What we learned at the Women’s Summit

20 speakers graced the stage at this year’s Forbes Australia Women’s Summit, sharing stories of failure, success, innovation, and adversity. For those of you who weren’t able to attend, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite quotes and key takeaways shared by the panellists at the summit.

Meet the man behind one of the world’s most successful restaurant empires

If you’re even remotely interested in quality cuisine, you’re well aware of Daniel Boulud. The chef has amassed a whopping 11 James Beard awards during his legendary career. He currently holds four Michelin stars. But far less familiar to these same gourmands is the name Sebastien Silvestri. As CEO of The Dinex Group (founded by Boulud back in 1992), he is instrumental in the day-to-day operation of a restaurant empire that now includes 18 venues—including nine in New York, alone.

From Croatia to the C-Suite: Silvija Martincevic’s secret to success

Silvija Martincevic grew up in Croatia. Her truck driver father and her shoemaker mother sent her to the US with $400 in her pocket. Fast-forward to 2021, and Martincevic would lead the US buy now, pay later fintech, Affirm, to its US$24 billion IPO. After a six-month career hiatus, she joined the Australian HR software platform, Deputy, as CEO.