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Virtual Summit

Thank you to everyone who attended the 2020 virtual summit.

All webinar recordings can still be accessed by clicking the 'watch now' buttons below.


Welcome to Lotus People's virtual summit.


To celebrate five years in business, Lotus People are thrilled to launch our most exciting project yet. We are hosting our very first one-day virtual summit to share stories, inspire and connect our wonderful network. This is a thank you - a thank you to our ever-growing community. Whether you have worked with us for the last five years, or are only hearing about us now, WELCOME - use this as an opportunity to learn, grow, connect and ENJOY.


The summit strikes a balance between future thinking, business concepts, wellness and reflection. Over four unique virtual sessions, we will hear from industry powerhouses about leadership, learning and development, wellness and much, much more. Partnering with some of the most respected brands in Australia, our speakers will share their experiences and insider knowledge on how they utilize a growth mindset to lead and influence from the front, with hints and tips that every individual can take away and implement.


We are proud to be delivering this as an entirely free event but we encourage attendees to donate to our longstanding charity partner, Stepping Stone House - read more about the amazing work they do.

Who Are We?


Lotus People is a Sydney based award-winning recruitment agency, co-founded and led by passionate entrepreneur, Sinead Connolly. Committed to service excellence, learning, growth and development, the Lotus People team bounded into the market in 2015 in partnership with the Sustain Group (SustainAbility Consulting, Sustain Digital and Sustain Health), with a strong vision to disrupt the industry and work with a genuine, people first approach. Voted as Recruiter Insider's 2020 winners for Client and Candidate Experience in Australia based on survey feedback, Lotus People has built an unshakeable reputation in the market since 2015. As a team of passionate, ambitious and caring females, we are constantly exploring innovative ways to connect, inspire and start conversations that matter. Combining our passion for women in leadership, people experience, employer branding and, of course, relationship building, we can't wait to bring you on this journey with us.

Summit Schedule


Follow the registration links below to secure a limited spot in any of the webinars that you are interested in.

The laws of attraction... and retention


Employers of Choice Panel


Sponsored by INCY Interiors


Join us in conversation with businesses that have found success and prestige by placing culture and employee experience at the forefront of their talent acquisition and retention strategies.


Moderated by Lotus People co-founder, Sinead Connolly, we will hear fascinating insights in an open dialogue about why trust is fundamentally the core of any great culture, how businesses of any size can develop a rock solid employer brand and why every person in a business should see culture as their responsibility.


Whether you're a talent or HR professional, a business owner, Executive or an individual looking to identify what makes a culture great - this session is for you.

Meet Your Panellists

James Comer,

Head of HR | Cisco

A passionate, business minded and strategic people leader, James has dedicated his career to Human Resources and all things people, having worked in large globals throughout his career. Taking Cisco to the Great Place to Work list year after year, James has a true people first approach - committed to all things employee experience, James will share why trust, the power of teams and conscious culture are what every leader needs to focus on in 2020.

Stephanie Borgman,

Chief of Staff | Google

Having worked for Google for over 13 years in New York, Singapore and Sydney, Stephanie has held multiple roles across the HR function. With people experience at the core of what she does, Stephanie knows what it takes for a true employer of choice to remain competitive in an ever changing market. Passionate about promoting women in technology, female empowerment and creating community at Google, Stephanie advises the Google Australia leadership team on how to make Google's people thrive. Stephanie will share her tips and tricks on what she's learnt over 13 years at Google.

Zrinka Lovrencic,

Managing Director | Great Place to Work Australia

The Great Place to Work list is a global authority on workplace culture. A coveted award and significant achievement for any business, the Australian Managing Director, Zrinka Lovrencic, is an expert on everything from culture to high performance. With exposure and a bird's eye view into what makes the best Australian businesses attract and retain the best people, her insights should not be missed!


Let's talk about boundaries


A wellness session inspired by Dr. Brene Brown


Sponsored by F45


The world has turned on its head - you might be checking emails in bed, starting earlier and finishing later, balancing multiples roles and taking on more and more responsibilities in every aspect of life. What applied before COVID does not apply now. The future of work is here - but how do you find balance and stay sane within that?


