Meet the amazing leaders from the Brisbane community; small business, corporates and government
Amy Morrison
Being a country girl with big dreams, I started my career before I even finished school. I started in Insurance at 15 and finished my education at night school. I just wanted to learn and earn!
I’m an incredibly ambitious person, and I really aspired to be in a role where I could get hands-on with clients and continually learn from them. With Insurance Broking, my network is simply enormous. I learn so much about industries and occupations that most people have never even heard of.
A huge milestone for me was when Taylor Made Insurance Services officially launched.
I come from a family of entrepreneurs, so naturally I’ve always yearned to become a business owner and run my own brokerage. To have that autonomy, and to be able to shape my business into something I can be proud of, is something that I’ve always been passionate about.
A part of my portfolio that gets me excited is my not for profit organisations and indigenous communities all around the country. As someone with an indigenous heritage, working closely with indigenous communities has given me a better understanding of my own culture and helped me grow into who I am today.
Amanda Theodosiou
Leading by example – Amanda
Amanda Theodosiou is Queensland State Manager for Strata Community Insurance, based in Brisbane. With an insurance career spanning 30 years, Amanda has a diverse skillset across many facets including loss adjusting, operations, claims, new business and learning & development.
Amanda is a collaborative and solutions-focused leader, who is passionate about developing and implementing successful business strategies that drive growth and create value for clients. Her deep understanding of the insurance industry, combined with her compassionate and client-centric approach, has earned her a reputation as an influential leader who is committed to achieving favourable outcomes for her clients.
Charlotta Adolfsson
Charlotta is Head of Merchandise Planning – Supercheap Auto
Multilingual retailer with robust international experience.
Successful in management and expansion of multiple segments and multi-channel retailing.
A straightforward and inspirational leader with focus on driving continuous optimization and refinement of the team with a consumer, sales & margin attention.
📌𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬:
-Cross-functional Team Leadership
-Consumer Driven Supply Chain Planning
-Profitability Focused Problem Solving
-Strategic Partnership Management
-Driver of Performance Excellence
📌𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞:
-Empowerment, Ownership, Accountability & Results
-Ability to think Creatively, Add Value & Challenge the Status Quo
-Lead Dynamically & Collaboratively
-Continuous Development Opportunities & possibility to drive Projects
-Ambitious, Enthusiastic & Determined people walking the walk
I am passionate about managing business wide improvement projects & cost saving initiatives alongside of streamlining the daily tasks, not only of my direct team but also with our collaboration partners. Demonstrated by the several successfully completed projects in setting up brand new departments I have behind me.
Cissy Ma
Cissy is the Founder & MD of Grow and Sell Your Biz, a one-stop shop helping clients raise capital, buy, scale and sell businesses. She leads diverse transactions ($2m-$500m), including capital raising and M&A of EdTech, FinTech, AgTech, HealthTech, AI, ClimateTech, PropTech, property, education, healthcare, transport, renewable energy, and manufacturing companies etc. A 20+ years senior executive in large corporates, she led $17B of M&A deals across 20+ industries.
Founder of APAC Women’s Mentoring Circle (1,500+ members), and a founding Activator/Investor of Coralus (7,000+ in 5 countries) in Australia, she also mentors/coaches with Inspiring Rare Birds, River City Labs, Brisbane Business Hub, Mentoring for Growth, Business in Heels (160k members), CPA Australia (173k members), Mentor Walks, UQ BEL, Export Council of Australia.
