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Session 5 I Day 2 Opening Plenary

Thursday, October 1, 2026
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Hall B, Plenary
Sponsored By:

Speaker

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Elyse Bosch
Chair
New Leaders Summit 2026 Advisory Committee

Welcome to Day 2

9:30 AM - 9:35 AM

Biography

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Colin Sheldon
Elected RPEQ Representative
Board of Professional Engineers Queensland

Career pathways: From professional practice to strategic leadership

9:35 AM - 10:30 AM

About

Building a successful career requires more than technical expertise. As professionals progress, they need to exercise judgement, take responsibility and consider how they can contribute to the industries and communities they serve.
This conversation explores the pivotal moments, challenges and decisions that shape a rewarding career. Colin Sheldon will reflect on his journey from professional practice into strategic leadership, regulation and board service, including the experiences and lessons that influenced his path. The discussion will consider the responsibilities that come with professional practice, the role of organisations such as BPEQ and the different ways professionals can contribute beyond their immediate role. It will also examine how emerging technologies and changing workforce expectations are influencing the future of the profession.

Biography

Mr Colin Sheldon was appointed to the Board of Professional Engineers of Queensland in September 2025 as the Elected RPEQ Representative. Mr Sheldon is a registered and chartered mechanical engineer with more than 14 years of experience across the rail, resources, utilities, heavy industry manufacturing and defence sectors. Mr Sheldon is currently Principal, Strategic Asset Management at WSP, with a focus on the management of critical infrastructure and assets both nationally and internationally. Prior to this, Mr Sheldon held roles at a large engineering house, a Big Four consulting firm, a boutique asset management consultancy and a major mining company. Mr Sheldon currently serves as Immediate Past Chair of the Mechanical College Board and as a National Congress delegate of Engineers Australia, is a member of Standards Australia’s Board Committee SDAC (Standards Development and Accreditation Committee) and was appointed to National Association of Testing Authorities’ Inspection Accreditation Advisory Committee.
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Tahnee Dilger
University of Queensland

Session 5 | Q&A

9:35 AM - 10:30 AM

Biography

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