Elena Kingston-Bedford
& Benny Callaghan
Your Hosts
This is the first time Elena and Benny have collaborated on a project and they decided to go big!
Elena is the Founder of Pause and Play People Solutions, an Executive Coach and Facilitator.
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Benny is Founder and Chief Collaborator at Systems Collaboration Partners, helping people collaborate across difference to move from complexity to clarity and create our outcomes that matter.
Mykel Dixon
WILD WORK: bring your work alive
Mykel Dixon is a globally recognised keynote speaker, award-winning
author, and strategic partner to the world’s most human brands.
He works with Fortune 500s, fast-growing startups, and visionary leaders to drive cultural momentum, creative capability, and measurable engagement across teams—by reigniting aliveness at every level of the organisation.
Dr Polly McGee
Neuroleadership expert
Dr Polly McGee is a dynamic neuroleadership expert, trauma-
responsive facilitator and somatic psychotherapist who bridges leadership strategy with embodied intelligence and human connection. Known for their sharp wit, deep wisdom, and radically real delivery, Polly brings science, soul and
systems together to shift mindsets and energise rooms.
Jack Manning Bancroft
CEO & Founder of AIME. Author of Hoodie Economics.
Founding AIME in 2005 to alleviate inequity Jack has led a 20 year movement to establish a global network across 52+ countries to centre imagination, mentoring and custodianship for all of humankind and solve the systemic challenges we've inherited to create a healthier life for all species on earth.
Awards include being the youngest person in Australian history to receive an Honorary Doctorate from the University of South Australia, being awarded a Human Rights Medal and receiving an Honorary Fellowship from the University of Western Sydney. He is currently an Honorary Fellow at Deakin University with the Indigenous Knowledge Systems Lab.
Mardi Wilson
Singer/Songwriter
A raw and authentic one person show, Mardi Wilson blends sweet vocals with vivid and refreshingly honest storytelling, really setting her apart from the rest. From an early age, Mardi enjoyed writing lyrics and poetry, but was introduced to the world of music when she started drumming at the age of 12. Now, Mardi now incorporates guitar, vocals and foot percussion into her live performances.
 

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Mardi has spent many months touring Australia, gaining inspiration and connecting with nature.
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An energetic and captivating solo performer, Mardi is constantly inspired by her personal experiences to create music which resonates with audiences as she travels and plays.
Sarah Sivaraman
Art Therapist
Sarah Sivaraman facilitates workshops that bring joy, curiosity and play to the forefront of art making. She believes that art is for everyone, and that the act of creating offers us another way to learn, connect and make sense of our experiences and the world around us.
With a Masters in Art Therapy and 15 years’ experience, Sarah’s trauma-informed, neuro-affirming, person-centred approach has touched many lives.
Sarah will guide us through playful, collaborative hands-on experiences to open up how we connect, how we lead, and how we make meaning in the everyday.
Breathe into your own creative leadership rhythm.
Pause and Play and Systems Collaboration Partners presents a dynamic immersion into the art and neuroscience of collaborative leadership.
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You'll be guided and supported by Elena Kingston-Bedford and Benny Callaghan, along with other dynamic speakers and facilitators.
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WHEN: Wednesday 22 October 2025
WHERE: Smoked Garage, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane
You'll meet people you wish you knew 10 years ago: leaders, facilitators, change-makers, and curious humans who want to lead and collaborate with more intention, space, and courage.
You'll return to work re-energised for another round; thinking about leadership in a more breathable way.
Get Started for Free
PARTNERING WITH
PAUSE AND PLAY
A pause, used well, allows for proper consideration to be given, and then more constructive responses to colleagues, team members, and the wider environment which leads to better performance, growth and a greater impact.
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Humans connect, learn and perform better when there is permission to play. Play and playfulness is actively invited into learning and engagement spaces.