Ian Harper is a professional economist best known for his work in public policy. He is a member of the Board of the Reserve Bank of Australia and Chair of the Australian Statistics Advisory Council.
For five years until November 2023, Ian was Dean & Director of Melbourne Business School and Co-Dean of the Faculty of Business & Economics at The University of Melbourne. Prior to that, he was a partner at Deloitte Access Economics for seven years.
From March 2014 to March 2015, Ian chaired the Australian Government’s Competition Policy Review and, prior to that, served as inaugural Chairman of the Australian Fair Pay Commission from December 2005 to July 2009.
Ian was elected a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia in 2000 and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors in 2009. In 2016 he was elected a Distinguished Public Policy Fellow of the Economic Society of Australia and received a Vice-Chancellor’s Alumni Excellence Award from the University of Queensland.
Ian was appointed an Officer in the Order of Australia in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours List with the citation “For distinguished service to education in the field of economics, and to public and monetary policy development and reform”.
Rebecca Lambert-Smith is a Practice Leader in the Corporate Advisory Team and heads up the For Purpose Team at Moores in Victoria.
Rebecca provides expert advice to charities, not-for-profits and social ventures on a wide range of legal and governance matters.
As a trusted advisor to For Purpose clients experiencing creation, crisis and change, Rebecca enjoys helping clients navigate the challenges of the current regulatory environment. This includes helping new organisations get established, providing complex structuring advice, improving governance, resolving internal disputes and responding to ACNC investigations.
Having served on a number of Boards, Rebecca understands the competing priorities of modern governance. She regularly provides Board training and presents seminars and webinars to the For Purpose sector.
Mike is the husband to Michelle and father to Ella, Ben and Lucy. Mike has a passion in seeing people come to know Jesus, coaching leaders, and developing effective discipleship pathways in the local church. He has worked as a teacher and Pastor and currently serves as the Lead Pastor at Clovercrest Baptist church in Adelaide.
Mike is a Reverend with the Baptist Churches of SA, is the current Chair of Arrow Leadership Australia, teaches a Leadership subject at Tabor College, and has recently completed his Doctor of Ministry, focusing on Missional Renewal in the Western church.
Amy Brown is a senior executive leader with deep experience across the public and private sectors, with a 25-year career in law, finance, consulting and government. She is currently the Chief Operating Officer at Christian Education Ministries.
Amy has also served as the Secretary of the NSW Department of Enterprise, Investment and Trade, CEO of Investment NSW and a Deputy Secretary within the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet.
Amy believes she’s been saved for a personal and eternal relationship with our creator God, through Jesus Christ. She is part of the Christian community at Bridge Church Neutral Bay, with her husband Rory and kids Zac and Evie.
Mel Murray will be Zooming in to open our conference, live from Manhattan NY where she serves as Partner, Global Community at Praxis. She loves to journey with venture-builders from all corners of the world. After a decade in marketing she launched multiple ventures in North India, including a vertically integrated fashion brand and a nonprofit that partners with under-resourced entrepreneurs in challenging regions.
At Praxis, Mel oversees our global community efforts, serving a diverse group of ecosystem builders and leaders, activating redemptive entrepreneurship in their communities. She serves on the Board of HOPE International. After many years in India and Northern Thailand, Mel and her husband, David, now live in Manhattan, enjoying a full life with teenage sons in the city.
More speakers are being added continually as elective sessions get finalised
John was surprised by a personal experience in his teenage years, when Christianity became real to him and irrevocably marked his motivations, relationships, career, and the entirety of his life’s journey.
John was married at twenty-four, had two lovely daughters by thirty, moved them between fifteen homes by forty, and had four careers by fifty. Trained as an educator, John moved into commerce, and had the privilege of rebuilding troubled businesses and starting businesses.
John dedicates a portion of his time to writing and speaking about life, work, and God. ‘Leading while kneeling’ is a core theme.
Chelsea is the Founder and Managing Director of BEECH Agency, a strategy and creative agency helping Not-For-Profit and For-purpose leaders and organisations deepen engagement and maximise their impact. With 20 years’ experience in brand strategy, marketing and organisational transformation, Chelsea has spearheaded brand, campaign and donor engagement projects for purpose-driven organisations impacting Australia and beyond. Chelsea is passionate about equipping leaders, teams, and individuals to draw out insights, and develop and execute strategies that drive real change.
Chelsea is wife to Aemon and mother to three fabulous children – Arlo, Ellis, and Matisse.
David was appointed Chief Commercial Officer at Ansvar Insurance in February 2023 and is responsible for strategic business development and distribution and leading the National Client Solutions, Marketing and Risk Solutions teams.
Prior to joining Ansvar, David had a number of senior roles with Catholic Church Insurance, Aon and Marsh.
David has over 30 years experience leading large and diverse teams in broking and underwriting.
Dr Mark Fowler is a practicing lawyer whose specialist areas of advice include the law applying to schools, international aid organisations, arts and cultural organisations and religious organisations. He is an Appeals Panel member for the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID), the peak body for Australian non-government organisations (NGOs) involved in international development and humanitarian action. He is a member of the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission Professional Users Group and has served as a member of the Queensland Law Society’s Human Rights Working Group. Mark is also an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Notre Dame, School of Law, Sydney, and an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Law School at his alma mater, the University of New England. He is also an External Fellow at the Centre for Public, International and Comparative Law, University of Queensland. He holds a doctorate degree in law conferred by the University of Queensland in 2023.
Jonathan Green is a Senior Associate in the NFPs, human rights & social impact team at Mills Oakley. Having worked in the not-for-profit and charity sector as an executive, executive director and as a legal advisor for over fourteen years, Jonathan has a wealth of experience and understanding of both the regulatory requirements and the on the ground practicalities of implementing initiatives for social impact.
In addition to his practice at Mills Oakley, Jonathan puts his knowledge and experience in the sector to practice as a volunteer and board member with a number of charities.
Ken has been a Corporate Psychologist in private practice in the U.S. and Australia over the last forty+ years. With Rev Peter Corney, he is the co-author of Hire Right, First Time: A Practical Guide for Staffing Christian Organisations.
