STANDOUT

BUSINESS ICON® 2012Contestant Profiles

Thank you to our valued sponsors

Charity Partner

University Sponsor

Venue Sponsors

Sponsors

In Kind Sponsors

englishfamilyFOUNDATION

ContentsWelcome & Foreword 5

The Finalists 6

The Contestants 7

The Judges 14

Australian Education and Leadership Centre 20

Business Icon Corporate 21

Make Me A CEO Series 22

Opportunity International Australia 26

Prizes 28

Welcome & ForewordWelcome to the Business Icon 2012 Final. For those of you joining us at this event for the first time you are about to witness the culmination of a journey shared by 32 talented individuals who have fought their way through the toughest competition of their lives.

Business Icon is an experience designed by the Australian Education and Leadership Centre (AELC) to create shifts in paradigm thinking and develop leadership and business skills in young people.

At the AELC, we aim to take people and businesses from the ordinary to the extraordinary. We do this through the design and delivery of niche, innovative world-class education programs or experiences that support and enable the development of leaders.

Our Business Icon program achieves just that and is based on a number of reality TV concepts all rolled into one - including The Apprentice, Australian Idol, Amazing Race, Survivor and Dragons Den but with the education and positive learning philosophy behind Masterchef. This is a program which looks for the best young individuals between the ages of 18 to 25 in each state and challenges them through a series of very complex business tasks. The contestants work with people they have never met, interpret material they have never seen and then return a powerful solution in only hours or days. For most of these young people it is the most intense experience they have had in their entire lives and the most difficult. Yet it all happens in a completely safe environment.

Every year there have been over 900 entries with only 40 chosen per state. This year we have taken the best young individuals from each state and have put 32 into the first Business Icon National Final. Just to make it to the final 32 in 2012 was the most significant achievement for contestants in this competition to date and illustrates just how much potential these young people have. I would like to congratulate all the contestants on a job well-done.

As a result of the program’s success, Business Icon will now be provided as an in-house corporate training program throughout Australia in 2013 to enable many more participants the chance to develop their skills and build effective teams.

The AELC provides opportunities for future and current leaders to standout, be challenged and to move up in their careers. Other examples of how we do this are included in our Make Me A CEO Series™. The Make Me A Leader™ and the Make Me A CEO™ Programs have been developed to fast track the career development of women and men and help them achieve that next leadership role.

In 2013, these highly successful programs will be launching in Melbourne and we are excited to showcase them to you tonight along with our future leaders participating in the Business Icon National competition 2012.

We hope you enjoy your evening with us and take the opportunity to network with the business leaders of tomorrow.

Tracey Hodgkins - CEO Australian Education & Leadership Centre Pty Ltd

The Finalists 6

SAM MCKAY (TOP 4)SWINBURNE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGYSam McKay is a 23 year old psychology student at Swinburne University with a passion for business, education and people. Sam believes that knowledge, insight and wisdom, gained through experience and education, are vitally important for long-term success in business. To acquire these skills Sam has travelled, worked in diverse settings and always looks for new challenges. His ultimate goal is to run his own company that inspires and empowers people. He also likes dogs.

JAMES ROBERTSON (WINNER)QUEENSLAND UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGYJames is a Vice Chancellor’s Scholar at Queensland University of Technology in his final year of an Undergraduate Business degree in Finance and Marketing. After starting two businesses at 18, James discovered a passion for entrepreneurship. He is currently active in connecting resources with ideas in a variety of industries and taking them to market. He is seeking to develop networks with entrepreneurs and investors passionate about innovation and social change.

LLEWELLYN THEWLIS (TOP 4)RMIT UNIVERSITYLlewellyn is a Master of Commerce student at RMIT with a passion for problem solving and critical thinking. He developed a keen analytical mind and an enthusiasm for learning in his undergraduate studies in Media and Communications at the University of Melbourne. He is enjoying applying the business principles he is currently studying to his present employment in a marketing role. Llewellyn looks forward to using these skills in a career in management consulting.

