Midday Motivation That Moved the Mind and Heart

In the middle of a bustling event floor, where deals were made and networks built, a quiet revolution of thought and inspiration unfolded. The Celebrity Speakers New Zealand Showcase partnered with MEETINGS 2025 to present an unforgettable lineup of motivational lunchtime sessions that re-energised, challenged, and inspired attendees. Held from 1.30pm to 2.30pm on both days of the event, these curated talks offered more than just a break — they offered a fresh perspective.

Day One: Stories That Stirred the Soul, Hosted by Melissa Chan-Green

A familiar face to many, award-winning journalist and television presenter Melissa Chan-Green guided the first day’s program as Master of Ceremonies. Known for her sharp storytelling and warm presence, Melissa set the tone for an hour of powerful and personal insights.

Mike McRoberts opened the session with a heartfelt reflection on cultural identity and diversity. With decades in frontline journalism, Mike offered more than headlines — he shared a call to embrace empathy and understanding in a multicultural world.

Next, Alexia Hilbertidou took the stage. A trailblazer for young women in STEM and founder of GirlBoss New Zealand, Alexia delivered a future-focused message about bridging generational divides to unlock innovation and inclusion. Her initiatives, credited with a $63 million impact, added weight to her inspiring insights.

Dave Wood followed with the energy and expertise of a seasoned paramedic and professional lifeguard. His talk offered practical strategies to enhance personal wellbeing, drawing from both emergency response and executive coaching to help attendees lead more balanced lives.

Day Two: Leadership, Legacy and Breaking Boundaries, Hosted by James Laughlin

On the second day, award-winning leadership coach James Laughlin took the mic as host. With a global following on his Lead on Purpose podcast, James brought energy and engagement to a compelling afternoon lineup.

Amanda Stevens brought a fresh perspective from across the Tasman, sharing expert insights into the power of customer experience. Her talk provided businesses with a roadmap to exceeding customer expectations and building loyalty in today’s fast-paced market.

Bariz Shah followed with a deeply moving message of resilience. Drawing on his personal journey and proud Muslim heritage, Bariz spoke about turning adversity into strength and fear into momentum, leaving a lasting impression on the room.

Closing the session was an exclusive Q&A with international rally driver Emma Gilmour. A pioneer in the world of motorsport, Emma shared her story of grit and determination in a male-dominated sport. Her candid discussion with James Laughlin highlighted the importance of perseverance and confidence in the face of barriers.

An Hour of Inspiration That Lingered Long After the Applause

Each session in the Celebrity Speakers NZ Showcase delivered more than insight — it sparked reflection and action. Covering topics from leadership and wellbeing to inclusion and performance, these lunchtime sessions proved to be a true highlight of MEETINGS 2025.

Registered Day Buyers enjoyed priority access to these popular events, making it easy to integrate powerful personal development into a packed event schedule. Attendees walked away inspired, energised, and ready to turn ideas into impact.

Discover More from Celebrity Speakers New Zealand

To explore the full speaker roster and book for future events, visit celebrityspeakers.co.nz
Follow their latest updates on Instagram: @celebrityspeakersnz

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