Keynote speakers

Underwater Frontiers | Merging Human Ability and Technological Innovation

Synopsis: Throughout my career I’ve operated on the frontier of what is possible underwater, exploring human aquatic potential through my training, and through applying the scientific method that I learned at Auckland University to investigate what the human body is capable of underwater, as well as how to best reach that capacity.

Now, as we stand on the precipice of a rapid technological expansion, it seems inevitable that there will be an intersection of this technology and human potential. These technologies, such as AI and advanced monitoring systems, are already enhancing training, safety, and performance in extreme sports like freediving, but the future shows signs of bringing faster and more impactful changes.

Bio: In 2005 William was the first freediver to dive at Dean's Blue Hole. There, in April 2007, he broke his first world record in the discipline of CNF (Constant Weight No Fins), diving to 81m.

Since then he has broken this record multiple times, and in 2010 he became the first human to descend to 100m (330 feet) during Project Hector, an event aimed at bringing awareness to the plight of New Zealand's critically endangered Hector's and Maui's Dolphins. 

In 2019, he became the first person to complete an 'underwater crossing’ of a major channel, swimming only underwater over the course of 934 breath holds to cross the Cook Strait between New Zealand’s North and South Islands in 9 hours 15 minutes.

Ritesh Shah | Education and Crisis : The power of education in times of upheaval

Synopsis: Education continues to hold immense power in transforming the lives of individuals, communities and society as a whole. This is even more true in contexts of crises such as conflicts or disasters. In these settings, education can provide children and youth with a sense of normalcy, hope and recovery to the challenges they have and continue to face.

This talk will critically explore how political, cultural and economic interests often complicate whether and how education is supported within humanitarian responses.

Examples will be given of how we might ask for and expect more from education in the increasingly tumultuous world in which we live.

Bio: Ritesh Shan is dedicated to ensuring that all children inherit a world that is more just, equitable, and peaceful than the one we inhabit today. He researches how quality, relevant, inclusive education in conflict-affected contexts can contribute to this goal.

Ritesh bridges several disciplines—including sociology, politics, international
relations, and anthropology—and two broad fields of study, education and
development studies, to achieve this. A significant aspect of his work involves
bridging the academic-practice divide through applied research, which have a
demonstrable impact on communities of practice internationally.

Darsel Keane | Tomorrow's Workplace: How to foster an innovative leadership mindset

Synopsis: As the workplace evolves, future leaders like you will be at the forefront of innovation and entrepreneurship. This talk explores how you can foster a culture of innovation, how you can develop your entrepreneurial mindset and, and why the world desperately needs your innovative ideas. You'll gain insights into preparing for a career that not only adapts to change but drives it. Join us to discover how you can shape your future and the world through innovative thinking and entrepreneurial spirit.

Bio: Darsel Keane is Director of the University of Auckland Business School’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Darsel has previously worked at the Icehouse and EverEdge IP in intellectual property and commercialisation consulting. Her PhD examines how to measure and educate for an entrepreneurial mindset. Darsel has been foundational in establishing programmes at the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and in building its innovation hubs from the ground up.