MICHAEL WONG (TOP 4)RMIT UNIVERSITYMichael is a unique, passionate entrepreneur. He founded his own business ‘My Relaxation Starts Here’ during his undergraduate studies of Chinese Medicine and Human Biology. He currently runs corporate stress leverage packages and is a respected martial arts teacher for both adults and children. Now completing his MBA at RMIT, Michael hopes to work with international enterprises and believes in blending Eastern philosophies with modern business concepts.

7The Contestants 7

ASHMAN EZANI AMIRUDINCURTIN UNIVERSITYCurrently pursuing his degree in accounting and finance, Ashman is a first year student from Curtin University. Becoming a Chartered Accountant would be his desirable ambition and hope to run his own charity organisation. He believes that potential for advancement is limitless which is why given the opportunity for professional networking and continuity professional development is important for global recognition, prestige and versatility.

RUBEN AKENESCURTIN UNIVERSITYRuben is a third year Finance student from Norway currently enrolled at Curtin University. Ruben see’s Finance as a valuable skill set for real world application. He has a keen interest for seeking new information and understanding cultural differences within the business world. Personal development is something he views as an important aspect of daily life. Ruben’s main aspiration is to operate his own business to help benefit and improve the broader community.

YAN “JAMES” AUNGSWINBURNE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGYYan “James” Aung is originally from Burma and he moved to Singapore when he was 17 and studied there for almost two years. He came to Australia to finish his degree and currently studying Bachelor of Commerce majoring marketing at Swinburne University of Technology. He have great passion for technologies and gadgets and interest in online social marketing. He is highly active on various social medias and in real social-life.

NAOMI HENN (RISING STAR AWARD)CURTIN UNIVERSITYNaomi is a highly driven and successful first year Commerce student, doing a double major in Business Law and Accounting. Naomi is a recipient of PwC’s Traineeship, Curtin’s Aspiration and Elite Athlete Scholarships. Naomi has two passions, business and sport. As a National and 5 time State Champion, Naomi now trains to represent Australia, whilst aspiring to open her own business. Naomi believes compassion, commitment and communication are vital in today’s times.

8The Contestants 8

MAEVA HEIMEDITH COWAN UNIVERSITYMaeva Heim is a dynamic and ambitious student, undertaking her 4th year of study in Business and Law at Edith Cowan University. With a major in Management and a strong desire to establish an international career, Maeva hopes to one day work as a global brand manager. Maeva has an entrepreneurial spirit and is always open to new learning experiences. Currently, she is turning her passion for vintage clothing and sewing into an online retail business.

NATHANIEL GANRMIT UNIVERSITYNathaniel Gan is a final year student at RMIT studying construction management. His true passion, however, lies in entrepreneurship and the development of his own business. Nathaniel entered the RMIT Business Plan Competition 2012 with a waffle franchise idea and decided to put his plan to action. Currently Nathaniel successfully secured a store at Queen Victoria Market, he is working hard to create interest in his business while completing his university studies.

JACOB HKEIKMACQUARIE UNIVERSITYJacob is an aspiring business and psychology student determined to succeed in the corporate sector. Prior to studying at Macquarie, Jacob spent 11 years developing his talents in both performance and production within the arts. He hopes to combine both his creative and analytical skills to work in the advertising industry. He is currently looking for opportunities to develop his expertise.Jacob is a curious young man with a drive to be the best.

MADELEINE DORESWINBURNE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGYMadeleine has been described as a stand out student with talents in creativity, organisation and leadership. As a final year Entrepreneurship and Innovation student at Swinburne University, she aims to be a flexible and multi-skilled professional, with an interest in events, social entrepreneurship, and emerging trends. Madeleine is passionate about a collaborative future and believes vast experiences will help to utilise her creativity and optimise her potential.

9The Contestants 9

MICHELLE MULYONOUNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNEThe sky is the limit. This statement is a main principle which underlying each of Michelle’s thought and action. She believes that everything is possible whenever someone is willing to push their personal limit and aim for the best. She is highly determined to graduate as a bimolecular engineer so that one day she will be able to create medication for the current incurable diseases and share the profit by building free school for down syndrome children.

