Why authentic leadership matters – with Dr Siouxsie Wiles at Futurespace 2026
At Futurepace 2026 we’ll explore an important question: What does great leadership look like and why is authenticity one of the most powerful tools leaders possess? This thought-provoking session will be delivered by Dr Siouxsie Wiles, one of New Zealand’s most recognised scientists who became a household name during the COVID-19 pandemic for her communication […]
What clients value most – with Gareth Parry at Futurespace 2026
At Futurespace 2026 we’ll tackle one of the most important questions facing consultants and business leaders today: what do clients really value? This high-impact workshop will be delivered by Better Together founder Gareth Parry, who has spent more than 30 years helping people and organisations tackle complexity, build alignment and take action through practical, hands-on […]
Flipping the challenge – with Dr Colin Kennedy at Futurespace 2026
In a rapidly changing environment shaped by commercial pressure, workforce constraints and the accelerating impact of AI, clients are under increasing pressure to do more with less. For consultants, this creates an opportunity to not only solve the problem in front of them but help clients understand what is driving it. ‘Lead with impact, partner with purpose and deliver with […]
Meet the 2025 Futurespace Award finalists
The ACE New Zealand Futurespace Award, sponsored by AECOM, recognises consultants who lead the charge in driving innovation and future-focused practices within their organisations and communities. Meet our 2025 finalists – Maria Mingallon (Mott MacDonald) and Tania Hyde (Beca).
Why business leaders must step back to move forward
Now more than ever, consulting business leaders need space to think beyond the immediate – to future-proof your business, strengthen leadership and stay ahead of change.
Futurespace Courageous Conversations: Embracing digital transformation
Are you ready to embrace the changes that accompany Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications? Are you upskilling and reskilling your staff to avoid being left behind? AI is already impacting our industries heightening the need for companies to start preparing now for a future with AI.
Digital technologies can aid efficiency and help organisations navigate the significant disruptions experienced in our industry in recent years, including skills gaps, cost increases and sustainability challenges. It is essential to welcome digital adoption if you are to have a place in a more advanced and productive industry.
The State of Digital Adoption in the Construction Industry 2024 report shows skills and financing are the biggest barriers to digital adoption. But businesses that invest in new technologies are reporting strong returns, with the use of an additional technology associated with higher revenue and profit growth, and more projects delivered on time and under budget.
We spoke to Tonkin + Taylor Group Managing Director Tim Fisher following his attendance at the the FIDIC (International Federation of Consulting Engineers) Global Leadership Forum (GLF) Summit in Geneva earlier this year. He said that, by 2030, it is estimated 30% of hours worked today will be automated by AI. Read Tim’s comments here.
In September, the FIDIC GLF published a paper about How artificial intelligence can unlock a new future for infrastructure following the emergence of a recurring theme about how we can use technology and AI to supercharge progress, reduce waste, and improve project delivery.
Consult Australia has also just published its Enabling Digital by Default white paper, which presents a practical, industry-informed roadmap to seamlessly integrate digital practices across the infrastructure sector.
At the 2024 Futurespace workshop, we asked attendees to explore how businesses can integrate digital technologies like AI and automation to streamline operations and enhance customer experiences, and the impact of generative AI on job roles.
Futurespace Courageous Conversations: Future business practices – what do future business models look like?
To secure a place in our industry’s future, it is essential for organisations to embrace and prepare for the changes that are already having an impact. These changes cover many areas from AI to workforce diversity, client relationships, project delivery, and more.
At the 2024 Futurespace workshop, we asked attendees to discuss the business models of the future and share ideas about how to become a future-ready company. Their conversations are summarised below.
Futurespace Courageous Conversations: business responsibility and sustainable business practices
How sustainable is your business? What changes can your organisation make to reduce its environmental impact? Have you explored regenerative business models, set net-zero targets, and considered investing in green technologies?
Adopting sustainable business practices can be challenging, especially for small and mid-sized firms. At the 2024 Futurespace workshop we asked attendees to discuss strategies and frameworks to help businesses reduce their environmental impact while also improving their bottom line. Here we share the thoughts that emerged from those conversations.
Futurespace Courageous Conversations: Future of work and workforce management in a hybrid world
What will your workday look like in one year, let alone ten years? And where will you work? Will your company have an office, or will everyone work remotely?
This is all part of the changing nature of work as we know it. We have fast become accustomed to change since Covid first emerged, but knowing how to navigate it successfully can be a challenge.
At the 2024 Futurespace workshops we asked attendees about the trends shaping the future of work, such as remote work, and the challenges and opportunities of managing a hybrid workforce.
ACE New Zealand Chief Executive Helen Davidson says the sharing by attendees of their personal or businesses’ experiences in this area shows there are multiple solutions to the challenges and opportunities presented, and these can be tailored according to need and the employee experience being curated within the business.
Futurespace Courageous Conversations: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Do you bring your whole self to work? Can you express your thoughts and ideas freely? Do you feel safe, valued and respected? Does your workplace feel inclusive? Would you recommend it as a great place to work to others?
New Zealand’s demographic landscape is constantly changing. We need to ensure our organisations keep up with this change and reflect the communities we serve by being diverse and inclusive if we are to meet the needs of future generations and attract great talent to our businesses.
At Futurespace 2024, attendees discussed strategies for recruiting and retaining diverse talent, and effective steps businesses can take to genuinely lead inclusive work environments.