Speakers
Rajna Bogdanovic
“We can’t change what we don’t challenge, and we can’t challenge what we don’t understand”
Rajna is an internationally recognised Clinical and Organisational Psychologist with over twelve years of experience in both frontline and corporate mental health sectors. Her career is distinguished by her work with war crime victims and witnesses from various United Nations Criminal Tribunals, as well as her time in Bosnia, where she helped those affected by war to heal and rebuild.
Rajna served as a police psychologist and as a senior psychologist within the Melbourne Fire Service, showcasing her ability to navigate and lead in high-stress environments and support those in critical roles. Additionally, her role as a criminology lecturer has allowed her to impart her extensive knowledge to the next generation of professionals.
Upon returning to New Zealand five years ago, Rajna founded Optimally, after seeing a gap for specialist mental health services in the corporate sector in New Zealand. Drawing on her frontline experience, her team of psychologists and her now apply their skills to support the corporate workforce, focusing on bringing specialist mental health services to individuals, teams and whole organisations to foster sustainable and long lasting flourishing.
Alicia Hoskin
Alicia is a World Champion, a double Olympian, and one of just three New Zealand women in history to win two gold medals at one Olympic Games. She is passionate about seeing Kiwis be the best version of themselves and having opportunities to contribute to whichever ‘team’ they belong to.
Although Alicia now resides in Auckland, she still considers herself a ‘Gizzy girl’. Raised in Gisborne on the banks of the Waimata River with easy access to some of the best beaches in Aotearoa, it was no surprise that she found a love for being in and on the water.
By the age of 15 she had put other sports aside and started to focus on kayaking, claiming multiple awards, national and Oceania titles along the way. Kayaking ticked so many of her boxes. She thrived on the physical and technical challenge, the camaraderie of the club, and the hope of international competition. However, this all came to a screeching halt when at 17 she was diagnosed with a heart condition, one that could have been fatal if left untreated. She was forced to consider what life might look like without sport.
Looking back, Alicia acknowledges that this experience helped shape the perspective she now has, that sport is something she does and loves, but it does not define who she is.
Being part of a high-performance environment that prioritises and invests in a team approach has given Alicia the opportunity to develop and hone the unique qualities she brings, knowing others are doing the same. Each team member commits to bringing their best selves to the boat, valuing each other, and learning how to be stronger together. Alicia believes that this approach allowed them to claim the World title in the K4 500m in 2023, an event that had never been won by a non-European crew in the history of the sport. The focus of building ‘the mana of the black boat’ set the scene for another first, two team boat golds at the Paris Olympic Games. A result that was testament to the power of connection, on and off the water.
Alicia is known as an insightful and engaging speaker with a contagious zest for life. The way she tells her story and shares her journey gives audiences an enlightening glimpse into what it takes to be an Olympic athlete, what she’s learnt about team, and how the power-plaits came to be a thing!
Victoria Mulligan
“To design for the future, we must first imagine it”
Victoria Mulligan is a well-kept secret in the world of New Zealand business, working with CEOs, strategists and Executive teams to bring the future to life. She is a futurist and organisational designer recognised globally for providing key insights into the trends shaping our future. She is a thought leader, known for helping businesses and other organisations navigate uncertainty and embrace future thinking.
Victoria has worked around the world, from Africa to Papua New Guinea, including periods at the British Home Office and Queensland’s Crime and Misconduct Commission. Her early career working in crime and later health led to many years working across the Pacific, using innovative human solutions to tackle complex global and domestic challenges.
Victoria’s ability to challenge conventional thinking has made her a sought-after advisor and speaker. A regular panelist at international events, including the United Nations Summit of the Future and the Dubai Future Forum, she is a member of Global Futures Society and writes for consumer and academic publications worldwide – from Business Desk to the World Futures Review. She is creator and host of The Futures Workshop, an international podcast showcasing the world’s leading futures tools.
She currently consults to a number of large businesses in New Zealand and around the world. Her specialty topics include futures and foresight, megatrends, human-centred design and new ways of working.
Becky Kaapuni – international speaker
Becky Kaapuni is a fierce advocate for Executive Assistants and a leader of the EA Revolution. For over two decades, she has navigated the C-suite at giants including Salesforce, Twitter, and Goldman Sachs. But her path to becoming a voice for EA empowerment wasn’t linear – it was shaped by a profound personal metamorphosis!
From struggling with addiction and self-doubt to supporting high-level executives in San Francisco, Becky’s story embodies the very transformation she now champions in others. By reclaiming control of her future and rebuilding herself from the inside out, she discovered that our greatest limitations are often the ones we place on ourselves.
Becky’s mission is simple but powerful: to unlock the vast untapped potential within every EA—empowering them to rise up, claim their worth, and become the CEO of their own lives. This calling led her to found the EA Social Club, which began as a simple dinner series and exploded into a global movement transforming how EAs network, learn, and support one another.
