Global Speakers

Topics:

• Embracing The Nature Of The EA Role In The Current Environment – How Will You Continue To Provide Value Add To Your Executive?

• Panel Discussion: Shaping The Future Of The EA/PA

Dimitra Zographos is an award winning Executive Assistant with exceptional insights, skills and experience having worked for Australian and multinational corporations.

She has been an Executive Assistant for over 20 years and truly understands what it takes to be an exceptional EA.

Dimitra is passionate and a true advocate for the EA profession, appreciating the difference, value and influence it can bring to an executive, executive team and an entire organization.

In recognition of her passion and commitment she has received numerous national EA awards and is often asked to speak and facilitate EA conferences and events across Australia.

Dimitra uses her extensive experience to challenge, assist, guide and inspire EAs to take their career to the next level and to reach their full potential.

Having benefited from her participation as a member of The EA Circle for many years, as well as her active involvement with extensive EA networks within Australia and overseas, Dimitra recognizes how important it is for EAs to develop and grow and focus on their professional development to ensure their continued success.

Given Dimitra’s passion and commitment to make a difference, inspiring EA’s to progress, she has joined The EA Circle as Executive Manager to grow, expand and specifically focus on providing a truly exclusive forum for Executive Assistants to exceed their perceived potential. The bonds formed as members of The EA Circle last for years opening unimaginable doors to incredible rewarding opportunities.

Topics: 

• Crafting Your Role Beyond Your Role Description
• Panel Discussion: Shaping The Future Of The EA/PA

Alyssa is a highly motivated and passionate Executive Assistant delivering high-quality support across the Australian Government for over 10 years.

As well as keeping her executives organised and prioritized, Alyssa achieves outcomes by fostering collaboration with key stakeholders, and providing leadership in times of uncertainty and change. These attributes are key to Alyssa’s success in a fast paced, highly autonomous role.

*Australian Executive Assistant of the Year, 2016

Topic: 

From Good To Great: EA’s Journey To Extraordinary Contribution And Impact

Technologically savvy and an advocate for innovation, Megan Green is the Executive Assistant to the CEO of Reliance Real Estate.

With more than 10 years’ experience behind her, Megan has the unique ability to remain excited and determined to be the very best in her field, proving just that when she recently won Australia’s Best EA of the Year award 2016. Megan was also recently a finalist in the CEO Magazine EA of the Year Awards.

As an early adopter of the ‘paperless office’, Megan has championed the opportunity to embrace technology for the Executive Assistant. In addition to her technical and administrative expertise, Megan’s strengths lie in developing and maintaining business relationships, innovation, strategic planning and communication.

Megan maintains superior management capabilities and support; encourages and debriefs with her CEO This achieves outstanding workflow, efficiency and organizational strategy, as well as ensuring she achieves both mental and physical wellbeing for both herself and her manager. This allows her to maximize and achieve superior outcomes.

The integrity Megan provides is of the utmost importance to her and she nurtures, encourages, works on and treasures this every day by using high emotional intelligence, patience and empathy. She uses her extensive experience to create a well-oiled machine. She believes in information sharing and spends every chance (there are not many spare moments!) guiding, encouraging, teaching and supporting peers so they too improve their own Executive/EA relationship and outcomes and mentors others’ to understand the importance of having the right tools to do the job.

Megan is passionate about continuous improvement and conducts professional development activities, researches to stay current, learns from others and designs and implements improvement processes.

Topics: 

• Crafting Your Role Beyond Your Role Description
• Panel Discussion: Shaping The Future Of The EA/PA

Ingrid Bayer is a thought leader, transformational thinker, and one of the brightest minds in the VA Industry today.

For over 30 years, Ingrid has worked across many industries including, Photography, IT, Entertainment, Stockbroking, Legal, Real Estate and Medical.

In 2008, Ingrid started operating as a Virtual Assistant from her home office in regional New South Wales, Australia. Within two years, she had grown her business to include managing and overseeing a team of VAs.