Inspired by world renowned researcher, Dr Brene Brown - who has spoken at length about the importance of setting boundaries in your personal life, in your relationships and at work - entrepreneurial wellness expert, Laura Hopes, will guide us through a sharp, practical and insightful presentation on how to maintain balance, nourish the mind and body and use boundary setting to create a happier, healthier you.

Meet Your Wellness Expert

Laura Hopes

Entrepreneur, yoga and meditation teacher, coach and mentor

Described as an absolute powerhouse, Laura Hopes is the personification of balance - a successful entrepreneur with two businesses under her belt, she is well aware of the importance of setting boundaries, prioritising wellness and staying well. A yoga instructor, meditation teacher, business coach and mentor, she has an innate ability to share insights, impart wisdom and we are VERY confident that you won’t want to miss this session!


A new era of job-hunting


Career Planning Webinar


Sponsored by Lotus Career Coaching


What do you want to know about looking for work right now? It changes every week and, as a recruitment agency, we are digesting new information, dealing with macroeconomic issues, exploring market insights and dealing with constant moving parts and, now, we want to share these insights with you.


Amanda Bertus, Talent Business Partner at Google, will be joining Lotus's career coaches and senior consultants to provide practical advice on re-entering the job market, what hiring managers look for and hints and tips on how to really stand out in this highly competitive market.


Join our expert panel as they discuss and share market updates, career planning strategies and insider intel to help you put the best foot forward in this market.

Meet your Career Specialists

Amanda Bertus,

Talent Business Partner | Google

A passionate, business minded and strategic people leader, James has dedicated his career to Human Resources and all things people, having worked in large globals throughout his career. Taking Cisco to the Great Place to Work list year after year, James has a true people first approach - committed to all things employee experience, James will share why trust, the power of teams and conscious culture are what every leader needs to focus on in 2020.

Frances Weber,

Career Coach | Lotus People

Having worked for Google for over 13 years in New York, Singapore and Sydney, Stephanie has held multiple roles across the HR function. With people experience at the core of what she does, Stephanie knows what it takes for a true employer of choice to remain competitive in an ever changing market. Passionate about promoting women in technology, female empowerment and creating community at Google, Stephanie advises the Google Australia leadership team on how to make Google's people thrive. Stephanie will share her tips and tricks on what she's learnt over 13 years at Google.

Sham Hassan,

Senior Specialist Recruitment Consultant

Lotus People

The Great Place to Work list is a global authority on workplace culture. A coveted award and significant achievement for any business, the Australian Managing Director, Zrinka Lovrencic, is an expert on everything from culture to high performance. With exposure and a bird's eye view into what makes the best Australian businesses attract and retain the best people, her insights should not be missed!


A reflection on 2020 | Women in Leadership


Female Leadership Panel


Sponsored by Business Chicks and Glam Corner


Known for our renowned women in leadership event, we couldn't run a one day summit (or, indeed, let a year pass by) without bringing this incredible annual event to you online. Each year, we have created a space for inspiring leaders to participate in vulnerable, open, honest and, often, raw conversations about their journeys so far.


We have our biggest line up yet and we hope that you can join us, pour a glass of wine, connect with your community and hear from these fantastic women.


Once again, the formidable, Bek Day, an incredible podcaster, journalist and friend of Lotus People, will be moderating this event. We will be kicking off by hearing from two inspiring emerging leaders about their journeys and challenges, before we are then led through a panel discussion with four impressive and accomplished women. And don't get us wrong, men are MORE than welcome to be involved in this critical conversation too.

Meet your panel of empowering females

Emerging Leaders

Dixie Crawford,

Barkindji Woman, Entrepreneur, Founder | Source Nation and Diversity Board Member | Business Chicks

As an Indigenous thought leader, entrepreneur and organisational coach, Dixie works alongside Indigenous and non-Indigenous senior leaders to create organisational cultural proficiency and identify and support the growth of Indigenous talent. Recently appointed to Business Chick's Diversity Advisory Board, Dixie is full of energy, hugely passionate and incredibly forward thinking.

Lucille McCart,

Country Lead | Bumble

With a background in PR and communications, Lucille has been with Bumble, Australia for just one short year, yet has secured promotions and made fantastic headway in that time. As the Australian Country Lead of the dating app which has female empowerment at the core of its model, Lucille's scope is a fairly large one! Promoted throughout her career and full of passion, enthusiasm and drive, Lucille has carved an impressive career for herself. Lucille will share her insights and what it takes to succeed in a highly competitive market.