This his third book on the psychological approach to selecting staff.
Vera has over 30 years’ experience in acting for numerous charities, religious and not-for-profit organisations.
Vera provides a full suite of commercial and legal services to not-for-profit clients, including protecting commercial arrangements through drafting services agreements, privacy policies, internal policies and procedures, and reviewing grants and other government agreements.
Vera is a sought-after speaker throughout Australia. In the last year she has presented at the Better Boards Conference, and Legalwise and TENS seminars on not-for-profits. She has also authored a chapter within Charity Global Guide (2018), published by Thomson Reuters, and has authored a paper on lessons not-for-profits should learn from the recent Royal Commissions, published by Pro Bono Australia.
Peter was the senior minister at St Hilary’s Kew for 25 years. The founding director of Arrow leadership Australia, and the Director of ICCL, the Instutute for Contemporary Christain leadership. He is the author of 12 books on topics such as Christian discipleship, Christian community, Leading Church Growth, Small group study guides, and guidlines for hiring staff in Churches and Christian organisations.
Stephen is passionate about supporting clients to develop strong governance systems and processes to help them achieve their objectives. He manages the strategic client portfolio at Ansvar and has been working with Faith and Ministry clients since 2021.
Stephen has over 17 years’ experience working in public health roles and major construction projects. Stephen has a broad background and qualifications in risk management, project management, service redesign and managing change. He originally trained as a dietitian and worked in aged residential care and disability home care services
My background in people and culture, relational governance and organisational development has been forged consulting to a diverse range of industries. I have served on both church and school boards over the past decade. My experience and passion to equip healthy organisations is expressed through my role as a director of Neometric. We work with purpose-driven organisations to design and strengthen the relational architecture needed to sustain unity in diversity.
Rowan has an extensive history of executive leadership in the Christian Not-for-Profit and Foreign Aid industry, bringing a depth of understanding and passion for positive cultural and organisational change.
Rowan holds a master’s degree in leadership with post-graduate research in Emotional Intelligence and Leadership Development. His career spans across Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, having led national staff and volunteer teams of 5000+ people through organisational change and business development programs. Rowan brings a depth of understanding of what it takes to lead teams towards organisational growth and success.
Rowan now focuses on working with faith-based organisations, providing Executive Search, HR and Team Development consultancy to organisations that are seeking to transition and prepare their senior leadership for their next season of growth.
Natasha is a Senior Associate with a decade of experience acting for clients in a wide variety of workplace law matters, including in the context of safeguarding, discrimination claims, and corporate governance. She has a particular interest in helping Christian organisations with challenging staff issues.
Natasha is known for her clear, practical advice and measured approach to dealing with workplace disputes, which acknowledges that the need to demonstrate compassion must at times be balanced with the need to protect the broader organisation. She is an adept speaker and has presented at international legal conferences on contemporary issues in workplace law.
Joel is a coach and mentor who partners with leaders to grow
their leadership capacity through self awareness to become
transformational leaders that generate change. He is passionate
about developing emerging leaders and leaders in transition to
address the challenges and opportunities facing our next
generation.
Joel has more than 20 years experience as an executive and
director, leading boards and executive teams in faith based, for purpose
and social enterprise organisations. He has worked
across diverse sectors including finance, property and
construction, and founded startups in financial services,
insurance, and childcare.
Robert is a founder with experience in financial services, including funds management finance and accounting and investor in ventures. He currently works in property, more recently with church, community and not for profit, and has developed and built several childcare centre buildings and businesses and multiple social enterprises with a view to redemptive outcomes. He continues personal entrepreneurship and business. He is passionate about supporting business and Kingdom minded change makers for redemptive purpose in business and enterprise.
Prior to moving into leadership coaching, Mabel was in the education sector for 20 years in teaching and STEM. This gave her extensive experience in facilitating and coaching using innovation frameworks. Combining tools that help her clients grow in self-awareness and reveal blockages. such as the Enneagram and Positive Intelligence™ with innovation has proven to be a powerful process.
Mabel’s passion is to build community so that people can connect, grow together in self awareness, and discover their God-given identity and calling.
Qualifications: iEQ9 Enneagram Practitioner, Certified Five Capitals Coach, Mental Fitness Coach, VIT Registered
Candice Hung is the founder of LUCID LEADERSHIP, a boutique leadership coaching business that creates healthy and high-performing leaders and teams who will serve a greater cause.
She is a Certified Leadership Coach with the International Coaching Federation and has 20+ years of Christian ministry leadership experience and over 15 years of coaching experience in professional business environments.
Candice has worked with CEOs, Directors, church leaders and volunteers, and organisations ranging from financial services, local government, hospitality, and early learning services.
Candice is passionate about working in the intersection of faith, work, relationships, and systems, to empower and release leaders and their teams into their potential and develop thriving and innovative cultures.
Dr Ruth Knight holds over 30 years of experience in the career of health and community services and for the past six years been with the Australian Centre of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies at QUT as a lecturer and researcher specialising in the fields of managing social sector organisations and social enterprise. She focuses on using reflective practice and strategic thinking to improve leadership, social innovation and evaluation. Ruth was an editor of the ‘Handbook of Research Methods for Organisational Culture’ which is an internationally recognised handbook for leaders who want to understand the theory and practice of having a good workplace culture.
David Hutt is the Director of Partner Development at Dunham+Company Australia.
He joined Dunham+Company after a 15-year career as a political campaign consultant and adviser to senior Australian politicians.
David has also helped countless faith-based causes campaign for positive social change.
David is passionate about helping Christian non-profits maximise their impact through the use of digital technology and marketing.
Andrew is the son of a dairy farmer but left his small town in NSW to study his way towards becoming a world-renowned Journalist. Finding that he was doing more harm than good in the world as a Journalist, Andrew started using his skills to support not-for-profit organisations, managing marketing and communications teams across Australia.
Andrew brings more than 15 years’ experience in public relations, marketing, communications, community engagement and thought leadership across the not for profit, government and commercial sectors, including the ABC, Anglicare, YMCA, Compassion Australia, The Department of Human Services and BHP.