She has won multiple awards internationally:
- Winner of Central Treasury Management competition
- Winner of Excellence in Treasury Award (Finance & Treasury Association of Australia)
- Winner of Australia China Alumni Awards
- Winner of the Investible Games competition
- CDP Most Improved, CPA Global ESG Centre of Excellence
- ABA100 Australian Business Awards for Sustainability
- President’s Award for Excellence 2018 & 2020, CPA Australia
- 3-time Excellence Awards, Aurizon
Cissy speaks regularly on international stages, such as the USA, China, Hong Kong, Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, The Philippines, Singapore and New Zealand. Examples include:
- Business Buyer’s Launchpad 16 Weekly Webinars 2024
- New Opportunities Summit Singapore and Online 2024
- OrangBiz chair monthly in-person events 2023, 2024
- Coralus 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
- Empire Builder Dallas 2024
- Wealth Flow Conference Las Vegas 2023
- Export Council of Australia 6 times in 2022-2024
- Speakers Club for Institute of Managers and Leaders 2020-2023
- Mega Success in Los Angeles 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023
- Mega Speaker/Coaching in Auckland Melbourne & Sydney 2019
- International Women’s Day Great Debate 2020, LeadHERS 2022
- WOW Festival 2020
- Expressway 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022
- Digital Week Online 2020, 2021
- Judge for the Enactus Regional Showcase 2018 and 2019
Socials for GSB: LinkedIn, Website
Socials for Cissy Ma:
Contacts:
- Email: cissyma@growandsellyourbiz.com
- Mobile: +61 417 724 784
Fiona Mehmet
Hanneke Pastoor
Jacqueline Williams
Accomplished IT professional with experience consulting on digital innovation, data analytics and technology initiatives for various Fortune 500 companies including Citigroup, AEP, Fidelity & WorldCom and for various US & Australian Government agencies. Experienced in agile methodologies, this motivated leader thrives on solving complex problems by leveraging technology and providing data-driven insights to improve decision making, elevate client experience and facilitate strategic change. Known for delivering challenging projects within strict timeframes while eliciting excellence from diverse, cross-functional teams. Jacqueline received her undergraduate degree from the Ohio State University an MBA from the University of New South Wales AGSM and is currently completing her Master’s in Data Analytics from th University of New South Wales.
Jacqui Jones
Hi, I’m Jacqui Jones, founder and CEO of Way We Do.
Systems may not sound sexy, but they really do drive everything we do and that’s what makes them exciting! From standardised processes, procedures, and automation, to using artificial intelligence and machine learning. This increases efficiency and compliance, enabling businesses and their teams to thrive.
I started Way We Do, a cloud-based platform that turns static Franchise and Business Operation Manuals into a living, breathing tool. It actively prompts team members to do tasks they are responsible for and shows them the procedure on how to do it. Management gain insights on what their team are doing and how they can make improvements.
Having previously run two businesses and worked in senior positions of great companies, I know firsthand that running a business can be overwhelming. You are constantly juggling projects and resources, whilst aiming to be an effective leader… taking people where they don’t always want to go, to help them realise their true potential, and build a business and brand, that all can be proud of.
We designed Way We Do to help teams globally remember all the recurring tasks they need to do, so nothing is forgotten, allowing them to grow and scale, whilst staying compliant with required standards and regulations.
My background is in Internet product management and Internet marketing. I’ve been in the Internet industry since the days of Netscape Navigator 1.2! It’s been a privilege seeing all the innovation and technology advances, and being part of that change.
Jayne Robinson
Life is made up of a series of moments. Each one leads to a new version of you. Which version are you choosing? As a spiritual coach & advisor, I partner with high-achieving entrepreneurs, CEOs, and business owners who, despite their success, feel a profound sense of unfulfillment and disconnection from their true selves and what is next in life.
Many of my clients make for very smart, successful, talented high achievers, outwardly appearing to have all the answers, yet peeking inside a lack of authenticity and a need to wear a mask to hide behind.
Many struggling with the same common challenges such as:
Burnout, anxiety and a lack of motivation & will to continue on;
Feelings of emptiness & boredom;
A deep ache, sadness or pain that no amount of business success can fill;
Fear of the unknown and what is next OR that they will die with the music still in them because they have not yet contributed to the world in all that their heart and soul truly desires
Grappling with the question of: is this all there is to life? What’s next?
