A Social Impact Leader, I help companies to build community as they implement their social impact goals as members of Pledge 1%. How do I support organisations achieve their social impact goals? 1. Pledge 1% - as part of the new AU team supporting 2,000 local members to be "companies for good", helping them to bring their commitment to give 1% of Equity, Product, Time or Profit to life; 2. Airwallex - I reconfigured their Volunteering programme, resulting in a 58% uplift in leave use (globally) within 6 months; 3. Atlassian - I built global pathways to work programmes, resulting in more diverse talent pipelines; led the People stream of the first Reconciliation Action Plan at Atlassian, resulting in the rollout of cultural awareness training, the first RAP and the pathway to a second RAP; built their inclusive hiring approach and training for recruiters and hiring managers; 4. IKEA - I designed a refugee work experience programme, which is still running today with a 75% retention rate; 5. Apple - I reconfigured the sales and engineering hiring processes, resulting in 52% female representation of hires.

Alison Lloydd-Wright is Managing Director of the Good Trouble Group, a consulting firm that helps organisations get bolder results through sharper strategy, stronger leadership and smarter engagement. With a focus on strategy and leadership, Alison builds brave organisations, that make clear choices, communicate with intent, and lead confidently in uncertain, ambiguous, politically complex systems. Before starting Good Trouble, Alison was Deputy Chief Executive at the South Australian Department of the Premier and Cabinet, which means she has survived the centre of government and understands exactly how decisions get made, delayed and occasionally derailed. She has led major reforms, managed big and opinionated teams, and worked closely with ministers under intense scrutiny. She co-hosts The Westminster Tradition podcast.

Amanda is a recently exited founder with a strong background in financial services, project delivery and operational management. With nearly 40 years experience in commercial enterprises, Amanda has delivered projects large and small, turned around under-performing businesses and run day-to-day operational business operations. Before launching her own ventures, Amanda served in senior management roles in banking, working at the forefront of fintech development and integration. Her foundation in financial services and operational excellence informs her strategic approach to building ethical supply chains, which she applies to her current venture, Fair Seafood. As Owner and Co-Founder of Fair Seafood, Amanda has created an innovative market and merchant model that prioritises origin transparency, traceability and ethical practices while supporting Australia's last true hunters—our fishers. Amanda is a conscious consumer and passionate advocate for education. With a long history in tech and financial services, Amanda's unique blend of business acumen, operational expertise and genuine passion for environmental stewardship makes her a compelling voice on these topics as well as sustainable business practices, supply chain transparency, ethical consumption and entrepreneurship with purpose.

Ashleigh is a business leader and founder of simplefy.ai, an AI consulting business helping companies adopt AI in ways that are secure, useful, and grounded in real outcomes. Her career began in New York after graduating summa cum laude from NYU's Stern School of Business, before spending several years at J.P. Morgan in the Corporate & Investment Bank, managing relationships with hedge funds and quantitative trading managers. Since returning to Australia, Ashleigh has established a reputation as a trusted advisor to boards, executives, and founders, combining strategic thinking with a pragmatic and hands-on approach. Her diverse experience spans creative brand work at Sass & Co., launching ideas at 11point2 (an entrepreneurship-as-a-service business), and leading investor relations at Tribe Global Ventures. At simplefy.ai, her work focuses on making AI useful and accessible for time-poor leaders and teams, from executive AI education and governance, to strategy sprints, to securely embedding AI into workflows with clear ROI. She thrives at the intersection of strategy, storytelling, and execution and is passionate about helping leaders make faster, better decisions as they navigate the future of work.

The barriers to building software have collapsed. Anyone can ship an app, spin up an MVP, or demo a prototype that looks production-ready. Which means tech quality can no longer be taken at face value. Beau founded Astraeus Labs to bring rigour back to the equation. His South Australian firm provides software due diligence for tech investments, examining the resilience, security and scalability so investors know exactly what they're buying into. It's a practice born from necessity: as deal velocity accelerates and AI-generated code floods the market, the gap between "looks good" and "actually good" keeps widening. Beau and his team close that gap. A multifaceted consultant with a number of business units under his banner, Beau also advises founders on product-market fit and growth. He is a regular judge in national and state innovation awards and remains an enthusiastic advocate for the Australian visionaries building what's next.

Cameron Sinclair is Deputy Chief Investment Officer and Director, Private Markets and Infrastructure at Funds SA. Cameron contributes to a broad range of investment related matters at Funds SA, with a focus on asset allocation, portfolio construction and risk across the Funds SA portfolio. He also leads the strategic direction and oversight of Funds SA's private markets and infrastructure investment programs.

