SXSW Sydney brought together the world's boldest thinkers, creators, and innovators for a week of thought-provoking conversations and cutting-edge ideas. There were a number of Saxton Speakers who stood out as highlights of the program sharing their perspectives and expertise on the future of technology, creativity, equality and culture.
These dynamic voices have inspired audiences at SXSW and are ready to bring that same energy and insight to your next event. Explore the lineup of outstanding speakers who can deliver fresh ideas and impactful messages to your audience.
If you're looking for a Speaker to share their powerful and inspiring story at your next event, contact our expert team on 1300 799 823 or enquire here for more information.
Steve Vamos is a speaker, advisor, and Director with over 40 years of experience in global technology and digital media. His presentation, named after his new book Through Shifts and Shocks, explored key aspects of leading teams through change. He revealed how tech giants like Xero, Microsoft, Apple, and IBM thrive by embracing change, creativity, and innovation. The talk included practical tools and a playbook to manage disruption and align people and resources with goals. From industry challenges to the AI revolution, Steve outlined how leaders and teams can navigate change and improve performance together.
Dr. Ben Hamer is a recognized futurist with accreditation in his field. Previously, he served as the Head of Future of Work at PwC Australia. His extensive work and research have taken him across the globe, including leading pivotal projects at the World Economic Forum and functioning as a Visiting Scholar at Yale University.
Ben conducted a session titled "2025 Future of Work Outlook," where he shared his insights on the future landscape of work and strategies for preparation. He tackled intriguing questions such as: Who exactly are Gen-Z? Why is there a declining interest in managerial roles? What’s next for AI? His presentation was both humorous and enlightening, offering a valuable perspective on what to expect in the coming years.
Dr. Zoë Condliffe is a formidable catalyst for change, sparking transformation through storytelling and technology. As the CEO and Founder of She’s A Crowd and an innovative researcher in gender and crowdsourcing technology at Monash University, she leads with vision and purpose.
This year at SXSW, Zoë served as a mentor, enlightening attendees on effective pitching, building and leading a social impact organization, and integrating feminist leadership in business. Her session was both informative and inspiring, making her an excellent choice to lead a mentor session.
DR SANDRA PETER & DR KAI RIEMER
Dr Sandra Peter and Dr Kai Riemer, Co-Directors of Sydney Executive Plus and professors at the University of Sydney Business School, spoke at SXSW. One session, "36 Skills You Need to Get Ahead in the Next Decade, Including AI!" explored essential skills for career advancement and insights from over 70 leaders. They introduced the Blobs, four critical skill convergence areas to watch. The talk was based on The 2025 Skills Horizon report. They also presented "AI and You: What You Need to Know Next," which was eye-opening and informative.
Layne Beachley and Tess Brouwer featured together on a panel facilitated by Holly Ransom called "Redefining Success: Beyond the 1 %" which explored the obsession the world has with the 1%. The panel challenged the traditional notions of success and asked: Have we got the right 1%?
Through a dynamic exchange of ideas and personal anecdotes, they explored the dichotomy of the 1% in leadership, sports, and life. From redefining success to prioritising well-being and meaningful connections, panellists inspired attendees to reconsider their own definitions of achievement.
Kathryn Eisman is one of the few Australians to reach top international TV levels. A two-time Emmy Award-nominated journalist, she is an on-air reporter and producer for influential TV shows. Her session with Jessica Rowe, "How changing your clothes can change your life," explored the impact of clothing choices on our subconscious. We learned how attire influences perceptions and opens doors to opportunities, supported by scientific evidence on how clothing affects mindset, self-identity, confidence, and biology.
Harry Garside, a plumber and Olympic boxer who secured a Bronze Medal in the Men's lightweight event at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, delivered a keynote at SXSW titled "The Art of Tech Detoxifying with Harry Garside." He delved into the transformative benefits of disconnecting from screens, sharing personal insights and practical strategies to reduce digital distractions, enhance mental clarity, and foster deeper connections in our tech-dominated lives. Harry discussed how a tech detox can rejuvenate creativity, improve well-being, and promote mindful living in the present moment.
Sarah Walsh, a former Australian international athlete, earned 70 caps and scored 35 goals for the Matildas. Her decorated career includes the 2004 Olympics, the 2007 FIFA World Cup, and victory at the 2010 Women’s Asian Cup.
Sarah participated in a panel, "Playbook for Equality: Lessons from Sport to Close the Startup Investment Gap for Women," and an interview, "Matildas' Mania - The Rise of Women's Football," with Tara Rushton and Steph Foran. These sessions discussed the future of women’s football and how it impacts gender equality, visibility, and connectivity, changing perceptions of ourselves and others.
Grace Tame is a survivor of child sexual abuse, as well as an accomplished author, columnist, campaigner, and advocate for fellow survivors. She established The Grace Tame Foundation (GTF), a non-profit organization dedicated to creating and supporting initiatives aimed at preventing, disrupting, and addressing child sexual abuse. In her SXSW session, Grace shared the stage with Campbell Wilson in a talk titled "The Unfair Fight: The Tech Arms Race between Child Sex Offenders and Law Enforcement." This conversation examined the tech-facilitated corruption of cognition and morality. In online child exploitation, law enforcement faces an arms race against offenders using evolving tools like AI, social media, bots, the dark web, and sextortion.
Yasmin London is a dynamic entrepreneur, advisor, media talent, and Global Online Safety Advisor and Brand Director at Qoria, a trailblazing technology company committed to ensuring young people thrive in their digital lives. She hosted a session called "The Impact of Online Abuse on Peak Performance: Unpacking the Silencing Effect on Women in Sport, Business and Beyond" which explored the hidden toll of online harassment; from mental health impacts to barriers to economic empowerment, and even the Silencing Effect (a form of self-censorship), that stifles global diversity and inclusion efforts.
