Ben Thompson is the founder and CEO of Employment Hero, a platform that helps businesses manage people, payroll, and compliance. With a background in finance and employment law, and over 20 years of experience, he’s built one of Australia’s fastest-growing tech companies by focusing on practical solutions to real problems in the workplace.

He offers a clear, hands-on perspective on leadership – what it takes to scale a business, build strong teams, and stay focused in a fast-changing environment.

Robin Khuda is the founder and CEO of AirTrunk, the leading hyperscale data centre provider in Asia-Pacific and Japan.

He built the company to meet the region’s growing demand for cloud and AI infrastructure, with a footprint across five countries. In 2024, AirTrunk was acquired in a record $24 billion deal led by Blackstone and CPP Investments. Robin brings a clear perspective on scaling infrastructure and staying ahead of technology shifts.

Steve Baxter is the founder and lead investor of Beaten Zone Venture Partners, a specialist defence technology venture capital firm supporting sovereign Australian Defence capabilities for the allied market.

A former regular soldier in the Australian Army, he went on to a successful career as a telecommunications entrepreneur, founding two businesses and taking both through private and public exits. He is now an active investor in Australia, with over 90 portfolio companies.

Steve is a proud father of three daughters, husband to a gorgeous wife, an avid fisherman, and a passionate advocate for innovation in the Australian Defence sector.

Laura Henshaw is the co-founder and CEO of Kic, a wellness platform that’s redefined how a generation engages with health, movement, and mindset.

With a community-first approach and a sharp focus on trust, Laura has grown Kic into one of Australia’s most recognisable wellness brands. She’ll share how she’s building in a saturated space, what consumers really value now, and why brand integrity matters more than ever.

Nick Mowbray has quietly built one of the most disruptive companies in the world. As co-founder of ZURU, he’s behind global brands like Bunch O Balloons, MONDAY Haircare, and ZURU Tech — a new venture rethinking how homes are designed and built.

He’ll share lessons from growing across categories, leading with innovation, and thinking long-term in a fast-moving world.

Daniel Petre is one of Australia’s most experienced tech investors, founder of AirTree Ventures and former Microsoft exec.

Now leading StartGiving, he brings a clear view of where funding is flowing, what’s drying up, the macro forces reshaping business strategy, and where the smart bets lie for 2026 and beyond.

Sarah Walsh brings a rare perspective to the business of sport – as both a former Matilda and a leader driving investment and innovation in football.

She played a central role in delivering one of the most commercially successful FIFA Women’s World Cups, securing over $389 million in funding and setting new standards for audience engagement and commercial return. Her perspective reveals how sport, when taken seriously, becomes both a cultural force and a commercial strategy.

Dino Otranto is the CEO of Fortescue Metals and now leads global operations across iron ore, decarbonisation, and hydrogen. With more than 20 years of experience in the global resources sector, his leadership blends technical depth with a strong focus on safety, culture, and performance.

At a time of rapid transformation, Dino brings insight into leading at scale – balancing operational growth with the push for innovation, inclusion, and sustainability.

She is the Founder and Creative Director of ELLE EFFECT.

While she is known for her golden tan and beachy blonde waves, Elle is also one of Australia’s most popular fashion identities and have carved a very successful career both locally and internationally. Spanning a career of 10 years in the business, she has established herself as an inspiring businesswoman, digital creative and fashion consultant.