An experienced Chair, Board Director and business advisor with extensive governance experience within the Retail, Financial Services, and Logistics & Supply Chain sectors. An established reputation for interpreting outwardly complex problems and distilling them into material points of focus.

Following an extensive executive career with respected ASX listed companies in Retail and Consumer goods sector, I founded a private business advisory and consulting firm specialising in the review and assessment of Company operating health, operational efficiency and value creation. I am known for embedding within organisations providing CEOs and C-Suite executives advice in strategy development, company financial health, contract negotiation, M&A assessment, supply chain and logistics, merchandise and marketing, corporate restructuring, process and procedures, finance and reporting.
I have worked within the private sector, with pure play ecommerce retailers, start-ups and ASX listed organisations and PE.

Outcome focused, I believe success comes from a positive culture, people and the power of collective minds working together always seeking to stimulate an openness for new ideas and initiatives.

I am a graduate of the AICD Company Directors course.

Projects have included:
• Oversight of Company legal and contractual obligations, negotiations, and procurement.
• Leading projects in M&A R&D, negotiation, commercial and contractual terms.
• Assessment and Implementation of a Company ERP systems including supporting technologies.
• Negotiating complex supply chain partnerships across local freight, 3PL and international supply chain.
• Freight optimisation both local and international, including eCommerce.
• Facilitation of organisational change, transformation projects, organisational structure, people &
culture, engagement, and mentoring.
• Corporate Governance, Compliance, Audit & Risk management.

Director at The CEO Institute Geelong, she strategically invites elite business people who are in growth businesses to join.

No stranger to developing & growing businesses across the globe. As Chairman & CEO of a world-leading fashion brand of boots, Director of a sourcing company based in China, developer of Café/Play centres, glossy magazines, events, business development companies, charities, Sydney Olympics, Insurance agencies, Real Estate, published author, franchises… she is ambitious, experienced and open to a challenge.

Nominated Telstra Business woman of the year 2014 and runner up in Chamber of Commerce & Industry awards as she has a passion for exceeding expectations.

I’m her early 40’s & already has a world of practical experience, which probably shouldn’t be a surprise given at 15 years old she was the youngest drama teacher in Australia running my own school, and hasn’t stopped since. Some say she has ‘ants in her pants’, but it’s this energy and drive that gets her the results.

In my spare time I negotiate how much chocolate is appropriate after dinner is OK before bed, with my 9-year old daughter and change the dirty nappies of my 3 year old.

Learn the HARD way or the FAST way, it’s up to YOU. Experience & setbacks is hard, the FAST way is learning from others who have done it before, & fast track your success. The right education has the power to change your whole life & the lives others.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

Amanda comes with a spirit of philanthropy. Amanda Nicole is a Coach, Fundraiser and Podcaster for creatives, entrepreneurs, executives and non profit organisations.

Amanda is a Professional Mentor with Fundraising Institute of Australia (FIA) mentoring marketing and fundraising professionals to advance in their career, such as increased responsibility, promotion and or job change in the nonprofit sector.

Amanda as an Alumni joined Sacred Heart College Alumni Association in 2024. Amanda’s voluntary role involves fundraising consultancy, guiding the Alumni Association in their Fundraising and Alumni Engagement Activities in Mercy Education.

Amanda is committed to applying her expertise in Fundraising, Marketing and Gifts in Wills, to guide the implementation of the College’s Alumni Strategic Plan and future growth.

Amanda enjoys volunteering with local Geelong nonprofits in the area of fundraising consultancy, to direct them in the development and implementation of their Bequests / Gifts in Wills Program to inspire, solicit, and manage gifts from donors in the community.

Amanda has her own podcast, Voice of Soul with Amanda Nicole, where she talks about topics about networking, marketing, sales, mindset and social media, to help entrepreneurs fulfill their calling to serve and to grow a business that bears fruit.

Life before a career change, Amanda was a Registered Nurse for 15 years, working for some well-known healthcare organisations and more niche ones in London and Australia.

Christine Couzens has a lifetime of active commitment to social justice issues in Geelong

She has worked with homeless young people, assisted in the public housing sector and represented people on consumer law issues.

She has a proud record of fighting for workers’ rights through the union movement.

She served multiple terms as President of Geelong Trades Hall and established a working womens network which has been running for over ten years.

Prior to being elected to Parliament herself, Christine worked for former member for Geelong Ian Trezise since he won the seat in 1999. These experiences gave her an unrivalled knowledge of the needs of the community where she was born and bred.

