May Samali
May Samali is Founder and CEO at Human Leadership Lab, a global leadership development company. As a speaker, facilitator, coach, researcher, investor and board director, May wears multiple hats to unlock leadership potential in organisations, teams and individuals. May is a Fellow at the Institute of Coaching at Harvard Medical School and holds a Professional Certified Coach credential from the International Coaching Federation. She was recognised as one of the Top 15 Coaches in Sydney by Influence Digest in 2024. May serves on the Board of Directors of Inspirato and on the advisory boards of John Monash Foundation’s Leadership Academy and Investible’s Climate Tech Fund. In addition, May is a Venture Partner at 77 Partners and NextGen Venture Partners. Most recently, May served as CEO of Ventures at the High Resolves Group, where she led a portfolio of edtech ventures. She was also the first employee at Urban Innovation Fund, a Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm. May has a Master in Public Policy from Harvard University where she studied as a Gleitsman Leadership Fellow and Australian John Monash Scholar. She also holds first class degrees in Law and Economics from the University of Sydney. As a leading voice on leadership, entrepreneurship and the future of work, May’s insights have been featured in reputable publications including Forbes, TechCrunch, the Australian, and Stanford Social Innovation Review.
Sunrise Sessions
Every great story has a Crucible - the moment where everything is on the line. Whether it's a standoff with a co-founder, tension in a creative partnership, or a high-stakes negotiation, these moments define you. The way you handle friction determines whether you break down or break through. Some avoid conflict. Others charge through it. But the smartest founders, operators, and creatives know when to engage, how to fight, and when to let go. In this interactive workshop, May Samali, Founder & CEO of Human Leadership Lab, will share a practical toolkit to help you master the art of conflict and turn tension into trust. You'll learn; 1)The 3 Types of Conflict – Identify what you're actually dealing with. 2) The Fight Smarter Framework – When to push, when to step back, and how to challenge without breaking trust. 3) Tactical Tools – Disarm defensiveness, navigate tough conversations, and turn friction into deeper connection. This isn’t about avoiding conflict - it’s about harnessing it for transformation, sharper decisions, and stronger partnerships. Because the best relationships - personal or professional - aren’t the ones without battles. They’re the ones built by learning to fight smarter. No friction, no growth. No struggle, no story. Step into The Crucible.