Performance concerns, behaviour, conflict and change are among the conversations practice managers most often avoid, but recruitment and leadership expert Lisa Pratt says delaying them can quickly erode trust, morale and confidence across the wider team.

At the 2026 AAPM National Conference in Brisbane, Pratt, Managing Director of Johnson Recruitment, will explore how everyday leadership conversations shape team culture, employee experience and the likelihood that good people choose to stay across two practical sessions on communication, culture, recruitment and retention.

In The Conversations That Shape Culture, Pratt will look at how Practice Managers can approach difficult conversations clearly and respectfully, starting with facts rather than assumptions and addressing issues before they escalate.

Her second session, Beyond Recruitment, looks at the broader employee journey, from attracting and selecting the right people through to onboarding, development and retention.