SARA MALIKUNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNESara is a commerce student at the University of Melbourne. Majoring in marketing and management, Sara hopes to prepare herself for the dynamic business world and secure a promising future. Originating from Pakistan, she aims to contribute to the economies of LEDCs and believes the most appropriate way to do so is through business and entrepreneurship. She believes in perseverance and challenging herself to reach her utmost potential to realise her dreams.

BENJI KROWITZMACQUARIE UNIVERSITYBenji is currently studying a combined Commerce and Law degree at Macquarie University. Benji is determined to discover new ways to help businesses perform beyond their current expectations. This involves a commitment to continual development and most importantly innovation. Exposure to new situations helps prepare one for the volatility faced by business. By rejecting the current status-quo, Benji believes new platforms of innovation are waiting to be discovered.

SHALITHA KARUNATHILAKAMONASH UNIVERSITYShelly has had an entrepreneurial spark in him since a young age. He has taken his ability to throw parties into a successful events management business that works with international celebrities. He has also script written for nationally broadcasted TV and is starting up his own fashion label. Shelly believes that his greatest asset is his youthfulness and wants to implement it into his business plans and pass on his success to those achieving the same goals.

10The Contestants 10

MARY NOVAKOVICHCURTIN UNIVERSITYMary is a creative final year marketing student at Curtin University. With a background in fashion and design, she has a natural artistic flair and eye for key trends. As an ‘up and coming’ entrepreneur, her main strength is the ability to think outside the box, consistently create new ideas and confidently pursue channels that bring them to life. In the near future, Mary aims to develop an innovative business that ties together her various interests.

OMKAR MARKALEMONASH UNIVERSITYOmkar is currently studying a double degree in Bachelor of Electrical Engineering and Biomedical Science. Having started two successful companies in the event management/consulting industry, he has illustrated his hard work ethic and commitment to achieving his goals. He is a strongly motivated individual, and is looking for an opportunity to exercise his skill set in the field of Engineering.

SRIKARAN NADADORMONASH UNIVERSITYSrikaran is a first year student at Monash majoring in Economics and International Relations. He aims to receive a doctorate in Economics from a prestigious institution. As a budding entrepreneur, Srikaran would like to be a dynamic force for constructive change in areas of market research and data analytics. Being a catalyst in his field of study, he intends to change the world for the better with new ideas and innovation by setting up a firm of his own.

PHILLIP NGUYENSWINBURNE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGYPhillip is an enthusiastic and ambitious student at Swinburne University of Technology. Through majoring in management, Phillip endeavours to one day lead his own team into the modern era. Currently, Phillip is employed by the Bendigo Bank and with his ongoing studying commitments he seeks to develop a rounded view with how education coupled with work will broaden his horizons. He believes that hard work coupled with a good environment is essential for success.

11The Contestants 11

CHRIS RENWICKDEAKIN UNIVERSITYChris is currently studying as a first year arts and commerce student at Deakin University. Majoring in Chinese language, he plans to establish a chain of resorts throughout South-East Asia. As a highly motivated and ambitious individual, he is passionate about his extra-curricular activities and enjoys undertaking new and rewarding experiences. Currently he also operates his own part-time gardening business whilst also studying full-time.

PRIYA PARGHIDEAKIN UNIVERSITYPriya is ambitious, passionate and friendly. She is currently in her penultimate year of a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws at Deakin University. Priya enjoys studying law because she likes to solve problems pragmatically and with innovation and she hopes to develop her career in this area. Through majoring in psychology Priya loves working with a variety of different people and therefore thrives in a team environment.

PHILIP PACZYNSKIMACQUARIE UNIVERSITYPhilip Paczynski is passionate about strategy, sustainability and innovation. He is a well rounded 3rd year student studying Business Administration and International Business at Macquarie University, Sydney. He has held an internship in HR for 18 months and volunteered in local government for 16 months working on a major water program. He has also represented Australia at the World Bank headquarters. Philip plans to complete an MBA and believes he is pragmatic.

MONISHA PAROMITAUNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE‘Entrepreneurship, innovation, intelligence’ - three words that define the 21st century business world to Monisha, an international student with extensive ambitions of one day contributing something extraordinary to this world. Currently a first year Commerce student at UM and with a keen interest in technology and social entrepreneurship, she aspires to be part of a corporate venture that is a synchronisation of both of those elements.