Andrew is passionate about vision casting and telling great stories and sees it as such a privilege to be using his expertise to help faith-motivated organisations, charities and businesses tell their story and communicate in an ever-complicated world.
Passionate about ministries, fundraising and the not-for-profit sector, Amanda has always been motivated by her belief in a cause. During her seven years at World Vision Australia, she worked with Australia’s biggest ASX-listed companies to provide essential support to some of the world’s poorest communities, including as National Workplace Giving Manager.
Joining Dunham+Company in 2015, Amanda has worked alongside many ministries to help optimise their marketing and fundraising programs to increase their impact. As Managing Director of Dunham+Company Australia, Amanda considers it a privilege to encourage God’s people to have their hearts moved for the causes that are close to His.
John is the Founder and CEO of Seed. Seed helps Christians create redemptive influence in society. Seed’s Redemptive Design framework connects the formation of people or organisations with their efforts to design redemptive solutions to real world problems.
Prior to founding Seed, John was the National Director of Micah Australia. He’s got a Masters in Theology from Regent College in Canada. He’s passionate about helping Christians come alive in their faith, by helping them discern their place within God’s story, then live into it.
Alicia Watson OAM CFRE FFIA, CFRM. Fundraising began as a volunteer in 1971 and her professional career commenced in 1982. She has been involved in annual campaigns, direct mail, supporters clubs, auxiliaries, alumni programs, special events, bequests, major gifts and capital campaigns. In July 1999 she began What’sOn Consulting & she has built upon years of professional practice of innovation and excellence and continues to do so with clients large or small, experienced or new to fundraising. She particularly specialises in Capital Campaigns, Major Gifts and Bequests. She has been a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE 1999-2017), holds a Certificate in Fund Raising Management (CFRM) from The Fund Raising School Indiana, and is a member of EducatePlus. She was President of FIA NSW for four years and also served as a NSW delegate on the National Board of FIA. She has lectured in the FIA Skills Program, spoken at FIA& EducatePlus and CMA PD and conferences and a Mentor in the FIA’s Mentor Program. She has also presented a paper on Capital Campaigns at an AFP Conference in 2009. She was awarded the OAM in 2017 for services to the Anglican Church and Fundraising.
Leading the Vocare Law (formerly Corney & Lind Lawyers) Sydney and NSW team, Timothy Whincop has an extensive background as an in-house legal practitioner in a global not-for-profit organisation spanning numerous years. Tim was the prior Principal Director of House Counsel Advisory, a firm focused on commercial law, charity law and dispute resolution based in Sydney. Tim has cultivated expertise in handling complex legal and business matters across various global jurisdictions.
His ability to tackle challenges and offer sound advice is complemented by his unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity in his work.
Tim’s unique proficiency lies in his extensive work with clients in the NGO and NFP sectors. where he consistently provides valuable insights and candid, forthright legal advice.
Tim’s work life began as a musician, but his career has since encompassed a diverse range of roles. Tim’s experiences include business development, overseeing a record label, serving on a number of not-for-profit boards including in the music industry, operating as a company secretary, and serving in the Royal Australian Navy.
He is admitted to practice in both the Supreme Court of NSW and the High Court of Australia. Tim holds:
Bachelor of Laws (LLB, SCU)
Grad Dip in Legal Practice (Grad Dip. Legal Practice, ANU)
Master of Laws (International Commercial Law and Dispute Resolution) (LLM, Bond)
Bachelor of Music (BMus, QUT)
Master of Business Administration (MBA, SCU)
Nicola leads Pluri, a strategy and communications consultancy dedicated to assisting organisations demonstrate and evaluate the impact of their work. With over 15 years of experience working alongside boards and executives, she’s passionate about for-purpose organisations living out their vision and mission by refocusing on their impact.
Nicola has a Master’s degree in the Theology of Work and currently serves on the board of Local Leaders International.
Martine works for Generosity Path as Interim Regional Director and is a catalyst for generosity movements in the Oceania region.
Martine has had a diversity of work experiences especially with NFPs and FBOs, including as a lawyer in Melbourne, a Legal Fellow with International Justice Mission in India, 10 years with Tearfund Australia overseeing community development partnerships in India and with Australian churches and financial supporters, 2 years in ministry in her local church, and most recently with Generosity Path implementing their global People and Culture strategy and sharing the Journey of Generosity retreat with individuals, churches and organisations in Oceania, to see a world healed through generosity.
Martine loves working collaboratively and seeks to support churches and ministry/mission organisations to see hearts fully surrendered to Jesus through generosity.
Martine’s heart breaks for the needs she sees around her and she longs to see an abundant outpouring of generosity, spiritual transformation and new-found joy and freedom in Christ across our Region.
Martine is married to Andy, has 3 primary-aged daughters and loves cycling, baking and gardening – though not at the same time!
Neil is currently the CEO at Anglican Insurance and Risk Services Ltd. He leads a team of professionals that provides specialist risk solutions to Anglican churches, schools and care organisations across Australia. Neil is most passionate about moving people from Compliance thinking to strategic missional risk taking.
Outside of work Neil has many years of board experience including current chair of School Revival Inc and formerly chair of Focus on the Family Australia and Sport & Life Training (SALT) and Deputy Chair of Childsafe Ltd. Neil has been married for over 25 years and has two young adult daughters.
Kylie is currently the Acting Executive Director of Arrow Leadership Australia. She has served as CEO, consultant, pastor, leader and coach with many organisations. Kylie is married to Adam and they have two children, Toby and Lily, and live on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria.
Paul Oslington is Professor of Economics and Theology at Alphacrucis University College, the national college of the Australian Pentecostal movement. He joined Alphacrucis in 2013 as inaugural Dean of Business and PhD Program Director, after previous appointments at Australian Catholic University and University of New South Wales. He has doctoral degrees in both economics and theology, and most of his recent research has been on their historical relationships, including Oxford Handbook of Christianity and Economics, Political Economy as Natural Theology: Smith Malthus and their Followers, and a book commissioned by Harvard University Press on the history of economic thinking in the Christian tradition.
Marg is an experienced Executive Leader and Board Member providing insight from management experience across NFP, education, church, and corporation sectors.
