LearnFest 2024-2025

9:15am - 10:30am: Future Human Behaviour - navigating and thriving during times of disruption, complexity and change

About the session: In a turbulent, digitalising, uncertain world, making sense of the future is more important than ever. Join world-renowned behavioural expert Thimon de Jong for entertaining insights and practical takeaways to future proof your careers, teams and organisation.

Thimon the Jong is a world-renowned behavioural expert who helps us understand what people are going to do next, what that practically means for everyone and the opportunities to future proof our careers, teams and organisation. By using a combination of academic research, sharing entertaining insights and practical take-aways Thimon will delve into how the  ‘Polycrisis’ (pandemic, war, energy crisis etc) has impacted our relationship with change, trust, decision making and how we collaborate. In this fascinating session he will explore opportunities to navigate and embrace change including technology for a sustainable future and share ideas to look after our own and others wellbeing.

Find out more and Book Now or search for: Thimon De Jong - Future Human Behaviour - navigating and thriving during times of disruption, complexity and change 

10:30am - 11:30am: Vision Led Innovation

About the session: Transforming Innovation through a creative 'vision-led' approach. We all get locked within the backward-looking confines of conventional and traditional thinking.  Rather than processing numerous ideas, most of which fuel incremental change rather than innovation, "Vision-Led Innovation". In this insightful session, David will introduce you to an alternative approach that starts with a visionary outcome and works backwards, locking the mind set into transformation.  You will explore techniques to focus the mind on creativity and overcome mental blocks that otherwise constrain us all to "more of the same" thinking. To bring this to life there will also be an opportunity to apply the techniques shared to a digital or green challenge. 

Find out more and Book Now  or search for: Dr David Hall, The Ideas Centre - Vision Led Innovation

10:30am - 11:30am: The world of work to 2030 – future proofing your organisation

About the session: Exploring future skills and the practical steps that can be taken to enable you and your organisation to be future ready. The world is changing and changing at an ever-faster rate. Globalisation, urbanisation, technology, climate and demanding workforces all threaten organisations whilst also offering tantalising opportunities. From a personal perspective, increased life expectancy means we need to consider a 50-year career, yet AI and robots are challenging the very nature and longevity of work.

Please note this is session has been designed to support leaders and managers but is open to everyone.

Find out more and Book Now or search for: Russell Beck - The world of work to 2030 – future proofing your organisation

11:30am - 12:30am: Sustainable eating - how our choices shape the planet

About the session: Join Carola Becker, for an inspiring masterclass on sustainable eating and living! Carola is passionate about helping others find healthier, more sustainable ways of living and working. In this interactive session, you’ll gain practical tips to make a positive impact on the planet through sustainable eating. Learn how to reduce food waste, plan meals effectively, and creatively use leftovers. Discover the benefits of choosing fair-trade products, supporting ethical labour practices, and promoting biodiversity, along with exploring sustainable packaging options. Don’t miss this opportunity to make sustainable eating and living a seamless part of your life!

Find out more and Book Now or search for: Carola Becker: Sustainable eating - how our choices shape the planet

12:30pm - 13:30pm: Digital Technologies for a Sustainable Future

About the session: Understand how digital tech is supporting the journey to net zero. This session, with Dr David Pugh - Director for Sustainable Industry, will share information on how technology is supporting companies on their paths to net zero, what has been successful in different industries and how these have created economic, environmental and social value for their communities.

Find out more and Book Now or search for: Dr David Pugh, Digital Catapult: Digital Technologies for a Sustainable Future

13:15pm - 14:15pm: The true value of nature - does money really grow on trees

About the session: Tony is a highly celebrated sustainability speaker who enlightens audiences on how to achieve a more sustainable society and environment. He has dedicated his life to saving the planet and this passion that has played out throughout his career. A former Vice-Chair of Friends of the Earth International, Tony is currently the Chair of Natural England, the official Government organisation working for the conservation and restoration of the natural environment in England. He is also a Fellow with the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL), working as a member of the teaching faculty and contributing to several programmes, including The Prince Of Wales’s Business and Sustainability Programme, Chair of the rainforest organisation Cool Earth and a Trustee of Fauna and Flora International. Juniper also assists Union Bancaire Privée with impact investing strategies as a member of the Impact Advisory Board and as the co-chair of the Advisory Committee to the bank’s new pioneering biodiversity recovery fund.