12The Contestants 12

SAM STEWARTUNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNESam “Frenchie” Stewart is a final year IT student from UniMelb. Along side his studies, he has developed a passion for technology startups. At 21 years old, he took his first startup to Silicon Valley as a part of the Advance.org program. He now works as the Community Manager of the York Butter Factory, a digital co-working space at the heart of Melbourne’s startup scene. Addicted to learning, Frenchie intends to get back into startup after graduating.

LUKE SWETMANQUEENSLAND UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGYLuke is a final year Marketing student at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT). Currently completing a Business Development Cadetship with Baulderstone, Luke is also a Senior Student Ambassador for QUT and an External Relations Officer for their Faculty of Law. Luke’s excited for a future in socially aware businesses due to his experience as President of SIFE QUT, student group who uses the positive power of business to empower people in need.

NICHOLAS ROKKASUNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, SYDNEYNicholas is a passionate and determined 2nd year university student studying a combined degree in Accounting & Law full-time on a Scholarship at UTS. Nicholas is currently employed full-time on a cadetship at ESV Chartered Accountants, where he combines technical proficiency with a proactive attitude. Nicholas was the youngest delegate at Kevin Rudd’s 2020 Summit in 2008 and is always seeking new opportunities to further his personal and professional development.

JOEL SMITHQUEENSLAND UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGYJoel is a highly passionate, determined and approachable student in his second year of Bachelor of Business (Marketing/Sales) at QUT in Brisbane. He utilises his knowledge and his habit of learning new skills, to one day, develop and build many SME’s and become an Australian business leader in the start-up industry. However, with his early life shrouded by depression and anxiety, he is currently searching for a mentor to take him to his optimal potential.

13The Contestants 13

REBECCA ZEINSTRASWINBURNE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGYRebecca is in her third year of Commerce: International Business at Swinburne University of Technology. Community minded; Rebecca believes many brilliant solutions come from thinking outside the box, hoping to one-day work with organisations that have a focus on changing people’s lives. She continually seeks to develop and learn new skills in this integrated and dynamic world, with the goal of applying innovative solutions everywhere she goes.

JING YU WONGMONASH UNIVERSITYAs a second year business undergraduate student with Monash University, Jing has undertaken numerous business courses and projects and she was able to translate the successful business models in textbooks into real life business projects. From this,she gained invaluable experience and strengthened her theoretical concepts. She believes the ability to make identify with both theory and reality is a valuable skill set required in this fast paced economy.

ADAM WALLISSWINBURNE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGYAdam is an eager, intuitive and motivated business student aspiring to graduate with a degree in entrepreneurship and innovation. Having held positions of leadership through both past and present employment, Adam is excited by the opportunity to further develop his skills throughout his first tertiary degree. He is confident that his attention to detail and ambitious nature will help him achieve his desire to one day run a successful business of his own.

1414The Judges 14

ANNIE AUSTINPARTNER AT SPENCER STUARTWorking with one of the world’s top executive search firms, Annie Austin works with CEO’s and boards to address a variety talent issues. Whether this is succession planning for the most senior/mission critical executive roles, identifying and recruiting qualified people in the marketplace or carrying out executive assessment, Annie works with her colleagues in Australia and internationally to ensure that Spencer Stuart’s clients get top quality service and optimal solutions.

Before joining Spencer Stuart in Melbourne in 2004, Annie worked in a variety of roles internationally, including some of the world’s largest consulting firms through to early-stage companies during the dot com boom.

Throughout her career Annie has been passionate about innovation, whether this was leading the completion of the Multifunction Polis Feasibility Study in Australia more than 20 years ago, or helping clients build great teams to do new things today.

