Are you future fit?

Melissa Crawford, Director of Tech with Heart, explains why the HRNZ Future Fit HR masterclass is a must for HR professionals right now.

In a world that’s shifting faster than a viral TikTok trend, the role of HR is no longer about keeping up; it’s about staying ahead. As organisations grapple with rapid technological advancements, shifting workforce expectations and seismic societal changes, HR professionals are finding themselves at the very centre of transformation.

So, the question is: Are you and your team future fit?

This is exactly the question I have been helping HR leaders answer in my popular Future Fit HR masterclass. The final opportunity to take part in this two-day experience will be held in Auckland on 9–10 September 2025. If you’re serious about the future of your people strategy, this is the one to prioritise.

WHAT MAKES THIS MASTERCLASS SO DIFFERENT?

This masterclass is immersive, energising and designed to stretch your thinking in all the best ways.

I bring my unique background at the intersection of human psychology, strategic foresight and emerging technology. My signature style? Blending big ideas while keeping things real, relevant and a little bit fun.

Participants can expect to:

• explore disruptive trends reshaping the world of work, from AI and robotics to demographic and behavioural science

• build capability in strategic foresight and future thinking, tools once reserved for senior strategists but now critical for modern HR professionals

• reflect deeply on your mindset, approach, and the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an unpredictable world.

WHY IT MATTERS MORE THAN EVER

The pace of change is no longer linear; it’s exponential. AI tools are already streamlining tasks once thought untouchable, employees are demanding more meaningful work experiences, and traditional roles are morphing before our eyes. Meanwhile, burnout, resistance to change, and digital fatigue are real threats to business performance.

HR can no longer be a support function on the sidelines. The teams that will lead in 2026 and beyond are those asking bold questions now, like:

• How do we design organisations that are adaptive by default?

• How do we balance optimisation of labour with human-centred cultures?

• How can we prepare our people for jobs that don’t exist yet?

• What new capabilities and leadership will be required?

• What are the future shifts we need to start planning for today?

• How will our processes, technologies and policies need to evolve?

AI tools are already streamlining tasks once thought untouchable, employees are demanding more meaningful work experiences, and traditional roles are morphing before our eyes.

This masterclass challenges you to explore these questions in the face of future signals and the potential impacts they may have on your workforce.

HR can no longer be a support function on the sidelines. The teams that will lead in 2026 and beyond are those asking bold questions now.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

While the course is called Future Fit HR, the insights go far beyond the HR department. This experience is ideal for:

• HR leaders looking to bring future thinking into their team’s strategy

• organisational development professionals seeking innovative approaches

• talent, L&D, and change managers wanting to enhance their impact

• curious minds who believe in leading with the heart and data

• people ready to take their development to the next level and shift to a proactive approach for themselves, their teams and their organisation.

Whether you’re part of a large enterprise, a government agency, or a growing organisation ready to evolve, this course is tailored to help you lead the future, not follow it.

WHAT PAST ATTENDEES ARE SAYING

Here’s what participants have shared after attending recent sessions.

“Not only was Melissa an incredibly knowledgeable and attentive speaker and group facilitator, but also she managed to keep us all engaged by balancing tech and people topics with a great personal touch. First time in ages that genuine out-of-the-box thinking was encouraged. One of the best workshop/seminars I attended in years, and it’s been a lot. Thank you so much!”

“Don’t change anything! Melissa was a fantastic facilitator, has huge knowledge and she kept us all engaged for two straight days.”

“The presenter Melissa was absolutely excellent – best course I have been to in years.”

“Melissa was an incredible facilitator – she is incredibly knowledgeable and engaging.”

“Brilliant opportunity to lift ourselves onto the balcony and focus on what is strategically important.”

“Incredibly thoughtprovoking, and I now see AI in particular in a new light.”

LAST CHANCE FOR 2025

This is the final Future Fit HR masterclass for the year, and it’s expected to sell out fast. Don’t wait until 2026 to invest in futureproofing your capability.

Join me and a room full of forward-thinking peers on 9–10 September in Auckland and give yourself the tools, insights and energy to lead what’s next. Register here

Melissa Crawford is the Director of Tech with Heart and a highly regarded expert in the Future of Work, with a unique blend of skills that span both people and technology. Melissa has won several accolades and held senior HR strategy roles across some of New Zealand’s largest organisations, crossing diverse industries. With two technology degrees, Melissa brings a unique perspective and is well-equipped to understand the impact of technology on the future of work. As a director of Tech with Heart, Melissa helps companies with their future strategies, holds a number of board roles and is a sought-after global keynote speaker. Melissa is also a certified Futurist and a professional member of the Association of Professional Futurists. Her main areas of interest are future technologies, people psychology and societal shifts. techwithheart.co.nz