CONFERENCE 2026
Thursday 3 December, 2026
NZ International Convention Centre, Auckland
The ripple effect.
Amplify your impact.
One bold move at a time.
2026 SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENTS...
Chris Liddell
The team at Bold Steps are delighted to announce Chris Liddell, CNZM, as a keynote speaker at Bold Steps 2026.
Chris is a New Zealand businessperson, author and philanthropist who is currently a Director of Anthropic, Commonwealth Fusion Systems, Council on Foreign Relations and Chair of Next Foundation. Prior to this he was Chief Financial Officer of Microsoft, the CFO and Vice Chairman of General Motors, CFO of International Paper, and the Deputy Chief of Staff at the White House. He is also currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy at Oxford University.
Chris had spent his career at the intersection of technology, public service and business. He believes his career has taught him that the governance of transformative technologies matters as much as the technologies themselves.
At Bold Steps, Chris will explore the ripples of AI, philanthropy and business.
Leadership session 3
The team at Bold Steps are excited to announce our third Leadership Session... facilitated by Dame Joan Withers DNZM, Director, ANZ, Sky and Origin and Cathy Quinn ONZM, Chair, Tourism Holdings, Director, Fletcher Building, Fonterra and Rangatira with panellists Antonia Watson, CEO, ANZ (until 30 Sept) and Mark Stirton, CEO, The Warehouse Group.
"Are you really OK?"
Facilitated by Dame Joan Withers and Cathy Quinn, with Antonia Watson and Mark Stirton, this panel will discuss how their life experiences have significantly changed their personal trajectory and impacted both their lives and that of those around them.
Leadership session 2
The team at Bold Steps are excited to announce our second Leadership Session... facilitated by Frances Valintine, CNZM, Founder of academyEX with panellists Alison Mau and Wendy Petrie, two well-known media personalities.
“The stories behind the scenes”
Frances will lead a discussion on ‘life beyond the screen’ with Alison and Wendy, two of New Zealand’s most accomplished broadcast journalists. Their fireside conversation will focus on The Ripple Effect and how the decisions we make can be life-defining and life-changing.
Dr Libby
The team at Bold Steps are delighted to announce Dr Libby (PhD), one of Australasia’s foremost nutritional biochemists and author, as a speaker at Bold Steps 2026.
As an authoritative and trusted voice in nutrition and wellness, Dr Libby will discuss “Creating positive ripples in your own well-being”.
The number one best-selling author of 14 books, Dr Libby is also a respected international speaker, where she brings to life the three pillars of her work, biochemistry, nutrition and emotions/mindset
NEW Leadership breakout sessions
We're trying something new this year – BREAKOUT SESSIONS for a more intimate audience with our Leadership sessions.
There will be 4 x 60 min sessions which will run concurrently from 1pm–2pm and then repeat again from 2pm–3pm.
“From candid conversations to courageous choices – ignite your leadership ripple today”
Facilitated by Jolie Hodson, CEO, Spark and Alison Gerry, Chair, Infratil with panellists Raelene Castle, CEO, Sport NZ Group, Vittoria Shortt, CEO, ASB and Steve Jurkovich, Chief Executive, Kiwibank.
Ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes? Hear from these inspiring leaders as they share the mistakes that made them stronger, how they’ve juggled family and careers and the leadership lessons learned the hard way – then jump into your own questions in a more intimate setting, no filter.
Dame Joan Withers
The team at Bold Steps are delighted to announce our own Dame Joan Withers, will give a heartfelt talk at Bold Steps 2026.
“Are you really OK?” – Dame Joan will discuss what grief teaches you that no boardroom ever can. “When you have had a year like I have had, how do you look after yourself and make sure you are healing rather than just coping.”
Dame Joan Withers has had an extensive business and governance career spanning decades, from her early days in media as CEO of Fairfax NZ and The Radio Network, to her current roles as director at ANZ New Zealand, Sky Network TV, and Origin Energy and former Chair of The Warehouse Group. She was inducted into the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame in 2025.
Dame Sophie Pascoe
The team at Bold Steps are delighted to announce Dame Sophie Pascoe, New Zealand’s most decorated Paralympian, as a speaker at Bold Steps 2026.
It’s impossible to do justice to all of Dame Sophie's achievements in the pool, but her quick highlight reel includes 19 Paralympic medals (including eleven gold) across four Games, 17 IPC world titles, and multiple world records. In 2021, Dame Sophie became the youngest-ever Dame in the New Year’s Honours in recognition of her record-breaking accomplishments in the pool. She is a seven-time winner of Para Athlete of the Year as well as Para Athlete of the Decade in 2020 at the Halberg Awards.
A below-the-knee amputee following a lawnmower accident when she was a toddler, Dame Sophie is known for her raw honesty and offers refreshing insight into the ups and downs of life as an athlete and leaves a lasting impression on everyone she meets.
Jelena Dokic
The team at Bold Steps are delighted to announce Jelena Dokic, former world No. 4 tennis player as a speaker at Bold Steps 2026.
At just 16, she stunned the world by defeating world No. 1 Martina Hingis at Wimbledon, launching a career that saw her reach Grand Slam semi-finals and become a global tennis star. But her journey off the court reveals an even greater strength.
A two-time refugee, Jelena faced bullying, racism, and, most tragically, 15 years of abuse at the hands of her father – starting at age six. The trauma took a heavy toll, leading her to a breaking point at 22, battling depression, anxiety and PTSD.
She shared her story in two bestselling books, Unbreakable and Fearless, inspiring thousands by speaking openly about mental health, domestic violence, survival, and reclaiming power. Today, she is not only a respected commentator for NINE’s Grand Slam coverage with her number one documentary winning two awards, most recently a Logie, Jelena is also a passionate advocate for those who feel unheard.
Her story is one of unimaginable hardship and extraordinary courage - a reminder that even in the darkest moments, we have the strength to rise.
Bold Steps Conference 2025