PETER ALEXANDERFASHION DESIGNER & FOUNDER OF PETER ALEXANDER SLEEPWEARPeter Alexander is a true entrepreneur and Founder of Peter Alexander Sleepwear. Peter grew the company from a single man operation on a living room table to an internationally recognised sleepwear business and brand name. At age 24, having worked for four years in the retail industry, Peter decided it was time to be his own boss. Identifying a gap in the market when his female friends were unable to find comfortable women’s pyjamas that weren’t flannelette nighties or lacy lingerie styles, Peter decided to establish his own business. Peter Alexander Sleepwear was sold to the Just Jeans brand in 2000 and he still works today as creative director. In 2012 there are fifty plus Peter Alexander stores in the group as well as www.peteralexander.com.au one of Australia’s most successful online companies.

1515The Judges 15

JOHAN BERGMANAGING DIRECTOR OF L’OREAL, AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALANDJohan Berg has been with the L’Oreal Group for 14 years and was appointed Managing Director of L’Oreal Australia and New Zealand in 2010, following earlier management success in Europe and in Asia. As a dynamic and effective leader; his successful career has been driven by his strong business acumen and determination. Johan has also proven himself a big developer of talent, and enjoys working in close proximity to his teams, creating open exchange and a positive spirit.

Johan has a strong interest in recruiting entrepreneurial, innovative graduates to become the General Managers of the future. “At L’Oreal, creativity is the air we breathe - inspiring vision, shaping concepts, driving our business with hundreds of new product launches every year.” Johan has taken well to the Australian lifestyle; with a passion for outdoor activities and sport. In his spare time he enjoys adventure skiing, sailing, scuba diving and other dangerous activities including diving with sharks!

LINDA BROWNDEPUTY VICE-CHANCELLOR AND DIRECTOR TAFE, SWINBURNE UNIVERSITY Linda Brown is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Director TAFE at Swinburne, responsible for managing the TAFE Division, which delivers $100M of training to more than 39,000 students annually.Linda has an outstanding record of leadership within the VET sector at a national and international level, including her post as Director of Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE (MSIT) in Brisbane, one of the largest institutes in Queensland, as well as Managing Director of Dartington Tech from 2001-2005, one of the largest private education providers in the UK.

Linda has represented Australia at 5 APEC Women Leaders Forums, the last hosted by Secretary of State Hilary Clinton in 2011, where 5 women from Australia (Linda representing education) were asked to join the top 150 in Asia Pacific to formalise strategies for the economic development of women in business.Linda is passionate about raising aspirations and ensuring that sustainability is embedded in social, business and environmental leadership and service delivery.

1616The Judges 16

TANIA DE JONG AMFOUNDER CREATIVE UNIVERSE, CREATIVITY AUSTRALIA AND CREATIVE INNOVATION GLOBALTania de Jong AM is a leading Australian soprano, social entrepreneur and international keynote speaker on creative leadership and innovation. She founded Creativity Australia and Creative Universe and works with disadvantaged communities through the ‘With One Voice’ choir social inclusion programs.Tania presents keynote speeches and leadership programs and performs internationally with her group Pot-Pourri and event production company Music Theatre Australia. She is also Founder and Executive Producer of Creative Innovation Global.www.ci2012.com.auShe was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in June 2008 for service to the arts as a performer and entrepreneur and through the establishment and development of music and arts enrichment programs for schools and communities.Through her work, Tania has received numerous awards including Ernst and Young Australian Social Entrepreneur of the Year as Founder of The Song Room and was a Finalist in the Telstra Business Women’s Awards. She was inducted into the AGSE Entrepreneurs Hall of Fame at Swinburne University.

PETER GARDINERHEAD OF ORIGINATION, CORPORATE BANKPeter leads the ANZ Corporate and Commercial Bank’s National Origination Strategy, which touches one third of new customers to the bank. Peter joined ANZ in 2010 from Ernst & Young, where he held a leadership role in the Strategic Growth Markets Group. He also has 25 years experience in the financial services sector both in the UK and Australia.

Peter was a Co-Founding Director of Aberdeen based Kudos Independent Financial Advisors, which he subsequently sold to FT100 Company Scottish & Southern Energy in 2000. Through his experience as an entrepreneur, Peter has been a champion of new business creation. He was a local area champion for the entrepreneur of year awards program and has held director roles in both public & private businesses in addition to equity positions in multiple ventures.

Peter is described as a connector, passionate about enabling the growth and development of start-up companies through utilising his network to provide opportunities for the benefit of others.

