Bridging the Gap - The Human Connection in the #5IR era : Winter 2025

by Dr Renée Ralph, Co-Founder, The Brilliant Foundation

PERTH, Western Australia - The young ones gathered for the Brilliant Foundation Sundowner 2025 at City Beach to hear industry leaders share their lives. The weather was perfect in the still cool evening, with the sun setting in the background. Participants from Curtin University, University of Western Australia, and Murdoch University were eager to listen and ask questions.

From left to right : Alexander Circosta, Marion Harel, Ben McGinty, Renee Ralph, Kirsty Moore

Alexander Circosta was the Master of Ceremonies for The Brilliant Foundation Sundowner at Hamptons City Beach. He has a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of English and Creative Arts. He shares that his favorite part of university was going from a Civil Procedure legal class to a Children’s Theatre or Shakespeare class.  

Alexander asked the guest speakers a series of questions : "Which country do they come from and what do they do for work in Perth?"

Kirsty Moore came from England and currently resides in Perth, Western Australia. Her high school principal encouraged her to complete her Cambridge exams and Kirsty was offered a place at University College London. (UCL)

UCL is London's leading multidisciplinary university, ranked 9th in the QS World University Rankings. Established in 1826 UCL opened up education in England for the first time to students of any race, class or religion and was also the first university to welcome female students on equal terms with men.

Kirsty said that going to university changed the course of her life. She now, has the ability to create an exciting life of her own. She shares during her university years, where her friends will go on skiing holidays, she will be boarding at university, studying in the library.

Kirsty says: "Seize this time, this opportunity to focus on yourself. Study hard, learning is hard work, and it is truly satisfying when you achieve the goal for yourself. It truly opens doors and opportunities."

Currently, Kirsty is a non-executive director of the Gumala Trust, CASPA Services and the Women’s Legal Service of WA. She is also an elected Councilor of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and Institute of Public Administration in WA. With an undergraduate degree in Economics from University College London, Kirsty’s professional qualifications including a Fellow of CPA Australia and the Institute of Chartered Accountants. She is also a current Master student in International & Development Economics at the Australian National University.

Until 2024, Kirsty was the Chief Executive Officer of Indigenous Business Australia, a Commonwealth Government economic development agency where she worked for almost 7 years. Prior to that, Kirsty held senior positions in the WA State Government and with National Australia Bank, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Specsavers Asia-Pacific.

Ben McGinty, Global Talent Acquisition Lead, Woodside Energy expressed his enthusiasm for travel and to explore the world. He graduated from Curtin University with a Double Degree in HR specialising in Asian language, Japanese. He shared: “I had no idea and wasn’t sure what I wanted to do when I graduated. Does anyone know? Initially, I had an internship in the retail sector, David Jones.” Then he decided to see the world.

His intention was to stay in the United Kingdom for six months, he fell in love with the place and he lived in London for the next eight years and enjoyed every moment of it. He stayed with Hays in London, focussing on recruitment within a consulting environment. Afterwards, he had another recruitment role within the construction industry and General Electric which gave him further insight and experience in the HR role.

Ben said:"I am lucky enough to have a job in Woodside, now Woodside Energy and I have been here for over 7-8 years now. In truth, a career is hardly linear.”

Marion Harel is currently working with Mineral Resources as a Professionals Pathways Coordinator. She was an international student from Mauritius and graduated from Curtin University. She said that as an international student it was really difficult to get an internship because she didn’t qualify for the graduate internships as she wasn’t an Australian citizen.

She worked doubly hard to find leads and managed to secure two internships in her last year before graduation. Marion shared that the internships opened new opportunities and networks for her. Through word of mouth, she was introduced to other job openings that led to her job stability and financial independence.

Alexander has been emceeing events for over 10 years and absolutely love interacting with a crowd and creating joyful moments for as many people as possible. He lectures at Murdoch University in The College of Law, Arts, and Social Sciences, teaching Video Journalism, Podcast Production, and Media Law and Ethics.

Formerly, Alexander was a TV presenter on ‘Home in WA’ on Channel Seven and still present on ‘The Couch’ on Foxtel. He loved working at Telethon and dreamt of being a roving presenter for a national breakfast show!

He shares: " I love singing and dancing my whole life and am currently working my way through the AMEB Levels. I love performing in musicals— I played Bill in Mamma Mia! twice, but my favorite role will always be when I was Gaston in Beauty and the Beast."

Alexander studied Improvisational Comedy in Los Angeles and performed improv and stand-up for five years. He also a Melbourne International Comedy Raw State finalist for WA.

On the creative side doing creative things, he has modeled for five years, I love sunglasses, and my most recent clothing and retail campaign was with Johnny Bigg and Birkenstocks..

Alexander asked the guest speakers whether education is important and what do they look for in a potential employee?

Ben shared that having a degree is important as it shows that an individual has the discipline, commitment and focus to complete a program.  

Ben said: “Education is critical in today’s world. It is not about getting a degree and sticking the paper on the wall. Education is on-going. Education isn’t formal or within a classroom setting. Education can be chatting to someone in a networking event, be curious, ask questions or being part of conversation or attending a seminar. Have a curious mindset of how can I learn more or how can I seek to understand what is going on or what future might hold? The curious mindset is vital for personal growth.

He said that coming to social and networking events such as The Brilliant Sundowners shows "you are coming out of your comfort zone to meet new people and to widen your networks. You are challenging yourself to meet new people and peers to find out what is happening in the workplace. You are switched on."