Her sound knowledge of business administration, together with her ability to think outside the square, facilitate conversations around ‘possibility’ and then move forward to implement winning processes and ideas ensures her clients’ success.

Ingrid now devotes her time to working strategically with the Australian VA Industry and its stakeholders, and specializing in working with EAs and PAs from around Australia, and around the world, in making the transition to becoming a successful VA.

Ingrid’s passion and life purpose is to make a tangible difference in the lives of VAs and their clients by uncovering and exposing the ‘elephant in the room’; that is, identifying the missing ingredients in the VA toolbox in a way that empowers, transforms and inspires the VA Industry and its stakeholders to be the best, expect the best, and deliver the best beyond mere technical skills.

Topic: 

Working For The Long Haul: Work Life Balance And Mindfulness

Topic: 

Emotional Intelligence For Executive Assistants

Gillian is one of Australia’s leading corporate facilitators, empowering leaders and teams to be more focused, resilient, compassionate and innovative.

She is the co-author of One Second Ahead – Enhance Your Performance at Work With Mindfulness and was strategic advisor and researcher for the best-selling book The Mind of the Leader – How to Lead Yourself, Your People and Your Organisation for Extraordinary Results, published by Harvard Business Review Press.

With a background as a leader and change agent in the sales and operations functions of large corporations, a diagnosis of breast cancer in 2010 propelled Gillian into exploring a new way of working and a more sustainable way of being.

As the Australian Country Director of Potential Project – the world-leading provider of organizational development and leadership solutions based on mind training – Gillian works closely with executives and teams across diverse industries in the private and public sector, including many professional service firms, transforming mindsets and fostering people-centric cultures.

With her unique background, qualifications in Economics, Counselling (Performance Psychology) and Operations Research/Statistics, and AICD-membership, Gillian has contributed her skills to a number of boards, including Uniting NSW.ACT.

Gillian’s purpose is to equip organizations and their people with the mind skills to remain focused, kind and effective amidst the overwhelm of modern work/life.

Topics: 

• Time Management: Prioritizing Your Health & Wellbeing
• Panel Discussion: Shaping The Future Of The EA/PA

Ruth is the Founder and CEO of Hoxton Hyde, a consulting and coaching business that provides time-poor individuals with the knowledge and tools to enable them to manage their ‘life’ priorities, allowing them to create a balanced and healthy lifestyle – think time management, meets healthy living.

Ruth is a certified Fitness and Health & Wellness Coach, specializing in women’s health (certified pre and post-natal coach). She is fiercely passionate about the benefits active living has on physical health, but also on mental well-being.

During her previous, 13-year career in executive business support, Ruth held a variety of positions, including C-Suite Executive Assistant and Project Manager roles, both here in Australia and in the United Kingdom, predominately for large global organizations.

In October 2018, Ruth’s Executive Assistant & Project Manager roles were made redundant. This change gave Ruth the opportunity to step out on her own and create Hoxton Hyde. The perfect blend of both her passions; helping others to manage their time and achieve healthy lifestyle goals.

Topics:

• Finding Ways To Stop Juggling And Start Balancing Your Life

• Panel Discussion: Shaping The Future Of The EA/PA

Tiahna Cornish is the Executive Assistant to the CEO for The North Australian Pastoral Company. Over her career, Tiahna has developed her strong administration and communication skills which has enabled her to win a couple of awards including Diligent Top 100 Governance Ambassador 2019 and Runner up – Up & Coming PA of the year in 2018. Tiahna has also participated in multiple speaking events. Tiahna currently supports the CEO, 7 C-Level Executives and Board Members whilst successfully helping to establish company culture and values, whilst also driving major strategic improvements across the business. She is known as the person to make the impossible, possible.

Topics:

• Making And Maintaining Connections With Both Internal And External Key Stakeholders While Working Remotely. Key Tips On Keeping Communication Lines Open
• Panel Discussion: Shaping The Future Of The EA/PA

Narelle Driver is the Executive Assistant to the General Manager – Customer, Strategy and Engagement at Sydney Water.