1717The Judges 17

JORDAN GREENCHAIRMAN AT AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATION OF ANGEL INVESTORS LTDJordan is an internationally sought after ‘thought leader’ and featured speaker on early-stage investing. He has over twenty-nine years of experience in growing and advising technology oriented companies in Australia, USA, Asia and Europe.

A Silicon Valley software veteran, Jordan was a founding partner of one of the best performing venture capital fund managers in Australia; he is Co-Founder and Chairman of the Australian Association of Angel Investors (AAAI); founding President of Angel investor group, Melbourne Angels Inc.; and a Case Manager for Commercialisation Australia.

Jordan is a frequent judge for entrepreneurial events and also advises governments on policy and programs for the early-stage entrepreneurial space. He has been director, CEO, executive, or engineer of over a dozen technology and engineering companies since starting his career with IBM. Jordan remains an optimist and a collaborator.

RICK HARTENTREPRENEUR & EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN OF KITCHEN HEADQUARTERSBorn and bred in country Western Australia, Rick Hart has become a prominent figure in Perth, heading up the retail giant Rick Hart Group and also as Chairman of the Fremantle Football Club.

Rick Hart started the brand of the same name in 1975 after spotting an opportunity in the Western Australian market to sell domestic appliances at warehouse prices to consumers. Having led the chain for 34 years, Rick Hart Group was sold to ASX publicly listed company Clive Peeters, of which Rick continued on as a the director until 2009.

Rick is recognised as one of Australia’s leading business figures in the retail market and has recently taken on the role of Executive Chairman of Kitchen Headquarters, an exclusive kitchen, cooking and laundry retailer in Perth.

1818The Judges 18

MELINA SCHAMROTHM.A.D.WOMANSocial entrepreneur Melina Schamroth is in the business of making a difference. Founder of m.a.d.woman (making a difference), creator of the unique Single Volunteers dating program, Grateful in April, Gals Doin’ Good networking events, motivational speaker and author, Melina runs programs and events to connect people with each other and with their communities. Amongst an impressive list of awards and achievements, m.a.d.woman recently won the National 2011 Telstra Business Awards – Yellow Pages Social Responsibility Award (as well as the Victorian State winner) .

Melina spent 18 years working in journalism, communication, marketing and PR roles for a variety of global companies and leading organisations in Australia and New Zealand. These include top 100 companies, Government, not for profit groups, private companies and emerging businesses. Melina studied Philanthropy and Social Investment at Swinburne on to extensive pro bono work for not for profit organisations in University in addition to extensive pro bono work for not for profit organisations in Australasia.

TRACEY HODGKINS CEO, THE AUSTRALIAN EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP CENTRE (AELC)Tracey Hodgkins is regularly referred to as a Change Catalyst, Entrepreneur, and Innovator. The AELC CEO is in demand World Wide for creating and delivering strategic change and experiential education programs that make a difference. Her work has been honoured both nationally and internationally.

As the Founder of the AELC, Tracey has built the company from nothing to a multi-million dollar enterprise in demand with global companies, universities and Governments. She has worked internationally in countries such as Singapore, the UK, US and Europe and is currently working with leaders across multiple countries within the Asia Pacific region. Tracey is the founder of the Business Icon program.This and much more has led to Tracey’s nomination and success as the WA Telstra Business Women of the Year and awards such as the Business and Higher Education Round Table Entrepreneurial Educator of the Year and finalist as Australias most inspirational woman in the Veuve Cliquot awards. Featured in the Who’s Who of Australia she is regularly featured in Newspapers, TV and Radio.

1919The Judges 19

DAVID SHAFEREXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF KOGANDavid Shafer is Executive Director at Kogan, an online retailer of consumer electronics that is one of Australia’s fastest growing companies, set to record $150m+ in sales in 2012. David is in charge of ensuring Kogan’s continued growth and rapid expansion both in Australia and into global markets.

Kogan has sold over 550,000 products directly to Australian and international customers through its websites since Ruslan Kogan launched it in his parent’s garage in November 2006, with no zero external funding or capital.

