Australia Awards Vanuatu alumna Leisei Jimmy recently attended the Australian Human Resources Institute Conference with support from Australia Awards, gaining valuable insights into the rapidly evolving world of work. Leisei graduated from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Human Resources and now works as a consultant who is currently reviewing the HR Manual for the Vanuatu Foreign Investment Promotion Authority (VFIPA) ensuring it aligns with Vanuatu’s legal framework.
The conference brought together leading thinkers in human resources, organisational design, leadership, and workplace wellbeing, providing a rich professional development opportunity for emerging HR leaders like Leisei.
The opening keynote by Reanna Browne, Founder and Director of Work Futures, set the tone for the event by reframing the “future of work” as the “adjacent present”—a reality already unfolding in today’s organisations. Browne highlighted paradoxical labour market pressures, the accelerating impact of AI, and the need for HR professionals to prioritise small, actionable steps rather than overwhelming long-term strategies. This perspective resonated strongly with Leisei, prompting a shift in how she views immediate workforce challenges.
A session delivered by Fleur Heazlewood, Managing Director of the Blueberry Institute, explored the concept of Job Crafting as a strategy for improving engagement, satisfaction, and psychosocial safety. Participants learned how employees can reshape tasks, relationships, and mindsets to better align their work with their strengths and values. Leisei found this framework empowering, particularly its emphasis on small, sustainable changes that can build resilience and wellbeing across teams.
In another highlight, Linda Manaena presented Coaching with AI, demonstrating how AI can serve as a supportive tool for leaders preparing for critical conversations. While AI can refine questioning and feedback, Manaena emphasised that human connection, empathy, and psychological safety must remain at the centre of leadership practices—a message that strongly aligned with Leisei’s interest in fostering trust in the workplace.
The conference also featured a thought-provoking session by Dr Beatrice Hofmeyr, who discussed why organisational design is becoming HR’s most essential capability. Hofmeyr challenged traditional restructuring practices, arguing for holistic, evidence-based design that strengthens agility and resilience rather than causing disruption.
Leisei expressed deep appreciation for the support provided by Australia Awards Vanuatu, noting that the conference expanded her professional capability and strengthened her commitment to building future-ready workplaces in Vanuatu.