Talent and Tech UK

Disrupt Reading

Thu, Jul 2 · 2:30 PM BST

Three Guineas, Station Approach, READING, RG1 1LY, GB

Disrupt London is going on the road! Join us in Reading on July 2nd to network and see lightning talks by world of work experts
Looking to connect with peers and discover new ideas to improve lives and performance at work? Join us for Disrupt Reading.

REGISTER THROUGH EVENTBRITE HERE

Disrupt returns to Reading for an afternoon of bold ideas, practical insights, and meaningful conversations about the future of work.

Held in more than 200 cities worldwide, Disrupt is an information exchange designed to energise, inform, and empower HR professionals, Talent leaders, business executives, people managers, entrepreneurs, and workplace innovators.

The format is simple: local experts take to the stage for a series of fast-paced presentations designed to challenge conventional thinking and spark fresh conversations. No long keynote speeches. No corporate jargon. Just ideas worth sharing.

Whether you're leading people, driving organisational change, exploring the impact of AI, or simply looking to connect with peers facing similar challenges, this event is designed to leave you informed, inspired, and better connected.

Agenda

2:30 - 3:00 PM – Registration and Networking

3:00 - 3:15 PM – Event Introductions and partner talks

Featuring:

Kesiena Ogefere, HR Impact Architect at HR Designed for Impact
Bill Banham, Host of HRchat Podcast

3:15 - 4:15 PM – Disrupt Talks

Multiple 5-minute presentations by HR, Talent, Leadership and Technology experts.

Compered by Kesiena Ogefere, HR Impact Architect at HR Designed for Impact and Bill Banham, Host of HRchat Podcast and Organiser of various Disrupt events and AI summits

Speakers include:

• Deborah Hartung, Leadership Development Consultant at Kind
• Dr. Ali Raza Nemati, Dean of Academics at Magna Carta College
• James Cumming, Founder at re:find
• Ritu Kiran, Founder and CEO at Aubilities
• Shane Hudson, Head of Partnerships UKI and Netherlands at Factorial

4:15 - 5:00 PM – Panel Discussion - The Workforce Reset: Leading Humans, AI Agents and Business Performance

AI is rapidly reshaping how work gets done, forcing HR leaders to rethink not only their operating models but also their role in driving business performance. As automation accelerates and AI agents begin taking on increasingly sophisticated tasks, many organisations are questioning which work should remain human-led, what capabilities will be needed next, and how HR can create greater strategic value.
This panel will explore what the future workforce might look like when humans, AI tools, and autonomous agents work side-by-side. We'll challenge traditional assumptions about HR's responsibilities, examine where time and resources are being wasted, and discuss how people leaders can build organisations that are both more productive and more human.
From workforce planning and skills development to organisational design and business outcomes, this conversation is designed for HR leaders navigating one of the most significant workplace transformations in decades.

Moderator:

• Dr Ashwin Mehta, Founder and CEO at Mehtadology

Panelists:

• Prerna Tambay, HR Analytics and Digitisation Curriculum Champion at Kingston University
• Karen Seth, People Director at Canal and River Trust
• Alastair Greener, Founder at Generationally Speaking
• Deborah Hartung, Leadership Development Consultant at Kind

5:00 - 5:15 PM – Event Wrap-Up
5:15 - 6:00 PM – Final Networking

Partners and Sponsors include:

Factorial

With over 15.000 clients worldwide in more than 95 countries, Factorial is a business software in Europe for companies of any industry and size. We provide intuitive solutions that automate and centralize administrative tasks to provide insights and help HR, finance and IT teams. Factorial offers solutions like time management, talent management, recruitment, expenses, analytics, and document management to name a few. Our all-in-one, user friendly platform makes it easier for businesses to focus on matters, the people within it. Learn more: factorialhr.com

Magna Carta College

Magna Carta College is a higher education college and a proud collaborative partner in the UK for the Programmes with Pearson & Buckinghamshire New University. The college's mission is to ensure that education is not simply limited to those who can afford both the normally stratospheric business school fees and the immense time commitment and impact that can have on careers. Learn more: magnacartacollege.ac.uk

Aubilities

Aubilities is dedicated to empowering individuals by providing innovative, inclusive solutions tailored to unlock potential and enhance abilities. Through personalized learning, assessments and coaching we strive to create a supportive environment that fosters growth. Aubilities is committed to building a more inclusive future by helping to create a culture where all minds thrive. Learn more at aubilities.com

Copieux Group

Copieux Group helps fast-growing companies select, implement, optimise, and automate HR systems that drive real business outcomes. As a vendor-neutral HRIS partner, the team supports everything from system audits and workflow redesigns to implementation, reporting, and fractional HRIS support, working across platforms including HiBob, Sage People, SuccessFactors, Oracle, BambooHR, Personio, and Dayforce to ensure clients get the most from their HR technology. Learn more: copieuxgroup.com

HR Gazette

HR Gazette and the HRchat Podcast publishes the latest opinion, reviews, and news for pros interested in HR Technology, Talent, DEI, Performance, Wellness, Learning, and Leadership. Learn more: hrgazette.com