This morning, the Newcastle Change Community of Practice came together for their first event of 2025 to focus on AI enabled Leadership in change. With this year’s theme being ‘Elevate’ it seemed fitting that the event commenced shortly after the sun rose, painting the sky with promise.
The Keynote speaker Bailey Parnell, founder and CEO of SkillsCamp and the Centre for Digital Well-being, captivated the audience with her discussion on AI-enabled leadership and digital well-being. Bailey’s journey—from student affairs to being a sought-after global leader—served as an inspiration, particularly her emphasis on empathy, trust, and critical thinking as essential ingredients for success in the age of AI. Her insights into “algorithmic inclusion” and balancing human judgement with AI solutions struck a chord, challenging attendees to lead with both heart and strategy.
The morning, as always, was supported by local Recruitment firm GWG who provided breakfast for our attendees. Before heading off to their places of work participants had the opportunity to discuss the importance of ethical AI implementation, empowering teams through digital literacy, and creating governance frameworks that prioritise human-centred practices. As the community looks forward to its next session on 31 July, one thing is clear: the Hunter region continues to shine as a beacon of thoughtful, transformative change. This sunrise wasn’t just a backdrop—it symbolised the optimism and potential sparked by this inspiring event.
Thank you to University of Newcastle for providing the venue for today’s Newcastle Change Community of Practice.
About Bailey Parnel
Bailey Parnell is a world-renowned speaker, entrepreneur, and educator, recognised for her pioneering work in digital wellbeing. As the Founder and CEO of SkillsCamp, a soft skills development company, she helps organisations build essential skills like emotional intelligence and stress management. Her impactful TED Talk on social media’s effects on mental health has garnered millions of views, highlighting her expertise in navigating the challenges of the digital age. Named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women, Bailey continues to influence global conversations on leadership, generative AI, and human-centric innovation.
Lenore Miller founder of Agile Change Solutions – serves on the Newcastle Change Community of Practice committee.