Captains in Conversation:
Principled Leadership for an Uncharted World.

The Old Maps Don't Work. Let's Chart a New Course.

We all feel it. We're living it. The relentless turbulence of today's world means old leadership maps are no longer enough. Traditional approaches, built on certainty and control, leave even the most capable leaders adrift in uncertainty.

But what if leadership was about skillful navigation? About purpose, courage, and a deep sense of humanity serving as your compass?

This exclusive evening casts off a much-needed movement towards empathetic and resilient leadership. Join us to celebrate the launch of "Captain, Set Sail: A Nautical Guide to Leadership in an Uncharted World– the groundbreaking debut book by leadership thinker and author Dave Chauhan.

More than a book launch, this event is a crucial conversation about equipping leaders to thrive in an increasingly volatile and unpredictable world, by putting humanity firmly at the helm.

Captains in Conversation: A Candid Panel Discussion

The heart of the evening will be an unscripted, insightful panel discussion featuring Melbourne's most influential business and community leaders. These are the very captains steering our city and industries through today's complex currents, embodying the spirit of purposeful, human-centric leadership.

With author Dave Chauhan and our distinguished panellists, we'll unpack:

• True Purpose in Leadership: Rediscovering your "Why" when the future feels uncertain.

• Navigating Today's Turbulent Tides: Mastering adaptability, decisive action, and course correction in real-time.

• Developing a New, Compassionate Resilience: Building empathy, psychological safety, and human connection that truly inspires.

Distinguished Leaders

Panellists, Speakers & Hosts

Jon Yeo, Curator of TEDxMelbourne.

For over a decade, Jon has been at the helm of one of Australia’s most influential platforms for ideas. But his work goes far beyond simply organising events. On his journey, from being a naturally shy and introverted person, Jon became the National President of Professional Speakers Australia, establishing himself as a beacon of he power of storytelling. Jon is a navigator of the human spirit. Jon is a true Wayfinder, having mastered the art of transforming complex ideas into powerful stories that build bridges of connection and inspire collective action.

Today, Jon is a highly sought-after speaker, coach and trainer. For over 10 years, he's worked with global brands and enthusiastic start-ups alike to achieve their speaking and communication aspirations. He helps corporate leaders and professionals to better craft their messages for both internal and external audiences.

Jon’s unique perspective on how great leaders use storytelling to cut through complexity and foster genuine human connection is indispensable to our conversation. His presence ensures we will explore not just the what of leadership, but the how—how we communicate, connect, and inspire in a world that desperately needs clarity.

Jamie Nicolson, Founder & Chairman of Alchemy Construct®.

The construction industry, which is often defined by contract values, timelines and quality, Jamie chose to chart a radically different course. He has navigated Alchemy Construct to become more than just a successful construction firm; he has shaped it into a beacon of purpose-driven business. Today, Alchemy Construct is known for its focus on social infrastructure and community strength, specialising in building spaces that enhance social impact and community well-being.

Driven by this inspiring passion for creating "Buildings of Impact," Jamie’s leadership exemplifies the essential shift from just delivering transactional projects to truly transformational community assets. He demonstrates that a true legacy isn't measured in square metres but in the human value created—in the schools that inspire learning, the community hubs that foster connection, and the healthcare facilities that heal.

Jamie is disrupting a traditional industry with a values-first approach, and his career is a masterclass in the modern for-profit industry. His insights on embedding purpose in the very DNA of an organisation are vital for any leader seeking to build a business that is both profitable and principled.

Jac Phillips, Executive & Leadership Coach and Former Leader & a C-suite Executive at Deakin University, Visa, ANZ, and Westpac.

For over 25 years, Jac has had a front-row seat to leadership and been in the arena where it is all the most raw and real. She hasn't just witnessed it from the sidelines; she has navigated the demanding realities of the C-Suite in some of the world's most dynamic industries. She has seen it all—"the good, the bad, and the plain ugly"—and has distilled that experience into a singular passion: unlocking the true potential of leaders.

Starting her journey behind a microphone as a radio announcer, she first learned the foundational power of communication with a clear, authentic voice. This unique perspective is her superpower: helping leaders find their own voice, communicate with genuine influence, and create a culture of connection, not just compliance.

Jac’s wisdom on building a personal brand, leading with authenticity, and finding that joyful balance in a high-stakes career is an essential part of our discussion. She reminds us that the most effective navigation is impossible without clear, human communication.

Jacqueline Talevska, Humanitarian Engineer and Global Crisis Response Leader.

Jacqueline brings a perspective on leadership that is both rare and vital. Before dedicating her life to humanitarian work, she managed multi-million dollar projects here in Australia. But a deeper call to service led her to navigate some of the world's most complex and volatile environments.

Since then, she hasn't just managed projects; she has built lifelines. From establishing organisational operations in the heart of conflict in Ukraine and Syria to leading emergency responses in South Sudan and Uganda, Jacqueline understands what it truly means to be a Beacon of hope, a Wayfinder in chaos, and a Seafarer when lives are on the line.

Her work, now pursued through a PhD in Humanitarian Engineering, is at the frontier of leadership—exploring how business models can be a force for good in post-disaster recovery. She asks the hard questions: How do we build systems that are not just efficient but sustainable? Not just profitable, but profoundly human?

Jacqueline’s voice is essential to our conversation. Grounded in her work, she will challenge us, inspire us, and guide our movement in the reality of what it takes to lead with unwavering purpose when the stakes are at their highest.

Kat Francis, A Leadership coach and a Former Business Executive

For those who don't know Kat, she's spent 20+ years in the strategic big leagues, shaping brands like Commonwealth Bank, BCG, and Air New Zealand. As a leadership coach, she has a rare gift for getting to the absolute heart of what drives a leader. She doesn't just ask questions; she navigates to the truth.

A panel of this calibre deserves a master navigator. With Kat guiding the conversation, the value in that room just went to a whole new level.

Saari Frochot-Chauhan is an Education Leader and former Business Executive.

Every great voyage needs a skilled navigator at the helm, someone to steer the conversation and keep the ship on course.

Our "Captains in Conversation" event is no different. The dialogue we aim to create is too important to leave to chance. Saari Frochot-Chauhan will be our Emcee for the evening.

For those who don't know Saari, her leadership journey is a masterclass in itself. After building and running her own successful business for over a decade, one of her accolades, among several others, includes the inaugural Regional Woman in Business Award back in 2018.

She made a powerful choice to align her experience with her deepest values. Today, she holds a vital leadership role at a secondary college, Youth2Industry College, dedicated to creating an incredible educational environment for senior students.

She doesn't just talk about purpose-led leadership; she has lived it from every angle—as an entrepreneur, a community leader, and now an educator. She understands what it takes to navigate with both heart and a steady hand.

Event Details & Logistics

Evening Schedule:

• 6:00 PM: Doors Open | Welcome Drinks & Canapés

• 6:30 PM: Formalities Commence | Author Welcome & Introduction

• 7:00 PM: "Captains in Conversation" Panel Discussion

• 7:45 PM: Audience Q&A

• 8:00 PM: Book Signing & Further Networking

• 9:00 PM: Event Concludes

The Performance Space, The Wheeler Centre, State Library Victoria
76 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Secure Your Place at the Captains' Table.

Spaces are limited for this exclusive evening designed for leaders like you. Don't miss this opportunity to challenge conventional thinking, gain fresh insights, and connect with peers who are charting the future of leadership.