In this position, Narelle serves as the primary contact for both internal and external offices for the General Manager and also works closely with the Executive Assistant team within Sydney Water. She provides high level support to the General Manager and her direct reports, while also providing support to other General Managers as required. Narelle assists with the coordination of various stakeholder and Minister meetings, conferences, workshops and site visits.

Prior to joining Sydney Water in 2020, Narelle served as an Executive Assistant to the CEO at NSW Aboriginal Land Council for five years and prior to that was the Executive Assistant to the CEO of DARE Disability Services. Narelle also has experience in the Finance and Banking industries.

Topic: 

Panel Discussion: Shaping The Future Of The EA/PA

Tania joined ASFA in September 2015 as Executive Assistant to the CEO and has received two promotions since then, recently to the role of General Manager Member Services & Operations, with a team of 3 staff reporting to her.

In her current role Tania is responsible for:

• Developing and managing the ASFA membership systems and services, and leading the enhancement of member services that will enable ASFA to continue to grow and fulfill its mission
• Member of the ASFA Leadership team
• Stakeholder Manager and Secretariat for the ASFA Board Member Services Committee, State Executive Committees and Discussion Groups
• Stakeholder management and oversight of the ASFA Emerging Leaders program
• Overseeing the management of the Sydney office

Tania is currently halfway through undertaking her MBA studies and has successfully completed the Women in Leadership Australia, Accelerated Leadership Performance Program.

Topic: 

Panel Discussion: Shaping The Future Of The EA/PA

Cara joined GWA Group Limited in 2017 as the Group General Manager, People and Performance. In her role she leads the HR function across the group with a focus on building capability and culture.

Cara has over 20 years of experience leading regional and global HR teams across various industries.  Prior to joining GWA, she was the Group Director, Human Resources for SAI Global based in Sydney.

Cara holds a Master of Science (Major in Human Resource Management) from the Krannert Graduate School of Management, Purdue University and a  Bachelor of Arts (Major in Psychology) from the University of Denver.

Topic:

Panel Discussion: Shaping The Future Of The EA/PA

Maria is an experienced  and enthusiastic  Executive Assistant with over 25 years experience in NSW government and private sectors providing high level support and assistance to Senior Executives. She is currently an Executive Assistant with Sydney Olympic Park Authority supporting an Executive Director, Commercial who manages the development and enhancement of the Olympic Peninsula at Sydney Olympic Park.

She has extensive experience working for Senior Executives  at a number of major organisations, such as Sydney Olympics, Raine & Horne and LJ Hooker with a  strong background in real estate and commercial development.

Topic:

Becoming A Subject Matter Expert

Suzie Manoly is the Executive Assistant to the Group Executive, Finance Strategy and Transformation at Aware Super. She is an experienced Senior Executive Assistant with more than 20 years’ working in the financial services industry and has worked with the leaders in the industry such as First State Super, StatePlus, RBC Dexia and Ernst & Young. Her passion of office management extends to the completion of an Advanced Diploma in Executive Office Management and Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management. Her key strengths are being pro-active, highly organized and is able to integrate with all levels of Management to achieve business goals and objectives in a timely manner. This role provides her with the day-to-day variety to continue building her skillset and goes about her day with a great sense of humor that is infectious in the workplace.

Topic: 

The XYZ Effect – Generational Dynamics And Work/Life Balance

Well known for her “plain-English real talk” Vee has nearly a decade of experience working in private practice treating people of all walks of life, at various stages of life, to gain control of their mental health. In 2018 she founded HeadQuarters Counselling Services to apply her pragmatic approach which focuses on supporting and empowering clients to implement realistic change.

Honesty, simplicity, humor and a commitment to ensuring all clients feel comfortable and validated underpin Vee’s methodology to therapy. Skilled in a range of modalities, Vee is an expert in tailoring her treatment to the needs of each individual in her care.

Vee’s direct, yet comforting style, builds a strong rapport with clients leading to positive therapy outcomes. She has the unique ability to break down the overwhelm and equip her clients with a toolbox of skills and knowledge to drive them to take ownership of their circumstances, propelling them forward to live their best lives.

