SPEAKERS

Spencer Howson describes himself as a tirelessly curious storyteller.

His career began in 1990 when he volunteered at Reading Radio 4RPH, but he’s best known for his 26 years with the ABC, including 15 years presenting the top-rating 612 ABC Brisbane Breakfast show.

After leaving the Breakfast show in 2016, Spencer held the position of ABC Program Quality Advisor, which involved coaching presenters and producers across Australia.

From 2021-2023, he tasted the world of commercial radio, hosting Weekends on 4BC.

He has lectured Radio Production at the University of Southern Queensland, and is a Pathways Trainer at the Community Media Training Organisation.

Spencer is a passionate advocate for diversity of voices in the Australian media, and in 2021 completed a Master of Arts, studying attitudes towards female radio presenters.

He’s currently a PhD student at Griffith University, where he’s researching the value of local radio to audiences in regional Australia.

Dr Liz Crowe is a staff wellbeing specialist and organisational solutionist.  After decades in paediatric critical care specialising in trauma, grief and bereavement, Liz did a PhD examining the risk and protective factors for staff wellbeing. Liz works as the Director for Wellbeing for the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, runs a successful business Organisational Solutions and pursues wellbeing research as an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Queensland.  

Liz is an author, a podcaster, a coach, a mediator, an educator, a debriefing advocate and a disruptor. 

Amanda is Managing Director, founder and owner of Articulous, an international award-winning engagement and communications agency. For 20 years, she has been a regular on ABC Radio with the Spin Cycle and Hidden Persuaders programs. A director on the Major Festivals Board, which runs the acclaimed Brisbane Festival, she is a strong advocate for the arts. 

Volunteering is a core part of her life and that of her family.

More broadly, for more than 20 years, she has been a trusted advisor for some of Australia’s leading global companies and government departments. Specialising in complex and controversial projects, she believes that even the impossible is possible.

Amanda is a high-energy facilitator who can inspire innovation and deftly bring people to consensus. Her passion makes her a highly sought-after speaker.

A former News Limited journalist, Amanda has been a regular commentator on ABC radio since 2006, firstly as a weekly panellist on the Hidden Persuaders program and now Spin Cycle, where she dissects the latest trends in communication, marketing and advertising campaigns. She has also been a university lecturer, tutor and academic supervisor in communications.