Awesome Women

As a Transformational Health & Business Consultant with over 15+ years in Health & Leadership in corporate leadership, and 20 years of clinical experience as a Nurse in Intensive Care and Mental Health, it has always been Joan’s mission to make a difference and create change in people’s lives.

She found herself called to integrate other modalities into her scope of practice such as a Diploma of Naturopathy, Reiki Master attainment and a Diploma in Business Management. Coupled with her intuitive abilities, she realised that she had the unique ability to work with people’s energies in the quantum field and to help them heal and see life with clarity and purpose.

She takes female leaders and entrepreneurs on a journey to create personal transformation to “Unlock Your Unique Code.” (TM). Stepping into their personal power and being their best self with a rock-solid foundation.

What sets Joan apart in her industry is decades of experience with a strong background in Leadership, Health and Wellness, coupled with her substantial qualifications. Her senior leadership positions with world leading organisations, as well as a mix of Eastern and Western philosophies, allows her to work on a subliminal level with a persons’ energies to refocus, re energise, revitalise and realign.

She is the author of “Show UP” a leadership book about how to lead through times of change, a new paradigm of female leadership. She inspires her audience with courage, pure grit, determination, passion and belief in themselves to go the extra distance. Her mentoring programs are individually tailored to meet the needs of the individual both personally and professionally. Joan’s background serves her audience well by integrating the mind, body and spirit connection with a strong focus on health, leadership, energy management with quantum healing. Supporting her clients to get clear on their WHY.

Joan holds a Bachelor of Health Science, Post Graduate Diplomas in Mental Health Nursing, Naturopathy, Business Management and is a Reiki Master & Certified Akashic Records Practitioner.

Mel’s background is in manufacturing. Having started her career in a traditional apprenticeship. Her experience in this industry lead her to become involved in all aspects of business.

Mel has had 28 years’ experience in the Manufacturing Sector in Queensland in a range of roles from Communications & Marketing to Sales and Operations Management and Environmental Standards in a Global Company.

Over the course of her career, Mel has studied Business, Leadership & Management with a strong focus on communications and operations.

In her current role, Mel engages daily with Qld Manufacturers, both local small business and larger Global firms. Mel liaises between Government and Industry to communicate the hurdles and wins that Queensland Industry experiences. Mel facilitates the Women in Manufacturing series of regional events since 2017.

Mel is passionate about the manufacturing industry, the promotion of women in this sector, and encouraging students into apprenticeships as a career path. Her other interest is helping businesses understand the opportunities that are available to them with the uptake of new technologies into their business models - having developed and facilitated the Industry 4.0 and Technology in Manufacturing series with the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing & Water

Dani heads the management team at Rock Up Group, a company that operates within, and serves the needs of the concrete polishing industry.

Rock Up Group has been at the forefront of the concrete polishing industry over the past 12 years operating under strict, measurable quality standards. Their work has spanned from large high-end retail and commercial fit outs through to boutique architectural homes.

Over the past 5 years have seen Rock Up Group successfully introduce a novel service to the concrete polishing industry on the worldwide stage; Independent process-based Training and Support, both on-site and off and also online.

Through the uptake of this type of training, Dani and her team contribute to ensuring a pool of high-performance subcontractors are available to choose from.

Dani is a fierce advocate for the use of polished concrete a sustainable, longterm floor finish. She is passionate about ensuring the wider building and construction industry has access to relevant and up to date education regarding this product and a pool of high-performance subcontractors to choose from.

Dani is a creative problem solver whose background in academic research, science communication, medical device innovation, R&D and commercialisation has provided strong transferrable skills across to the Building and Construction Industry forming a solid base for business and program development in her current role.

Dani is an energetic contributor within the boards and committees she is part of. She is currently an elected member of the Board of Directors at Master Builders Victoria, MBV Electoral Council & Specialist Contractor Sector Committee and sits on the Board of the Building and Construction Industry Foundation.

Dani seeks to encourage and empower others and learn from those that have paved the way while taking the challenges of the moment head on. She is happiest when learning how things work, asking questions and connecting with others.

