Over 150 retailers and supplier delegates from the appliances and consumer electronics industry attending the Narta Executive Leadership Conference have begun their journey home after a week of listening to presentations from some of the world’s best speakers.
Narta chairman Kay Spencer said the conference exceeded her expectations, after initial concerns about whether to hold the event in the current industry climate.
“The conference has been an absolute success,” Spencer said.
“We under-estimated the fact that we needed to get the industry together again. The feeling of camaraderie and the quality of the speakers has been overwhelmingly well-received.
“While we initially hesitated in holding the conference, we now know there is no question it was the right thing to do,” she said.
The conference began with one of the most in-demand motivational speakers globally, Nemtin challenged delegates to with an opportunity to reflect on their dreams as well as the dreams of the family, friends and staff. This was followed by Michael Jackson who participated in a High Performance Podcast sharing his vulnerabilities and insights into his life as a high performer.
Two presentations from futurist Mike Walsh and the team from Time Under Tension discussed the importance of Generative AI and the important technology that needs to be implemented into business.
Former Australian federal treasurer, Peter Costello, provided an overview of the global economic market and how it will impact Australian and New Zealand businesses. Former CIA and Marine Corps operative Eric Traupe provided insights into geopolitics and trends impacting the global landscape.
Cyber security expert Mikko Hypponen provided an overview of the dangers of being held to ransom by hackers and the importance of protecting data.
Petra Velzeboer reminded delegates of the importance of healthy teams in the workplace and identifying the early signs of poor mental health by providing a personal story of her own struggles with anxiety and depression.
Two presentations from iconic sportspeople in Australia and New Zealand – Dan Carter and Jessica Fox provided an insight into the winning mentality and the importance of preparation and personal goals.
Cardiologist Ross Walker provided an update on how delegates can improve their health both physically and mentally. Walker provided an overview of how it is possible to reduce risks through lifestyle, consultation with medical physicians and appropriate personalised programs and systems to manage individual conditions.
Peter Baines provided an overview of the Hands Across The Water charity. Narta has supported the charity ever since Baines was booked as a speaker at the Narta conference held in San Francisco in 2007 where $245,000 was raised by the retailer and supplier community attending that conference.
Baines provided an update on an 1400km run or 60km a day he conducted over 26 days in Thailand raising $675,000 for the charity overcoming personal challenges as well as the importance of purpose and generosity.