Christine currently serves as the Victoria’s Ambassador for Closing The Gap where she advocates for equality for indigenous Victorians through delivering better health, education and employment outcomes.

Deb Fribbins is an entrepreneur, strategic planning coach,  mentor, speaker, author, social enterprise advocate and champion for equality. Her passion is to support small businesses from start up to scaleable sale to thrive and achieve their goals.

Deb enjoyed a long successful career in the corporate retail world with Myer, David Jones, Target, and Harris Scarfe over more than 30 years.  Since leaving retail she has worked extensively with small business retailers, service providers, manufacturers and wholesalers, both locally and Internationally. Servicing clients in the UK, Bali, USA and all over Australia. 

The Developing Excellencein Business  (DEB) philosophy is to empower business owners with the knowledge, skills and expertise to achieve and exceed their goals. Extensive experience in coaching and mentoring has seen great success for businesses in a wide variety of fields. The unique 5 D process is customised for each individual business needs, leading to increased sales, profits and a greater brand awareness in the market place. 

With over 25 years of experience in strategy development, budget and P&L management, customer marketing, brand building and digital strategies, I am a strategic, outcome-driven senior manager who leads by example and fosters a culture of teamwork, shared mission and excellence. Currently, I am the General Manager Analytics, Insights and Claims Integrity at Bupa, where I leverage process, system and advanced analytics to prevent benefit leakage and reduce fraud, waste, abuse and error of private health insurance claims.

I have a flair for identifying and implementing simple solutions to complex problems, and a proven track record of driving growth and value through the development and execution of successful strategies and initiatives that have a positive impact on health care cost and utilisation, representing value for members. I also have a passion for delivering customer-centric solutions that enhance the customer experience and loyalty. My goal is to use my expertise and insights to enable Bupa to operate more effectively and efficiently, and to improve the health and wellbeing of our customers and communities.

Julie Hope is  Stakeholder, Community Engagement & Communications Professional for Lake Advisory 

Experienced Stakeholder & Community Engagement Advisor and Business Development Manager. Partnership broker with a history of working in the higher education, teaching, aviation and sales industries. Excellent skills in stakeholder engagement, corporate social responsibility, connecting partnerships, sponsorship contract negotiation, interdisciplinary collaboration, connecting research projects and strategic partnerships.

Brokerage, activation and management of Deakin University Geelong partnerships & sponsorships including:
The Geelong Cats
Deakin Cats Community Centre
Geelong Arts Centre
Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race
Geelong Chamber of Commerce & Geelong Business Excellence Awards
Pako Festa
Barwon Sports Academy

A passionate advocate for Geelong, Julie has been a Director of the Geelong Chamber of Commerce (2 tenures) and is currently engaged as a Director of Geelong Connected Communities, Community Advisory Sub-Committee of Barwon Health and Sport in the North Advisory Committee.

She has been an Ambassador for Project Love acknowledging her time as a patient in the Andrew Love cancer centre in 2011 and she is a Tourism Geelong and the Bellarine ‘MEET Geelong’ Ambassador.

Liberty Adviser, Finance & Mortgage Broker, Non-Executive Director Geelong Chamber of Commerce & Business Consultant.

I am a successful Business Professional with extensive knowledge and experience in finance management and demonstrated commercial acumen. Intelligent, enthusiastic and highly motivated, with a strong task orientation and a dedication to continuous improvement through innovation. Well known for my outstanding interpersonal and presentation skills demonstrated over 20 years in management roles. I have a strong background in finance and accounts management and an excellent understanding of administrative and risk management operations.

A proven ability to lead, coach and develop others to achieve desired goals and objectives is my main priority. I believe I have the ability to effectively analyse and evaluate information and situations through anticipating, identifying and defining problems as well as taking necessary action when required.

