On Wednesday, 6 November 2024, EML hosted the Leading the Way: EML Health Innovations Forum at the Hilton Hotel in Sydney, bringing together representatives from NSW Health and influential voices from across Australia. The event provided a platform for insightful discussions focusing on resilience, innovation, and creating inclusive work environments.
The forum highlighted EML’s ongoing commitment to driving positive change and building on our partnership with NSW Health. Attendees were treated to engaging presentations, and networking opportunities designed to inspire fresh thinking and new approaches to tackling organisational challenges.
Soraya Calavassy, Director, and Co-Founder of Neon Black, acted as the event's MC, skilfully guiding the audience through an impressive lineup of speakers. Kicking off the day, Marty Wilson, a seasoned expert in behavioural change, led an impactful and humorous Organisational Change Management workshop. The workshop equipped attendees with personal skills to step outside their comfort zones and embrace change to help foster a resilient and adaptable workforce. Marty had the audience thinking about how they could implement an innovative change within their own organisations, with each submission going into the running to win a prize!
Dr Jordan Nguyen, a renowned Biomedical Engineer and Founder of Psykinetic, shared his expertise, triumphs, and tribulations on the process of developing life-changing technologies to improve independence and quality of life for those living with high-level disability, aged care and beyond. Amongst some of Jordan’s achievements were a mind-controlled smart wheelchair, and his robotic companion, Koobo who engaged with the audience on the day. The audience were also thrilled to be involved in a live demonstration using eye movements to navigate through a video game.
Rachel Clements, Co-Founder and Director of Psychological Services at the Centre for Corporate Health, captivated the audience with her presentation on "Creating a Neuro-Inclusive Team Culture: The Role of Peers." Rachel provided insights into the strengths and challenges of common neurodivergent attributes, and how organisations can support their employees to foster an inclusive team culture to help neurodiverse individuals thrive in the workplace.
The event’s closing keynote came from Turia Pitt, the renowned inspirational speaker, businesswoman, and author. Her personal story of resilience, combined with practical insights on overcoming adversity, was a powerful reminder of the human spirit's strength, resonating deeply with the audience. Turia’s presentation served as both an inspiration and a call to action for attendees to continue pushing boundaries and embracing innovation.
EML Management, CEO, Don Ferguson reflected on the success of the forum:
"The Leading the Way: EML Health Innovations Forum was a great day for exchanging ideas and driving progress in the future of healthcare. The calibre of speakers and the depth of discussions exceeded our expectations, providing invaluable insights. At EML, we are committed to fostering an environment that supports innovation, and this forum highlighted the importance of collaboration in achieving that goal."
Attendees left the event energised and equipped with practical strategies to implement within their organisations. The forum highlighted EML's dedication to leading conversations on innovation and resilience.
Congratulations to the following winners of the innovation submission prizes:
- Mark Nichols, representing Illawarra Shoalhaven LHD won the 1st prize hamper for the most innovative idea on the day for AI to analyse incident data and staffing conditions to predict safety risks flagging at-risk shifts.
- Courtney Um, representing Western Sydney LHD won the 2nd prize hamper, for her idea to develop a connected system between the injury management team and EML to streamline the lodgement of notification only claims.