Shaie O’Brien and Jessie Lu-Lee attend University of Melbourne’s Professional Staff Conference
Shaie O’Brien and Jessie Lu-Lee recently represented the MISCH Hub at The University of Melbourne’s 2025 Professional Staff Conference, Unlock Untapped Potential. Now in its 11th year, this was the largest professional staff conference to date, drawing participants from across the university to connect, learn, and celebrate professional growth.
The event featured inspiring keynote addresses from:
- The University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Emma Johnston AO
- Dr Jessica Gallagher, Summer, and Winter Paralympic medallist
- Anthony Laye, a leading behaviour expert
Alongside the formal program, there were interactive wellness activities including massage angels, therapy dogs, and creative colouring booths.
The jam-packed program offered diverse sessions exploring collaboration, leadership, inclusion, and innovation. Highlights from the sessions attended by Shaie and Jessie included:
- Speed Networking: The Art and Science of Meeting People
- Partnering for Success: The Power of Collaborative Project Teams
- Unmute Everyone: Making Space for Neurodivergent Thinking in Teams
- Transcending Boundaries: Innovative Intercultural Programs
- Rage and a Dream: Turning Passion into Action to Drive Innovation
- How I Overcame Barriers, Found Purpose and Grew with Agility
- I Wish I Had Known: Kind Leadership
- Mindful Breathing and Movement
The conference provided valuable opportunities to share ideas, strengthen skills, and reflect on how professional staff can contribute to a thriving and inclusive university community.