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Transforming Tomorrow: Shaping the future of education together

Welcome to Deloitte's Fireside Chat Series

Our Australian universities are navigating a period of significant transformation. Rapid technological advancements, evolving workforce demands, and the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic are reshaping the sector. There is an increasing need to integrate digital technologies into curricula, enhance online and hybrid learning models to serve diverse student populations, and align educational outcomes with industry requirements. This shift encourages closer collaboration between academia and the corporate sector, aiming to equip graduates with practical skills relevant to the modern job market.

The recent Australia Universities Accord Report, along with regulatory changes and heightened competition for international students, necessitates that institutions rethink their strategies and operations. Embracing a culture of agility and innovation is essential to remain competitive and contribute to a robust national education system.

Our Fireside Chat Series is designed to inform and assist the sector in addressing these pressing issues. Through interviews with esteemed leaders, we will provide tangible and unique insights to help institutions navigate these complex and evolving times.

Explore our recent interviews below

In our most recent episode, hosts Professor Belinda TynanTheo Psychogios, and Katie Vainauskas facilitate a thought-provoking discussion with Professor Barney Glover AO. The conversation covers his transition from Vice-Chancellor to Commissioner, enhancing outcomes through increased collaboration among government, industry, and academia, and the role technology plays in equipping students with modern workforce skills.

Watch the interviews

Listen on Candid Conversations

Episode Deep-Dive

Guest: Professor Barney Glover AO, Commissioner of Jobs and Skills Australia 

Hosts: Professor Belinda TynanTheo Psychogios, and Katie Vainauskas

In this episode, we dive into three key topics:

  1. The Transition from Vice Chancellor to Commissioner: Unpacking the transition and the transferrable leadership traits Professor Glover brings to his new role.
  2. Bridging Gaps between Government, Industry, and Academia: Exploring the challenges at the intersection and how increased collaboration can create a more integrated education system.
  3. Technology and Innovative Teaching: Discussing the role technology plays in equipping students with modern workforce skills.

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify

About our guest, Professor Barney Glover AO, Commissioner of Jobs and Skills Australia

Professor Glover began his five-year term as Commissioner of Jobs and Skills Australia in 2024. Jobs and Skills Australia advises the Government on current and future skills and workforce needs, conducts capacity studies on key and emerging sectors like early childhood education and clean energy, and provides regular forecasts and cross-industry workforce analyses across the economy, including regional areas.

Professor Glover is a distinguished academic leader and accomplished mathematician with significant experience in vocational education and engagement with First Nations Australians and disadvantaged communities. He served as Vice-Chancellor and President of Western Sydney University from 2014 to 2024 and was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2019. He also holds the title of Emeritus Professor at Charles Darwin University for his leadership from 2009 to 2013 and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from Western Sydney University in 2024.

Guest: Professor Martin Bean CBE, CEO The Bean Centre

Hosts: Professor Belinda Tynan and Matt Wright

In this episode, we dive into three key topics:

  1. Building transformation into your strategy: We discuss how to integrate transformation seamlessly into your organisation's strategy for tangible success.
  2. Future skills and AI: We explore the evolving landscape of AI, it’s integration in the education sector and impact on the future skills required from tomorrow's workforce.
  3. Hybrid and blended learning for student success: Gain insights into optimising digital and physical learning environments to enhance flexibility and engagement for student success.

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify

About our guest, Professor Martin Bean CBE, CEO The Bean Centre

Professor Martin Bean CBE is a visionary global leader in education and work. As CEO of The Bean Centre, he collaborates with experts, tech companies, and executives to create a future-ready workforce. Co-author of “Toolkit for Turbulence”, Martin helps leaders navigate change and builds resilient teams and Martin focuses on the evolving work landscape and lifelong learning. He mentors executives through Mentor List, fostering leadership excellence in Australia. Previously, Martin was Vice-Chancellor of leading universities across Australia and globally. He launched FutureLearn, the UK's first large-scale MOOC provider, and served as a UK Prime Minister’s Business Ambassador. Martin has represented the Australian Government on the Commonwealth of Learning and supported the Australia-Vietnam Strategic Partnership. Recognised for his contributions, he received an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of London and was appointed CBE in 2015 for his services to higher education. With a remarkable career of leadership and innovation, Professor Martin Bean CBE continues to shape the future of education and inspire global change.

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