Abiola Ajetomobi – All Staff Conference 2024

This November we host our OzChild All Staff Conference, two days of informative team building and keynote speakers, designed to bring everyone in the organisation together under one roof to celebrate the wins of the year, enhance our understanding of changes in the sector and team build.

One speaker, Abiola Ajetomobi, spoke with a commanding presence and electrifying energy, sharing her inclusion framework – Gratitude, Courage and Legacy. She challenged us, as an organisation, to look inwards, outwards and forward, her message was equal parts inspiration and a call to action, but with one clear message, there is no room for complacency.

Abiola began by grounding us in gratitude – a simple yet transformative practice. She asked, “What are you grateful for?” In a world often overwhelming, gratitude is the anchor that steadies us. It’s not just about being thankful; it’s about recognising the role we play as individuals. How do we show up? How do we contribute to the lives of others? Abiola reminded us that people will be grateful because they’ve met us. The challenge is to meet them where they are, with humility, self-awareness and an ego-free mindset.

She emphasised that the best culture to learn is our own, encouraging us to reflect on how our cultural knowledge and lived experiences shape the way we influence and connect with others.

Abiola didn’t just touch on courage; she embodied it. She urged us to get comfortable being uncomfortable because that’s where real change begins. Courage is about challenging systems that don’t serve everyone equitably.

Over-representation in child protection, racially biased practices and culturally insensitive interventions are issues we cannot ignore. Abiola called on us to examine our unconscious biases and privilege, and to ask ourselves, What does my privilege afford me? Her message was clear: equity, inclusion and belonging are not optional; they are central to the work we do.

As Australia continues to evolve as a diverse nation, Abiola reminds us of the power we have to shape its future. She framed legacy through a deeply human lens, “How has your relationship affected the life of a child?“

For those of us in roles where lived experience intersects with professional responsibilities, she acknowledged the emotional weight of bringing that experience to work. Yet, she also celebrated the transformative potential it holds for creating meaningful change.

Inclusion is not just about numbers or token gestures. It’s about voice, leadership and expertise. It’s about building systems that people don’t just navigate but own.

Abiola’s final message centred on legacy – she dared us to be change agents, to challenge the system, and to reimagine the impact we want to leave behind.

A massive thank you to Abiola for coming to speak at our All Staff Conference 2024, it was a pleasure to listen and most importantly learn from her.

At OzChild we pride ourselves on continually growing and setting the standard in the sector, and by inviting keynote speakers to the All Staff Conference we provide an invaluable opportunity for OzChild staff to gain fresh perspectives, inspiration and practical insights. These speakers bring diverse experiences and expertise that align with OzChild’s mission, sparking meaningful conversations and encouraging personal and professional growth.