Vee has extensive experience working with a range of personal challenges including stress management, interpersonal functioning and relationship issues, conflict resolution, anger management and grief recovery.

In a corporate environment, she sparks productivity by helping clients reveal their best self through improved mindset, remodeling culture and leadership programs, determining influence and generational dynamics, promoting mindfulness and prioritizing time management.

As host of the Think Smart, Feel Smart, Live Smart podcast Vee discusses topics that are relevant to world happenings and social trends. It aims to assist people to understand and become more certain about themselves in uncertain times. Vee’s capacity to inject humor and pizzazz into often tough subjects keeps her listeners coming back for more each week.

Facilitating powerful emotional programs to create real transformation, in real time, with real people is Vee’s passion.

Topic: 

How To Develop And Nurture An Exceptional Partnership With Your Executive Whilst Working Remotely

Laurinda Moore is Executive Assistant to the Chairman of IAG, which is the largest general insurance company in Australia and New Zealand. Laurinda has been a senior C‐Suite EA for almost 19 years, having most recently supported the last two consecutive CEO’s over a period of almost 13 years.

Laurinda is a passionate advocate for the value and importance of the EA role, and over the past several years has also focused on workplace flexibility and role modeled how to enjoy work‐life integration whilst still providing exceptional executive support.

On a personal note, Laurinda’s other passions are her two beautiful children, good food, wine and coffee, and spending time by the seaside.

Topic: 

How To Create A High Performance Partnership. What Sets A Great EA Apart And How To Improve Your Professional Relationship With Your Boss?

Melissa Lee is the Executive Assistant to the CEO and GM, Strategic Sourcing & Marketing at COS. She has over 10 years’ experience as a C-Suite EA in a diverse range of industries including office supplies, automotive and fashion. Melissa is responsible for the strategic management of the Executive office working in partnership with her Executives to help deliver on business goals and objectives.

A dynamic and self driven individual, Melissa is a highly motivated and experienced C-Suite Executive Assistant. Melissa is a results driven professional who is able to use sound judgement and determine strategic priorities.

In 2019, Melissa was a Finalist in her category competing in the 2019 Executive PA Awards.

Topic: 

Speaking Up: Building Blocks To Success

A C-Suite office professional with over 20 years’ experience in executive support, event planning and management and administration. Lisa passionate about confident and engaging speaking and enjoys mentoring others on the EA journey.

Topic: 

Post-COVID Thriving In The Challenge Of Change:  Managing Change, The Unknown And Difficulties With Resilience & Optimism

Narrelle Matthey-Aickin is an Executive Assistant at ANZ Bank, assisting the Group Wholesale Risk team.

Narrelle has had a varied career working at senior levels at some major companies. She joined GE Money in 2001, and worked as a personal assistant across a range of departments before accepting the role as Executive Assistant to the President.

The Global Financial Crisis in 2009 saw both the President and Narrelle retrenched and she accepted an EA role at Telstra. When her executive moved on Narrelle re-evaluated her future and took on a maternity leave role as EA to the CEO Asia, Pacific, Europe & America at ANZ. Following that completion Narrelle moved on to other positions, and is now in the always busy Risk department.

Prior to becoming an Executive Assistant, Narrelle started her working career at State Bank of Victoria, and then spent 15 years as a Business Development Manager providing foreign exchange services, working for Bank of America, Barclays Bank, and Thomas Cook.

At the age of 16, Narrelle was selected out of 400 applicants as a Rotary Exchange student and spent a year in the USA. A late bloomer, Narrelle married 10 years ago, and now is the besotted “crazy Nan” of 3.

Topic: 

Resilience Skilling: Why Downtime Makes EAs/PAs More Productive And Happier

An experienced C-Suite Executive Assistant with extensive experience working across multiple market sectors. With an excellent track record for successfully managing complex multidisciplinary and specialist projects within the Executive Assistant framework, Kellie has the experience and ability to see beyond the immediate needs to capture the wider requirements of the organization.