Find out more and Book Now or search for: Tony Juniper - The true value of nature - does money really grow on trees

15:00pm - 16:00pm: Paradigm Pioneers - How to instigate change

About the session: Change the way you think - become a 'Trim Tab'. Paradigm Pioneers pave the way for new ways of thinking, working and living.  In this thought provoking session Mick will explore why we resist or fear change, the opportunities, how change happens and the small and practical steps we can all take to achieve the change we want to see and become 'Paradigm Pioneers'. 

Find out more and Book Now or search for: Mick Walker - Paradigm Pioneers - How to instigate change

16:00pm - 17:00pm: Embracing New Technologies and the Evolving Workplace

About the session: Future-proof your career - Harness the power of new technologies to thrive in the evolving workplace. In this session, Antionette will explore how emerging technologies such as AI, automation, and digital collaboration tools are reshaping the modern workplace and career paths. She will highlight the impact of these advancements on career development and the skills needed to stay competitive. Exploring how, by embracing technological change, leaders and employees alike can foster adaptability, innovation, and future-focused career strategies. 

Find out more and Book Now or search for: Antoinette Oglethorpe - Embracing New Technologies and the Evolving Workplace

16:00pm - 17:00pm: The leader’s role in transformation

About the session: The importance of collaboration in creating a thriving and inclusive culture. Bernadette is the Director of EDI at Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. She has played a pivotal role in shaping and implementing inclusion strategies within multiple departments, fostering diversity, and driving cultural transformation. She is recognised for leveraging her leadership capabilities to innovate strategies that promote accountability and engagement, diversify talent pipelines, and create thriving work cultures. As a sought-after speaker and facilitator, Bernadette has a wealth of knowledge and expertise, and is dedicated to empowering individuals and organisations to reach their full potential. Her captivating keynotes, interactive sessions, and comprehensive consultancy services have made her a trusted partner in driving positive change.

Please note this is session has been designed to support leaders and managers but is open to everyone.

Find out more and Book Now or search for: Bernadette Thompson, OBE - The leader’s role in transformation

9:30am - 10:30am: Creativity in an AI and digital world – maximising our opportunities

About the session: Innovating for tomorrow - Discover how AI is transforming the digital landscape to create inclusive opportunities for all. This session will explore the exciting potential of AI, the reasons to be curious and enthusiastic about its future, and the essential skills needed to thrive in this evolving field. Join us to unlock the possibilities and prepare for a digitally inclusive tomorrow.

Join world-renowned keynote speaker and change agent, Warren Knight for this fascinating keynote session exploring inclusive AI and Digital opportunities. Warren has a unique approach to humanising and transforming the way we view disruptive technology and will share practical opportunities to help individuals, teams and organisations reach their objectives. Hear how we can innovate for tomorrow, get curious, develop our skills and services to make positive choices around the opportunities the digital world presents.

Find out more and Book Now or search for: Warren Knight - Creativity in an AI and digital world – maximising our opportunities

10:30am - 11:30am - Flex and adapt! Leadership to support innovation

About this session: As leaders, we all have our go-to- style and preference but when it comes to innovation, one-size doesn’t fit all. Learn about the optimum leadership style at each stage of the innovation journey and the practical things you can do to develop your confidence in flexing and adapting to make innovation happen.

Please note this is session has been designed to support leaders and managers but is open to everyone.

Find out more and Book Now or search for: Dr Hayley Lewis: Flex and adapt! Leadership to support innovation

11:30am - 12:30pm - Are your digital habits sustainable?

About this session: Discover how simple changes in your digital habits can help save the planet - starting today. Every digital action you take consumes energy, water, and natural resources, contributing to a growing global digital carbon footprint. In this highly practical interactive session available for anyone in the council with any level of digital tools knowledge, Dr. Anastasia Dedyukhina will help you see the true scale of your own digital carbon footprint and the key factors driving it. She will show you how small changes in your daily digital habits, both personally and at work, can make a big difference for the environment. You'll leave with clear ideas on how to minimize your digital footprint, reduce your environmental impact, and take meaningful steps toward a more sustainable future. 

Find out more and Book Now or search for: Dr Anastasia Dedyukhina - Are your digital habits sustainable?