Through her coaching, training, speaking, and writing Cassandra empowers leaders to be true to themselves at work as the catalyst for the co-creation of workplaces where people can thrive, perform, play and belong. Cassandra has a background as business executive. She was the Global Director of Employee Experience at Bupa. In this role she was accountable for the activation of the organisations’ purpose ‘Longer, Healthier, Happier Lives’ for their 86,000 employees around the world.

Today, Cassandra enjoys a portfolio career. She is the founder of The Centre for Self-Fidelity, the Chief Talent Activator at Think Talent, and a facilitator and executive coach for Thrive Global.

Following the success of her first self-published book Self-Fidelity in 2020, her second book Being True was published by Hardie Grant in 2023.

Established in 2016, Megan Nastrom is the Co-Founder of Ultra Living Homes. With a degree in accounting, Megan’s initial role was predominantly in running the accounts department and HR. Over time, this evolved to overseeing the entire business to assist in propelling it forward, navigating through Covid and the challenges that came afterwards and improve the businesses client inclusions offerings to create a real point of difference within the industry. Much of this is what saw Megan take out the 2022 HIA QLD Building Women Executive Leadership Award.

Also, behind the scenes, Megan is now the leading force behind all of Ultra’s Display Homes from initial conception of plan design, colour selections, on site progress, marketing and display home staging. In 2022, Ultra was awarded HIA’s Gold Coast Region Best Display Home in the $300k to $500k category and was also runner up in the 2022 HIA Qld Interior Design Awards for the Display Home Interior Design category.

As a businesswoman, a wife, and a mother of 2 girls, Megan admits that finding the perfect work/life balance is not always that easy. However, with a combination of support from both family and industry professionals, and the ability to know when one needs to take care of oneself to be one’s best version of themself, Megan wouldn’t have it any other way. Megan believes that during these tough last few years, having great perspective when it comes to others and the industry has been paramount.

Angela is CEO and Founder of EPIC and is a highly experienced professional with a diverse background in the construction industry spanning over 20 years. Her journey began at a young age, working on her father's turf farm and later joining his landscaping business during her high school years. After finishing high school, she then moved into a role that saw her managing a chain of locksmiths stores across Brisbane, where she was only one of 2 females in Qld trained in complex locksmithing systems.

One of Angela's notable achievements was her first project, overseeing the construction of a Peppers Resort, a comprehensive project comprising 132 units, a hotel and restaurant, retail outlets, day spa, and function and conference centre. She played a pivotal role in the project, working diligently from pre-construction to operational phases.

Throughout her career, Angela has amassed a wealth of expertise across various sectors within the construction industry. She has successfully contributed to projects in fields such as oil and gas, undersea electricity interconnectors, civil engineering, renewables, power generation, water management, commercial construction, government initiatives, forestry, tourism and marketing, and major international construction projects in Dubai, the Middle East, Singapore, Pakistan, New Zealand, and India.

Angela's exceptional work on Australia's multi-billion-dollar mega-projects even garnered attention from the US TV show "Mega Structures," for the APLNG Project at Curtis Island. Her experience as a FIFO (Fly-In-Fly-Out) worker in remote locations across Australia has given her firsthand exposure to the challenges faced by women in the industry, including sexual harassment, bullying, intimidation, discrimination, and threatening behaviour and her own personal experiences were the driving force why she founded EPIC, as she recognised there were no specialised services available to support women in the construction industry.

In addition to her construction expertise, Angela also serves as a Probity Advisor for the Tasmanian Government, ensuring ethical conduct in procurement processes, and holds the position of Tribunal Member (Disciplinary Tribunal) for the Department of Justice in Tasmania. She is also a White Ribbon Australia Community Partner and Mentor for Be Hers, a community organisation who supports vulnerable CALD women.

Driven by a passion for empowering individuals, Angela is dedicated to helping people thrive, succeed, and shine in their respective endeavours. Her extensive knowledge, combined with her commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive work environment, makes her an asset in the construction industry and beyond.

Kim is the Co-Owner & Office Manager of CRA Construction. A Brisbane based plastering company focusing on high-end architectural homes within Brisbane's inner-city.

Georgi Le Lay is the Director and Operations Manager at Rocket Building

Approvals.

Georgi was awarded Employer of Choice at the inaugural AWIC Awards in 2022.

