The Mainstream Community faces one of the biggest workforce challenges in its history. Automation, electrification, and decarbonisation are reshaping how we work, demanding a new kind of Maintenance and Reliability (M&R) leader with strong technical, analytical, and people skills.

To keep pace with rapid technological change, we must accelerate how we innovate and build cultures that embrace collaboration, co-creation, and adaptability. This panel will explore the critical role of people and competencies in shaping effective M&R leadership and how developing these skills drives operational excellence, safety, and sustainability. Key themes include:

• Operational Efficiency Through Competence: How data-driven maintenance strategies - preventive, predictive, and corrective - boost performance and reliability.
• Leadership and Team Development: Building high-performing teams through communication, mentoring, and trust.
• Culture and Soft Skills: Embracing change, strengthening partnerships, and valuing soft skills as much as technical expertise.

Industry experts will share practical insights and lessons learned to help current and aspiring leaders align people, technology, and culture to build a workforce ready for the future of maintenance and reliability.