LeaderSHIFT - Featuring Esther Perel - SYDNEY

Growth Faculty presents LeaderShift 2026, our landmark annual leadership event on the next wave of leadership thinking. After years of disruption, and rapid social and technological change, a shift has emerged - from surviving instability to leading through transformation.

In a rare appearance, Esther Perel will deliver Relationships At Work, her practical framework for building trust, enabling candour, repairing ruptures, and setting boundaries. She conveys how human connection is essential to modern workplaces.

Why now?

Crisis mode won’t scale. Future-ready leaders need to be empathetic, adaptable and intentional. The emphasis is on building with authentic connection. The edge will be organisations that can respond confidently to what’s next, together.

Five world-class thinkers bring you actionable frameworks for leading high-performance teams through uncertainty:

• Esther Perel - Relationship intelligence & human connection
• Steve Martin - Influence through behavioural science
• Dr Susan David - Emotional agility under pressure
• Michael Bunting - Self-awareness that drives team performance
• Ben Crowe - From Pressure to Freedom: Shifting the Way You Lead

LeaderShift is designed as more than a conference – it is an immersive and provocative learning experience, woven together by our dynamic MC Holly Ransom who turns every exchange into a leadership masterclass.

"Remote work, virtual communication, and hybrid setups have reshaped the meaning of 'culture.' Today, people see purpose and belonging – not just a paycheck." - Esther Perel

Info: In this keynote, Michael Bunting explores Vertical Growth- the practice of deep self-awareness as the foundation of transformative leadership. Unlike technical or horizontal skill-building, vertical growth equips leaders to confront limiting assumptions, regulate emotions in real time, and consciously shift behaviours in line with their highest intentions. Through practical tools and real-world case studies, Michael shows how leaders can create cultures of psychological safety, creativity, and trust by committing to lifelong growth in themselves and their teams.

Info: In a world obsessed with strategy and technology, we often overlook the one thing that makes or breaks organisations: relationships. Esther Perel the world’s most original and provocative voice on modern relationships argues that the future of leadership isn’t just about managing systems, it’s about mastering the human connections that fuel them. In this session, she will challenge leaders to confront the hidden dynamics of trust, power, and belonging at work, and reveal how the stories we share, the conflicts we avoid, and the recognition we give (or withhold) shape the culture we create. Expect Esther to provoke, inspire, and reframe how you see your role as a leader not just as a strategist, but as the architect of relational intelligence in a transformational era.

Info: In this keynote, mindset and leadership expert Ben Crowe praised by icons such as Andre Agassi, Ash Barty, and Esther Perel shares insights from his transformative book Where the Light Gets In. Drawing on stories from elite athletes, global CEOs, and everyday people, Ben explores the nine perspective shifts at the heart of his philosophy.

Info: In an era of constant change, the leaders who make the greatest impact are not necessarily the most senior or knowledgeable, but those who know how to influence effectively. Steve Martin, one of the world’s leading authorities on behavioural science and persuasion, reveals how the science of influence can help leaders cut through noise, earn trust, and inspire transformation. Drawing on two decades of global research and practice, Steve shows how ethical persuasion is a cornerstone of transformational leadership—enabling leaders to mobilise people, shift culture, and create momentum for change.

Info: In this powerful session, Dr David explores how leaders can:
- Recognise and unhook from unhelpful thoughts, stories, and emotions.
- Create psychological space to lead with calm and clarity, even under pressure.
- Foster resilience and adaptability in themselves and their teams.
- Anchor decision-making in purpose and values to inspire trust and performance.
Blending science, storytelling, and practical strategies, this session equips leaders with tools to navigate uncertainty, empower their teams, and lead with humanity in complex times

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

ICC Sydney Theatre, 14 Darling Drive, Sydney, Australia

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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