Jess is the Development Manager for Coast2Bay Housing Group - a regional Community Housing Provider based on the Sunshine Coast. Jess has worked in development and construction in Qld and WA for over 15 years across public, private and not-for-profit sectors.

As Development Manager, Jess is responsible for delivering new residential homes and communities that transform lives - providing safe and secure housing choices for some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

Tanya Meessmann is the founder and CEO of social enterprise Girl Shaped Flames, not-for-profit UNIQ You and now the Trellis Collective consultancy.

Thoroughly dedicated to addressing gender inequality within male-dominated industries (and armed with international insights and experience) Tanya has not only worked with over 4000 teenage girls, their parents and educators facilitating powerful confidence development, mentoring, inspiring events, and transformative training courses for 5 years...

...in 2021 she developed and launched UNIQ You: a not for profit career advisory service in response to the critical need to significantly increase the number of high school girls considering and pursuing inspiring unique career pathways in industries and roles under-represented by women.

Trellis Collective, and its First Five Program, presents a continuation of Tanya’s dedication to providing the support needed for young women entering and navigating male-dominated industries, and the opportunity to apply her confidence development, communication and community expertise to result in the next generation of empowered women.

If you have women in your workplace, then periods are something you have to start talking about and start considering in order to show true care for your employees.

For too long, women have experienced shame and embarrassment around a completely natural thing that happens to their bodies every month. It can cause them discomfort, pain and even lead to needing time out from work. All of this is meant to be hidden away from the day to day of work.

But Janine Coppeller, a woman living with endometriosis is changing that. After working in HR and recruitment for 23 years, Janine founded Jnine & Co to support women in their careers by normalising menstruation and offering comfort at work. Janine is particularly passionate about supporting women wanting to go into Trade industries.

Keeley Tilbrook is 17 years old and currently in her second year as an Electrical Apprentice with Dawson Electric.

At just 17, Keeley took home the inaugural AWIC Award for Professional of the Year in 2022. Keeley spoke of her tenacity and drive in her AWIC nomination:

“I think what makes me an AWESOME woman in construction is my positive perspective on all aspects of my work and my genuine love for what I do. I am strong willed, honest, optimistic and am always learning through failure. I get the job done with a smile and push myself to do what scares me, but mostly I love to show not only young girls, but everyone around me that it is fun to do things that aren’t the norm.”

Kassandra Behrendt is the founder and owner of Pagoni, a Brisbane based jewellery label. A self-taught jewellery designer, she has been meticulously handcrafting exclusive one-of-a-kind designs for over two decades.

Kassandra’s passion for her art is what makes her stand apart. Known for her keen eye and sense of style, Kassandra offers her clients a bold alternative to what’s currently available in the fashion market.

She is a breast cancer survivor, mother, entrepreneur and pillar of the community. Constantly giving back, Kassandra creates and donates special pieces to many local grass-roots charities such as The Carers Foundation Australia.

She is also a proud member of Soroptimist International. Her philanthropic tendencies combined with her eye for fashion and business savvy, allow her to contribute greatly to these causes.

Pagoni pieces are in high demand and have been featured on magazine covers, runways and high profile women across the globe.

Kassandra overcomes any obstacle with dignity and grace. And has now taken to the public stage to share her journey so that she can inspire others to live a life of passion and purpose.

Ally Kelly is the Chief Executive Officer & Founder of Mind Blank a mental health promotion charity. Selected as the 2021 Suicide Prevention Australia Outstanding Contribution Award winner, Ally is passionate about difference to empower people to implement mental health strategies and have conversations that save lives. Since the pandemic commenced in 2020 she has supported over 500 WH&S Officers and their working groups to support best practice when it comes to the mitigating psychological hazards in the workplace.

Prav Singh- Pillay is the Principal Lawyer of Cornerstone Law Offices. She became a lawyer 25 years ago, being one of the first graduates of Griffith University’s Law/Commerce Degree program. She has worked in the legal industry in Australia and California. In 2014, Prav and her business and life partner, Bob Pillay,  opened the doors to Cornerstone Law Offices Pty Ltd. Whilst Prav’s passion is in the area of Family Law and Domestic Violence, the firm is a general practice law firm, with 23 team members offering services in the areas of Family Law, Criminal Defence, Civil Litigation, Debt Recovery, Wills & Estates, Conveyancing, Property Law, Commercial Law and Migration.