She has a passion for learning and views higher education as intellectual bungee-jumping, challenging herself to greater heights through study at Cambridge, Harvard and Yale, alongside her Melbourne based degrees.
Marg established and was CEO of a Registered Training Organisation. She has served on several boards, including an award-winning social enterprise, and is particularly passionate about social justice. She currently works for Payton Foundation, addressing inequity and providing philanthropic support to charity partners in Australia, Africa and Asia.
Neometric is a relational governance adviser, integrating legal and consulting services to assist organisations to align their purpose, people and processes.
As co-founder of Neometric, Mal brings his legal expertise as a former dispute resolution partner in a global law firm, his governance experience as Board chair of an independent church and of an independent public school, and his passion for high performing teams.
Mal is a member of the Law Society of WA, a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a member of the Board and Fellow of Leadership Western Australia and a trained PeaceWise mediator.
Karen is CEO of For Purpose Leadership, an organisation dedicated to seeing people thrive in their workplaces.
Karen is a visionary and innovative leader with 20 years of experience in the NFP sector. She was CEO of The Different Co. (formerly Reventure) and holds a Master of Business Administration, Doctor of Business Leadership, Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), and Fellow Certified Leadership Practitioner.
Karen’s teams have won multiple awards for their passion for change, empowerment, and best practices in governance, leadership, and philanthropy. Karen is a Gallup global coach and The Leadership Challenge® facilitator.
Julie Lawrie (GAICD) is a results-oriented leader with 20+ years’ experience in the field of strategic marketing & business development, and 10+ years’ experience in corporate governance.
Julie is known for leading and equipping boards, executives, and teams to build and execute plans – aligned to a strong purpose and goals through a governance & marketing lens.
Julie has worked in both Australia and the USA across Building & Construction, IT, finance, manufacturing, and professional service businesses with publicly listed companies and global brands. For the last 11 years, she has specialised in small and medium organisations (<$30mil revenue).
Since 1995 Geoff’s passion has been to lead missional teams that help fulfil the Great Commission. After twenty-five years leading teams on campus in Sydney – at Macquarie University, in a regional leadership role, and at the University of Sydney, in April 2021 he moved to Melbourne. He now serves as National Director overseeing teams with a passion for making disciples on campus, in local churches, in the digital realm and among youth across Australia and worldwide.
Dr Edwin (Ted) Boyce is the Principal of Pacific Hills Christian School, New Hope School and Pacific Gulgangali Jarjums Christian School. He is Executive Principal of Pacific Coast Christian School, Pacific Hope School, Pacific Valley Christian School, Valley Hope School, Pacific Brook Christian School, Pacific Berowra Christian School and Pacific Online Christian School.
With education qualifications from the University of Sydney, BA, MEd; and the University of Alberta, Canada, PhD, he has gone on to teach at a number of universities both in Australia and overseas. He was also involved with Regent College, Vancouver, as a Visiting Scholar and Professor, where he assisted in a review of the College as a Christian Education Community.
Ted has a passion for Christian Education and has travelled widely in promoting and teaching on Christian Education on every continent and also in the islands of the Pacific Ocean. His emphasis is always on allowing God’s truth from the Bible to be the informer of how we view all of life and it is his desire that Christian Education should bring glory to God first and foremost, and through that bring rich blessing to those who are served by Christian Education, and to those who are in Christian Education.
Dr Craig Furneaux is an Associate Professor with the School of Accountancy, Faculty of Business and Law at Queensland University of Technology. Craig leads the Australian Centre for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies and is also Subject Area Coordinator for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies. Craig has over 30 years’ experience leading innovation in, and researching with, nonprofit organisations. Craig research focus is on accountability, capability and change in nonprofits organisations and social enterprises. He is also interested in faith-based charities in civil society. His research is available for free here: https://eprints.qut.edu.au/view/person/Furneaux,_Craig.html
Over more than 20 years working in the NFP and corporate sectors, Ben Allsop understands what makes organisations tick. Working with donors that are passionate about ending poverty, Ben oversees the development of powerful partnerships that place resources into the hands of Christian partner organisations around the globe.
Ben has lived and worked in the UK and Samoa and holds a Masters Degree in International & Community Development. Ben is also a cancer survivor and lives in Melbourne with his wife Rachel and their six children.
Adam is a Partner in CBP’s Employment and Safety Team. He advises on the full lifecycle of workplace relations and has a particular focus working with Schools, Faith Based Institutions and Enterprise and the Not For Profit/For Purpose Sector.
Nick has been the CEO of aifc / abound since 2013. Nick describes himself as a curious learner, and comes alive when he is able to help people and organisations walk in their God-given calling and grow in their Spiritual Formation in Christ
Nicholas (Nick) is very blessed and grateful to God to be married to Michelle for the past 27 years. They are the parents of 2 adult children and has lived in the ACT since 2010 Prior to transitioning to Christian Ministry, Nick managed the Federal Government’s Risk and Insurance program and worked for 8 years with Chicago based broking firm, Gallagher in Australia and in the USA
Nick is a Counsellor, Coach, Company Director (MAICD) has an MBA (from Macquarie), is host of the Counsel Culture Podcast and is the founder of the Healthy Leadership Company
Nick is also a rusted on supporter of the St. George Dragons and the Sydney Swans.
Jessen Yeoh is a co-vocational minister. He was originally trained as a civil and structural engineer and has more than 20 years of experience in organisational improvements. He was formerly a consultant for United Nations Secretariat, United Nations Environmental Programme and Peacekeeping Operations.
Throughout his career, he has been in a variety of roles such as Principal Advisor, Operational Excellence Manager, Technical Manager, Certification Manager, assessor, consultant and trainer in Asia, China and Australasia regions. Before joining the Baptist Union of Victoria (BUV) as a Church Consultant, Jessen served as a Chinese Ministry Lead Pastor at NewHope Baptist Church.
