What a tremendous day at ‘OD in Australia today’, ODA’s 25th Anniversary Conference held Friday 26 July.
The Community Hub at Docklands was the setting for a terrific gathering of people with a curiosity and passion for OD. We had a day filled with time to Connect Share and Grow. What a treat! The breadth and depth of practice, skills, wisdom and heart that make OD unique was apparent.
Our first keynote was Kirk Docker, interviewer extraordinaire, TV producer & co-creator of ‘You Can’t Ask That’ and ‘I was there when’. A powerful, moving, thought-provoking and practical session in deconstructing the barriers for effective dialogue. Kirk’s curiosity, respect and humbleness shone throughout the session and process he shared. Just wow!
Later in the day Dr Graham Curtis, our second keynote speaker, helped us explore results and insights from the ‘OD and Change Agenda 2024’ survey conducted by Roffey Park Institute, UK. A compelling look at understanding the intricacies of organisational resilience, healthy work practices and effective evaluation strategies. So much resonated with those in the room.
And with four excellent presenters, turns out the hardest decision of the day was choosing which concurrent session to attend in the afternoon! Our talented presenters led us in exploring: A new way to acquire storytelling skills based on how natural storytellers do it with Shawn Callahan; Rethinking leadership talent with Megumi Miki; Emerging from turmoil: a case study on organisational rebuilding with Kerryn Ellis and Michelle Jorgensen; and Working with Misinformation and Disinformation with Sally Mussared. The conversations could have gone on for hours! All generously shared their insights, creating stimulating spaces to connect share and grow.
Huge thanks and congratulations to all our outstanding keynotes and presenters; your contribution enriched our time together. And a big thank you to all who attended and contributed to this memorable day. We loved having you all with us! And thanks to the ASRC for all the delicious food!
Our time together also demonstrated just how meaningful and relevant OD continues to be in Australia today. It demonstrated that where OD principles and practices are embraced and used, workplaces and the people within them thrive.
And while challenges will always be part of the terrain for OD, gathering as a community of practitioners strengthens practice, resilience and resolve. And ODA – well, we’re here for that! Thanks for celebrating our 25th anniversary. Onwards to the next 25 years of Connect Share and Grow!