Prav has a keen interest in advocacy and over the years has and continues to represent clients in State and Federal Courts. Prav is also a Nationally Accredited Mediator and a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner. Prav is a Rotarian, volunteers at 4 community legal centres, is on various committees, and the firm supports a number of community events, sporting groups, and charity groups. Cornerstone Law Offices is located in Brisbane City, Gold Coast, North Lakes, Loganholme, and Mt Gravatt.

Jo Stevens from The Zen Zone is a mother of two adult children and has been married for 25 years.

In 2014 Jo’s husband was diagnosed with PTSD, it was an extremely difficult time for Jo and her family and her own mental health was impacted. It was through her families mental health journey that Jo learnt the importance taking back control of her own mental wellbeing and now her goal is to help others and put The “ZEN” back into their Zone.

The Zen Zone provide practical mindfulness tools to help quiet the mind with simple body Zen Movements to support strong mental wellbeing.

Natasha is a passionate advocate for Youngcare, and young people with disabilities. Wife, Mother of 3 kids and a recently became grandmother.

Prav Singh- Pillay is the Principal Lawyer of Cornerstone Law Offices. She became a lawyer 25 years ago, being one of the first graduates of Griffith University’s Law/Commerce Degree program. She has worked in the legal industry in Australia and California. In 2014, Prav and her business and life partner, Bob Pillay,  opened the doors to Cornerstone Law Offices Pty Ltd. Whilst Prav’s passion is in the area of Family Law and Domestic Violence, the firm is a general practice law firm, with 23 team members offering services in the areas of Family Law, Criminal Defence, Civil Litigation, Debt Recovery, Wills & Estates, Conveyancing, Property Law, Commercial Law and Migration.

Prav has a keen interest in advocacy and over the years has and continues to represent clients in State and Federal Courts. Prav is also a Nationally Accredited Mediator and a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner. Prav is a Rotarian, volunteers at 4 community legal centres, is on various committees, and the firm supports a number of community events, sporting groups, and charity groups. Cornerstone Law Offices is located in Brisbane City, Gold Coast, North Lakes, Loganholme, and Mt Gravatt.

Michelle is a Construction Lawyer, Adjudicator and a Security of Payment consultant helping subcontractors get paid and manage compliance with security of payment systems. But more importantly, Michelle used to be a builder's contracts administrator, and some of the builders she worked for were in severe financial distress. Michelle speaks to trade business owners, builders and suppliers who struggle every minute of business life with cashflow highs and lows, delays, and late payment by their clients. These struggles are more than just an insolvency issue - they take a real toll on the people behind the businesses.

Maree Adshead is the Queensland Small Business Commissioner. The Commissioner aims to advocate, enable and empower small businesses to help drive economic growth in Queensland.

Maree is an experienced advocate and small business owner having spent 10 years in the legal profession, and as partner of a tier one national law firm. She co-founded and built her own successful software start-up businesses which received multiple awards for excellence in innovation, and has also been instrumental in helping others to build theirs.

She became founding CEO of the Open Data Institute Australian Network in 2014, which was dedicated to enabling business, industry, academia and government to use public data as a strategic resource.

In 2017 Maree was appointed the inaugural Queensland Small Business Champion, establishing a trusted interface between business and government, advocating on behalf of the Queensland small business community, as well as triaging and referring disputes.

Having achieved great work for Queenslanders as Small Business Champion, Maree now leads the Office of the Queensland Small Business Commissioner.

As Chief Economist at PRD Dr Diaswati (Asti) Mardiasmo monitors a wide variety of macro and microeconomic trends, both within and external to Australia, that directly and indirectly impact the Australian residential real estate (housing) market.

As part of the senior management team at PRD Asti leads a team of research analysts that provide high level residential property insights to PRD franchises across Australia, private and government institutions, individual investors, and the wider community.

In her spare time Asti serves as the secretary for the Queensland Multicultural Council, sits as an external advisory board to the University of New South Wales’ Risk and Future Resilience Group, and is an advocate for Women and Minority group mentoring.

Passionate mental health advocate committed to creating a pathway for a collaborative mental health movement. It's not an organisational popularity contest when trying to save lives.

