2017 MBAus Conference

As EY’s Global Growth Markets Leader, Annette has overall global responsibility for EY’s integrated go-to-market and client service strategies for start-ups through to companies with annual turnovers up to US$3bn.  She, therefore, has ultimate responsibility for all EY’s programs and services aimed at helping this entire ecosystem to accelerate growth, including all those related to entrepreneurs, start-ups, family businesses and IPOs.  

With a professional and commercial career spanning more than 30 years, Annette has extensive local and international experience in designing and implementing large, complex and disruptive transformations.  She is also a recognised leader in empowering women and supporting entrepreneurship.  

In 2012 she co-founded Scale Investors, Australia’s first seed capital organisation focused on equipping Australian women with education and deal flow opportunities to invest in high-growth, female-led businesses at an early stage in their development.  Scale Investors is rapidly empowering female entrepreneurs and the women who invest in them. 

A former HR Leader and Telstra Businesswoman of the Year, Rhonda is a current Director of AHRI, and recognised as one of Australia’s foremost experts in human resources and the people side of the business, specialising in leadership, innovation and the future design of work. As a recognised champion of true workplace diversity, Rhonda’s fundamental belief is that inclusion and good leadership are not only foundational for good people practices in organisations, but equally of more equitable and prosperous economies and communities.

Her career has spanned four large multi-nationals - BHP, Sara Lee, Luxottica and CBA, living and working in Europe, Asia, and the USA.

She now lectures part-time at Sydney University and works with entrepreneurs, businesses and corporations focused on improving the way we work. To this end, she is CEO and Founder of mwah (Making Work Absolutely Human www.mwah.live)

Phil Silverstone is the General Manager of Eventbrite, Australia & New Zealand. In his role, Phil is responsible for the growth of the business in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.

Prior to Eventbrite, Phil had a successful global career in financial services, with over a decade in senior roles with GE, and prior experience in top tier investment banks.