Gen Collective, in partnership with PKF Sydney and Newcastle, is hosting its second Level Up Conference this August after the inaugural event went off without a hitch last year.

Level Up is a one-day conference aimed at encouraging, uplifting, motivating, and inspiring those in business, without the demands of a grinding long-term commitment.

This year, the not-for-profit organisation, Gen Collective, has secured several local businesswomen and owners to speak at the event.

There will be panel discussions, as well as keynote speaker sessions, weaved throughout the day. One of the keynote speakers is Leadership Coach at Purposeful Leadership, Kylee Dare.

She believes in the capacity of the human spirit to bounce forward. Kylee says that her leadership path has been anything but conventional.

“I was the only female partner of a large corporation when a life-changing and unexpected event left me with a permanent and degenerative disability,” Kylee said.

“I took the uninvited clarity disability provided as an opportunity to inspire and motivate others to dare to imagine what’s possible.”

Kylee is also PKF’s Chair of Leadership and Coaching and is their internal coach, designer, and co-facilitator of their leadership pathways programs.

Business Restructuring and Insolvency at PKF Newcastle as well as Gen Collective’s Treasurer, Katelyn Stokes, has first-hand experience of the inspiration Kylee can bring to a conference.

Katelyn says the Dare to Aspire program she was a part of at PKF in 2021 was co-facilitated by Kylee and the wisdom she gave about career growth and having an open mindset to tackle the setbacks that come with the ‘climb’ has shaped the career she has today.

“Two years later and Kylee’s story still resonates with me, and I wanted to be able to give that kind of lasting inspiration to other women across the Hunter,” Katelyn said.

“After helping organise and attending last year’s Level Up conference, I knew Kylee was the perfect fit for this year.

“We were lucky enough for her to agree to come and speak alongside other powerhouse women in business.”

Gen Collective President, Kate Bernardino said this event is aimed at business owners, team leaders, team members, and anyone in business who is looking for a fresh perspective on professional development.

“We are hopeful that the attendees will come back to work the following week ready to put what they’ve learnt into action and help inspire others within their workplace,” Kate said.

“We are very grateful for all the sponsors who have come on board so far, however, we are still open for sponsorships if businesses are interested.

“The Gen Collective Committee is excited to hold the event for the second year running and see some familiar and new faces in the crowd.”

The event will be held on Friday 25 August at Voco, Kirkton Park, Pokolbin. The all-day conference will include a long lunch coupled with a wine tasting.