Melissa Dale founded Meka Recruitment after recruiting for the construction and infrastructure section noticing the gap in supplying the right candidates. Meka is committed to providing the right people to you, ensuring you meet your deadlines. We have developed innovative software that gives our clients complete transparency with no hidden charges.

Meka Recruitment assists our clients with Labour Hire that is project based or Permanent recruitment solutions.

Meka Recruitment has a number of staff with first hand experience in the fields we recruit for, this gives us a clear understanding of the requirements you need.

Our team is able to assist with strategic employment strategies resulting in increased staff retention.

Our job is to find the right person for your business so you can focus on increasing revenue.

Meka Recruitment's goal is to change the labour hire and recruitment stigma, making it more affordable and efficient for our clients.

We can also assist with all your Human Resource requirements, managing staff can be tricky and time consuming. Let Meka handle your staff while you focus on the business.

Kari Sutton has helped over 25,000 children, parents, and educators, providing evidence-based strategies and tools to foster resilience, emotional wellbeing and positive mental health. Kari delivers tangible strategies that are immediately actionable and positively impact both child and parent wellbeing and emotional resilience.

Kim owns CRA Construction alongside her husband Chris, a residential high end plastering company. Together they've built up a team of 15 full time staff who are all working towards changing the way plasterers are perceived within the industry.

Jessica Ndenda is an award-winning business owner, public speaker and women in business activist. Leaving her reputable corporate career in Learning and Development and sales to build Olive Louise Social in 2015, she has successfully built one of Brisbane's most recognised boutique marketing agencies, leading a team of 8 hardworking mothers and young women, whilst raising her own tribe of 5 children.

She is passionate about educating women to recognise they really can have it all if they are intentional about changing their thinking and learning practical tools to help them succeed through her second business The Belle Evolution. Jess is known for working the hardest, laughing the loudest and dreaming the biggest all whilst rocking her weird and wonderful frocks!

Named as “One to Watch” 2021 Ausmumprenuer, one of 2020’s Top100 Women in Construction, Roar Business Award Bronze Winner and a Finalist in both the 2020 and 2021 Women in Industry Awards, Jo has been making waves as an enforcer in advocating for women working in industry.

Jo is first and foremost a coal train driver, a trusted advisor, speaker, published best-selling author of the book “High Heels to Hi Vis”, magazine contributor, host of the “Kickass Radio” show & podcast and founder of the Kickass Women network who support women who want to achieve their biggest career transition and visions.

Kickass Women strives to connect encourage and inspire women not only right across the local region, but state and nationwide.

Jo has over 30 years of combined service in Administration, HR, WH&S and Project Management in the private sector and industry, this knowledge has equipped her with all the necessary tools to focus on addressing issues of self-confidence and empowering women to have self-fulfilment, financial independence and reignite personal branding - their kickass attitude, that is. Her mission in life is to inspire and empower women to kick off their heels and tap into their steel caps and become the leaders and changemakers with impact they are born to be!

Jo has contributed to conferences and events all around the country and overseas in order to gain new inspiration on her advocacy, thought leadership and inspire others to dig deeper, motivating women to overthrow the status quo and think differently about their capabilities, their possibilities, opportunities, what it takes to drive change and what action is needed to find their kickass attitude and succeed in a career transition into varied male-dominated industries.

With the motto “Go On Get Your Glo On...become a Glo Getter”, Jo offers online career coaching and mentoring that helps women of all ages set a success mindset, build their kickass resume and toolkit and get their boots on site.

If Jo is not on shift, she is probably writing or advocating Kickass Women – Glo Getters. To get a glimpse into her life and career, visit her blog. This is the best way to learn more about her.

Melissa Dale founded Meka Recruitment after recruiting for the construction and infrastructure section noticing the gap in supplying the right candidates. Meka is committed to providing the right people to you, ensuring you meet your deadlines. We have developed innovative software that gives our clients complete transparency with no hidden charges.

Meka Recruitment assists our clients with Labour Hire that is project based or Permanent recruitment solutions.

Meka Recruitment has a number of staff with first hand experience in the fields we recruit for, this gives us a clear understanding of the requirements you need.

Our team is able to assist with strategic employment strategies resulting in increased staff retention.

