Elevate Program – Drive Your Leadership Further

The Elevate Program is an annual update of the latest academic research and approaches to enhance graduates' decision-making skills. You will engage with a range of specialist academics and industry guest speakers to cultivate thought leadership sessions, build your professional network and sharpen your abilities.

This two-day executive education program will enhance your knowledge and skills, focusing on current trends and practical applications. Participants receive a pre-reading pack with articles and case studies, which are referenced during the program. Expert guest speakers present relevant, diverse topics, adding depth to the academic content.

Industry and guest speakers will range from business leaders of small business to ASX listed companies, regulators, politicians and topical though leaders. Each program will host a different guest speaker.

2024 Industry Speaker

Who will benefit

Leaders who are looking to rejuvenate their thinking. Professionals from any industry and sector are welcome to attend, from those that are new in leadership roles to those with extensive experience.

Content

The program outline covers the following key areas:

• Strategy: Explore cutting-edge strategic frameworks and tools for navigating complex business environments
• Economics: Gain insights into macroeconomic trends, market forces, and economic policies, focusing on their impact on business decisions and global market dynamics
• Finance: Learn advanced financial management techniques and investment strategies to drive organisational growth and profitability
• Leadership: Develop leadership skills through contemporary theories and practical techniques that enhance decision-making, team management, and organisational change in today’s fast-paced business landscape
• Marketing: Understand innovative marketing strategies and brand positioning to effectively engage with target markets and drive business success
• Technology: Stay ahead of technological advancements by exploring disruptive innovations, digital transformation, and the integration of emerging technologies such as AI, machine learning, and automation in business operations.

About the Facilitators

Dr Shane Lavagna-Slater  
Shane has had a career blended between higher education and financial services experience, having worked in large banks, financial services providers, and Universities across Africa and Australian markets. 
Within the financial services, Shane has held senior positions responsible for driving growth through new product and channel development. Positions within universities, colleges, and private education providers include academic roles, head of department and learning experience managers. Currently, Shane acts as a sessional academic and facilitator on the UWA MBA program teaching Strategic Corporate Finance. 

Mark Dutton 
Mark is a Director and Founder of Banksia Capital and has over 25 years of business experience including 22 years in private equity. Prior to founding Banksia Capital Mark had been a partner at Navis Capital from 2005-2007 and prior to that a Director at Foundation Capital with responsibility for their later stage fund from 2003-2005. From 1994-2002 he worked at BancBoston Capital in Europe and Asia Pacific where he was Managing Director from 2001-2002. Mark also worked with Price Waterhouse in their Audit and Corporate Finance divisions in both the UK and Russia. Mark is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England & Wales and holds an MA in Management Studies and Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge, England.

Dee Roche
Dee is a Senior Management Consultant who has been facilitating, public speaking, teaching, and working with groups for over 25 years within private, public, and community-based organisations. Her experience spans the areas of strategic leadership and management development, organisational change and transformation, governance and building high performance teams that focus on values. Dee currently lectures at the UWA Business School on the Master of Business Administration (MBA) Program, focusing on ‘Strategic Change and Transformation’ and is the 2013 Winner and 2014, 2015 & 2016 Nominee of the UWA Excellence in Teaching Award; 2014 Winner UWA Excellence in Teaching and Research Awards (Program Award); and 2014 Nominee for the Western Australian Women’s Hall of Fame.

Drew Mayhills
Drew Mayhills is Chief Learning and Development Officer (CLDO) at the Australian Institute of Management in Western Australia (AIM WA), where he leads the ongoing design, development and review of the organisation’s education and training solutions for a diverse range of clients. As a proven and skilled leader, executive coach, consultant, and facilitator in his own right, he blends both one-on-one learning expertise with the strategic insights required to bring about sustained organisation-wide change. He practices what he preaches as a voracious lifelong learner. He has completed five degrees and holds multiple certifications in organisational and executive coaching, technology integration, and music production. He has recently completed a Graduate Diploma in Psychology at James Cook University and is pursuing a Master in Business Administration (MBA) at Curtin University Graduate School of Business. His talents and expertise were recognised in 2023 when he was awarded a Churchill Fellowship to investigate how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can enhance teaching and learning effectiveness, seeking to address challenges in the Australian education and training landscape.