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One Unmissable Day. One Exclusive Location. One Rare Opportunity.

Future of Leadership returns in 2025 for a one-day-only event in Melbourne, featuring an exceptional lineup of Australia’s most sought-after keynote speakers—headlined by Scott Pape, The Barefoot Investor, in his only public appearance of the year.

With engaging presentations, real-world insights, and unforgettable stories, Future of Leadership is built for those who lead teams, drive change, and want to grow as people and professionals. From the frontlines of business to the heart of purpose-driven leadership, this is an event that will challenge, inspire, and equip you for what’s next.

 
 
 

Tuesday, 16th September 2025

Conference starts: 9:00 AM | Ends: 4:00 PM

Clarendon Auditorium & Foyer

MELBOURNE CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE

1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf VIC 3006, Australia

 
 

 

Real Speakers. Real Impact. Real Value.

In a world where every dollar counts, investing wisely is paramount. The Future of Leadership 2025 isn’t just an event; it’s a strategic move. Here’s why you should attend:

World-Class Speakers

We don’t compromise on quality. Our speakers are leading voices in leadership, innovation, and purpose—and they bring everything they’ve got to the stage.

Impact with Purpose

100% of profits from this event support the work of Hands Across the Water, helping create brighter futures for vulnerable children.

Incredible Value

With tickets starting at just $379, this is one of the most accessible leadership events in the country—no four-figure price tags here.

Meet, Connect, Grow

Spend a day surrounded by like-minded professionals, dynamic teams, and generous thought leaders—many of whom will stick around for meet-and-greets during the day.

 
 
 

Meet the Speakers

  • Scott Pape, known as the Barefoot Investor, is a renowned Australian financial expert and author. His book, "The Barefoot Investor," is the top-selling Australian bestseller, with over 2 million copies sold. His latest book, "Barefoot Kids," set a record as the fastest-selling debut in Australian publishing history. Independent research firm CoreData has ranked Pape as the most knowledgeable in financial matters, including superannuation, investment, taxation, insurance, and economics. He is also highly regarded for his trustworthiness, honesty, and connection with financial issues that affect everyday Australians.

  • Peter Baines, developed his unique leadership style by leading teams into Indonesia and Thailand following acts of terrorism and the 2004 South East Asian Tsunami. After meeting the children orphaned by the Tsunami, Peter founded the Australian charity, Hands Across the Water. Awarded in 2014 with the Order of Australia Medal for his International Humanitarian work. Received the Most Admirable Order of Direkgunabhorn in 2016. In December, Peter ran 1,400km across Thailand to raise $1million for the kids.

  • With two decades of leadership across corporate and not-for-profit sectors, Claire is known for turning bold ideas into meaningful action. As CEO of one of Australia’s most trusted charities, Hands Across the Water, and the driving force behind the 1,400km Run to Remember, she champions purposeful leadership and values-led teams. Claire speaks with honesty and heart, reminding us that true leadership isn’t about perfection, but showing up, staying grounded, and leading from where you are.

  • Chris Helder is a globally renowned mindset expert, who ignites teams, leaders and individuals to reframe their thinking and mindset for high performance.

    Author of five books, his latest is “Re-ignition: How to gain power when you feel flat, tired, and uninspired.” His bestseller, “Useful Belief,” is one of Australia's top-selling business books. Chris, who has presented at over 2,500 conferences, uses real-life examples and humor to connect with audiences.

 
  • Darren is a fan favourite at Future of Leadership. Consistently ranked highest amongst our speakers each year, Darren is a Behavioural Scientist and Co-Founder of Pragmatic Thinking a company which has featured 3-times AFR Fast 100 list. Inducted into the Professional Speaker's Hall of Fame, Darren is one of Australia's most in-demand strategists.

  • Andrew is one of Australia’s leading Professional Conference MCs and a Pitching & Presentation Skills speaker, trainer and writer, working on conferences around the Asia-Pacific region as well as the US and South Africa.

    A former corporate lawyer, Andrew quit the law in the late 90’s due to a medical condition called ‘extreme boredom’ before starting up his own business as a corporate trainer and speaker.

    Over the past 30 years Andrew has become one of this country’s most engaged Conference MCs and brings his casual yet corporate style to all proceedings. He is well-known on the conference circuit for his revealing speaker introductions, his improvisational skills and ability to adapt to different audiences.

  • Maz has been in your home. And pretty much everyone’s home. About eight billion times and counting.

    Not as a burglar, but as the boss of the biggest TV shows on earth, with global influencers, world leaders, and showbiz icons - think everyone from Usher and Beyoncé to King Charles, President Trump. 

    Her contacts read like the toilet queue at the Oscars, and she’s won pretty much every international award you can win - BAFTAS, Logies, Astras, Royal Television Society Awards, National Comedy Awards, a Bronze Rose De Montreux, and she once broke X (Twitter) deliberately. 

    Maz now takes the TV expertise she has stolen from and shared with those superstars, to boardrooms, businesses, and stages worldwide, helping companies like yours win attention, master storytelling, elevate customer experience, and lead like a rock star.

    The Celebrity Apprentice host, Mark Bouris, calls her “a genius with people.”

    Scary Spice, Mel B says she has “The X Factor.”  

    Very little money changed hands.

    If you want every part of your business to have The X Factor, Maz can help.  

    She made the show.  And won a Logie for it.

  • As a highly sought after international speaker Mathews’ surfer chill vibe and magnetic charisma, has graced the stages of leading companies world wide. From Google, Sony, Intel to MasterCard, he instantly captures audiences with his epic tales and spectacular surf footage.

    Through his career as a professional ‘Big Wave’ surfer and Red Bull Athlete, he has become obsessed with the relationship between personal growth, high performance and fulfilment.

    He has deconstructed, fine-tuned, and personalised emotion and resilience techniques to successfully strengthen ones mindset and sustain long term performance.

  • Amanda Stevens is Australia's number one thought leader on customer experience and the consumer trends shaping behaviour, expectations and buying pathways.

    She is an esteemed consultant for major brands such as Microsoft, Westpac, and Amanda is a Certified Speaking Professional, one of the highest accolades awarded by the Professional Speakers Association of Australia.

 
 
 
 
 
 

" We did not come to fear the future.

We came here to shape it. "

- Barack Obama -

 
 
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Who’s This For?

(Hint: Probably You.)

Future of Leadership 2025 is designed for those who are ready to lead with more impact, more clarity, and more heart. Whether you're managing a team, building a business, or just want to be better at what you do—this event is for you.

Mid-Level Managers & Team Leaders

Running projects, guiding teams, and juggling it all? Get the tools and mindset shifts to lead with confidence and clarity.

People & Culture Pros / L&D Leaders

On the hunt for real-world development opportunities? This is PD your team will actually thank you for

Corporate Teams

Looking for a shared learning experience that will spark ideas and strengthen your culture? Book a group and bring the whole crew.

 
 
 

Get In Early – This Event Will Sell Out

With a limited capacity of 450 seats, a high-powered speaker lineup, and an event experience like no other, Future of Leadership 2025 is a must-attend.

Want to show up better for your team, your business, and yourself?
Future of Leadership is where it starts.

 
 
 
 
 

 Testimonials

 
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