On Friday 28 March, Friends for Good welcomed 62 attendees to a powerful afternoon of discussion, insight and inspiration at our 2025 Symposium, exploring the many ways loneliness shows up in our work lives—and what can be done to disrupt it.
The event opened with a heartfelt keynote from Jamal Hakim, who spoke openly about his own experiences of isolation in leadership roles. Jamal's honesty struck a chord with the audience and set the tone for the afternoon: warm, thoughtful, and deeply human.
Our panel discussion, "From youth to CEO", unpacked the experience of loneliness at different life and career stages. Moderated by Christine Yeung, the session brought together A/Prof Shea Fan, Chris Houston, and Laura Rouhan—a dynamic panel who shared insights on loneliness in the queer community, in migrant experiences, and among young people entering the workforce. Shea's data-driven perspective highlighted the structural patterns of disconnection her research is uncovering. One attendee summed it up:
“The entire event was very thought provoking. The speakers and organisers created a comfortable environment for everyone to connect and share.”
After a short break, Christine returned to the stage with Karen Tipping, whose experience working with companies like IBM, REA Group and AIA brought a refreshing honesty to the conversation. Karen spoke candidly about the human cost of poor workplace culture, and shared practical tips for creating brave, human-centred rituals that foster connection.
Next, Chloe Beevers led an engaging interactive workshop where participants shared ideas at their tables, voted on “Quick Wins” for their own workplaces, and brainstormed bigger cultural shifts. Each table shared back, creating a space filled with creative energy and tangible solutions.
To close the afternoon, Christine presented a compelling and evidence-based session on strategic social circle design, helping participants understand how connections across different parts of our lives—self, team, home, and community—are linked to performance and overall wellbeing.
“The extent of work that has been completed to have a full picture of loneliness… the knowledge, experience and authenticity of presenters.”
Antoine Pace opened and closed the day, setting the stage with generosity and wrapping the whole program together in a way that brought clarity and warmth.
The day ended with refreshments and informal networking—a chance for attendees to connect and reflect.
Thank you to all our speakers and participants for creating an environment of openness, courage and curiosity. A huge thanks to our sponsors, VeriU, Gadens and City Precinct. The Symposium is just one part of Friends for Good’s ongoing work to address loneliness across all sectors of society—and we’re grateful to everyone who joined us to be part of it.