I specialize in helping clients lift the veil on their true essence, shedding masks and overcoming burnout, stagnation, and dissatisfaction. I support them to navigate the fear of the unknown, reconnect with their soul’s purpose, embrace their deepest desires and navigate life’s next chapter with confidence and clarity. Creating a life that is both spiritually fulfilling and rewarding all the while stepping into their most empowered, authentic and LIT up version of themselves where there is no faking, pretending or trying to “keep up with the Jones'” it’s just a genuine sense of self, living and loving life.
Also founder of the Good Enough Initiative. The Good Enough Initiative is an online course designed to short circuit the time it takes individuals to understand that we are all born inherently whole, worthy and incredibly good enough as we are. It teaches powerful mindset strategies, educating you on how to overcome any barrier, challenge or set back and how to heal your mind from past experiences and the identity of who you think you are that is ultimately blocking you from success, happiness and self worth.
If you would like to know more capitalise on my complimentary 30 minute discovery session here: or email me at jayne@jrcoaching.com.au
Jen Charlesworth
Jen is the Transport Group Lead with AECOM in Southeast Queensland, leading a talented team of more than 150 Transport Infrastructure professionals delivering engineering designs for road and rail projects for State and Local Government clients. Jen is a Civil Engineer, Chartered Civil Engineer and a Fellow of Engineers Australia and has worked in Australia, New Zealand and the UK. She has been fortunate to have been involved in a variety of projects, from the design and construction of the changes required to the streets of Hamilton in New Zealand to facilitate the V8 street race (Hamilton 500) to the design Gold Coast Light Rail, a project that has provided new ways to connect communities.
Jessie Newell
With over 20 years of experience in the event management and marketing industry, I am passionate about creating memorable and impactful events that exceed expectations. As the Director of Sales & Events at Victoria Park, I lead a team of talented specialists who deliver weddings, parties, and corporate functions to fit a wide variety of briefs and budgets. I thrive on the challenge and diversity of each event, and I enjoy collaborating with clients and partners to achieve their goals and vision. I am committed to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction, and I value the opportunity to work in an organization that shares these values and supports the community.
In my current role, I oversee the sales and operations of Victoria Park’s seven event venues, which offer state-of-the-art golf, corporate, weddings, events, and bistro facilities in one convenient location. I am responsible for developing and implementing sales and marketing strategies, managing key accounts and relationships, negotiating contracts and proposals, and ensuring the highest standards of service and quality. I also mentor and coach my team, fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity, and professionalism.
Katherine Minett
Katherine Minett: The Sales Success Specialist
🌟 Empowering Women in Sales
Welcome to my LinkedIn profile! I’m Katherine, your go-to Business Coach and Sales Trainer with a zest for empowering women in sales. With over 30 years of rich experience in the dynamic world of front-line sales, I’ve navigated the corporate waters of several multinational corporations, emerging as a beacon of sales success.
🔗 Elevate Your Sales Game: Book a Coaching Call https://go.oncehub.com/CoachingwithKatherine
I specialise in helping professional women in sales overcome their sales challenges to double their sales without feeling ‘salesy’. My methods focus on conquering sales fears and doubts to dollars, from procrastinating to powerful prospecting and converting sales calls to satisfied clients.
🏆 Credentials & Achievements:
3x ‘Representative of The Year’
Exceeding sales targets consistently
Honours degree in Business Studies
Certified Coach and NLP Practitioner
Black Belt Taekwondo
🌟 Innovating Sales Training: The Sales Confidence Formula
I’ve created this unique group sales training coaching program specifically tailored for women in sales. It’s a transformative journey to unleash sales confidence, master the art of productive prospecting, and engage in sales conversations that consistently yield results, minus the pressure of being ‘salesy’
📅 Learn More: Sales Masterclass https://www.minettsalesacademy.com/salesmasterclass
My mission is to support female sales professionals and small business owners, believing in the ripple effect of empowering women in business for stronger communities and families.
🌍 My Philosophy:
“I firmly believe that supporting women in sales and entrepreneurship is the key to building a better world for our families and communities. It’s about creating a ripple effect of prosperity & peace of mind that transcends the confines of our homes and spreads into the heart of our communities and beyond.”
