Talentpalooza is done and dusted, and what a brilliant couple of days it was. We were so surprised at the reaction of people who attended. We knew we had put together something special, but to see it come to life and get so much brilliant feedback was wonderful.

We had so many new faces, and the audience split 50/50 between HR and TA folk, so the round-table discussions were enlightening.

What We Loved About Talentpalooza: Key Takeaways

Talentpalooza wasn’t just another work event—it was a game-changer. Over two days, HR and Talent Acquisition people from big and small companies came together to share bold ideas, challenge outdated ways of thinking, and genuinely connect. Here’s a small sample of what we covered: why everyone left feeling inspired, energised, and ready to shake things up.

1. Connection is Everything

- Viren Thakrar kicked the second day off with a fun connection game that got everyone talking (and laughing). He showed us how meeting people gets easier after just a few interactions—something we all felt in the room.

- Jodi Rosenthal shared her journey from sales to HR, reminding us how many skills are transferable—negotiation, active listening, relationship building—you name it! Her mic drop moment? “We have a seat at the table, and now we want to eat the meal.” Yes, Jodi!

2. Rethinking How We Work

- Dr. Morley Muse blew us away with her take on merit in STEM. Forget resumes full of fancy credentials—she’s all about valuing problem-solving skills, creativity, and adaptability. Her advice? Focus on what people can do, not just who they know.

- Reanna Browne flipped our “Future of Work” idea on its head. She argued there’s no data on the future because it hasn’t happened yet (mind blown 🤯). Instead of obsessing over predictions, she encouraged us to pay attention to what’s happening right now.

3. AI: Friend or Foe?

- Annie Johnson dropped some jaw-dropping stats: 75% of HR’s work is admin (tell me something we don’t know!). She challenged us to imagine what we could achieve if we automated the boring stuff and focused on meaningful work instead.

- Dr. Philip Gibbs got real about AI ethics—reminding us to audit our systems, keep humans in the loop, and prioritise privacy. His message was clear: don’t let AI run wild without oversight.

4. Diversity Done Right

- Deepak Singh didn’t hold back when he said we must stop treating diversity as a box-ticking exercise. It’s not about doing it because it’s “right”—it’s about better outcomes for everyone. His advice? Be willing to mess up, listen to those you’re trying to help, and keep going.

5. Embracing Change

- Jason Portelli reminded us that real change is messy—it’s uncomfortable and scary but so worth it. His parting words? “The future of work isn’t a forecast—it’s a fight.” Boom.

- Melissa Crawford had us laughing (and cringing) as she unpacked how often our digital messages get misinterpreted (looking at you, “as per my previous email”). She made us rethink how we communicate in this online-first world.

6. People Analytics: More Than Pretty Charts

- A panel of experts shared the real deal about People Analytics—it’s messy, imperfect, and full of trial and error (and yes, sometimes you’ll break things). But when done right, it’s all about using data to tell human stories—not just making fancy pie charts.



7. The Power of Community

Talentpalooza wasn’t just about learning—it was about belonging. We worked hard to create a space where everyone felt seen and heard—a safe zone for bold ideas and brave conversations. It wasn’t just inspiring; it was personal. People left with full hearts, new friends, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Why It Mattered

This wasn’t your typical conference—it was a movement—a rebellion against doing things as they’ve always been done. From unlearning old habits to embracing new ones, Talentpalooza reminded us that change starts with us—and that together, we can create workplaces where everyone thrives.

I was unsure if I would ever do this again. It’s a lot of work, but to see the change and the inspiration it created. To see the community come together again after a few shitty years to celebrate themselves and to understand that we want to do things differently and deliver great people outcomes has us at Talent Table rethinking what we will do for the next twelve months inspired by the rebellious spirit that came alive in 25!

Here’s to more courage and connection, and make sure you book time at our Table or look out for Talentpalooza 2026 - we may just keep doing it.

Let’s connect and drive rebellion and community!