Through the EA Social Club and her book, The Unstoppable EA, Becky is revolutionizing how EAs see themselves and their profession. With a dynamic community, mentoring, and fierce advocacy, she’s here to ignite Executive Assistants to reshape not just their own futures, but the entire profession. She believes that your network truly is your net worth, and together, you’re unstoppable.
Today, Becky shares her experiences and insights to inspire others to break through their own limitations, build powerful professional connections, and create the career they deserve and want. Join the revolution!
Dave Wild
“Advance beyond AI’s typical definition of Artificial Intelligence, to leverage the power of your own AI – Adaptive Intelligence”
Dave Wild is the author of Futurework – A Guidebook for The Future of Work. Living on the edge of the world in Aotearoa New Zealand, Dave has presented on stages and screens across the globe from San Francisco to South Auckland to Sydney.
He’s inspired and guided audiences at industry conferences, government meetings and team events for clients such as Microsoft, L’Oréal, Toyota and Red Cross.
Dave inspires audiences with future insights and tools that open minds to new possibilities ahead. His engaging and uplifting approach reaches beyond stages and screens to challenge and energise audiences – creating a greater future for all.
Cassie Roma
“Kindness is strength. Kindness is clarity. Kindness is bold.”
Cassie Roma is a powerhouse in the boardroom, in front of a camera, and speaking in front of local & global audiences on business & personal topics that impassion her.
Yep, this California native is a powerhouse of business & entertainment. And, after 18 years in New Zealand counts herself as a proud YanKiwi.
Passionate about creative content, social media strategy, the influencer economy, and storytelling across mediums both emerging and traditional, Cassie has literally lived & breathed the digital revolution. All the while steering the social media & digital storytelling ships for brands like Air New Zealand, ANZ Bank, Mighty River Power, NZME, & The Warehouse Group. As of 2021, she can also chalk up Advisor to the CEO on The Apprentice Aotearoa on TV1 here in New Zealand.
She can also add the title of entrepreneur to her title now as she is currently Founder & Director of CR&Co her newest venture into storytelling for business, brand strategy, social media mastery, influencer marketing & beyond.
Cassie has been awarded & recognised globally as a thought leader in the fields of social media marketing, storytelling for brands, digital marketing, and the anthropological power of brand in the lives of consumers. She’s also an author, keynote speaker, professional coach, & mentor. Her main professional goal? Delivering results while having fun doing it. By embracing change, actively driving innovation, growing positive community engagement, deepening customer service standards, and streamlining reporting across business units, Cassie has truly cut her teeth on the cutting edge. She’s also one big bundle of positive energy fuelled by the belief that great corporate culture is built on a foundation of kindness!
Amy Scott
Amy Scott, a force fuelled by her love for people and her dedication to cultivating thriving team dynamics. Formerly a seasoned lawyer, Amy’s mantra of “less friction, more fun” is the heartbeat of her mission.
Raised amidst the tranquil landscapes of rural Central Otago, New Zealand, Amy’s early adventures included representing New Zealand in ice hockey as well as working in wool sheds. Her eight-year legal career polished her into a strategic thinker with a keen eye for detail.
However, Amy’s path took a transformative turn when she discovered the groundbreaking “dots communication” tool—a Kiwi innovation that has captivated more than 37,000 individuals across diverse industries throughout NZ and Australia.
Known affectionately as the “dots lady,” Amy’s vibrant energy and ‘down to earth’ approach have reshaped how people communicate and collaborate.
Strap yourself in for a fast paced, engaging & entertaining presentation. Amy’s main aim is to empower individuals to unlock their full potential through effective communication.
Expect to walk away armed with practical tools and a renewed passion for authentic connections in your professional and personal worlds!
Dani Fennessy (summit MC)
“I do everything in my power to be visible in the hope you don’t feel invisible.”
After overcoming incredible obstacles, Dani achieved her dream of becoming an announcer in the radio industry, where she inspired and uplifted audiences with her talent, empathy, and authenticity.
Dani’s journey has not been without its challenges. She has bravely navigated her sexuality, embracing her queer identity and using her platform to promote acceptance and inclusivity. Moreover, she has faced a new test of courage in her battle with a brain disease, refusing to let it define her and instead using her experience to raise awareness and support others.
Through it all, Dani remains a beacon of hope, a shining example of the transformative power of resilience, and a reminder that our struggles can become the foundation for our greatest triumphs and is now a sought after MC and business owner.
Rachael Bonetti (masterclass leader)
Rachael is a former career executive assistant who has supported a high profile billionaire, thought leaders, CEOs and Chairs internationally for 27 years.
Today she’s a passionate advocate for the assistant community and loves creating and delivering the development opportunities she wishes existed as she moved through her own career. Rachael is a corporate trainer, podcast host, Forbes Australia contributor and the founder of The Elite EA Academy. She is also a certified wellbeing practitioner and loves helping people navigate high performance without the burnout.
She works with companies and assistants all over the world on all things career success, mindset and wellbeing.
Really wonderful summit. The quality of the speakers blew me away. I’ll definitely be back next year. Thank you.
Port Nelson