🌱 A Bit About Me:
Originally from Liverpool, UK, I now bask in the sunny vibes of Brisbane, Australia, with my husband Andrew. A fan of English Breakfast Tea, my free time is often spent exploring local waterfalls in the rainforest, strolling by the beach, or enjoying the company of good friends with great food and a glass of Australian Barossa red wine. And yes, my cat Coco is my adorable fur baby, often found lounging on my keyboard!
🎤 Specialties:
Sales Training
Coaching
Consulting
Public Speaking
Podcast Guesting
🔗 Transform Your Sales Journey: Book a Complementary 60min Coaching Session https://go.oncehub.com/CoachingwithKatherine
Kayla Crethar
Kayla is a Senior Relationship Manager at Macquarie Bank and has been in the finance sector for the last 13 years. As part of the Professional Services team in Queensland Kayla specialising in the segments of Insurance Broking, Legal and Insolvency. During her time at Macquarie Bank, Kayla has worked across a variety of segments, and formed strong relationships with these clients over the years. It’s not enough to simply sign a business up to a product – you need to understand what makes a business tick and how you can help them build a stronger business and deliver insights.
Macquarie Bank has been providing solutions to professional services for over 35 years. We work across the board with small businesses, established large corporates, and high net-worth individuals, providing value across a wide range of product offerings. Customers benefit from access to specialist teams in accounting and financial services, legal, insolvency and insurance broking.
Kayla joined Macquarie Bank in 2014 because of the diverse range of solutions that enable customers to succeed. Kayla enjoys forging strong relationships with her clients, sharing insights on achieving faster growth and better efficiencies, as well as getting like-minded groups together to discuss big picture ideas.
Kayla relocated to Brisbane from Northern NSW to attend university obtaining a Bachelor of Business majoring in Marketing at the QUT, she then spent 2 years in London before returning to Brisbane and commencing her finance career recently completing postgraduate studies with UQ a Masters in Business Administration.
Kiani Mills
Global Leadership & Motivational Speaker | Property Specialist & Enthusiast | CEO of Imperiale Pty Ltd, National Conveyancing & Legal Firm | Self Directed Healing Practitioner | Podcast Host | Mentor.
Kiani Mills is a highly successful entrepreneur, multi million dollar business owner, global professional speaker and a leading figure in the property industry in Australia.
As a prominent female CEO in a male dominated industry, a single mother of two, and professional speaker, Kiani uses her influence to inspire and educate the corporate world on the application of spirituality in the workplace and how that can lead to success both in business and in personal life.
Humanising Business.
She owns a National Property Law & Conveyancing Firm in Australia, Imperiale Property. The feminine translation of the word ‘Empire’, assisting all Australians build their wealth and EMPIRE through property.
Kiani has been a keynote speaker for a number of leading companies including ANZ Bank, Bank of Queensland, Commonwealth Bank, Buyers Agent Institute, and Hocking Stuart.
She has been a guest on numerous property podcasts such as Real Estate Right, Geared for Growth, Property Developer Podcast, The Wire.
And has been a featured expert on multiple media outlets such as DailyMail, News.com.au, Mumamia, Daily Mail UK, Chanel 9, Chanel 7, Sunrise and many global outlets.
She is also a proud member of Global Women’s Speakers, and has presented around the Globe.
Kiani has spent the last 10 years perfecting the art of opening, optimising & driving businesses to
success. Trialling and personally testing the processes, parting ways with thousands of dollars, family time, children time and personal time to bring this program to life.
Her passion and drive is seen in delivering and enhancing the lives of those around her, who are ready to grow, expand and evolve, both personally and professionally.
She is a natural born problem solver and lives in a world of organised chaos. Proving that it is possible to have your cake and eat it to, if you are willing to put in the hard yards, ask for help when its needed, and take massive action.
She believes that the journey doesn’t have to be hard, if we simply know where to look and where to start.
Join Kiani as she will lead the way to success, despite all odds.