Our job is to find the right person for your business so you can focus on increasing revenue.

Meka Recruitment's goal is to change the labour hire and recruitment stigma, making it more affordable and efficient for our clients.

We can also assist with all your Human Resource requirements, managing staff can be tricky and time consuming. Let Meka handle your staff while you focus on the business.

Tradie Wife, Mum of 3...sometimes 4! Full time workaholic. Having co -owned a tradie business for the last 14 years, I understand the trials and tribulations of working with your partner. Through the years I have made many mistakes, been stressed and worried beyond my means and learnt a lot about myself, my husband and our business. Funnily enough, the main learning has transpired into my current role as National Customer Success and Services manager at HazardCo.

It is not surprising that the secret to almost any success, whether it be personal, professional or keeping your team safe...is communication. I am excited to share my story and hopefully some tips on how to stay sane!

Mel is a Portrait Photographer specialising in creating an Women Empowerment Portrait Experiences that helps women find their strength, connect with themselves and feel beautiful through black and white portraits with no makeup that reflects their inner beauty. Mel completed her Diploma of Photography in 2009 and her photography business was originally based on photographing kids and families but has since found a new purpose in helping women celebrate who they are and finding their self worth. Mel originally studied nursing and completed my Bachelor of Nursing in 1993 which she finds helps her today with connecting and building relationships with her clients.

Rebecca Grisman is a highly qualified media and marketing professional with more than 25 years of experience as a journalist and marketing director.  She has managed public affairs, marketing strategy, community engagement and media relations for major property developers, government, universities and charities, spanning Australia, the UK and Ireland.

Rebecca has directed marketing communications and PR for five universities, both in Australia and overseas. Rebecca was the first marketing manager for USC from 1994, during the campus’ construction through to its first graduation. She also created and taught the first communication and media units; now these are full USC degrees.

Her current role is managing community engagement and special projects for Coast2Bay, one of Qld’s largest, not-for-profit, Tier 1 community housing companies.

Rebecca has won awards for community and business leadership, including a major prestigious US award for her work developing a national road safety program with Hanson (Heidelberg) for schools across Australia.

In her own time, Rebecca voluntarily supports strategic fundraising campaigns for local charities, including SunnyKids, Sunshine Coast Animal Refuge, the Make It Stop Committee addressing domestic and community violence, and is a Director of a leading school’s Foundation Board.

Imagine flying through the air, crunching into the earth and gasping for breath. Suffering an agonising wait for the ambulance. Trying to remain calm. Desperately hoping the damage is not as severe as it feels. Hearing the words ‘spinal cord injury’ and that you may never walk again. Feeling your identity shatter inside you.

Mark Berridge navigated these impossible moments after a cycling accident launched him onto a recovery path littered with uncertainty and fear. Upended from the high-flying corporate life he had known, he embarked on a journey of determined self-discovery.

Mark shares the attitude he employed to tackle adversity, built from the powerful connection between embracing uncertainty and liberating possibility. His uplifting message is drawn from lived experience, shaped in a way that helps listeners become a fraction stronger too.

Mel has been a photographer for more than 10 years and in the last few years heavily focusing on working with entrepreneurs and businesses leaders. With her partner, Barney who is the videographer in their business, Light Planning Media they help small and medium sized businesses creating videos and images that are designed to increase sales.

Nicola Scott is the Master Builders Queensland,  Sunshine Coast Regional Manager.

Nicola brings with her seven years, experience with the  Queensland Building and Construction Commission,  where she was the Sunshine Coast Operations Team  Leader and A/Regional Manager.

Nicola has a background in several different areas, from  Adult and Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Community Corrections, Probation and Parole, Aged Care and the Queensland Police Service, she utilizes this knowledge and her life experience to ensure she provides outstanding support and guidance to the Construction Industry.

Nicola’s dad is a retired builder and she is passionate about the Construction Industry, her goal is to educate and support Master Builder Members through the ongoing legislative changes in the Industry, QBCC licensing requirements and dispute resolution, while working toward being a trusted and recognised voice for the Industry.

Nicola is a mother of three, and a grandmother of 4 wonderful grandchildren and is committed to her family and their futures.