Panellists

Sonia Flynn,

Chief Operating Officer | Hireup

An Irish native, Sonia holds extensive experience building and scaling businesses in rapid growth environments such as Google, Facebook and Soundcloud. Passionate about helping people reach their potential, she has always focused on how we can use technology to form deeper and more meaningful connections between people and communities, which drove her decision to join Hireup. Impressive, accomplished and highly respected, Sonia will add great insights to our attendees.

Jennifer ten Seldam

Marketing Director | SEEK

A true marketing guru, Jennifer drives the marketing function across Australia and New Zealand, building and maintaining SEEK's unshakeable reputation as Australia's number one job searching platform in Australia. Passionate about all things marketing, Jenn wants to pass the ladder down, support others and share knowledge to inspire and educate.

Kate Andrews

Head of Technology | Domain

A constant champion for change and improvement, Kate has thrived in a typically male dominated sector. With a recent move from Tyro to Domain as Head of Technology, Kate is passionate about mentoring, peer support and collaboration. Passionate, energetic and empathetic, Kate will share her insights learnt so far.

Stephanie Foran

Former Head of Product and Technology - Seven West Media

With a strong background in media and entertainment, Stephanie has an impressive career, having worked her way up through each of her previous employer companies. She feels passionately about supporting women, being an advocate and mentor to younger women and defining what success actually means. Stephanie speaks eloquently and passionately about this topic and will add great value to any attendee.


About our charity partner - Stepping Stone House


Dramatically changing the lives of hundreds of vulnerable homeless teenagers in Australia for over 30 years, Stepping Stone House provides accommodation and personal development to help homeless and at-risk youth. Supporting young people to become independent and the very best they can be, Stepping Stone House is dedicated to its vision; to end youth homelessness in Australia.


Now, more than ever, the at risk youth of Australia need support. We are proud to be putting on this free one-day summit to encourage our community to support our wonderful longstanding charity partner, Stepping Stone House. All attendees who donate will automatically go into the draw to win a Gourmet Hamper from our friends at Gourmet Basket.

DONATE NOW

Sponsors & Prizes


A big thank you to our local sponsors for partnering with us and generously donating amazing prizes
for our community to win during the sessions.

GlamCorner

GlamCorner have shaken up the way we consume fashion by making high fashion more accessible and entirely sustainable. All attendees who register for the Women in Leadership webinar will receive $50 OFF 2 months for their membership plan, and five lucky individuals will have the chance to win a premium membership, receiving designer outfits delivered directly to their doorstep!


F45 Martin Place

The team at Martin Place F45 are generously giving away a prize of a 3 month free membership and goodie bag to one lucky attendee of the 'Let's talk about boundaries' webinar. Looking to join Martin Place F45? Mention Lotus People and receive 10% off any membership, with the first two weeks free!


Lotus People Career Coaching

Lotus People offer personalised career and transition coaching delivered online, in real time, by our accredited career coaches. Utilising our coaches' expertise and in-depth knowledge of the Australian job market through one-on-one tailored coaching, Lotus People aims to work with you to identify your career goals and equip you with the skills, knowledge and confidence to embark on your career journey. Register for the 'A new era of job-hunting' webinar to enter the draw to win a free coaching session valued at over $400.


Business Chicks

Known for their unparalleled events, workshops and webinars, Business Chicks is Australia's largest and most influential community for women, providing them with daily inspiration. Two lucky attendees who register for the Women in Leadership webinar will receive a premium membership voucher and Business Chicks goodie bags!


INCY Interiors

INCY Interiors - INCY Interiors are a brand success story - their stunning designs are on show to their 100k followers at @incyinteriors and they are kindly offering everyone who registers to the 'Laws of Attraction and Retention' webinar $50 off their next order.


Gourmet Basket

Gourmet Basket offers an incredible range of high-end, gourmet hampers appealing to every wine, cheese and chocolate connoisseur. Every attendee who donates to Stepping Stone House through the Lotus People every day hero page will go into the draw to win one of these delectable hampers valued at over $200.


For any enquiries or questions, please reach out to info@lotuspeople.com.au


Virtual Summit 2020
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