PKF Melbourne International Women’s Day
Wednesday 11th March 2026
PKF Empower presents ‘Soft is Powerful’
‘At the heart of this session is Dr Anne Pang – a highly respected martial artist with over 30 years of experience teaching women self-defence…brings a rare and compelling perspective blending lived experience, insight and practical wisdom. She will explore how qualities often labelled as ‘soft’ – empathy, intuition, emotional intelligence and self-awareness – are in fact some of the most powerful tools as we have for leadership confidence and personal safety’ – pamphlet to promote the International Women’s Day celebration event at PKF Melbourne.
In the heart of Melbourne, before a packed audience gathered to celebrate International Women’s Day 2026, Anne was honoured to deliver the keynote address for PKF Melbourne.
Anne explored the strength found in softness. Rather than viewing “soft” as weak or spineless, she described it as a resilient and adaptive form of power, using bamboo as a metaphor: bamboo bends with the storm yet remains unbroken, whereas even mighty oak can collapse because it refuses to yield.
Demonstrating the principle of yielding to strong force and side stepping an opponent, she responded to a powerful straight attack by executing a Wing Chun sidestep against a male employee who kindly volunteered to assist with the demonstration. She explained that side stepping not only neutralises a strong attack but also places you in a superior position beside your opponent, exposing vulnerable targets temple, ribs, kidney for your effective counterattack.
She then related this principle to everyday life and workplace environments, including arguments or heated discussion between family members or staff members. Anne suggested that taking a step back, should not be viewed as defeat, but rather as repositioning oneself into a calmer, stronger and more strategic place from which to address and resolve conflict more effectively.
Anne drew upon examples from legendary figures such as Bruce Lee and Muhammad Ali to illustrate the idea that softness can also be powerful. Bruce Lee’s philosophy to “be water” and Ali’s famous expression “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” both demonstrate the effectiveness of fluidity, adaptability, and precision over brute force
The event concluded on a warm and uplifting note with guests enjoying delicious treats and refreshments while mingling with one and another. Many also waved around the bamboo leaves that Anne had given them as a symbolic reminder of the importance of softness, flexibility in both life and work environments.
‘I just wanted to say again how impactful your International Women’s Day presentation was. The team is still talking about it, and we’ve only heard such wonderful feedback. It really left a lasting impression.’ – Manager, PKF Melbourne May 2026.