Megan Nastrom in one of the co-founders of Ultra Living Homes, part of The Ultra Group Australia which builds new homes, SDA projects and small townhouse developments. Megan has a strong business background and a bachelors degree in commerce majoring in accounting. More recently, Megan has moved into the space of interior design and manages all aspects of curating and putting together a portfolio of display homes over South East Queensland. She also has great satisfaction in personally staging all display homes herself. Having lived on the Gold Coast for the past 6 years

to start the business with her husband, Megan and her family enjoyed living on the Sunshine Coast where she owned and operated the very first photo booth business in that area for over 5 years. Megan also enjoys reading autobiographies and loves quality time with her husband and their 2 daughters.

With businesses facing the challenging of a revolving and everchanging workforce – caused by both low unemployment rates and the global phenomenon that is ‘The Great Resignation’ – we’ll be exploring ways to attract and retain staff and find the right people for your business.

The pandemic saw many workers reflecting on what’s important to them, which has seen many businesses grappling with how to not only keep their existing talent, but also find and keep new people as well. The Great Resignation is not going away and businesses need to come to grips with the changes and find a new path that suits not only their business, but their employees as well.

Our panel will discuss how they win over and retain the right candidates, including what to look out for when recruiting, how to get new and existing employees invested in your business, and how to make sure your new hires will represent the voice and brand you want for your business. In the current climate particularly in the construction industry, with stress and emotions running high as a result of labour material shortages and cost hikes, it’s also vital that you have your people’s back and support them.

Ally Kelly is the Chief Executive Officer & Founder of Mind Blank a mental health promotion charity. Selected as the 2021 Suicide Prevention Australia Outstanding Contribution Award winner, Ally is passionate about difference to empower people to implement mental health strategies and have conversations that save lives. Since the pandemic commenced in 2020 she has supported over 500 WH&S Officers and their working groups to support best practice when it comes to the mitigating psychological hazards in the workplace.

Taryn Poole is the Marketing Manager for Austworld – recognised as one of Australia’s leading plumbing wholesalers.

Prior to joining the Austworld team back in February, Taryn established and operated her own marketing consultancy for 12 years.

Fresh out of high school, Taryn was awarded a scholarship to study at Bond University, starting her career at a small advertising agency before finding her niche in marketing for private enterprises.

She describes herself as a ‘creative at heart’ whose love of travel has taken her all over the world.

The highlights – a painting retreat in the South of France and a high-altitude trek in the mountains of Nepal.

During 2021, Taryn and her partner sailed the beautiful Queensland coast while living and travelling on their 41-foot sailing catamaran. Taryn worked remotely on the boat with the help of a Cel-fi mobile booster secured to the top of their mast!

Michelle is a construction lawyer with actual site experience, who knows how to build.

Having studied law while working as a CA for a commercial builder, Michelle's context to industry is like no other. Michelle has qualifications in building and law, and she's even a licensed project manager client side.

Michelle joins us today in her role as a construction lawyer for McCarthy Durie Lawyers, and she's here to talk to us about price wars, underpricing and how to deal with material price rises.

As Chief Economist at PRD Asti monitors a wide variety of macro and microeconomic trends, both within and external to Australia, that directly and indirectly impact the Australian residential real estate (housing) market.

She is a member of the Residential Committee 2021-2022 for the Property Council of Australia, a member of the Reserve Bank of Australia Liaison Program, and an industry partner within the Australian Federal Government Cooperative Research Centre for Longevity. Asti is the industry co-lecturer and research supervisor for Queensland University of Technology Bachelor of Property Economics and has provided expert real estate commentary at national and international seminars, as well as to various print, online, radio, and TV media.

She is the chairperson for the Built to Rent World Virtual Summit 2021 and a keynote speaker for the Real Estate Institute in New South Wales Roadshow 2021. In her spare time Asti serves as the secretary for the Queensland Multicultural Council, sits as an external advisory board to the University of New South Wales’ Risk and Future Resilience Group, and is an advocate for Women and Minority group mentoring.

Employed for 20 years with the southern hemisphere’s largest local government (Brisbane City Council) in multi-disciplinary marketing and communications areas specialising in stakeholder and community engagement.

Since then, Robyn has worked on strategic communication projects in the corporate sector both locally, nationally and internationally. A specialist in strategic communications Robyn’s sills include grants, tenders, government and corporate submissions, legislative and government documentation.

