Wednesday 3 March 2027
3:30pm – 4:55pm
Future Energy Forum
Free. Register here
Take a break from the exhibition floor for an afternoon session on diversity and inclusion in the energy industry. Hear from an industry-led panel and leave with practical ideas for recognising talent and building a workplace where different thinkers can contribute.
Keynote: Beyond Diversity Fatigue: The Human Advantage in the Next Energy Era, 3:30pm – 3:50pm
This session explores why diversity and inclusion momentum has stalled, and how to reframe inclusion around talent, cognitive difference, innovation and future workforce capability. Key provocation: If we keep recruiting, promoting and designing workplaces for the same kind of person, we shouldn’t be surprised when we keep getting the same kind of thinking.
Panel: A Different Approach to Energy and Tech Talent, 3:50pm – 4:55pm
Chaired by Professor Tele Tan AM, Curtin University and the Autism Academy for Software Quality Assurance. The panel explores what neurodiversity can teach the energy industry about recognising talent, recruitment, workplace design, future skills and how people work differently — rather than positioning neurodiversity around specific “strengths” or stereotypes. Panellists represent lived experience, engineering and technical roles, recruitment and workforce, and workplace design.
Dr Tanya Finnie
Founder, RedHead Communications
Dr Tanya Finnie is a global cultural strategist, keynote speaker and founder of RedHead Communications, specialising in cultural intelligence, inclusive leadership and the human dynamics that shape workplace performance. With a PhD in Cultural Leadership and experience working across every continent, Tanya helps leaders navigate cultural complexity, power, communication and difference to build teams where people can contribute and perform at their best. Her work spans leadership development, organisational culture, psychological safety and inclusive workplace systems, translating research and behavioural insight into practical approaches for complex organisations. Tanya is a TEDx speaker, best-selling author, Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Western Australia and founder of the Diversity & Inclusion Summit WA. She has advised leaders across corporate, government, education and community sectors and contributed to international forums, including United Nations committees. Her work challenges organisations to move beyond good intentions and create the conditions where diversity can genuinely contribute to better thinking, innovation and performance.
Professor Tele Tan AM
John Curtin Distinguished Professor, Curtin University
Professor Tele Tan AM is a John Curtin Distinguished Professor at Curtin University and Director of the Autism Academy for Software Quality Assurance (AASQA). An engineer and AI researcher, he has built his career at the intersection of technology, education, industry and social impact. Tele founded AASQA in 2015 to create strengths-based pathways for autistic and neurodivergent young people into education, mentoring, internships and meaningful employment. The initiative has grown into a nationally recognised ecosystem connecting universities, schools, community organisations, government and industry. His broader work spans artificial intelligence, engineering, digital health and inclusive innovation, with a strong focus on translating research into practical outcomes. In 2022, Tele was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to tertiary education and to people on the autism spectrum. He is a passionate advocate for recognising neurodiversity and cognitive diversity as strengths that can contribute to innovation and the future workforce.
Emily Kendall
Founder, All Minds Belong + Engineer
Emily Kendall is an AuDHD chemical engineer, systems thinker and founder of All Minds Belong, a Perth-based neuroinclusion consultancy. Over the past decade, she has led complex studies across the mining and energy sector, applying systems thinking to solve technical and commercial challenges. She brings the same approach to neuroinclusion, exploring how workplaces, processes and cultures can be designed to better support different ways of thinking. Alongside her industry career, Emily has established neurodiversity employee resource groups within ASX200 organisations, contributed to workplace inclusion initiatives, and built a growing community focused on translating neurodiversity awareness into meaningful change. She is passionate about helping organisations move beyond awareness and accommodation towards designing environments where all people can thrive.