The single mum who turned $1600 into success.(mamamia.com.au)
The single mum who turned $1600 into success. (mamamia.com.au)
This entrepreneur is on a mission to help women build riches through realty (dynamicbusiness.com)
This entrepreneur is on a mission to help women build riches through realty (dynamicbusiness.com)
Kiani Mills | Spark TV – YouTube
Whats App number: +61439 999 010
Linked In account: Kiani Mills | (7) Kiani Mills | LinkedIn
Lisa Davis
As a Director and Executive Coach, I support businesses and individuals to achieve their best potential by clarifying their goals, developing effective action plans, and driving greater success and fulfilment at an enterprise and personal level. I have over 25 years of senior executive experience in various industries, including financial services, technology, and retail sectors, both global and local.
My hallmark is simplifying complexity within businesses and enhancing customer value, performance, and innovation. I have a proven track record of leading and executing strategic objectives, leveraging market leading data, analytics, and technology solutions, and developing high performing teams and empowered leadership. I also have expertise in business model evolution and redesign, ML/AI automation, and risk based decision making. I am currently a Non-Executive Director at Navalo Financial Services Group Limited and work with a range of large and smaller corporates with business model challenges and executive coaching.
Mel Ryan
Director QSelect Agencies
Melissa is enjoying a 35 year career in insurance. Her experience expands across SME to Corporate Broking. Following several years in a Sales Management role for an Insurer she took the
plunge into her own brokerage and underwriting agency, which she has owned for the past 8 years.
She is also the Brisbane Branch Director for Business in Heels and enjoys sharing her knowledge and experience through mentoring.
Marcelle Harrison
Experienced thought leader across Diversity & Inclusion. A demonstrated history across all areas of Diversity & Inclusion including Gender Equity, Accessibility Employment of People with Disability, Health & Well-being, Flexibility, Culture, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, Learning and Leadership.
Megan Wilson
High achieving and accomplished Account Manager with broad experience across the ICT Industry, both in Australia and internationally. Megan is customer focused and works tirelessly to achieve the best outcome for her customers through long term working relationships.
A leader with more than 15 years’ experience with market leading technology vendors, Megan enjoys forming multi-year and multi-faceted strategies, following through to successful execution. She is confident leading teams in high pressure and fast paced environments.
Having completed multiple board related courses through AICD, Women in Technology, and Women on Boards (including the AICD Company Directors Course), Megan has been appointed as President and Chair of Coffee Brigade Brisbane, a charity that provides coffee, sandwiches, and connection to those in need in Brisbane. She brings a strong governance and leadership focus to this role.
Megan is actively involved in giving back to the Brisbane and Ipswich community through volunteer work in her own time. Currently she is a mentor through Fitted for Work and Business in Heels, a server for YMCA’s Breakfast Club, member of The Coffee Brigade Brisbane, and donation collector for Every Little Bit Helps.
Nicole Stallard
As an experienced People and Performance solution driven manager I have spent the last 4 years as a Sales and Service Manager running the Commercial Business in a variety of distribution channels for Allianz.
My implementation of new products and services in a Contact Centre environment and then my ability to implement long term relationships within the Allianz Broker Network will stand me in good stead to take any business to the next level.
I have a focus on exceeding Sales targets whilst ensuring all process and procedures are regularly enhanced to the benefit of the organisation and the customer.
My involvement in event management for Allianz in different divisions has seen very successful outcomes which I have utilised my organisational skills to create very successful Career Expos and Ladies Days for entertainment of key accounts.
My passion is for people and supporting them to achieve their career objectives while ensuring that structures and processes are in place to achieve successful outcomes for the business unit.
Nhu Hyuna
Nhu is a Principal at McCabes Lawyers. She specialises in insurance litigation, acting for insurers and corporate self-insureds in the defence of personal injury and insurance related claims. Her areas of expertise include Public Liability, General Insurance, Catastrophic Claims, Worker’s Compensation Claims, Professional Indemnity and Property Damage Claims.
