DFP Forum and Events

Leading in the friction zone

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28 October 2026 08:30 - 11:45 Marriot Hotel, 515 Queen Street, Brisbane

​Maintaining trust amid continuous shift

As Australian workplaces navigate unprecedented momentum from rapid tech and AI integration to structural realignments and evolving hybrid dynamics, leadership is entering the "Friction Zone." Technical expertise alone is no longer enough. Today's leaders must foster psychological safety, cultivate a growth mindset and leverage cognitive diversity to sustain trust and performance. This forum will give you the opportunity to explore this critical shift in leadership practice.

The first module will explore Navigating Continuous Shift & Psychological Safety:

  • Why psychological safety and a growth mindset are essential during rapid tech/AI integration

  • Shifting team culture from "proving expertise" to "improving collective capability and innovation"

  • How cognitive diversity acts as a strategic engine when friction is managed safely

  • Practical strategies for leading hybrid teams through uncertainty with clarity and connection

The second module will focus on Cognitive Styles, Style Flexing & Sustaining Trust:

  • Identifying default friction points across distinct cognitive styles (Action, Vision, Systematic, Analytical)

  • Mastering "Style Flexing" to bridge communication gaps and maintain trust across diverse teams

  • Practical linguistic reframing: using growth-oriented language and the power of "Yet"

  • Embedding repeatable weekly micro-habits that protect team wellbeing, clarity, and performance

Join us for this practical, interactive forum to learn strategies that you can implement immediately to strengthen your leadership impact.

Attendance at the Forum is complimentary and will include full breakfast. Please RSVP to: Tom Hatch on 03 8632 9952 or email thatch@dfp.com.auby Friday 23 October 2026.

Download the event invitation

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Facilitator - Dr. Bernie Scully

With a genuine passion for creating authentic change, Bernie is a values driven person who is an engaging and knowledgeable advisor on what makes leaders and teams effective. Bernie holds a PhD in psychology and draws from his experience within General Manager and National Director roles to understand the lived experience of executive leadership and real world experience in the application of what creates success.

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Insurance Manager, Private Sector

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Social Services Manager, Federal Government

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Healthcare Professional, Federal Government

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Finance Manager, Federal Government

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