The world of work is evolving at an unprecedented pace.
Economic uncertainty, AI advancements, evolving employee expectations, new legislation and increasing performance pressures are forcing leaders to rethink how organisations are led and managed.
For the first time, five generations are working side by side, while technology continues to transform roles, skills and the expectations placed on leaders and people functions.
So, what does effective leadership look like in this new era?
In partnership with Moore Kingston Smith, join a panel of CEOs, chief people officers and HR directors, as they share candid insights and practical strategies for navigating change, driving performance, and building organisations fit for the future.
What to expect
Our panel will explore a range of leadership, workforce, and organisational challenges shaping today’s business environment, including:
The future of leadership: Embracing evolving leadership practices, expectations, and skills needed to lead effectively in a rapidly changing environment.
Transformation and organisation performance: Driving growth and results through change, while sustaining engagement, and balancing commercial and people priorities.
AI, technology, and the workforce of tomorrow: Unlocking value from AI and emerging technologies, navigating ethical considerations, and developing the capabilities leaders need.
The multigenerational workforce: Leading a workforce spanning five generations, attracting and developing talent, and fostering inclusive, high-performing cultures.
Building resilience and high performance: Developing resilient and adaptable teams by preventing burnout and strengthening the connection between wellbeing and organisational success.
The evolving role of the people profession: How chief people officers and HR directors are becoming strategic partners, influencing board-level decisions, and driving organisational success.
Employment rights and what’s next: Understanding key legislative and regulatory changes, emerging risks and opportunities, and preparing for the future of work and employment.
Don’t miss this opportunity to put your questions to the expert panel during the interactive Q&A at the end of the session. You’ll also have the chance to connect with fellow professionals facing similar leadership, workforce and organisation challenges.
Meet the speakers
Matthew Medows – CEO, Moore Kingston Smith
Matt is passionate about creating an environment where people enjoy what they do, continue to grow, and deliver exceptional outcomes for clients.
With a background in audit and corporate finance, he has built his career by embracing new challenges and driving positive change. He believes empowering people to reach their full potential is key to long-term success.
Matt also led the firm's landmark private equity investment from Waterland, accelerating growth and M&A ambitions while preserving its collaborative culture and partnership values.
Helen Chamberlain – Director of HR Consultancy, Moore Kingston Smith
Helen is a highly experienced HR and employment law professional, specialising in employment law, employee relations, organisational change, restructuring, TUPE, workforce strategy, and governance. She supports organisations through transformation, regulatory complexity, and periods of significant change.
She works closely with boards and senior leaders to deliver practical, legally robust people solutions that support sustainable growth and effective risk management, while building long-term client relationships, leading global teams, and developing advisory services aligned to business strategy.
Julya Holden – Senior Talent & Leadership Development Business Partner, Moore Kingston Smith
Julya specialises in talent acquisition, workforce planning, organisational and leadership development. She works closely with leaders to build capability, develop high-performing teams, and deliver people strategies that drive organisational success.
With experience across the UK and New Zealand in sectors including professional services, travel, recruitment, real estate, healthcare, and facilities management, Julya is known for her pragmatic, people-centred approach, strong relationship-building skills, and passion for helping others reach their potential.
Berti Tonks – Chief People Officer
Bertie Tonks has spent 20 years working out what actually drives performance, from oil rigs in the North Sea to boardrooms of billion dollar companies, building performance and cultural health across organisations from 100 person startups to 60,000 person enterprises in the US, the Middle East and beyond.
He's currently chief people officer at COPA90, the world's leading football social media company, putting that same thinking to work on the ground, at the point where people, culture and technology actually meet instead of sitting in three separate strategies.
Named HR's most influential practitioner in 2023 and inducted into the HR hall of fame in 2024, Bertie has built a reputation for turning that thinking into results other people can actually see. He's also been skateboarding for 43 years, which is either irrelevant or the whole explanation.
HR Leader
Sharn is a highly commercial and influential HR leader with experience across some of EMEA’s most recognised organisations, including Wolters Kluwer, NTT, HCA Healthcare, Kreston Reeves and Salesforce.
Throughout her career, Sharn has successfully implemented a range of innovative people initiatives that have driven business performance and enhanced employee engagement. Passionate about unlocking potential, she continually seeks new ways to help organisations achieve their goals by enabling their people to thrive. An innovator and accomplished problem solver, Sharn has a strong track record of delivering results in complex and fast-paced environments.