Craig has a deep interest in the commercialisation of Australian research and innovations. He is passionate about enabling entrepreneurs to succeed and make a difference by empowering them with the right skills, mindset and connections. He is GM Growth Programs at the Canberra Innovation Network, runs the GRIFFIN accelerator which he cofounded, leads workshops, innovation programs and more. He has been involved in startups as co-founder, CEO, director, investor or mentor for over 20 years. Craig co-founded TakeABreak, an online accommodation business that was sold to Fairfax in 2011. He led the integration with Fairfax's competing business Stayz and the group was later on-sold for $210M. Craig is a former Chair of Capital Angels.

I’m Deputy Editor of InDaily, Adelaide’s independent digital news service, where I oversee coverage of South Australia’s business, technology and cultural landscape. My focus is on stories that matter to the community, from the forces reshaping the economy to the creative industries that give Adelaide its identity. Over my career I’ve built experience across breaking news, long-form features and editorial leadership, developing a knack for finding the local angle in national and global issues. I’m especially interested in how innovation, policy and culture intersect, and how those intersections affect everyday South Australians. At the heart of my work is a belief in the role of independent media: to connect people and hold power to account.

Researcher turned AI and SaaS builder and senior tech executive, with a track record in founding, building, scaling and exiting deep tech businesses.

Fiona Goodsite is the Co-Founder and CEO of Tutbob, an inclusive AI tutor and analytics platform supporting university students with ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety, and other learning differences. What began as Fiona solving her own challenges as a university student has grown into an award-winning startup, now piloted across institutions and engaging with major tech partners. A recognised young founder and student voice in responsible AI, Fiona has contributed to government roundtables and national discussions on ethical AI in education. A graduate of the University of Adelaide's Innovation & Entrepreneurship program, she is driven by the belief that education was not built for everyone, and as AI reshapes learning, she is on a mission to ensure inclusivity is the foundation, not a feature, and that AI in education needs to be built for ALL.

Gavin Artz is a strategic leader with over 20 years of experience building innovation economies at the intersection of government, research and industry. At South Australia's Department for Trade and Investment, he developed a technology investment strategy that secured commitments for over 11,000 tech jobs and $5 billion in economic impact. His career spans from CEO of a national Arts and Science organisation to Director of Critical Technologies in State government and roles at CSIRO's Data61, where he orchestrated technical teams across cybersecurity, AI, quantum technologies and data architecture. Through extensive international trade work, he has developed a deep understanding of the geopolitical dynamics that shape technology ecosystems and cross-border collaborations. He holds an MBA from the University of South Australia.

A secure future for all. As CEO and Co-Founder of CYBR, Jasmin Ilic guides organisations in confronting complex cyber threats, protecting critical assets, and embedding security as a foundation for innovation and growth. With the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, CYBR helps clients harness their potential while addressing new risks, ensuring that AI becomes an enabler of resilience rather than a source of vulnerability. Jasmin's work is driven by the belief that a secure digital future, where AI is applied responsibly, is fundamental to economic growth, social resilience, and individual opportunity. CYBR's impact extends beyond commercial outcomes, with a social impact model that includes pro-bono initiatives and programs designed to support the wider community. Jasmin's focus on impact is matched by her commitment to industry development and civic contribution. She serves as a Chapter Lead for the Australian Women in Security Network (AWSN) and as Chair of the Adelaide Economic Development Agency (AEDA) Advisory Committee. Her vision: a future where security, innovation, and AI go hand in hand, for the benefit of all.

Jason Cameron is an experienced Coach and Founder of ScrumCraft with over 20 years of helping teams find their best way of working.

Always first hand up to help tech founders and the startup ecosystem, Josh is co-founder of Eastend Ventures, an Adelaide-based VC investing in early-stage tech across South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland. He co-founded Southern Angels in 2018 and has facilitated more than $15 million into early-stage companies. 2026 is all about bring more high-quality LPs into Eastend Ventures Fund 1, backing sharp founders with global ambitions, and use disciplined due diligence to attract value-adding co-investors to each round.

