Speakers

Dr. Elissa Farrow

Dr. Elissa Farrow (PhD) is an award-winning futurist, author, facilitator, coach and strategist. She has over 25 years experience in research, organisational innovation, design, adaptation and benefits realisation and has extensive experience in strategic organisational adaptation design and delivery. Dr. Farrow has supported organisations in defining positive futures and has successfully facilitated their transformation, bringing about lasting benefits. Dr. Farrow was the creator of the 1st Oceania Futures Symposium in 2025 and the drive behind the 2026 Symposium.

Dr Farrow is known for her compassionate leadership and engaging approach stemming from her background as a Social Scientist. She is an experienced board director, and has held global leadership positions with the Change Management Institute as well as chair of DVConnect a service preventing Domestic and Family Violence in Queensland. Her published doctoral research explored the implications of Artificial Intelligence on organisational futures. Dr. Farrow is a member of the Asia Pacific Futurists Network (APFN), Association of Professional Futurist (APF) and the World Futures Studies Federation (WFSF). Dr Farrow co-created the first Oceania Futures and Foresight Symposium in 2025.

Dr Melissa Innes

Dr Melissa Innes (PhD, FHEA) is a researcher specialising in Individual Foresight (IF), intuition, and knowledge management. Her award-winning doctoral research, published in the Journal of Innovation and Knowledge developed the IF Framework - an innovative approach now being applied to leadership capability development. Dr Innes is currently seeking to extend her IF research to support child safety in Queensland, aiming to enhance decision-making and knowledge-sharing in high-stakes environments. 

Melissa's ongoing research also explores the role of key network actors in Alternative Food Networks (AFNs), focusing on how effective knowledge management can drive sustainability and innovation. Her work investigates how cultivating IF within organisations can foster knowledge creation, innovation, and improved knowledge management, ultimately contributing to organisational capability and strategic efficiency for the future.

Melissa was a co-curator for the 2026 Symposium

Kathryn Maggs

Kathryn is a leadership expert who specialises in Conscious Leadership, Confidence Resilience, and Transformational Change — particularly for professional women leaders and their teams. With over 25 years of experience as a mentor, coach, and corporate facilitator, she is known for sparking conversations that lead to lasting, meaningful change.

Blending her deep passion for people, leadership, and the restorative power of nature, Kathryn creates spaces — often outdoors — where leaders can slow down, breathe, and think differently. She harnesses the science-backed benefits of nature to open minds, shift perspectives, and inspire bold, impactful action. 

Her approach is as unique as it is effective: a dynamic mix of raw honesty, warmth, humour, and persistent curiosity. Whether on a forest path or in a boardroom, Kathryn helps individuals and teams find clarity, build confidence, and chart a new course toward success. She tailors every engagement to the people she works with, ensuring the journey is as transformative as the destination.

Kathryn was a co-curator for the 2026 Symposium

Helene Barrie

Helene Barrie is a growth, sales, innovation, and digital leader with over 15 years of experience driving strategic transformation across key markets, including water and environment, life sciences, and critical infrastructure. Currently completing a Master of Leadership and Innovation, she brings a futures-oriented lens to digital strategy, service design, and organisational growth.

Helene’s work integrates human-centred design, systems thinking, and data-driven approaches to ensure technology and service solutions meet evolving customer and community needs. Her current focus is on applying futures thinking and design-led methods to help organisations plan and adapt for sustainable success in a rapidly changing landscape.

A passionate mentor and advocate for innovative practice, Helene is committed to bridging ideas and disciplines to shape resilient, future-ready solutions that connect people, technology, and purpose.

Helene was a co-curator for the 2026 Symposium