Business founder of Busy Connecting, Robyn specialises in business growth and development strategies for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Robyn is also a mentor for Australian Women’s Business School, the International Day of the Girl Child, Civic Leader Innovate 2018 & 2019 and a judge for the AusMumpreneur awards.

#busyconnecting #theboringwritter #grants #tenders #procurement

Danni Vee is a women's transformational specialist, empowering ambitious women to re-energise and rejuvenate their mind, body and soul.

Danni will take you from a point of disconnection from who you are, and awaken you into the confident, worthy women you are born to be.

Danni is a qualified Neuro Linguistics practitioner, nutrition & wellness coach and master trainer in Women's health and fitness. She takes a holistic and intuitive approach to mentoring her client in mind, body and soul!

Feel the freedom of having a healthy, holistic appreciation of your entire being, and connect to your inner divine feminine power.

"My main focus is helping my clients build positive, kick-ass, run-the-world attitudes. When women arm themselves with a strong, powerful mindset, then healthy exercise and nutrition choices just come naturally and their confidence and self-esteem soar." ~Danni Vee

Alanna Ball is the founder and Principal Consultant of Women in Safety Pty Ltd, a company that empowers, transforms and inspires WHS professionals to bring their best selves to work to create safe outcomes for organisations, families and friends.

Alanna is a true leader of people, equality and change. She is a passionate and well recognised leader in health and safety for the way she is actively empowering thousands of professionals and driving rapid change for females to bring their best selves to work.

As a working mum, Alanna is all too familiar in the art of juggling change, conflict and sacrifice however always stands true in her values. It is these values that have seen her grow a community of over 2000 health and safety professional members in Australia and New Zealand as well as work with multiple national and international brands to drive health and safety change.

Lisa’s go to line is always “Proudly Australian minus the accent, having been born in South Africa but living in Australia for 20 years, Lisa supports all things Australian and is Proud to be an Aussie.

- Skilled in Management across Partnerships, Marketing, Sales & Business Development

- Global Corporate Experience

- Adaptable to new opportunities

- Strong ability to identify new business & revenue streams

- Establishing partnerships & relationships across cultures

- Strong people skills

Lisa holds a degree in social sciences and a diploma of marketing, but says there is nothing better than life skills, and calling these years her WTF years ( what the fifty...) Specialties: Management, Marketing, Communications, Sales, Business Development, Branding, Business Negotiating ,Leadership, Relationship & Commercial Partnerships.

- Board level experience

- Winner of Innovation Award - Women in Business

- Certificate- Achievement Women in Business

- Recognised by ANZ Bank as a BUSINESS mover & shaker

- Recognised by Australia Post for achievement in New Business

New committee member for Bond University Women’s Network for 2022.

Experienced across Global industry businesses ranging from Coca Cola, Deloitte, KPMG, Energex, Vale ,Minara Mining, Oztrail, BCF, Oz Minerals, Oxiana Mining, Accor, Mariott, Australia Zoo & Wildlife Warriors & Queensland Recycling initiatives.

Passionate about equality, diversity, philanthropy & fairness in the workplace.

Fiona Simpson is a trail blazer in the Queensland Parliament as the longest serving female MP, and first woman to serve as its Speaker in more than 150 years.

Elected as the Member for Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast in 1992, she is currently the Shadow Minister for Integrity in the Government, State Development, Infrastructure and Planning and Olympics and Paralympics infrastructure and Jobs.

Fiona believes that local solutions lead to global answers and champions the power of collaborative community leadership to help identify and solve local problems, working with numerous community and service organisations who share the same vision.

Stacey Head founded she wear in 2013 after a nail-through-the-foot incident on a worksite. After searching far and wide for comfortable, stylish women’s work boots but only finding “unisex” options that were heavy and ill-fitting, Stacey set out to develop a range of safety work boots designed specifically for women.

After much research and development, due diligence, planning, prototype building, laboratory testing she wear’s first range of safety work boots designed and styled for women, along with a range of other matching workwear accessories, was launched in October 2013.

Fast forward to 2022 and that same all-day comfort and support has been reengineered into everyday work and fashion footwear as well as a great range of work wear.