Kayla Johnson is the Managing Director of the Good Trouble Group, a consultancy dedicated to helping businesses with strategy, culture, and leadership. A natural disruptor (the good kind), Kayla challenges organisations to think differently, embrace change, and build workplaces where people want to be. With a fresh, high-energy approach, she helps shape the leaders of tomorrow. Having moved to Australia in 2015, knowing nobody, she has practical experience in finding, creating, and growing welcoming spaces and communities. Combined with her experience leading change in government, navigating complex stakeholders, and creating long-term engaged stakeholders, she's all about building people's networks and community.

Kev Jochelson is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and startup coach who works with early-stage startups to build their first product, discover their first customer, and get a taste of their first revenue. He is the Founder and Head Coach at OPSIZE.

Manon is an Investment Manager at Gandel Invest, a Melbourne-based family office investing in early-stage technology companies across Australia. She manages the portfolio of c. 50 startups, including EatClub, Good Pair Days, Pay.com.au, Sapyen and UpCover. With a background in tax and transaction services, Manon brings a commercially grounded approach to investing and is driven by a desire to support ambitious founders building meaningful, scalable businesses.

Mark is the founder of Forever Projects, a non-profit enabling Tanzanian women to create income, nourish their babies and keep families together.

Mark Ogden is Managing Director of 11point2, where he helps large organisations work at startup speed by validating ideas, reducing risk, and creating practical pathways from discovery through to scale. He brings experience from both sides of the table: more than 15 years in senior sales, marketing and strategy roles at global corporates, including Mars, Amcor and Carlton & United Breweries, combined with a decade leading and advising technology businesses and scale-ups. Mark has also held national leadership roles in emerging sectors and holds an MBA in Strategic Management.

Mo Hamdouna is the Managing Director of Mo Works. An Australian Small Business Champion Entrepreneur of the Year (2023), Mo works with businesses in complex industries and purpose-driven organisations to turn challenges into clear, human-centred solutions. His work sits at the intersection of communication, experience and impact, helping brands grow, improve customer experience, and stay discoverable as search and decision-making evolve.

I've developed software used by over 100 million users (Ad Muncher), implemented the largest survey of Australia's startup ecosystem (Startup Muster), grown Australia's largest network of startup hubs (Fishburners), designed and implemented Australia's first data-focused accelerator program for Australia's oldest company (Westpac), and I'm running the largest early-stage incubator in Sydney (UTS Startups). Australia’s future relies on Australia’s future tech sector, I’m passionate about both.

"Patrycja Slawuta is an Australia-based, NYC-educated and Poland-born behavioural scientist, successful entrepreneur, and life-long learner. After spending 10+ years in academia, Patrycja founded SelfHackathon, a NYC-based global boutique behavioural consultancy of scientists that applies evidence-based research to help organizations and enterprises navigate the complexities of human nature in the face of disruption, change and uncertainty. After being chosen specifically by the Australian Government to migrate to Australia in March 2020 as a part of its Global Talent Program, Patrycja founded Unlab, a Sydney-based company whose mission is to take behavioural science out of the laboratory and into life through in-depth research initiatives, immersive learning programs and evidence-based consultations. Patrycja believes the human mind is the world’s most untapped natural resource. As such, her mission is to give people and organizations clear frameworks and practical tools to meaningfully and efficiently mine their own minds in order to find purpose, clarity and alignment. In her free time she runs marathons (32 so far), reads (audiobooks) and meditates. In that particular order."

Paz has dedicated her life to building impactful communities. As the Co-Founder of The Community Collective, she accidentally started a company that went viral in 2021 in Melbourne during the pandemic. Afterwards, she quit her job and turned a 17-person meetup into a global movement with a 17.8k+ audience & 700+ community across 18 countries. She believes in the power of community, having trained 320+ businesses to master community building including Google, Canva, MYOB, Notion and Founders Factory Africa. She's a renowned International Speaker having appeared on stages worldwide from London, to SXSW Sydney to San Francisco, as well as landed interviews with global icons including Seth Godin, Derek Sivers & Steph Claire-Smith. Based in a 5000-person surf town in Australia, Paz loves wearing orange, speaking Spanish (and French!), drinking chai and composing relaxation music for her personal music brand Paz Sounds, which has touched the lives of over 10 million+ people.

Pete Horsley is dedicated to harnessing technology to elevate all human potential. As the Founder of Remarkable, the global startup venture arm of Cerebral Palsy Alliance, he is investing in and accelerating the next generation of Disability Tech solutions that build better technologies, break down barriers and drive equity. With over 20 years in the disability sector, Pete has led global collaborations across industry, NGO, and academia, to foster systemic change. As a co-founder of the +N Inclusive Innovation Network, he brings together global technology leaders to scale impact.

