Future of Connection APAC

The Future of Connection: Trust, collaboration and the human edge in an AI-enabled world

All industries around the world are grappling with growing complexity and rapid technological change, reshaping how we build trust across diverse stakeholders. Better project outcomes no longer rely on expertise alone — they depend on the strength of our connections. Our The Future of Connection virtual event explores how human-centred collaboration can unlock stronger partnerships, accelerate delivery and create lasting value for clients, partners and communities.

Our 60-minute session brings together leaders from across industry, examining what great collaboration looks like in practice. Speakers will explore how empathy, trust and shared purpose — combined with AI-enabled capability — can help organisations move faster, work smarter and deliver better outcomes in complex, multi-stakeholder environments. Attendees will leave with practical ideas to strengthen relationships, break down silos, align people around shared goals and turn collaboration into action.

This event is designed for executive and senior leaders, strategists, delivery leaders, relationship and account leaders, transformation and innovation leads, CX leaders and community engagement professionals. It will be especially relevant to those working across infrastructure, professional services, government, technology and community sectors who are looking to lead with greater connection, trust and impact.

Join us to discover how stronger human connection can help shape faster, smarter and more meaningful outcomes.

Meet your speakers

Sonia Adams | Chief Client Officer, GHD (AUS) | Facilitator

Growing up on a farm in rural Australia, Sonia Adams saw firsthand the impact of drought, floods and the power of community resilience—shaping her belief in connection as a
catalyst for better outcomes.

As Chief Client Officer at GHD, she leads global clients and markets strategy, bringing together the expertise of 12,000 people to solve complex challenges and create a more sustainable future.

With 15 years in strategic pursuits, Sonia is known for translating client and industry foresight into meaningful outcomes or solutions. She is a passionate advocate for inclusion as executive sponsor of Women in GHD and was inducted into the ICON APAC Hall of Fame in 2023 for her contribution to professional services marketing.

Michael Hinshaw | Founder and President, McorpCX (USA) | Keynote speaker

Michael Hinshaw is the founder and president of customer experience consultancy McorpCX, and is recognised on over a dozen "Top Global CX Influencers" lists.

Michael is the co-author of the best-selling books Experience Rules! The Experience Operating System (XOS)and 8 Keys to Enable It, Smart Customers, Stupid Companies: Why Only Intelligent Companies Will Thrive, and How to Be One of Them. He has been published and quoted in dozens of publications ranging from Harvard Business Review and Fast Company to American Executive, Forbes and TIME.

A Teaching Fellow at UC Berkeley's Lester Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Haas School of Business, Michael has consulted for and advised executives at leading global companies including Denver and San Francisco International Airports, Gensler, GHD, HLB, Microsoft, Merck and Cencora.

Dr Joshua Hallwright | Director of Training and Strategy, RedR Australia (AUS)

Dr Josh Hallwright is RedR Australia's Director of Training and Strategy. He oversees the delivery of humanitarian courses, while leading partnership development and resource mobilisation to keep RedR Australia relevant and effective. He is a humanitarian leader and academic with more than 15 years' experience in international humanitarian response, disaster management and development policy.

Josh has worked with multilateral agencies, NGOs and academic institutions, combining field experience with strategic leadership, research, and teaching. He has held senior roles with the Centre for Humanitarian Leadership at Deakin University, Oxfam Australia, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and the Australian Red Cross. He has worked across multiple continents in complex emergency and disaster contexts, providing technical advice on humanitarian coordination, program strategy, and organisational reform.

Jo Dooley | Vice President, Microsoft ANZ (AUS)

Jo Dooley is a Vice President for Microsoft Australia and New Zealand, leading the Commercial enterprise business. She received a Bill Gates Platinum founders award in 2020 for her outstanding customer focus and performance.

Jo has over 25 years of experience in retail, electronics and tech, having worked for Big W, Leo Burnett, IBM, and Seek in various leadership roles across Australia, New Zealand, and the Asia-Pacific region. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Western Sydney University and has a CEW Scholarship from Wharton Business School and is also a member of CEW.

Jo is passionate about the career development of teams and leaders, especially in digital skilling and promoting women. She is an executive sponsor for the Military at Microsoft Employee Resource Group. Jo is also a member of the Monash advisory tech council and the board of Gallipoli, and a supporter of the REACH foundation.

Christian Porter | Director - Clients & Markets, Laing O'Rourke (AUS)

Christian was appointed as the Director – Clients & Markets of Laing O'Rourke in Australia in April 2025. He brings over 25 years’ experience in the transport, infrastructure, operations, and services markets across Australia and New Zealand. In his most recent role as Executive Director of Commercial Strategy & Procurement at Sydney Metro, he had oversight over a c.$50 billion portfolio of procurement across transport, infrastructure, and property development projects.

Christian brings a wealth of client and contractor experience. He has been part of successful teams that have bid and delivered some of the region’s largest road, rail, and public transport schemes across a spectrum of contract models. In addition, he has supported clients in the concept and early development phase of multi-disciplinary projects which are both highly complex and highly integrated. He has a Global Executive MBA from Sydney University, as well as post graduate qualifications in applied finance, project leadership and commerce.