Why Agility Matters More Than Ever

If you’re reading this, chances are you believe in the value of exploring better ways of working – of staying agile, curious, and open to new ideas. It’s an agile mindset that helps us thrive, whatever the future brings.

Even in times of volatility, it’s our commitment to reflection, growth, and adaptation that gives us confidence for what’s ahead. And that feels more important than ever. Recent research is painting a clear picture. Australia slipped to 23rd place in the 2025 IMD World Digital Competitiveness Ranking which is our lowest result in nine years. As CEDA Chief Executive Melinda Cilento put it:

And while this is a national challenge, it is also one for each and every organisation. Deloitte’s 2025 Global Human Capital Trends report highlights a growing tension: workers are seeking more clarity and confidence in how they work, while at the same time 85% of business leaders say organisations now need more agile ways of organising work to adapt swiftly to change. Leaders may want to move fast, yet many of those they lead don’t yet feel prepared.

This tension is at the heart of modern leadership: people are key, and they need reassurance, but they also need their capabilities developed to feel equipped for what is ahead. It’s finding this balance that defines truly adaptive organisations.

Agility is foundational. It’s the advantage that lasts.

As Jeff Bezos famously put it:

Why AgileAus26 Cannot Come Soon Enough

For me, AgileAus26 feels like it might be the perfect moment for a collective reset. A chance for all of us to retool, reconnect, and explore how we reinvent the way we work.

It’s when we reaffirm what we already know that the true drivers of productivity are people: people who are well led, who work well in teams, and who collaborate effectively across teams.

And it’s why the focus at AgileAus26 will be on how organisations can build the capabilities and unlock the potential of the people at the heart of productive, intelligent, adaptable workplaces.

AgileAus26 is to be held at the iconic MCG over the 19th and 20th of May 2026 to explore how we will shape the future of work. Speakers locked in already include – Adam Boas, Nigel Dalton, Sharon Parker, Adel Smee – you can discover more here about our plans and access early-bird tickets until the end of January 2026.

Expressions of interest to speak at AgileAus26 are open from 1 December 2025.