Fran Keyes is currently the Practice Leader of Christian law firm Corney & Lind Lawyers’ Employment and Discrimination Law team and also heads Corney & Lind Lawyers’ new workplace mediation practice, Just Redemptive Mediations (JRM). JRM offers mediation services to Corney & Lind Lawyers’ schools, not-for-profit and charity clients, our boards and our councils, helping them navigate workplace conflict and relationship breakdowns in a different way. Fran is a Nationally Accredited Mediator (NMAS) since 2018 with a depth of experience as a workplace lawyer and mediator. Fran completed a Bachelor of Laws & Bachelor of Arts from the University of Queensland and was admitted to practice as a legal practitioner of the Supreme Court of Queensland in 1996, and the High Court of Australia and Federal Court of Australia in 2000.
After a successful career in Recruitment within the banking sector, followed by national leadership roles for an International Christian NFP, Leila brings extensive recruitment, team development and people leadership experience. Leila now specialises in recruiting executive leadership and managerial roles across the Christian Ministry and Not-for-Profit sector. Having personally recruited and led large scale national volunteer teams and served in executive leadership roles across Australia and New Zealand, and backed by qualifications in counselling and leadership, her story covers the highs and lows of facilitating cultural change and organisational effectiveness across each layer of ministry and community service. In her spare time Leila enjoys spending time with her family and writing Christian devotionals for her personal blog and local Christian radio station.
Sharyn is both founder of Opal Fundraising and fundraising manager with RBWH Foundation for start-up initiative Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital. With a 24-year track record across the fundraising spectrum, she counts it a privilege to have led and equipped teams to help prevent suicide, give children a future, share faith, fight cancer and promote good health. Internationally CFRE-accredited as a professional fundraiser, she loves helping people to be generous. Sharyn also has a long history of volunteering, is currently chair of the governing body at her church, and is proud of her husband’s fundraising efforts for school chaplaincy.
Previous
More speakers are being added continually as elective sessions get finalised
John was surprised by a personal experience in his teenage years, when Christianity became real to him and irrevocably marked his motivations, relationships, career, and the entirety of his life’s journey.
John was married at twenty-four, had two lovely daughters by thirty, moved them between fifteen homes by forty, and had four careers by fifty. Trained as an educator, John moved into commerce, and had the privilege of rebuilding troubled businesses and starting businesses.
John dedicates a portion of his time to writing and speaking about life, work, and God. ‘Leading while kneeling’ is a core theme.
Chelsea is the Founder and Managing Director of BEECH Agency, a strategy and creative agency helping Not-For-Profit and For-purpose leaders and organisations deepen engagement and maximise their impact. With 20 years’ experience in brand strategy, marketing and organisational transformation, Chelsea has spearheaded brand, campaign and donor engagement projects for purpose-driven organisations impacting Australia and beyond. Chelsea is passionate about equipping leaders, teams, and individuals to draw out insights, and develop and execute strategies that drive real change.
Chelsea is wife to Aemon and mother to three fabulous children – Arlo, Ellis, and Matisse.
David was appointed Chief Commercial Officer at Ansvar Insurance in February 2023 and is responsible for strategic business development and distribution and leading the National Client Solutions, Marketing and Risk Solutions teams.
Prior to joining Ansvar, David had a number of senior roles with Catholic Church Insurance, Aon and Marsh.
David has over 30 years experience leading large and diverse teams in broking and underwriting.
Dr Mark Fowler is a practicing lawyer whose specialist areas of advice include the law applying to schools, international aid organisations, arts and cultural organisations and religious organisations. He is an Appeals Panel member for the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID), the peak body for Australian non-government organisations (NGOs) involved in international development and humanitarian action. He is a member of the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission Professional Users Group and has served as a member of the Queensland Law Society’s Human Rights Working Group. Mark is also an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Notre Dame, School of Law, Sydney, and an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Law School at his alma mater, the University of New England. He is also an External Fellow at the Centre for Public, International and Comparative Law, University of Queensland. He holds a doctorate degree in law conferred by the University of Queensland in 2023.
Jonathan Green is a Senior Associate in the NFPs, human rights & social impact team at Mills Oakley. Having worked in the not-for-profit and charity sector as an executive, executive director and as a legal advisor for over fourteen years, Jonathan has a wealth of experience and understanding of both the regulatory requirements and the on the ground practicalities of implementing initiatives for social impact.
In addition to his practice at Mills Oakley, Jonathan puts his knowledge and experience in the sector to practice as a volunteer and board member with a number of charities.
Ken has been a Corporate Psychologist in private practice in the U.S. and Australia over the last forty+ years. With Rev Peter Corney, he is the co-author of Hire Right, First Time: A Practical Guide for Staffing Christian Organisations.
This his third book on the psychological approach to selecting staff.
Vera has over 30 years’ experience in acting for numerous charities, religious and not-for-profit organisations.
Vera provides a full suite of commercial and legal services to not-for-profit clients, including protecting commercial arrangements through drafting services agreements, privacy policies, internal policies and procedures, and reviewing grants and other government agreements.
Vera is a sought-after speaker throughout Australia. In the last year she has presented at the Better Boards Conference, and Legalwise and TENS seminars on not-for-profits. She has also authored a chapter within Charity Global Guide (2018), published by Thomson Reuters, and has authored a paper on lessons not-for-profits should learn from the recent Royal Commissions, published by Pro Bono Australia.
Peter was the senior minister at St Hilary’s Kew for 25 years. The founding director of Arrow leadership Australia, and the Director of ICCL, the Instutute for Contemporary Christain leadership. He is the author of 12 books on topics such as Christian discipleship, Christian community, Leading Church Growth, Small group study guides, and guidlines for hiring staff in Churches and Christian organisations.
Stephen is passionate about supporting clients to develop strong governance systems and processes to help them achieve their objectives. He manages the strategic client portfolio at Ansvar and has been working with Faith and Ministry clients since 2021.
Stephen has over 17 years’ experience working in public health roles and major construction projects. Stephen has a broad background and qualifications in risk management, project management, service redesign and managing change. He originally trained as a dietitian and worked in aged residential care and disability home care services
My background in people and culture, relational governance and organisational development has been forged consulting to a diverse range of industries. I have served on both church and school boards over the past decade. My experience and passion to equip healthy organisations is expressed through my role as a director of Neometric. We work with purpose-driven organisations to design and strengthen the relational architecture needed to sustain unity in diversity.