David has is himself a high achieving individual, gaining fast paced success in his previous role as a Senior Associate in law firm Arnold Bloch Leibler. Since becoming Executive Director in 2010, Kogan has expanded internationally, launched its world first dynamic pricing system called LivePrice, expanded its product offering to include some of the World’s most popular consumer electronic items and undergone phenomenal growth.

PETER WILSONCEO DATACOM SYSTEMS AUSTRALIA AND ASIAPeter is responsible for leading Datacom’s strategic direction and delivering a comprehensive portfolio of Professional IT Services. Peter is a member of the Group Executive Leadership team, an entity with over $750 million in revenue, across 28 cities in 6 countries. Working at Datacom for the past 9 years, Peter has championed the organisation’s focus on enabling customers to overcome complex business challenges by facilitating productive, new-generation outsourcing relationships through a focus on solution transformation.

Peter is passionate about accelerating business growth and improved customer satisfaction through the continual development of dedicated employees. He was the principle architect of Datacom’s company-wide Talent Management Framework which he continues to be a sponsor.

Peter holds a Bachelor of Commerce from University of Western Sydney, Diploma in Market Research and has completed Executive Programs at London Business School and Harvard Law School.

Australian Education and Leadership Centre (AELC)Previously known as the Australian Experiential Learning Centre, the Australian Education and Leadership Centre (AELC) is an internationally award winning education provider that delivers Leadership Programs and strategies for corporations, education institutions and Governments throughout the world. At the AELC, our visionary approach takes people and businesses from ordinary to the extraordinary. We use a strategic but individualist capacity-building style of design which has far-reaching effects that achieve superb results with distinct and discrete outcomes. Unique programs such as the Leadership for Development Program developed for leaders of AusAID supported countries are impacting individual lives in over 96 countries world-wide and profiled programs like Make Me A CEO are developing the corporate leaders of the future.

www.aelc.edu.au

Our ProgramsMake Me A CEO™Make Me A Leader ™Business Icon®Leadership ProgramsTailored Corporate Programs & ConsultancyAccredited Programs

Business Icon® CorporateOver the last eight years, many companies have benefited through theemployment of young individuals that have participated in the AELC’s life changingBusiness Icon® program. As a result of the success of this program, the AELC willnow be providing Business Icon® Corporate as an in-house corporate trainingexperience throughout Australia in 2013. Business Icon® Corporate will use the same fast-paced style of deliverytargeted at younger professionals already working within the corporateenvironment. With the aim to build resilience, encourage team work, developrelationships and encourage leadership development, Business Icon® Corporatewill enhance any internal training program. This is an excellent team buildingexercise that encourages overall business competence and corporate social responsibility. Business Icon® Corporate uses the same experiential principles found in all of theAELC’s successful Leadership Programs and will enable many more participantsthe chance to develop their skills and build effective teams.

www.businessicon.com/corporate/

Make Me A CEO™ SeriesAll AELC leadership programs have been recognised as high quality but none so much as the Make Me A CEO™ Series. These leadership programs were designed initially to mentor women into senior management roles in large corporate and government organisations. The programs have since been further developed to assist high potential men and women achieve and sustain greater levels of leadership within their current business environments and the community at large. It consists of interactive programs that are designed to help individuals move to the next levels in their careers.

The Make Me A Leader™ and the Make Me A CEO™ Programs have been developed to fast track the career development of men and women and help them achieve that next leadership role.

www.makemeaceo.com

Make Me A CEO™The Make Me A CEO™ Leadership Award Program is an exciting program that sees high potential women achieve and sustain greater levels of leadership. Designed to fast track career development, this program consists of peer group support, a series of monthly workshops and residentials, executive coaching and mentoring with high level executives in a variety of roles and companies. Networking events are designed into the program to extend the professional associations of the participants and provide participants with the essential skills and experience to operate efficiently and effectively at a higher level.

With support from high level executives and award winning business owners thisprogram has one aim in mind: 20 women in senior executive level positions

Make Me A Leader™ WomenThe Make Me A Leader™ Program is a new, exciting, initiative aimed to equip junior to middle management women with real leadership skills.

