RMIT Alumni Breakfast Series launches with focus on Regenerative Futures

RMIT Alumni Breakfast Series launches with focus on Regenerative Futures

Last week, RMIT held its inaugural Ready for What’s Next Alumni Breakfast Series welcoming Melbourne-based alumni for a morning of thought leadership, knowledge sharing and networking.

The theme for the session was Regenerative Futures with leading sustainability expert Dr Dianne McGrath delivering a keynote address that drew on her own personal experience circumnavigating the world as part of the Clipper round-the-world race crew and as a Mars One astronaut candidate.  

Dianne inspired attendees with insights into regenerative leadership, illustrating how her remarkable lived adventures can be translated into a leadership mindset shift grounded in contribution, resilience and collaboration.  

A panel discussion followed, facilitated by Professor Chris Speed, Director of RMIT’s newly launched Regenerative Futures Institute. The panel included Jenny Hsieh (Founder, X NIHILO and RMIT alum), Scott Douglas (CEO, Green Lab Futures and RMIT alum), and David Rumbens (Partner, Deloitte Access Economics).  

(L-R) Chris SpeedL-R: Professor Chris Speed, Dr Dianne McGrath, Scott Douglas, Jenny Hsieh & David Rumbens

The group discussed the future of green skills in business, the balance of creativity and sustainability, and strategies for embedding social and environmental responsibility into everyday operations. 

Key takeaways from the event included the rising importance of green skills and ongoing professional development to future-proof businesses. Speakers highlighted the need for organisations to embed regenerative practices into strategy and the value of connecting with other businesses and contemporaries who are facing similar challenges.  

The event also offered alumni the opportunity to strengthen networks with peers and RMIT staff, fostering relationships that support mentoring, collaboration and future partnership. 

Building on this momentum, the Regenerative Futures Institute will continue to create opportunities for alumni, partners and industry to engage with new ideas and translate them into action. In 2026, the Institute will introduce short courses and microcredentials focused on regenerative practices and sustainability innovation, further empowering participants to drive positive change in their businesses and industries.  

To find out more visit the Regenerative Futures Institute and stay up to date with future RMIT Alumni events here. 

02 December 2025

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02 December 2025

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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