Rowan has an extensive history of executive leadership in the Christian Not-for-Profit and Foreign Aid industry, bringing a depth of understanding and passion for positive cultural and organisational change.
Rowan holds a master’s degree in leadership with post-graduate research in Emotional Intelligence and Leadership Development. His career spans across Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, having led national staff and volunteer teams of 5000+ people through organisational change and business development programs. Rowan brings a depth of understanding of what it takes to lead teams towards organisational growth and success.
Rowan now focuses on working with faith-based organisations, providing Executive Search, HR and Team Development consultancy to organisations that are seeking to transition and prepare their senior leadership for their next season of growth.
Natasha is a Senior Associate with a decade of experience acting for clients in a wide variety of workplace law matters, including in the context of safeguarding, discrimination claims, and corporate governance. She has a particular interest in helping Christian organisations with challenging staff issues.
Natasha is known for her clear, practical advice and measured approach to dealing with workplace disputes, which acknowledges that the need to demonstrate compassion must at times be balanced with the need to protect the broader organisation. She is an adept speaker and has presented at international legal conferences on contemporary issues in workplace law.
Joel is a coach and mentor who partners with leaders to grow
their leadership capacity through self awareness to become
transformational leaders that generate change. He is passionate
about developing emerging leaders and leaders in transition to
address the challenges and opportunities facing our next
generation.
Joel has more than 20 years experience as an executive and
director, leading boards and executive teams in faith based, for purpose
and social enterprise organisations. He has worked
across diverse sectors including finance, property and
construction, and founded startups in financial services,
insurance, and childcare.
Robert is a founder with experience in financial services, including funds management finance and accounting and investor in ventures. He currently works in property, more recently with church, community and not for profit, and has developed and built several childcare centre buildings and businesses and multiple social enterprises with a view to redemptive outcomes. He continues personal entrepreneurship and business. He is passionate about supporting business and Kingdom minded change makers for redemptive purpose in business and enterprise.
Prior to moving into leadership coaching, Mabel was in the education sector for 20 years in teaching and STEM. This gave her extensive experience in facilitating and coaching using innovation frameworks. Combining tools that help her clients grow in self-awareness and reveal blockages. such as the Enneagram and Positive Intelligence™ with innovation has proven to be a powerful process.
Mabel’s passion is to build community so that people can connect, grow together in self awareness, and discover their God-given identity and calling.
Qualifications: iEQ9 Enneagram Practitioner, Certified Five Capitals Coach, Mental Fitness Coach, VIT Registered
Candice Hung is the founder of LUCID LEADERSHIP, a boutique leadership coaching business that creates healthy and high-performing leaders and teams who will serve a greater cause.
She is a Certified Leadership Coach with the International Coaching Federation and has 20+ years of Christian ministry leadership experience and over 15 years of coaching experience in professional business environments.
Candice has worked with CEOs, Directors, church leaders and volunteers, and organisations ranging from financial services, local government, hospitality, and early learning services.
Candice is passionate about working in the intersection of faith, work, relationships, and systems, to empower and release leaders and their teams into their potential and develop thriving and innovative cultures.
Dr Ruth Knight holds over 30 years of experience in the career of health and community services and for the past six years been with the Australian Centre of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies at QUT as a lecturer and researcher specialising in the fields of managing social sector organisations and social enterprise. She focuses on using reflective practice and strategic thinking to improve leadership, social innovation and evaluation. Ruth was an editor of the ‘Handbook of Research Methods for Organisational Culture’ which is an internationally recognised handbook for leaders who want to understand the theory and practice of having a good workplace culture.
David Hutt is the Director of Partner Development at Dunham+Company Australia.
He joined Dunham+Company after a 15-year career as a political campaign consultant and adviser to senior Australian politicians.
David has also helped countless faith-based causes campaign for positive social change.
David is passionate about helping Christian non-profits maximise their impact through the use of digital technology and marketing.
Andrew is the son of a dairy farmer but left his small town in NSW to study his way towards becoming a world-renowned Journalist. Finding that he was doing more harm than good in the world as a Journalist, Andrew started using his skills to support not-for-profit organisations, managing marketing and communications teams across Australia.
Andrew brings more than 15 years’ experience in public relations, marketing, communications, community engagement and thought leadership across the not for profit, government and commercial sectors, including the ABC, Anglicare, YMCA, Compassion Australia, The Department of Human Services and BHP.
Andrew is passionate about vision casting and telling great stories and sees it as such a privilege to be using his expertise to help faith-motivated organisations, charities and businesses tell their story and communicate in an ever-complicated world.
Passionate about ministries, fundraising and the not-for-profit sector, Amanda has always been motivated by her belief in a cause. During her seven years at World Vision Australia, she worked with Australia’s biggest ASX-listed companies to provide essential support to some of the world’s poorest communities, including as National Workplace Giving Manager.
Joining Dunham+Company in 2015, Amanda has worked alongside many ministries to help optimise their marketing and fundraising programs to increase their impact. As Managing Director of Dunham+Company Australia, Amanda considers it a privilege to encourage God’s people to have their hearts moved for the causes that are close to His.
John is the Founder and CEO of Seed. Seed helps Christians create redemptive influence in society. Seed’s Redemptive Design framework connects the formation of people or organisations with their efforts to design redemptive solutions to real world problems.
Prior to founding Seed, John was the National Director of Micah Australia. He’s got a Masters in Theology from Regent College in Canada. He’s passionate about helping Christians come alive in their faith, by helping them discern their place within God’s story, then live into it.
Alicia Watson OAM CFRE FFIA, CFRM. Fundraising began as a volunteer in 1971 and her professional career commenced in 1982. She has been involved in annual campaigns, direct mail, supporters clubs, auxiliaries, alumni programs, special events, bequests, major gifts and capital campaigns. In July 1999 she began What’sOn Consulting & she has built upon years of professional practice of innovation and excellence and continues to do so with clients large or small, experienced or new to fundraising. She particularly specialises in Capital Campaigns, Major Gifts and Bequests. She has been a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE 1999-2017), holds a Certificate in Fund Raising Management (CFRM) from The Fund Raising School Indiana, and is a member of EducatePlus. She was President of FIA NSW for four years and also served as a NSW delegate on the National Board of FIA. She has lectured in the FIA Skills Program, spoken at FIA& EducatePlus and CMA PD and conferences and a Mentor in the FIA’s Mentor Program. She has also presented a paper on Capital Campaigns at an AFP Conference in 2009. She was awarded the OAM in 2017 for services to the Anglican Church and Fundraising.