As well as being a mother to two young daughters and running a busy law practice, Nhu gives back to the community through her involvement with the Australian Insurance Law Association, Foodbank Queensland, Wesley Mission and the Smith Family
Orla Fourie
Orla is a senior technology leader, skilled in leading teams and delivering large scale and transformative
national and international programs of work across multiple industries.
Recognised for talents in strategy development, innovation and delivery. A strong track record of converting
strategic plans into tactical reality through guiding and empowering teams to deliver at pace, and effectively
managing the resulting transformational change.
Experienced in utilising emerging technologies and practices to develop new digital products and experiences,
resulting in enhanced customer experiences and elevated sales conversion
Raewyn Bailey
Raewyn Bailey is an experienced mentor and business owner, having started, owned and operated her own multi million dollar recruitment firm for 25 years. During this period Raewyn also started two other related businesses.
Raewyn offers diverse business insights having sat on various boards including Transport for Brisbane, Mater Foundation and start up Vspry.
As a result Raewyn was invited to be a guest speaker for the Lord Mayors Business Forum and on International Women’s day on behalf of the Premier of Queensland.
As a member of International Entrepreneurs organisation for 12 years she was the first female president in Australia and won Entrepreneur of the Year award.
Raewyn enjoys philanthropy and was the Chair of The Royal Brisbane Hospital Foundation ball for 4 years. She was credited with a Ruby membership for her achievements.
She also sat on the Variety ball committee for 7 years winning an achievement award for her contribution to this charity.
Raewyn currently mentors through Mentor Walks and sits on Sister Cities Committee representing Hyderabad in India and is an Ambassador for the Lord Mayors Charitable Trust.
Raewyn is currently the CEO of a charity – Mental Awareness Foundation after selling her business in 2017.
Tara Trueman
Tara is an experienced business and technology Manager for HP Australia. Currently managing the Customer Success teams across Australia and New Zealand for the Managed Services Business within the Global Services and Solutions group. Having over 20 years of experience in the managed print, personal systems and solutions space, Tara is responsible for leading teams and driving contractual services and solutions growth for commercial clients.
Tara leads by example with Authenticity, Integrity, and Empathy. Strongly believes effective employee coaching and development leads to high performing teams. Taking the time to teach, learn and develop builds trust, relationships, and a strong growth base of knowledgeable future leaders.
Tara prides herself on her genuine passion for achieving best in class customer service; working with internal and external executive leadership teams to achieve financial, sustainability and operational goals.
Tara has been with HP since 2011 and previously held team and leadership positions across the ICT industry. Personally, Tara lives in Brisbane with her Husband. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, listening to music with an eclectic collection, watching movies and the odd competitive online game.
Tiana Iuvale
In her current capacity as Broker Solutions Manager QLD, Tiana Iuvale leads a team of market-facing Account Partners and Business Relationship Partners, who are the face of the CGU brand in broker offices as far north as Cairns and as far south as Northern NSW. Her role encompasses key metrics focused on building strong partner relationships, sustainable growth, and profitability through authentic leadership, to bring to life the IAG purpose of making our world a safer place.
After graduating with a Degree in Communication she gained leadership experience in operations, finance, project management, sales and marketing across a range of industries including advertising, retail, wholesaling and premium funding. Prior to taking on a state leadership role, Tiana gained valuable experience working as a BDM and National Key Account Manager at CGU.
As a working mother of two wonderful young gentlemen, Tiana has a deep personal interest in all aspects of diversity and inclusion. Speaking from the heart, she is determined to share her career and life experiences truthfully and honestly in the hope of inspiring future generations of leaders to create balanced, equitable and flexible workplaces where everyone can thrive.
Zhenya Pavlinova
I am a Chartered Structural Engineer (CPEng, RPEQ) with experience across multiple industries including government, mining, industrial, commercial, residential, defence. I enjoy working on EPC projects that I can see from start to finish. My skills lay in problem solving, being able to communicate technical items in a simple way, big picture thinking, managing projects, risk and assets.