Thomas O’Connor's career began in the Royal Australian Navy as a Marine Technician, where he developed discipline, accountability, and the ability to perform under pressure. The military taught him resilience early, a quality that has become one of his greatest assets in the recruitment industry.
Following that service, he transitioned into the mining sector as a FIFO Mechanical Fitter, working hands on with heavy machinery across Western Australia. FIFO life reinforced consistency, adaptability, and the importance of delivering in high pressure environments, regardless of conditions.
Today, Thomas is a Team Lead and Business Development focused Recruitment Consultant specialising in blue and white collar mining roles. He has been working in recruitment for just over two years, combining lived site experience with commercial recruitment strategy to lead from the front while building long term partnerships across the resources sector.
Thomas’s background in both the military and FIFO operations allows him to approach recruitment with resilience, structure, and a deep understanding of industry demands.
Performance, Reinvention & The Confidence to Win the Room – In Conversation
A live Q&A with Jess Hatzis, in Discussion with MC Dr Ben Hamer and Next Gen Rep Thomas O’Connor
In this live Q&A keynote, Jess Hatzis explores the powerful connection between culture, commercial growth and personal confidence.
Jess will unpack why hiring and onboarding are performance strategies, not HR processes, and how high-performing teams are built intentionally, not accidentally. She’ll share what she looks for when hiring for team impact, how to avoid the trap of “culture fit,” and why performance standards must evolve as businesses grow.
Jess will also challenge the idea that confidence comes naturally to successful founders. A self-confessed introvert, she’ll share how she has had to consciously develop her networking and business development skills - walking into rooms full of strangers, building authentic relationships, and confidently “selling” without compromising who she is.
For recruiters and talent professionals, this is especially resonant. Because winning business isn’t just about capability - it’s about presence, connection and belief in your value.
You’ll learn:
How to hire for team performance, not just technical skill
Why reinvention and doing things differently drives profit
When to evolve versus optimise
How introverts can build authentic confidence in networking
Practical mindset shifts to strengthen business development capability
How to “sell” in a way that feels natural and aligned