Leading the Vocare Law (formerly Corney & Lind Lawyers) Sydney and NSW team, Timothy Whincop has an extensive background as an in-house legal practitioner in a global not-for-profit organisation spanning numerous years. Tim was the prior Principal Director of House Counsel Advisory, a firm focused on commercial law, charity law and dispute resolution based in Sydney. Tim has cultivated expertise in handling complex legal and business matters across various global jurisdictions.
His ability to tackle challenges and offer sound advice is complemented by his unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity in his work.
Tim’s unique proficiency lies in his extensive work with clients in the NGO and NFP sectors. where he consistently provides valuable insights and candid, forthright legal advice.
Tim’s work life began as a musician, but his career has since encompassed a diverse range of roles. Tim’s experiences include business development, overseeing a record label, serving on a number of not-for-profit boards including in the music industry, operating as a company secretary, and serving in the Royal Australian Navy.
He is admitted to practice in both the Supreme Court of NSW and the High Court of Australia. Tim holds:
Bachelor of Laws (LLB, SCU)
Grad Dip in Legal Practice (Grad Dip. Legal Practice, ANU)
Master of Laws (International Commercial Law and Dispute Resolution) (LLM, Bond)
Bachelor of Music (BMus, QUT)
Master of Business Administration (MBA, SCU)
Nicola leads Pluri, a strategy and communications consultancy dedicated to assisting organisations demonstrate and evaluate the impact of their work. With over 15 years of experience working alongside boards and executives, she’s passionate about for-purpose organisations living out their vision and mission by refocusing on their impact.
Nicola has a Master’s degree in the Theology of Work and currently serves on the board of Local Leaders International.
Martine works for Generosity Path as Interim Regional Director and is a catalyst for generosity movements in the Oceania region.
Martine has had a diversity of work experiences especially with NFPs and FBOs, including as a lawyer in Melbourne, a Legal Fellow with International Justice Mission in India, 10 years with Tearfund Australia overseeing community development partnerships in India and with Australian churches and financial supporters, 2 years in ministry in her local church, and most recently with Generosity Path implementing their global People and Culture strategy and sharing the Journey of Generosity retreat with individuals, churches and organisations in Oceania, to see a world healed through generosity.
Martine loves working collaboratively and seeks to support churches and ministry/mission organisations to see hearts fully surrendered to Jesus through generosity.
Martine’s heart breaks for the needs she sees around her and she longs to see an abundant outpouring of generosity, spiritual transformation and new-found joy and freedom in Christ across our Region.
Martine is married to Andy, has 3 primary-aged daughters and loves cycling, baking and gardening – though not at the same time!
Neil is currently the CEO at Anglican Insurance and Risk Services Ltd. He leads a team of professionals that provides specialist risk solutions to Anglican churches, schools and care organisations across Australia. Neil is most passionate about moving people from Compliance thinking to strategic missional risk taking.
Outside of work Neil has many years of board experience including current chair of School Revival Inc and formerly chair of Focus on the Family Australia and Sport & Life Training (SALT) and Deputy Chair of Childsafe Ltd. Neil has been married for over 25 years and has two young adult daughters.
Kylie is currently the Acting Executive Director of Arrow Leadership Australia. She has served as CEO, consultant, pastor, leader and coach with many organisations. Kylie is married to Adam and they have two children, Toby and Lily, and live on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria.
Paul Oslington is Professor of Economics and Theology at Alphacrucis University College, the national college of the Australian Pentecostal movement. He joined Alphacrucis in 2013 as inaugural Dean of Business and PhD Program Director, after previous appointments at Australian Catholic University and University of New South Wales. He has doctoral degrees in both economics and theology, and most of his recent research has been on their historical relationships, including Oxford Handbook of Christianity and Economics, Political Economy as Natural Theology: Smith Malthus and their Followers, and a book commissioned by Harvard University Press on the history of economic thinking in the Christian tradition.
Marg is an experienced Executive Leader and Board Member providing insight from management experience across NFP, education, church, and corporation sectors.
She has a passion for learning and views higher education as intellectual bungee-jumping, challenging herself to greater heights through study at Cambridge, Harvard and Yale, alongside her Melbourne based degrees.
Marg established and was CEO of a Registered Training Organisation. She has served on several boards, including an award-winning social enterprise, and is particularly passionate about social justice. She currently works for Payton Foundation, addressing inequity and providing philanthropic support to charity partners in Australia, Africa and Asia.
Neometric is a relational governance adviser, integrating legal and consulting services to assist organisations to align their purpose, people and processes.
As co-founder of Neometric, Mal brings his legal expertise as a former dispute resolution partner in a global law firm, his governance experience as Board chair of an independent church and of an independent public school, and his passion for high performing teams.
Mal is a member of the Law Society of WA, a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a member of the Board and Fellow of Leadership Western Australia and a trained PeaceWise mediator.
Karen is CEO of For Purpose Leadership, an organisation dedicated to seeing people thrive in their workplaces.
Karen is a visionary and innovative leader with 20 years of experience in the NFP sector. She was CEO of The Different Co. (formerly Reventure) and holds a Master of Business Administration, Doctor of Business Leadership, Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), and Fellow Certified Leadership Practitioner.
Karen’s teams have won multiple awards for their passion for change, empowerment, and best practices in governance, leadership, and philanthropy. Karen is a Gallup global coach and The Leadership Challenge® facilitator.
Julie Lawrie (GAICD) is a results-oriented leader with 20+ years’ experience in the field of strategic marketing & business development, and 10+ years’ experience in corporate governance.
Julie is known for leading and equipping boards, executives, and teams to build and execute plans – aligned to a strong purpose and goals through a governance & marketing lens.
