Sonder Summit 2026

Bringing leaders together to reimagine how we support health, safety and wellbeing
Register now
17 September 2026
sonder.io
Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney
Sonder Summit is the event for people, safety and risk leaders who understand that workforce health has moved beyond wellbeing. Join leaders from Australia's most progressive organisations to explore how earlier risk detection, faster intervention and measurable prevention are reshaping the future of workforce health.

Speakers

Jana Pittman

Dr. Jana Pittman

Keynote Speaker, World Champion and Women's Health Advocate
With her remarkable journey spanning the realms of sports, medicine, and personal triumph; Jana shares her journey of overcoming adversity and embracing resilience, revealing invaluable insights on persistence, goal-setting, and the pursuit of excellence. Her engaging storytelling and insightful perspectives on personal development inspire individuals to pursue their goals with determination.
Georgie Harman

Georgie Harman AO

CEO, Beyond Blue
Georgie Harman AO is one of Australia’s most influential and trusted figures in the mental health sector. As the CEO of Beyond Blue, she believes passionately in doing better for people and communities affected by mental health issues and suicide. Georgie has steered Beyond Blue through significant change – expanding its services and supports, strengthening advocacy and community connection, and harnessing digital innovation.
Craig Cowdrey

Craig Cowdrey

Co-Founder & CEO, Sonder
Craig’s passion for solving complex problems has taken him through careers in law, diplomacy and the military. As CEO and co-founder, Craig drives Sonder’s strategy and culture, leading a high-performance team to deliver Sonder’s vision to provide everyone with global access to 24/7 safety, medical and mental health support.
Shelley Johnson

Shelley Johnson

Founder & Leadership Coach, Boldside
Shelley Johnson is the founder Leadership Development Agency Boldside. She is a leadership coach, author, and columnist for The Age and Sydney Morning Herald. And when she's not doing that, you'll find her behind the microphone on the well-known podcast: This is Work helping thousands of people grow as leaders.
David Savio

David Savio

Director – Wellbeing, Inclusion & Safety, Lifeblood
David has over 20 years’ experience working in a range of leadership roles across a range of industries. David is the Director of Wellbeing, Inclusion & Safety at Lifeblood and is responsible for ensuring that the organisation is focused on proactively managing psychological health and safety in the workplace.
Cilla Robinson

Cilla Robinson

Partner – Employee Relations & Safety, Mallesons
Cilla is a Partner with Mallesons with over 20 years’ experience specialising in employment and industrial matters from sexual harassment, discrimination to industrial disputes and enterprise bargaining, whistleblowing and running large scale litigation for both her private sector clients and government clients.
Steven Read

Steven Read

Chief Product & Technology Officer, Sonder
Steven brings 20+ years of international experience in product, technology, analytics and marketing to his role as Chief Product and Technology Officer at Sonder. Having scaled global platforms at Rokt and adMarketplace, he leads the technology and innovation that powers Sonder's 24/7 global support for people.
Ingrid Jenkins

Ingrid Jenkins

Chief People Officer, Sonder
Ingrid has spent more than 30 years working in the People & Culture profession, primarily across the technology and telecommunications sectors, including Microsoft, Canva and Telstra. Most recently, she joined Sonder as Chief People Officer, where she brings together her love of technology, human-centred leadership and creating environments where people can do their best work.

Samantha Young

Co-Founder, Chief Health Officer & Clinical Psychologist, Humn
Samantha brings a unique combination of senior management, commercial experience and psychological intervention skills to her clinical, coaching and consulting work. She has advised CEOs and Boards on complex human resource and wellbeing matters, and is co-founder of Humn, a global psychosocial safety certification and consultancy company.
Kimi Powell

Kimi Powell

VP Director of Clinical Services, Sonder
Kimi Powell is a registered nurse and VP Director of Clinical Services at Sonder, with over 20 years of clinical experience. She specialises in translating complex wellbeing concepts into evidence-based frameworks, passionate about removing barriers to care and ensuring people access support before reaching crisis point.
Kate Kendall

