Speakers
Dr Mahsa McCauley
Dr. Mahsa McCauley is a globally recognised leader in artificial intelligence, celebrated for her pioneering research, strategic influence, and unwavering commitment to diversity in technology. Appointed as Communication and Information Commissioner for the New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO, Mahsa continues to shape the future of technology and education on a global scale.
Her journey into computing began at age seven, when she helped her father build a computer, igniting a lifelong passion for technology. This early curiosity led her to pursue a PhD at Massey University, where she developed a groundbreaking hybrid machine translation system for English and Persian, combining statistical and linguistic techniques to improve translation accuracy.
As an Associate Professor at Auckland University of Technology, Mahsa blends academic leadership with real-world impact. She has supervised over 70 research projects and authored more than 80 publications across AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, and natural language processing. Her recent work includes the development of the Scaffolded AI Literacy (SAIL) framework for education and advancements in neural networks for sound event detection.
Mahsa’s influence extends beyond academia. She serves as Chair of AI Forum NZ and holds board positions with NZTech, EdTech, and the AI Research Association, shaping national AI policy and research. Internationally, she contributes as a Fulbright Scholar at North Carolina A&T State University, collaborating on AI applications in agriculture and cybersecurity.
In 2014, Mahsa founded She Sharp, a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering women and non-binary individuals in technology. Under her leadership, She Sharp has grown to over 2,000 members and hosted more than 80 events, partnering with organisations like Google, Microsoft, and Xero to inspire the next generation of tech leaders.
Her contributions have been recognised with numerous accolades, including the 2023 Unsung Hero Award at the Women in Security Awards, the 2020 Massey University Distinguished Alumni Award, and the 2019 YWCA Equal Pay Champion Award.
A sought-after speaker and media commentator, Mahsa regularly appears on platforms such as TVNZ, The AM Show, and Radio NZ, discussing topics ranging from AI ethics to the future of work.
Beyond her professional achievements, Mahsa is an avid participant in the Iron Māori triathlon and enjoys home decorating and spending quality time with her family. She believes that taking a complete break from work allows her to return with fresh ideas and perspectives.
Dr. Mahsa McCauley’s remarkable leadership, expertise in AI, and dedication to empowering women in technology make her a highly influential figure in academia and the global tech community.
Dr Jodie Lowinger (travelling from Sydney)
With over 600 global speaking engagements, two decades coaching CEOs and senior leaders, and clients including Google, Amazon, NAB, the Socceroos and Special Forces, Dr Jodie is a Harvard trained clinical and performance psychologist, 2x bestselling author, award winning keynote and TEDx speaker and an international authority on anxiety, mindset, resilience, and peak performance.
She combines decades as a business strategist and change management consultant, first at PwC and Macquarie Group prior to founding Mind Strength Peak Performance Consultancy with 7 years university training in neuroscience and adult, child and adolescent clinical psychology (University Medal), doctoral research in anxiety and 10 years as Founder/CEO The Anxiety Clinic.
As an Executive Coach, Dr Jodie works with CEOs, Founders and Executive Teams of high growth startups, ASX 200, Global 2000, SMEs, and government organisations. She is the creator of The Mind Strength Method™, a neuroscience based methodology which has helped hundreds of thousands of adults, children and adolescents to curb anxiety, conquer worry and build resilience. The Mind Strength Method™ was recently named by The Australian newspaper as one of the ’50 Australian Inventions Changing the World’.
She is frequently engaged as a media authority, featuring regularly on Today, Sunrise, Harper’s Bazaar and many more. She is on the advisory board of not for profit Gotcha4Life and passionately shares the stage with leading speakers globally.
“Jodie is nothing short of incredible. Her skills and experience are unmatched…”
Nick Whitehead, ex SAS and CEO Apex Sentinel Group
“I highly recommend Jodie to anyone looking to grow in high performance environments.”
Aiden O’Neill, Socceroos & New York City FC
“Jodie is one of the most articulate, entertaining and credible speakers that I have encountered in my career…”
Mia Freedman, Founder Mamamia Media Group
Lisa Tamati
Lisa Tamati is a globally recognised expert in longevity and health optimisation, a trailblazing educator, and a serial entrepreneur. As a former ultra-endurance athlete with over 25 years of experience competing in some of the world’s toughest races, Lisa has transformed her passion for peak performance and resilience into a mission to empower others to achieve their full potential in health and longevity.
A podcaster for over a decade, Lisa hosts a globally top-200-ranked show in the functional medicine, longevity, and biohacking space, where she interviews world-renowned experts and explores cutting-edge advancements in health. She is also the author of five best-selling books, including *Relentless*, which shares her inspirational journey of overcoming adversity and achieving the seemingly impossible.
Lisa’s career extends beyond broadcasting and writing. She is the co-founder of the biotech company Aevum Labs, dedicated to developing innovative solutions for aging and immune health. She has also founded several other successful ventures, leveraging her expertise to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical applications in wellness.