12:30pm - 13:30pm - Pioneering your future: Leveraging Gen AI for Career Growth in Local Government

About this session: Join Dr. Max Blumberg for an interactive session on harnessing the power of Generative AI to enhance your career in local government. Learn how AI is reshaping our work and discover practical ways to leverage this technology for innovation, efficiency, and career advancement. To maximise the impact we'd encourage you to consider thinking about a task or process you find particularly time-consuming or repetitive in your current role. We will be exploring some of these during the session.

Find out more and Book Now or search for: Dr Max Blumberg: Pioneering your future: Leveraging Gen AI for Career Growth in Local Government

13:30pm - 14:30pm: The Changemaker's Compass: Navigating New Frontiers

About this session: Join Samantha Clarke a ‘one of a kind’ speaker who will leave you reinvigorated and equipped to power up your wellbeing, make changes and create sustainable happiness. In this thought-provoking session she will share insights, and practical and tangible actions to thrive in change, inspire trust, and unlock peak performance.

Ready to power up your wellbeing and become a changemaker? Don’t miss this exclusive event with Samantha, a one-of-a-kind speaker who combines science and soul to deliver thought-provoking insights and practical actions.

In a world with so much transition and disruption, how can we change our thinking to change the way we lead and work? Our leaders and managers are critical, but everyone has a part to play. In this insightful ‘Fireside Chat’ Samantha shares her the pivotal steps to help leaders, managers and everyone involved in change to be agile, humanistic, and innovative changemakers.

Find out more and Book Now or search for: Samantha Clarke -The Changemaker's Compass: Navigating New Frontiers

14:30pm - 15:30pm: Digital & AI in Action: Leveraging AI to Transform Public Services Together

About this session: Join top public sector experts as they reveal the transformative power of AI and Co-Pilot. Discover collaborative benefits, success stories, challenges, and lessons learned in this engaging panel session.

 Don’t miss this chance to learn how AI and digital technologies can enhance efficiency, improve services, and drive innovation in our organisations. Join leading public sector experts as they share their experiences with AI and Co-Pilot . This insightful panel will cover their journeys, including successes, unexpected benefits, challenges, and lessons learned. Discover the collaborative opportunities across the sector and how working together can amplify benefits and drive collective success.

Find out more and Book Now or search for: Digital & AI in Action: Leveraging AI to Transform Public Services Together

14:30pm - 15:30pm - Innovation – from idea to implementation

About this session: Many organisations develop employees in the early stages of innovation, such as creative techniques and group workshops, but what about the rest of the journey? Join Dr Hayley Lewis for this insightful session  and learn about the skills that are essential for taking your idea through to implementation, and the tools and approaches that can help you along the way. Dr Hayley Lewis uses her deep expertise in the field of psychology, combined with first-hand experience of leading successful multi-million pound services, to help people create amazing workplaces, teams and careers where people can shine. Hayley has used her  training as an occupational psychologist in the various leadership roles and has had plenty of first-hand experience of applying psychological theory to a variety of real-life situations.

Find out more and Book Now or search for: Dr Hayley Lewis: Innovation – from idea to implementation

15:30pm - 17:00pm: Adopting a change mindset

About this session: Join inspirational speaker Jo Salter and hear how life in the military has uniquely positioned her to develop profound expertise in change management and embracing a change mindset. In an environment characterised by constant evolution and unforeseen challenges, Jo’s military career forced her to challenge the norm, break stereotypes and embrace change. Such experience has proved invaluable in her later career, having honed a change mindset that has allowed her to approach challenges with confidence and strategic insight. In this fascinating session Jo will share insights and opportunities to navigate, adopt and embrace a change mindset.

Dr Jo Salter MBE, a trailblazer in aviation and leadership, is celebrated for her historic role as the first female fast jet pilot in the Royal Air Force. Flying the formidable Panavia Tornado, she joined the RAF at 18 and rapidly ascended through the ranks, ultimately becoming a Flight Lieutenant of the 617 Squadron. Beyond her military achievements, Jo has profoundly impacted the Air Cadets, inspiring future generations in the armed services. Her transition to the corporate world saw her excel in various leadership roles, including being the Director of Global Transformative Leadership at PWC. An accomplished author, highly sought after speakers and educator, Jo’s insights on resilience, leadership and overcoming adversity resonate deeply. Her life’s journey, marked by determination and excellence, continues to inspire and educate, reflecting her profound commitment to empowering others.

Find out more and Book Now or search for: Jo Salter - Adopting a change mindset