Research shows that there are major learning differences between men and women that encourages a need for gender-specific programs. Gender specific programs allow participants to have an expanded education opportunity, access to a custom tailored learning environment in regards to learning styles and gender preferred communication techniques.

This program is designed to fast track career development. It consists of a series of intensive workshops, executive coaching modules, group mentoring and an inspirational speaker series. This is coupled with an overarching innovation project so that learning is embedded with real outcomes.

Make Me A Leader™ MenThe Make Me A Leader™ Program for men is a new, exciting, initiative aimed to equip junior to middle management men with real leadership skills.

Research shows that there are major learning differences between men and women that encourages a need for gender-specific programs. Gender specific programs allow participants to have an expanded education opportunity, access to a customised learning environment in regards to learning styles and gender preferred communication techniques.

Through a series of intensive workshops, modulised executive coaching, group mentoring and an inspirational speaker series – this program is designed to fast track career development. It also includes an overarching innovation project to allow practical learning.

Business Icon is proud to support Opportunity International Australia in 2012

Each year, Business Icon® aims to provide learning experiences to young people, whilst giving back to a charity. In 2012, we have partnered with Opportunity International Australia, a non-profit organisation that uses a business approach to solve the problem of poverty.

Rather than providing a hand-out, Opportunity International Australia helps provide people living in poverty with a loan as small as $100 to help them start or grow their own small business. This enables them to earn a regular income, supporting them and their families to break free from the cycle of poverty.

Working with Opportunity International Australia has provided Business Icon® participants with a valuable learning experience on what it means to live in poverty, and how a small business loan can achieve so much for many individuals, families and communities living in the developing world.

The benefit of micro-financeOpportunity International Australia provides people living in poverty with access to basic financial services – including small loans, savings accounts, insurance and business training. These services support in the creation of small, financially sustainable businesses that can support a family or eventual help empower a community.

Why support this cause?Opportunity International Australia aims to see people lifted out of poverty permanently. Part of a global network, the organisation is currently working with millions of people to help break the cycle of poverty. With the repayment rate on microfinance loans at 97%, higher than that of the western world, your donation is lent out again and again, meaning one donation could change the lives of thousands of people.

For more information about the work of Opportunity International Australia or to make a donation, visit www.opportunity.org.au or call (02) 9270 3300.

Business Icon®and Opportunity International are proudly supported by the English Family Foundation.

englishfamilyFOUNDATION

PrizesAll Top 32 National Contestants• A goody bag from Business Icon with gifts from sponsors: L’Oreal, Harvest Box,

Café Blac and a copy of Dumbo Feather• Finalist Certificate• Access to Kwan Leadership Portal, an online network resource that connects

and engages professionals throughout the business sector• Profile in the Business Icon Candidate booklet, which will be sent to over

1000 businesses

Final Four Contestants4 x 3 hour group mentoring sessions from Kwan, the leading management consulting firm with Jon Burgess which includes connecting with men and women leaders of like-mind (worth $25,000).These sessions include:• Thought Leadership: Attend 1 Kwan ‘THE THREE MINDS…’ workshop • Event: Attend 1 ‘Tipping Point’ Event

http://www.kwan.com.au/tipping-point/• Forum: Attend 2 Kwan ‘CONNECT 1’ (Women of Like-Mind) or Connect 11

(Men of Like-Mind) forums• Access to Kwan Leadership Portal, an online network resource that connects

and engages professionals throughout the business sector

Three Runners UpDelegate pass to the Creative Innovation 2012 Conference (worth $465.00) which will include:• 1 x Master Class Pass• 2 x Deep Conversation Passes

Winner• $2000.00• Winners trophy• 1 x Silver Pass to Creative Innovation 2012 worth $2845.00. This includes a full

delegate pass to the 2 day conference and a place at the Gala Dinner.

Thank you to our valued sponsors

Charity Partner

University Sponsor

Venue Sponsors

Sponsors

In Kind Sponsors

englishfamilyFOUNDATION

www.businessicon.com

Business Icon®PO Box 2094

High WycombeWA 6057

T: +61 8 9250 6544F: +61 8 9250 6577

E: businessicon@aelc.edu.au