In addition to her entrepreneurial achievements, Lisa is a sought-after speaker, documentary filmmaker, and former television host, known for her engaging storytelling and ability to simplify complex scientific topics for diverse audiences. Her columns and content focus on empowering individuals to take control of their health through evidence-based strategies, mindset shifts, and practical tools.
Lisa’s work embodies a unique blend of personal grit, scientific expertise, and unwavering passion. Whether she’s addressing professionals in the biotech industry, coaching athletes, or inspiring everyday individuals, Lisa brings unparalleled energy and insight to every stage.
Claire Turnbull
Claire Turnbull is a Registered Nutritionist with a background in fitness and a diploma in Positive Psychology whose career has spanned roles at Diabetes NZ, Healthy Food Guide magazine, High Performance Sport, and professional rugby as well as being a familiar face in the media.
Claire has three best-selling books on wellbeing and is the owner and director of two wellbeing businesses. Mission Nutrition, which a nationwide nutrition practice and workplace wellness company and findWellness which offers engaging, interactive wellbeing programmes.
Claire is a passionate advocate for making wellbeing easier and is driven to help make it easier for people to take better care of themselves in the crazy modern world we live in.
Gordon Walker
Gordon Walker is one of New Zealand’s most celebrated high-performance coaches, renowned for his remarkable partnership with Olympic legend Dame Lisa Carrington. As Technical Director and Women’s Lead Coach at Canoe Racing New Zealand (CRNZ), Gordon has been instrumental in shaping New Zealand’s global dominance in canoe sprint.
Born in Zimbabwe and raised in Auckland, Gordon’s early life at Southwell Boarding School and Kings College ignited his passion for sport. Initially aspiring to become a professional cyclist, a serious accident redirected his ambitions towards coaching, leading him to pursue a sports science degree at the University of Auckland. This academic foundation provided Gordon with the scientific approach that became central to his coaching philosophy.
Gordon’s early coaching career was diverse, involving athletes from various disciplines—cycling, triathlon, running, mountain biking, and even adventure races like the Marathon des Sables and swimming the English Channel. Each experience deepened his understanding of athlete development, performance dynamics, and goal-oriented planning.
A pivotal personal milestone came with Gordon’s success in multisport racing, notably winning New Zealand’s iconic Coast to Coast event three times (2007, 2009, 2010). His own competitive journey sharpened his insights into high-performance sport, laying the foundation for his transition into elite-level coaching.
Joining Canoe Racing New Zealand (CRNZ) in 2010, initially as an intern, Gordon quickly demonstrated his innovative thinking and willingness to challenge conventional methods. His scientific and structured approach significantly professionalised the sport’s training regimes. In 2011, Gordon joined High-Performance Sport New Zealand’s Coach Accelerator Programme, rapidly expanding his knowledge alongside esteemed peers from various sports.
Gordon’s coaching breakthrough came with Lisa Carrington, then an emerging athlete from Ohope Beach. Their partnership flourished, revolutionising New Zealand canoe sprint. Together, they achieved unprecedented global dominance, winning multiple Olympic and World Championship medals. Gordon’s coaching accolades include an unparalleled six Halberg Coach of the Year awards (2016, 2017, 2018, 2023, 2024, 2025) and the prestigious Coach of the Decade honour in 2021.
Under his leadership, the New Zealand women’s K4 squad secured their historic first-ever World Championship gold in 2023 and Olympic gold at the 2024 Paris Games. Gordon continues to inspire the sporting community with his innovative methods, tenacity, and profound dedication to athlete welfare and success. His story exemplifies the power of adaptability, learning, and unrelenting pursuit of excellence, making him an iconic figure in New Zealand sport.
Bethan Winn
Warm, engaging and passionate, Bethan delivers training like no other. With over two decades as an international educator, she brings a playful, practical approach which her clients love.
Not only because it’s enjoyable, it also gets results.
Whether it’s finding the right solution, gaining decision-making confidence or upping analytical skills, everyone takes away new skills and tools.
Her attention to detail and commitment to quality mean she goes above and beyond to provide bespoke, impactful sessions to improve leadership and business outcomes.
Bethan’s openness and warmth creates an atmosphere in which people feel comfortable and encouraged to experiment and challenge themselves.
Udari Perera
Udari Perera is an Executive Assistant Team Leader at the University of Auckland and a PhD candidate in organisational behaviour / Organisational Psychology.
She has been recognised by HRNZ Magazine as one of New Zealand’s leading next‑generation thinkers for her research bridging academic insight and real‑world people practice.
Drawing on award‑winning research and her lived experience as a practising EA, Udari specialises in job crafting and intentional role design.
Her work focuses on how employees can proactively shape their roles to increase impact, credibility, influence, and career progression.
Really wonderful summit. The quality of the speakers blew me away. I’ll definitely be back next year. Thank you.
Port Nelson