to amplify positive AI adoption and innovation that benefits Australia’s business and community. She holds a Bachelor of Industrial Engineering and Computing from Monash University as well as qualifications in Marketing (Monash University), Artificial Intelligence (Microsoft INSEAD AI Business School), Design Thinking (Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford), and Design Thinking Essentials (Luma Institute).

Session Three

The Future of Work: Implications for Coaches with Be Pannell

In this focused session, participants will explore the key challenges that leaders are expected to encounter in the fast-evolving work landscape and the challenges for those who coach them. Designed to be both engaging and practical, the session explores the essential skills of future leaders such as advanced interpersonal abilities, strategic and quantum thinking, ethical decision making and digital maturity. Participants will leave with a better understanding of how to guide leaders through the complexities of modern work environments. The aim is to equip coaches with relevant, actionable strategies that can be immediately implemented to support the next generation of leaders.

Be Pannell

With over 20 years of experience across various industry sectors, Dr Be Pannell is a management consultant who specialises in integrating behavioural science and business expertise to enhance leadership and organisational health. With a PhD in adult and leadership development, her expertise spans executive coaching, organisational psychology, and design, change management, and cultural transformation. Dr Be explores leadership implications of the future of work, and develops organisational strategies and practical tools essential for navigating the complexities of the digital age. Her work combines business, consulting, and academic expertise focused on developing programs that are targeted, practical and measurable.

Session Four

The Intersection of Science and Wisdom - Unleashing Actionable Strategies for Enhancing Performance in the Post Covid World, with Dr Damian Goldvarg

Dr Damian's session will explore the essential skills for leaders in the post covid world including advanced interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, ethical decision making and digital maturity.

Damian Goldvarg

Damian Goldvarg, Ph.D., MCC, is the President of Goldvarg Coaching Group, Inc., a consulting company that performs leadership development training, executive coaching and keynote speaking. He has 30 years of experience in executive assessment and coaching, leadership development, strategic planning, and team building, making him a highly sought-after trainer and speaker around the world. Through dynamic and entertaining presentations, Damian is helping multinational Fortune 100 companies, governmental, educational, and community-based organizations realize extraordinary results. He is the Past Global Chair of the International Coach Federation (2013-2014) and was inducted into the ICF Circle of Distinction in 2018. He is a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) and an Accredited Supervisor by the European Mentor and Coaching Council (ESIA).