Petr is an innovation and business growth expert. He is passionate about supporting innovation, building innovation communities, business incubation and growth programs, clusters and innovation networks. In these areas Petr has 30+ years of international experience that have seen him provide assistance to companies and communities across Europe, New Zealand and Australia.

Reuben works closely with the ARIIA staff, Board, partners and stakeholders to deliver on our mission to grow the capability of the aged care sector in order to improve care through innovation. He brings expertise and experience in strategy, executive management, business development, stakeholder engagement, commercialisation, operations and research working in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors.

Rob is the Managing Director at Think & Grow. He has scaled multiple digital businesses from $5M to $500M revenue across diverse industries.

I help consultants (actually) stop doing $5 tasks at $200/hr with AI

Scarlett McDermott is the founder of Longitude Advisory, an independent tech advisory firm serving organisations across Australia. With over a decade of experience, she specialises in helping boards and executives of growth companies leverage technology to enhance operations and drive growth. Scarlett has experience as a Chief Technology Officer, software developer, and at industry level, having worked at the Tech Council of Australia and contributed to major industry initiatives. An ongoing focus on the diversity and capability of Australia's technology workforce drives her volunteer work on various committees and groups, including as a board director at the Australian Information Security Association.

Sharon has more than 25 years of broad international experience leading strategic growth initiatives including mergers, sales, acquisitions, private equity and strategic partnerships. Sharon is the Executive Chair and majority shareholder of InterFinancial; has been a partner of Clairfield International for 19 years and was appointed to the global board of Clairfield in 2022. Her local and international experience extends across many sectors, including engineering, mining services, technology, healthcare and financial services. Clients consistently value her ability to think creatively and solve complex problems in transactions, and her genuine interest in, and proven ability to create, more value for both parties in a transaction. Prior to joining InterFinancial, Sharon was General Counsel, and then Vice President of Strategic Planning and Integration at Mincom Limited, a global enterprise software company. Sharon started her career as a corporate lawyer with Allens. Sharon is also a non-executive director on Technology One (ASX50) and Auto & General Insurance Company (Budget Direct).

Shaun Davies is the founder and principal of The AI Training Company, a new venture dedicated to closing the gap between AI intention and execution in Australian workplaces. He has spent 20 years at the forefront of major technology shifts, starting in digital journalism in the early 2000s. At Microsoft, he led AI safety and quality for a content feed seen by over a billion people. More recently, he worked with Google and Bastion Digital to train newsrooms across Australia and the Philippines in how to use AI. He is also the independent reviewer for the Australian Code of Practice on Disinformation and Misinformation.

From enterprise to startup, Symon Madry has shaped communications that has launched and elevated brands, shifted products, distinguished individuals, and spread ideas. Symon was a senior communicator at McKinsey & Company and Edelman, and Head of Technology and Business at Red Havas. He now works with clients to underpin communications discipline with perception science, to create faster and deeper connections, and impactful change.

Tim is the Chairman & CEO of GPN Vaccines. He has extensive expertise in the life sciences, executive management and finance sectors. He is also an active angel investor working with investment groups throughout Australia and US to assist early-stage companies to raise capital and develop their innovative technologies and in 2022 was named Australian Angel Investor of the Year. Tim is also Chairman of Brain Changer Pty Ltd.

An experienced COO, CFO and commercial advisor with 25+ years experience working within large corporates and with fast growing start-ups in a wide range of sectors including property funds management, proptech, technology, life sciences, agriculture, food & beverage, manufacturing and mining.

Zac Bailey is a prominent Adelaide-based technology founder and social impact entrepreneur, known for building award-winning assistive communication technologies that improve inclusion for older people and people living with disability. As Founder and Managing Director of Empathy Studios, Zachary leads the teams behind CareWindow and Konnekt—solutions now used across aged care, home care and NDIS settings in Australia and internationally. With a background in software engineering and human-centred design, Zachary focuses on creating technology that removes barriers rather than adding complexity. His work has been recognised through multiple industry and innovation accolades, reflecting a strong commitment to accessibility, dignity and real-world impact. At SouthStart, Zachary brings a practical perspective to the Remarkable Tech panel, sharing lessons from building inclusive products that serve diverse users—from older Australians to people with sensory, cognitive and mobility challenges—while proving that inclusive design creates better outcomes for everyone.

Zara is an Investment professional with 15+ years of experience in technology innovation and commercialisation.