I am a leader in the Australian business ecosystem, helping innovators, businesses, entrepreneurs and Startups thrive, improve their growth capabilities and networks with a focus on Melbourne’s fast-growing Eastern region.

I am the Chief Executive Officer of Eastern Innovation which acts as the innovation hub of Melbourne’s East and South-East. The Startups we incubate and accelerate here work in the heart of Melbourne’s hi-tech, scientific sector and Monash National Employment & manufacturing cluster and neighbours include CSIRO, Monash University, the Australian Synchrotron, Monash Science & Technology Park and Monash Medical Centre.

I am deeply engaged in the development of the #MonashPrecinct innovation and collaboration network to engage and serve industry, government, education and institutions in the Monash National Employment and Innovation Cluster (NEIC).

My deep experience and networks across government, industry and corporates ensure the Startups and entrepreneurs we assist have the critical services and are networked into ecosystems.

I’m the Acting Deputy Chair of the Eastern Metropolitan Partnership, part of Metropolitan Partnerships, a significant State Government initiative that helps communities in the Eastern region engage directly with government on their challenges and opportunities which encourages better service delivery and informs policy.

I am also a committee member for Regional Development Australia (RDA). This work is part of my passion to help build communities and businesses in areas outside the CBD which includes the science and education hub of Monash, the manufacturing hubs of Dandenong and Kingston, the industry hub in Knox, the retail hubs of Manningham and a particular favourite – the food and wine designation of the Shire of the Yarra Ranges.

Flexible Workspace Australia Ltd is the peak body for coworking and flexible space. I am a founding Director and Treasurer and working alongside extraordinary leaders in the industry to bring everyone together.

I am a seed investor in Startups and am also co-founder and owner of several successful businesses in the FMCG sector and have run these with my family for more than two decades.

As a speaker, author and communicator with deep expertise in marketing and brand, I am often called upon to speak about innovation, the Startup ecosystem and lately, connectivity and relevance for the aged sector.

Downtime, I look for harmony – whether on the golf course or in a creative endeavour which, at present, is sewing.