Our theme for this season is Inspire. We see it not as a feeling, but as an action in leadership. Inspiring others is part of daily work. It shows in leaders who explain why the work matters, and in project leads who turn tension into teamwork through honesty.

Inspiration does not stand alone. It comes from presence. This means being aware, confident, and clear in how you speak, move, and show up. Without presence, inspiration can feel forced. With it, trust grows, people engage, and progress follows.

For our first Thought Activator of 2026, we are pleased to welcome Heidi Dugan, Chairwoman of AustCham Shanghai, entrepreneur, global ambassador for Queensland, best-selling author, television host reaching six million viewers daily, and a KOL with over 250,000 followers.

Drawing on her remarkable journey, Heidi trains business leaders and teams in the art of presenting themselves, speaking skills for influence and impact, and creating an undeniable presence. At this thought activator, she will share actionable strategies on presence to inspire teams, engage clients, and strengthen partnerships.

This is not a sit-back-and-listen event. As a Thought Activator, the evening is designed to spark your thinking and activate your voice. After Heidi’s presentation, you’ll join interactive small-group discussions to exchange experiences, share challenges, and uncover practical ways to inspire action in your own professional journey.

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Understand what presence really means for leaders — both inner awareness and professional projection.

2.Learn why presence is the foundation for inspiring others and creating impact.

3.Explore practical strategies to inspire teams, clients, and partners in your day-to-day work.

4.Gain insights from Heidi’s 26+ years of leadership, cross-cultural experience, and high-impact business success.

5.Activate your thinking in small-group discussions, leaving with new tools, connections, and actionable inspiration to start your year strong.

Who This Event Is For:

1.Business leaders and executives who want to command influence in high-stakes environments.

2.Entrepreneurs and founders seeking to inspire investors, clients, and partners with an authentic presence.

3.Mid-career professionals ready to strengthen their leadership identity and step into greater authority.

4.HR and people leaders looking to cultivate inspiring leadership across their teams.

5.Anyone seeking to move beyond courage and actively inspire through presence and authenticity.

Agenda:

• 18:30–19:00 Check-in and Group photo 

• 19:00–19:10 Opening Remarks and Speaker Introduction

• 19:10–19:45 Speaker Presentation

• 19:45–20:30 Group Discussion and Thought Activation

• 20:30–21:00 Closing Remarks and Mingling

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