Event Recap | Future Forward: Building the Career You Want

Curiosity, Courage, and Connection in Leadership.

At our recent Future Forward: Building the Career You Want breakfast, three powerhouse leaders — Professor Frances Kay, Renata Roberts, and Brooke Reynolds shared raw, inspiring insights on how to navigate your career with authenticity, resilience, and purpose.

From setting boundaries to saying yes to new opportunities, each leader reminded us that building the career you want isn’t a straight line. It’s a journey built on curiosity, courage, and community.

Trust the Journey — Don’t Rush It

One of the biggest takeaways of the morning? You don’t have to have it all figured out.

As one speaker put it, You’ll likely have three careers in your lifetime, so take the pressure off making lifelong decisions.

Whether it’s taking that long-overdue holiday, seeking feedback, or giving yourself permission to evolve, success often comes from slowing down enough to stay curious and intentional.

Frances Kay: Lead with Authenticity and Courage

A psychologist, researcher, and changemaker with over 25 years dedicated to advancing mental health, Frances leads 1,700 researchers at HMRI. From pioneering digital health treatments to steering national initiatives, her determination has reshaped mental health care locally and globally.

Professor Frances Kay reminded us that leadership starts with authenticity — being real about challenges and showing up with self-awareness and clarity.

Her strategy for leading large teams comes down to connection and clarity:

Be transparent. Don’t hide away from challenges. Build resilience, keep your tribe close, and have the courage to continue, that’s how you build trust.

When it comes to making complex decisions, Frances shared her framework: focus on value, impact, and energy. These three elements help turn big ideas into actionable strategies that align with purpose.

Renata Roberts: Say Yes, Stay True

With more than 23 years of experience in resources, Renata is a nationally and globally recognised leader in HR, safety, and corporate services. An award-winning advocate for inclusion and mental health, she is redefining leadership in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

For Renata Roberts, success is about staying true to yourself while continuously saying “yes” to growth.

Say yes, put your hand up, and call out what you’re going to do. It’s how you show others and yourself what’s possible.

Mentorship plays a huge role in Renata’s leadership approach. She encourages finding mentors who will challenge your thinking and tell you what you need to hear, not just what you want to hear.

Her daily leadership habit? Giving feedback and appreciation. By acknowledging her team’s work, she builds trust, confidence, and the space for growth, the true foundation of sustainable success.

Brooke Reynolds: People Drive the Strategy

With 20+ years of experience across financial services and consulting, Brooke brings a wealth of expertise in people and culture. Known for her pragmatic approach and passion for creating inclusive workplaces, she is shaping environments where people and organisations can thrive.

Brooke Reynolds brought it home with a reminder that business strategy isn’t about the numbers, it’s about people.

When you focus on people metrics first, the results will follow.

She spoke about the power of emotional intelligence, strengthening awareness and empathy through reflection. For Brooke, it’s about regularly pausing to ask, What worked? What didn’t? and addressing challenges with honesty.

Her commitment to developing her team is clear: she creates opportunities for them to “come along for the ride.” Because when people grow, so does the business.

Building The Career You Want

The morning closed with a powerful message: trust your journey.

Set boundaries, stay curious, build your tribe, and keep showing up, even when the next step isn’t clear. Every experience, every yes, and every challenge you face is shaping the leader you’re becoming.

Gen Collective is proud to bring together bold, inspiring voices who remind us that leadership is less about the title and more about the journey.

Our Sponsor

A huge thank you to our sponsor, Williams Accounting Concepts. For Dani and her team, Williams Accounting Concepts is more than just numbers, it’s about empowering businesses to grow with clarity and confidence. Founded by Danielle Williams, the firm blends expertise with a personal touch, helping clients achieve success while keeping family and balance at the heart of every decision.

Thank You To Our Annual Partners

Another thank you to our annual partners for their ongoing support of Gen Collective. LH Agenda, Myf Garven Creative, Hel Soul Sista, Pro-Torque, Alexandra Joy, Swell Magazine, Moa & Co and MTA Travel.

Thank You To Our Venue

A big thank you to Newcastle City Council for hosting us at the beautiful Fort Scratchley Function Centre. The service, food, and overall experience were fantastic!