Kate Kendall

Co-Founder & Director of Yoga, Flow Athletic
Kate Kendall also known as Active Yogi is the Co-Founder & Director of Yoga at Flow Athletic in Sydney’s Paddington. Kate is an experienced Yoga and Meditation instructor who is passionate about teaching the art of slowing down through yoga, meditation and writing.
More to be announced
The full agenda will be announced soon, but expect industry-leading keynote speakers, panel discussions, and executive-level workshops designed to leave you feeling energised and inspired.

Program

Get a high-level overview of the day's flow to help you plan your attendance and manage your schedule. Please note that session timings are approximate and subject to change.

  1. Arrival, registration, tea and coffee

  2. Morning session

  3. Acknowledgement of Country and Welcome by Dr Jana Pittman

  4. Sonder Keynote by Craig Cowdrey, Steven Read and Ingrid Jenkins

  5. Fireside Chat with Georgie Harman and Craig Cowdrey

    Before crisis: Why the future of mental health is prevention

  6. Morning tea break

  7. Late morning session

  8. Practical leadership workshop by Shelley Johnson

    Your managers are your frontline for culture, safety, and performance. Shelley Johnson leads this workshop on practical tools to empower, develop, and lead high-performing teams.

  9. Wellbeing Experience

    A short, guided meditation to help you pause, reset, and recharge between sessions.

  10. Psychosocial risk panel

    Real talk on psychosocial risk, from the leaders navigating it, facilitated by Samantha Young.

  11. Lunch

  12. Afternoon session

  13. Fireside Chat with Kimi Powell

    What we're seeing on the ground — a clinician's view

  14. Panel Discussion

  15. Musical Experience

    A live musical performance, the perfect note to unwind and reconnect.

  16. A Masterclass in AI

    What AI actually means for the future of safety, risk, and people leadership, and how to lead through it with confidence.

  17. Networking, canapés, drinks and activations

Location

Museum of Contemporary Art Australia
140 George Street The Rocks Sydney NSW 2000
Visitor information
140 George St The Rocks, Sydney NSW 2000 View larger map

Why Sonder Summit?

People and safety leaders are facing mounting pressure – think AI's rapid ascent, ongoing global tensions, and increasingly complex regulation. Sonder Summit isn't just a one-day event; it's a vital reset. Here, leaders gain crucial respite, spark connection, and access essential support. Attendees will leave feeling inspired, reassured, and equipped to conquer the growing demands of employee health, safety, and wellbeing.

About Sonder

Sonder is a leading safety, medical, and mental health support company that helps organisations protect their people and mitigate risk. Available 24/7, Sonder’s proactive and on-demand support connects employees and students to expert guidance, real-time safety monitoring, and immediate assistance when they need it most.