My core competencies include:
– Leadership and Strategic Orientation
– Commitment and Results Driven
– Project Management
– Risk Management
– Excellent communication and Stakeholder Management
– Time and Priority Management
– Finance and Procurement Contract AssessmentI am a successful Business Professional with extensive knowledge and experience in finance management and demonstrated commercial acumen. Intelligent, enthusiastic and highly motivated, with a strong task orientation and a dedication to continuous improvement through innovation. Well known for my outstanding interpersonal and presentation skills demonstrated over 20 years in management roles. I have a strong background in finance and accounts management and an excellent understanding of administrative and risk management operations. A proven ability to lead, coach and develop others to achieve desired goals and objectives is my main priority. I believe I have the ability to effectively analyse and evaluate information and situations through anticipating, identifying and defining problems as well as taking necessary action when required. My core competencies include: – Leadership and Strategic Orientation – Commitment and Results Driven – Project Management – Risk Management – Excellent communication and Stakeholder Management – Time and Priority Management – Finance and Procurement Contract Assessment
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Justine Martin is the Founder/CEO of the Justine Martin Corporation (JMC),

incorporating four businesses: Juzt art, Resilience Mindset, Van-Go Decals and

Morpheus Publishing. Justine is an accomplished & award-winning artist; keynote

speaker; resilience coach; author; and podcast host. She started Juzt art 10 years

ago, and has grown to four businesses during that time.

Her personal medical battles inspired the launch of her second business; Resilience

Mindset, where she coaches, runs a resilience podcast series, is a published author

and a keynote speaker on resilience. Early 2022 saw the launch ‘Team Finger Print’

a new corporate program combining a morning of resilience team building and

afternoon of bringing the team’s vision to life through painting.

Her love of art and design inspired her third business; Van-Go Decals, colourful and

funky decals to brighten up wheelchairs, caravans, campervans, trailers, Kombi

vans to stand out on the footpaths, roads and caravan parks! Justine is redesigning

the way art is utilised, displayed and shared.

During 2022 Justine is launching her fourth business; Morpheus Publishing. Justine’s

passion for writing resilience/self-help books and the addition of writing her first

kids book; Same Same But Different, will see the launch of a publishing arm.

Throughout 2021 Justine was awarded seven national awards! Her dedication and

passion for helping & coaching others was recognised when she won Gold at the

2021 prestigious national AusMumpreneur Awards for ‘Coach of the Year’ and her

outstanding creative ability continues to shine, winning GOLD in the 2021 Roar

Awards for Creative ‘Artist of the Year’.

A senior executive leader with over a decade of experience in leading teams through significant cultural change and transformation. I have operated in retail, corporate and community health environments, where I have demonstrated my commitment to developing the capability of my people whilst driving operational and organisational excellence. I believe in the importance of working collaboratively cross functionally to achieve meaningful customer and community outcomes and ongoing financial success.

A core value of mine is making a difference, and this extends not only to the customers and communities I serve but the people I am entrusted to lead. I am an accomplished leader with an ability to build high-performing teams and cultures to achieve organisational goals. I am skilled at balancing commercial requirements whilst actively engaging and empowering our people to succeed and supporting future leaders to learn and grow. I am a passionate people centred leader and believe in creating environments where people feel safe to be their authentic selves, to form highly engaged teams that have fun and where the collective group energises each other to deliver positive outcomes and growth.

Lisa Sweeney is CEO of Business in Heels, daily she works to fast-track women on their journey. She has 4 1/2 years of small business experience and well understands the transition from corporate to business owner.

Her expertise includes strategic planning, marketing, expansion through digital marketing, she is a strategic connector.

Her background is 25 years of corporate buying experience with expertise in strategic planning, sourcing, online retail, negotiation and she well understands the hurley burley of a corporate career.

She is passionate about making a difference for women & on a daily basis works to find solutions to levelling up the playing field. This year having launched mentoring, access to new women’s professional indemnity & superannuation solutions.

Liz Price –GM Great Ocean Road Tourism- .

Liz is a strong leader and strategic thinker and has driven the growth and profitability

of both start up and established businesses.

Liz is a strong collaborator proficient in building mutually beneficial partnerships ,

driving change and embedding a culture of innovation and capacity building that

engages both internal and external stakeholders.

Liz is the Inaugural General Manager of Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism, an

organisation established in 2013 by the Six Local Governments across the region to

deliver a collaborative, regional approach to building a sustainable visitor economy

for the Great Ocean Road region.

Liz has worked in tourism, hospitality & publishing for over thirty years including

as General Manager-Australia for Club Tourism Publishing, Inaugural Chief Executive

of Destination Melbourne and Executive Director of Tourism for the Melbourne

Convention and Visitors Bureau. A destination management specialist with a

passion for strategy and a love of marketing, Liz has worked extensively with

not for profits and membership based organisations.

Liz is passionate about thinking differently and challenging the status quo and enjoys

continuously learning.