Kirsty said:" When you complete your degree, it won't be the last thing that you will be learning. Hopefully, you will continue to upgrade yourself. For me, I will continue to take up courses. Currently, I am doing my master's degree at Australian National University." She says:" An employer looks for a potential employee who can communicate, who has interpersonal skills and who can collaborate well in the workplace. They are able to get along well with others and are able to offer solutions to difficult issues and dilemmas."

Education is important for Marion and having a degree in Perth is great because education back home in Mauritius wasn’t the best. The degree has offered the golden opportunity for her to work in Perth and picking up new skills during internships such as excel spreadsheets, word and interacting with your colleagues within an Australian culture and the way of doing things.

Marion said:" Getting a degree is the first step, however, as an undergraduate, it is essential to show that you are involved in either volunteerism or clubs, that you are active within your university."

The Fifth Industrial revolution has arrived, students asked whether Artificial Intelligence (AI) are being used in the workplace and whether it is a skill to have?

Kirsty stated that the governance and ethics in Artificial Intelligence needs to be explored and established in Australia. Ben mentioned that his organisation is using artificial intelligence, however, the human connection is key in this evolving space of AI. The following issues were discussed:

The Power of Human Connection in an AI-Driven Workplace

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape industries, streamline operations, and redefine how we work, one element is becoming increasingly clear: the need for genuine human connection has never been more important. While AI excels at automating tasks, analyzing data, and driving efficiency, it cannot replicate the emotional intelligence, creativity, and empathy that humans bring to the workplace. In this new digital era, human connection is not only a counterbalance to technology — it is a competitive advantage.

1. Empathy in a Digital World

AI may be able to respond, but it cannot truly relate. Human connection ensures that employees feel heard, respected, and valued. In workplaces where tasks are increasingly automated, maintaining strong interpersonal relationships helps preserve a sense of belonging and purpose. Leaders who engage with empathy can inspire trust, guide teams through change, and support mental well-being — something no machine can truly replicate.

2. Collaboration and Creativity Still Require Humans

Even as AI becomes more advanced, innovation remains a deeply human process. AI can assist with generating ideas or analyzing trends, but it is through human collaboration — brainstorming, storytelling, and diverse perspectives — that breakthrough innovations are born. Meaningful connection between team members fosters trust and psychological safety, which are essential ingredients for creativity and risk-taking.

3. Ethical Leadership and Responsible AI Use

The integration of AI in decision-making raises complex ethical questions around bias, transparency, and accountability. Human oversight is essential to ensure these tools are used responsibly. When leaders and teams stay connected, it becomes easier to raise concerns, question assumptions, and make ethically sound choices. Human connection acts as the conscience of AI implementation.

4. Protecting Mental Health and Wellbeing

As AI tools take over repetitive or administrative tasks, employees may feel displaced or uncertain about their roles. This can lead to anxiety, isolation, or burnout — especially in hybrid or remote environments. Human connection, through check-ins, mentorship, and supportive cultures, helps combat these effects by reinforcing a sense of purpose and care.

5. Building Trust in a Changing Landscape

Employees and customers alike need to trust that AI will be used in ways that support, not replace, human potential. This trust can only be built through open dialogue, transparent leadership, and a workplace culture that prioritizes human values over pure automation. When people feel connected — to each other, to their leaders, and to the mission — they are more adaptable and resilient in the face of change.

In the age of AI, it is critical to remember that technology should serve people, not replace them. The most successful workplaces of the future will be those that embrace AI and strengthen human connection. By fostering empathy, collaboration, ethical leadership, and emotional well-being, organizations can create environments where both people and machines thrive — together.

Alexander Circosta chatting with the students about creativity and the courage to strike out on your own

After stories were shared, the students had the opportunity to chat with the guest speakers.

Responses by the panel in relation to looking for the potential employee within the organisation:

“The toughest challenge in HR is people management. Human beings are so different and have different personalities. As a HR professional, we need to have the ability to understand and communicate very well. That is really important.”

“You take cultural and values any day of the week over technical competence.”

“The values you hold. Develop character in being the right sort of person and the sort of moral person. Aristotle believed in developing character in intellectual steps and learn from those mistakes that develop the muscle of character.”

“Making mistakes is okay because that is good and you will learn from it. Be curious. There is a massive world out there that is really rich and really textured. Ask questions and be involved in it.”

“Have a growth mindset. That is so important”

It was a lovely sundowner where the youth chatted to the professionals, asking questions pertaining to their lives and the way forward.

The Brilliant Foundation is truly grateful for Alexander, Kirsty, Ben, Marion for their time and to share their life experiences with the teens and undergraduates. The experience was totally positive and the ambience was alive and engaging. Thank you all for coming.

For the university students that attended this sundowner – Thank You so much for coming! All of you you inspire me every day to do better!

Remember that these amazing individuals are no different to you and I.

They are Resilient. Diligent. Hardworking. Focussed. Passionate.

They find meaning in what they do every day.

Ordinary individuals, doing extraordinary things – in their roles, they seek to work on initiatives and projects that have value to make life lighter, more enjoyable and liveable.

True grit to do better, overcoming adversity and challenges through hard work, positive action and self-awareness.

Not the fake news that we see every day in social media, sensational news, reality TV or influencers touting wares.

They have continued their personal development and life-long learning through education.

They have done the hard yards to lead a fulfilling life. You can do the same.

So please start getting organised.

Make a Plan.

Read your academic journal articles. (do not roll your eyeballs at this stage)

Do your research.

Update your Endnote.

Attend your lectures face-to-face and attend ALL your tutorials.

Find your friends and your tribe. Maintain Your Friendship.

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Copyright@TheBrilliantFoundation