Sonder Summit FAQs

Missed 2025? Watch the highlights

"I've been to a lot of events like this, and host similar events in my role, and this was far and away one of the best run ones I've experienced. There are so many positive aspects."
General Manager, Student Experience
“The Sonder Summit 2025 delivered an outstanding experience from start to finish. The lineup of expert speakers was a clear highlight—engaging, professional, and genuinely inspirational. While the program was centred on People and Culture themes, the breadth of the discussions ensured strong relevance for those working directly with students, clients, and broader University services.”
Manager, Wellbeing Services
"It’s refreshing to see a wellbeing first approach as a given, rather than fighting for wellbeing to have a voice in the conversation."
Wellbeing Specialist
"All so relevant, personal stories impactful, great choice of speakers, well thought out program, venue & catering excellent"
People & Culture Officer
“The speakers were vulnerable and open, allowing me to fully immerse myself and get the most out of it - also highly relevant to my work and workplace."
Head of Corporate Services
"All speakers and sessions were exceptionally engaging, very good topics, and each speaker made an effort to engage the online audience. I think Sonder excelled themselves, and I felt very fortunate being able to attend. Huge thank you team Sonder and to all the guest speakers and facilitators."
Psychological Technical Specialist
"Fantastic summit! I have spent a lot of money on other conferences and found nowhere near the quality of information or speakers. The entire day was a fantastic, insightful and relevant (so important) experience. I was engaged the entire day, and for an online attendee this is difficult to achieve! Well done to Sonder for a fantastic event, can't wait for the next one."
Head of Corporate Services
"The sessions gave a strong balance between practical insights and strategic thinking. It provided actionable ideas I can bring back to my workplace."
Senior Human Resources Business Partner
"I've been to a lot of events like this, and host similar events in my role, and this was far and away one of the best run ones I've experienced. There are so many positive aspects."
General Manager, Student Experience
“The Sonder Summit 2025 delivered an outstanding experience from start to finish. The lineup of expert speakers was a clear highlight—engaging, professional, and genuinely inspirational. While the program was centred on People and Culture themes, the breadth of the discussions ensured strong relevance for those working directly with students, clients, and broader University services.”
Manager, Wellbeing Services
"It’s refreshing to see a wellbeing first approach as a given, rather than fighting for wellbeing to have a voice in the conversation."
Wellbeing Specialist
"All so relevant, personal stories impactful, great choice of speakers, well thought out program, venue & catering excellent"
People & Culture Officer
“The speakers were vulnerable and open, allowing me to fully immerse myself and get the most out of it - also highly relevant to my work and workplace."
Head of Corporate Services
"All speakers and sessions were exceptionally engaging, very good topics, and each speaker made an effort to engage the online audience. I think Sonder excelled themselves, and I felt very fortunate being able to attend. Huge thank you team Sonder and to all the guest speakers and facilitators."
Psychological Technical Specialist
"Fantastic summit! I have spent a lot of money on other conferences and found nowhere near the quality of information or speakers. The entire day was a fantastic, insightful and relevant (so important) experience. I was engaged the entire day, and for an online attendee this is difficult to achieve! Well done to Sonder for a fantastic event, can't wait for the next one."
Head of Corporate Services
"The sessions gave a strong balance between practical insights and strategic thinking. It provided actionable ideas I can bring back to my workplace."
Senior Human Resources Business Partner
"I've been to a lot of events like this, and host similar events in my role, and this was far and away one of the best run ones I've experienced. There are so many positive aspects."
General Manager, Student Experience
“The Sonder Summit 2025 delivered an outstanding experience from start to finish. The lineup of expert speakers was a clear highlight—engaging, professional, and genuinely inspirational. While the program was centred on People and Culture themes, the breadth of the discussions ensured strong relevance for those working directly with students, clients, and broader University services.”
Manager, Wellbeing Services
"It’s refreshing to see a wellbeing first approach as a given, rather than fighting for wellbeing to have a voice in the conversation."
Wellbeing Specialist
"All so relevant, personal stories impactful, great choice of speakers, well thought out program, venue & catering excellent"
People & Culture Officer
“The speakers were vulnerable and open, allowing me to fully immerse myself and get the most out of it - also highly relevant to my work and workplace."
Head of Corporate Services
"All speakers and sessions were exceptionally engaging, very good topics, and each speaker made an effort to engage the online audience. I think Sonder excelled themselves, and I felt very fortunate being able to attend. Huge thank you team Sonder and to all the guest speakers and facilitators."
Psychological Technical Specialist
"Fantastic summit! I have spent a lot of money on other conferences and found nowhere near the quality of information or speakers. The entire day was a fantastic, insightful and relevant (so important) experience. I was engaged the entire day, and for an online attendee this is difficult to achieve! Well done to Sonder for a fantastic event, can't wait for the next one."
Head of Corporate Services
"The sessions gave a strong balance between practical insights and strategic thinking. It provided actionable ideas I can bring back to my workplace."
Senior Human Resources Business Partner

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