Most people come to Mentoring with a sense that what is happening in their businesses or
careers is not allowing them to achieve the goals they have set for themselves, that they are
not achieving their full potential. I have been in business more than 30 years, and I have the
expertise and experience across a wide range of industries to help you change that.
I am not just about giving you tips and strategies for improvement. I am also about helping
you discover new possibilities for your business that you may not have even imagined or
thought possible. A high priority for me is helping you to discover your strengths and how
you can enhance them to achieve your goals.
I specialise in helping my mentees proactively manage the interpersonal challenges they
face in their businesses. These are the challenges they personally face as owner , for
example, managing change and disruption and stress and conflict. But also managing all the
stakeholders in your business – employees, customers, suppliers, for example, in a way that
grows you and your business.
There are six areas of business development that I consistently see as issues for women and
which they need to attend to if they want to be successful..
1. Having a business development plan.
2. Developing your network.
3. Building a social media presence.
4. Creating your professional identity – the brand called YOU.
5. Learning to self-promote.
6. Integrating work and family.

Michelle is a seasoned executive leader with a wealth of experience and a strong drive for success. Her expertise lies in strategic planning, transformational leadership, stakeholder engagement, and project management.

With a deep passion for sports, Michelle earned a Sports Administration degree from Victoria University and has since contributed her skills in various paid and voluntary roles throughout her career. Notably, she spent six years at Netball Victoria, where she held the position of General Manager for High Performance and Commercial. She also played a pivotal role in the leadership team for the Australian Masters Games in Geelong in 2013. Additionally, Michelle has valuable experience working with the Department of Justice and Community Safety in contract management and stakeholder engagement capacities.

Michelle’s dedication to local sports is evident through her involvement as both a player and committee member at Bell Park Sport & Recreation Club from 2001 to 2016. During her tenure, she served in multiple roles, including President of the netball section and as the first female President of a GFNL club when she assumed the role of football President in 2012. Her commitment to the sports community continued as she was elected Commissioner of AFL Barwon in 2016, eventually becoming Chair in 2022.

Currently, Michelle serves as the General Manager of Read the Play, a mental health and literacy charity based in Geelong. The Read the Play program, under her leadership, aims to enhance young people’s understanding of mental health and illness while fostering environments that encourage positive help-seeking behaviours and reduce judgment around mental health challenges. Michelle’s leadership and dedication make her an invaluable asset to both the organisation and the community it serves.

Philippa is an experienced Business Manager with over 30 years’ experience in all facets of business administration, including project management, customer service, accounts payable and receivable, reconciliations, marketing and display, inventory control, transportation scheduling and dispatch, hygiene management, payroll, human resources, and training. For 25 years she has owned and managed her own business working for many varied companies in all facets of business management and training.

Philippa is an experienced Bookkeeper & BAS Agent with over 25 years industry experience including coaching & mentoring other bookkeepers. Philippa specialises in Small Business Management, Business Troubleshooting, Coaching & Mentoring, Bookkeeping & BAS for small business particularly solopreneurs and mum and dad businesses. Her passion is to assist small business owners to get their finances, policies, procedures, and paperwork in order to give them back their time to enjoy life.

* A seasoned executive with 25 years’ experience in leadership and management of large and small teams.
* A motivational leader with practiced communication, negotiation and influencing skills. through
collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to achieve desired outcomes.
* Experience across large and small business, community and sport sectors.
* Current strengths include community program development, end to end project, product development,
event management and facilities management.
* Previous background in product development/buying , quality assurance and senior management in large
corporate retail environments.
* Thrive working in a fast-paced environment adapting easily and embracing change.
* Engaging and genuine personality, readily able to converse and engage at all levels.
* Optimistic, motivated, and natural problem solver.

Senior Change Manager Worksafe Victoria

Strategic and considered Project and Change Management professional with 20+ years experience working across federal and state government, management consulting, private enterprise, education and small to medium business. Skilled Project Management ‘all-rounder’ with extensive experience in leadership, mobilising high performing teams, strategic delivery, stakeholder management, coaching and supporting organisational transformation.
Passionate about delivering outstanding results to support business objectives.
Holds a Masters degree in Communications from Griffith University.

Managing Director of Three PM Project Management

Experienced executive with a demonstrated history of successful bid management across a range of industry sectors including PPPs. Skilled in Project Management, Communications, Writing and Editing, Facilitation, Negotiation, Budgeting, Business Planning, Operations Management, and Coaching.