Kellie has been fortunate to work closely with Board members, Executive and Management to deliver results and influence change management. Through the pursuit of collaboration Kellie naturally takes on a leadership perspective when looking at actions, which extends to the team leader components of her current position.

Currently, Kellie supports the two Managers across departments at Lake Macquarie City Council and has a team of five administration staff.

Topic: 

The Evolution Of The EA/PA

Lily Costanzo is a highly proficient Executive Assistant working at C-Suite level for over 10 years. Lily holds a Bachelor of Communications degree & Master’s in Public Relations. She also has a solid background in Events Management.

Lily will be sharing her journey and her tips on how to thrive on an ever changing business landscape,  moving away from the usual reactive role of an executive assistant into a business partner.

Topic: 

The Key To How EA & PAs Can Be Most Productive

Mark started his career in the UK’s 5 Airborne Brigade, where he was a Jungle Warfare instructor and Demolitions Officer for 11 years before moving into the civilian world.

He has run leadership development and assessment courses since 1986 in both military and commercial environments in Australia, New Zealand, USA (in Washington, San Hose and Dallas), UK, Switzerland, Germany, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, South Africa, Dubai, Brunei, Belize, South Korea, the Falkland Islands and Fujairah UAE, involving participants from around the world.

He specializes in enabling organizations and leaders to gain significantly greater engagement from their staff which directly increases the 3Ps of productivity, performance and profit. He does this through leadership and high-performance team training in Motivational Leadership and boosting leaders’ four fundamental intelligences (needing first to extinguish the “IQ Myth”).

Mark set up the international consultancy, MarkTwo Consulting, in 2002 to provide advanced leadership programs, and became accredited on a large range of the standard organizational psychometric instruments used internationally.

His drive for guiding people to be the best leaders they can be at home and work, combined with his deep knowledge and unique take on “authentic” leadership as a driver of business performance, has made MarkTwo’s courses highly sought after in Asia-Pacific. Mark speaks at high profile events, and has been interviewed on Australian national TV, and both Hong Kong and Australian prime time radio on capability matters, selection, recruitment and assessment.

Mark is a graduate of the University of Cambridge, the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and the Royal School of Military Engineering. He is trained in a form of Jungian psychology as well as internationally credentialed in 25 different organizational psychology instruments for assessment and development. He is also a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Personnel and Development, Life Fellow of the Australian Institute of Professional Facilitators, Fellow of the Australian Human Resources Institute and Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Topic: 

Better Ways Of Working: Optimizing Focus & Mastering Distraction

Wendy Cole is the founding director of iMastery and an inspiring executive productivity advisor, speaker and coach. Through her world-class leadership and productivity training, Wendy supports busy professionals, teams and organisations to optimize focus, master distraction and elevate employee engagement and profitability.

By supporting people with leadership and productivity, Wendy believes we can optimize our positive influence and make a greater inspired contribution.

Wendy holds a degree in Psychology, and a Graduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. She has completed Advanced Facilitation Skills Training with the AITD and is an accredited HBDI™ (Hermann Brain Dominance Instrument) practitioner and an accredited Demartini Values Facilitator®.

In addition to her training facilitation work, Wendy has extensive management experience and has held a variety of leadership roles and positions across Australia. Participants value Wendy’s hands-on leadership experience and the ‘real-world’ perspective she brings to her training and coaching.

Topic:

Building Your EA/PA Brand: Strategies For Success

Agnes has extensive experience as a C-level Executive Assistant in Australia and internationally. She worked across a true variety of industries – private equity, management consulting, retail and financial services in top tier companies. She supported her executives not only in the EA capacity, but also always in a Project Coordinator role, supporting major firm wide initiatives including digital transformation, various system implementations and leadership restructures. She is currently changing jobs and coming back to the corporate world into an EA role as this is her true passion.

On a personal note, Agnes is happily married to Mike and lives on Sydney’s northern beaches, enjoying the coastal lifestyle.