Julie has worked in both Australia and the USA across Building & Construction, IT, finance, manufacturing, and professional service businesses with publicly listed companies and global brands. For the last 11 years, she has specialised in small and medium organisations (<$30mil revenue).
Since 1995 Geoff’s passion has been to lead missional teams that help fulfil the Great Commission. After twenty-five years leading teams on campus in Sydney – at Macquarie University, in a regional leadership role, and at the University of Sydney, in April 2021 he moved to Melbourne. He now serves as National Director overseeing teams with a passion for making disciples on campus, in local churches, in the digital realm and among youth across Australia and worldwide.
Dr Edwin (Ted) Boyce is the Principal of Pacific Hills Christian School, New Hope School and Pacific Gulgangali Jarjums Christian School. He is Executive Principal of Pacific Coast Christian School, Pacific Hope School, Pacific Valley Christian School, Valley Hope School, Pacific Brook Christian School, Pacific Berowra Christian School and Pacific Online Christian School.
With education qualifications from the University of Sydney, BA, MEd; and the University of Alberta, Canada, PhD, he has gone on to teach at a number of universities both in Australia and overseas. He was also involved with Regent College, Vancouver, as a Visiting Scholar and Professor, where he assisted in a review of the College as a Christian Education Community.
Ted has a passion for Christian Education and has travelled widely in promoting and teaching on Christian Education on every continent and also in the islands of the Pacific Ocean. His emphasis is always on allowing God’s truth from the Bible to be the informer of how we view all of life and it is his desire that Christian Education should bring glory to God first and foremost, and through that bring rich blessing to those who are served by Christian Education, and to those who are in Christian Education.
Dr Craig Furneaux is an Associate Professor with the School of Accountancy, Faculty of Business and Law at Queensland University of Technology. Craig leads the Australian Centre for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies and is also Subject Area Coordinator for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies. Craig has over 30 years’ experience leading innovation in, and researching with, nonprofit organisations. Craig research focus is on accountability, capability and change in nonprofits organisations and social enterprises. He is also interested in faith-based charities in civil society. His research is available for free here: https://eprints.qut.edu.au/view/person/Furneaux,_Craig.html
Over more than 20 years working in the NFP and corporate sectors, Ben Allsop understands what makes organisations tick. Working with donors that are passionate about ending poverty, Ben oversees the development of powerful partnerships that place resources into the hands of Christian partner organisations around the globe.
Ben has lived and worked in the UK and Samoa and holds a Masters Degree in International & Community Development. Ben is also a cancer survivor and lives in Melbourne with his wife Rachel and their six children.
Adam is a Partner in CBP’s Employment and Safety Team. He advises on the full lifecycle of workplace relations and has a particular focus working with Schools, Faith Based Institutions and Enterprise and the Not For Profit/For Purpose Sector.
Nick has been the CEO of aifc / abound since 2013. Nick describes himself as a curious learner, and comes alive when he is able to help people and organisations walk in their God-given calling and grow in their Spiritual Formation in Christ
Nicholas (Nick) is very blessed and grateful to God to be married to Michelle for the past 27 years. They are the parents of 2 adult children and has lived in the ACT since 2010 Prior to transitioning to Christian Ministry, Nick managed the Federal Government’s Risk and Insurance program and worked for 8 years with Chicago based broking firm, Gallagher in Australia and in the USA
Nick is a Counsellor, Coach, Company Director (MAICD) has an MBA (from Macquarie), is host of the Counsel Culture Podcast and is the founder of the Healthy Leadership Company
Nick is also a rusted on supporter of the St. George Dragons and the Sydney Swans.
Jessen Yeoh is a co-vocational minister. He was originally trained as a civil and structural engineer and has more than 20 years of experience in organisational improvements. He was formerly a consultant for United Nations Secretariat, United Nations Environmental Programme and Peacekeeping Operations.
Throughout his career, he has been in a variety of roles such as Principal Advisor, Operational Excellence Manager, Technical Manager, Certification Manager, assessor, consultant and trainer in Asia, China and Australasia regions. Before joining the Baptist Union of Victoria (BUV) as a Church Consultant, Jessen served as a Chinese Ministry Lead Pastor at NewHope Baptist Church.
Fran Keyes is currently the Practice Leader of Christian law firm Corney & Lind Lawyers’ Employment and Discrimination Law team and also heads Corney & Lind Lawyers’ new workplace mediation practice, Just Redemptive Mediations (JRM). JRM offers mediation services to Corney & Lind Lawyers’ schools, not-for-profit and charity clients, our boards and our councils, helping them navigate workplace conflict and relationship breakdowns in a different way. Fran is a Nationally Accredited Mediator (NMAS) since 2018 with a depth of experience as a workplace lawyer and mediator. Fran completed a Bachelor of Laws & Bachelor of Arts from the University of Queensland and was admitted to practice as a legal practitioner of the Supreme Court of Queensland in 1996, and the High Court of Australia and Federal Court of Australia in 2000.
After a successful career in Recruitment within the banking sector, followed by national leadership roles for an International Christian NFP, Leila brings extensive recruitment, team development and people leadership experience. Leila now specialises in recruiting executive leadership and managerial roles across the Christian Ministry and Not-for-Profit sector. Having personally recruited and led large scale national volunteer teams and served in executive leadership roles across Australia and New Zealand, and backed by qualifications in counselling and leadership, her story covers the highs and lows of facilitating cultural change and organisational effectiveness across each layer of ministry and community service. In her spare time Leila enjoys spending time with her family and writing Christian devotionals for her personal blog and local Christian radio station.
Sharyn is both founder of Opal Fundraising and fundraising manager with RBWH Foundation for start-up initiative Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital. With a 24-year track record across the fundraising spectrum, she counts it a privilege to have led and equipped teams to help prevent suicide, give children a future, share faith, fight cancer and promote good health. Internationally CFRE-accredited as a professional fundraiser, she loves helping people to be generous. Sharyn also has a long history of volunteering, is currently chair of the governing body at her church, and is proud of her husband’s fundraising efforts for school chaplaincy.
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