DOUG ADAMSON
Doug Adamson fills his days working with innovative companies. As a Case Manager with Commercialisation Australia, Doug assists companies to bring new products, processes or services to the market through this competitive, merit based grant funding program. He's recently managed a portfolio of early-stage technology businesses for a seed/early stage investment fund, Playford Capital, been an advisor to many SME's, and has made several angel investments of his own. Doug has founded, grown, managed and sold businesses in media, web software, training and distribution, and has qualifications in electronic engineering, finance, venture capital and company directorship.
PAUL DALY
BSc, MSTC - Innovation and Commercialisation Consulting
Paul was responsible for building the m.Net Australia consortium, developing the m.Net Australia project proposal, securing $15 million of inaugural funding and establishing the company’s early structure.
Paul had specific responsibility for innovation activity within m.Net Corporation and he is committed to supporting the development of a successful mobile Internet industry in Australia. He was also the architect of the collaborative Export Navigator program, which was designed to create pathways for Australian companies to successfully commercialise mobile content in global markets.
Paul is now providing consulting services in the areas of innovation and commercialisation. Paul has addressed numerous conferences, seminars and workshops with a focus on mobile services innovation and related opportunities.
He has a strong background in entrepreneurship, sourcing finance for projects and ventures, the commercialisation of technology and has recent experience in the export of digital content. He also has a passionate interest in the role of creativity in the innovation cycle.
DR BOB ROSS
Dr. Bob Ross is the Principle Consultant and primary contributor for Robert J. Ross & Associates based in Hawthorn, South Australia. In addition to Dr. Bob, an international network of highly qualified, multi-disciplinary consultants add to the team.
Dr. Bob is a seasoned technologist and technology advisor, having gained his experience through a career-long pursuit to obtain a working knowledge of technology business dynamics. In this pursuit, he has had strategic corporate roles ranging from development engineer, research and development manager, international marketing manager, general manager to company director. He understands the makings of a successful business from the ground up because he has been there.
Dr. Bob graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester New York in May 1977, Bachelor of Technology, Honours specialising in communication technologies. He has also obtained an honorary PhD in Communication Science from Stanford University for his participation in the development of asymmetrical transmission packet elements that have become part of the Internet Protocol.
Dr. Bob’s first roles in business were very much involved with product design and development, where he discovered the process of commercialisation. His later roles focussed on the commercial side of technology, where he developed astute commercial acumen and the skills necessary to successfully operate in today’s business world.
LISA ORMENYESSY
An early career in the Defence Force saw Lisa Ormenyessy gain the invaluable life experience only a stint in uniform can offer, before embarking on an entrepreneurial journey that includes two of her own original and successful business ventures, a marketing contract that saw her shape one of SA’s most iconic shopping precincts, and study with the International Coach Federation.
With experience from the humble beginnings of shoestring start-ups, to her valuable participation on several boards, Lisa is familiar with all stages of the business journey. From pitfalls and common mistakes to the dizzying heights of success and the hurdles that this too can bring - all essential knowledge when providing you with an outsider’s view and sensitivity to your current position – Lisa can guide you towards even better results, no matter where you might currently be in your business.
Her ability to identify with the isolation and sense of overwhelm that haunts business owners compels her to provide clients with practical strategies and techniques that deliver results; and while her style is hands on, interactive and fun, do not expect a talk-fest. Her direct, succinct and authentic style enables you to see your business from a fresh “birds eye” perspective. Working with Lisa will enable you to implement permanent ‘solutions-based’ strategies rather than symptomatic quick fixes.
Lisa assists entrepreneurs of any industry or growth stage to set parameters and strong foundations for sustainable growth, and the transformations that you and your business will undergo when partnering with Lisa are both meaningful and lasting. A uniquely talented women, and an inspirational success story of how a single mother of two can be an entrepreneur and an inspiration to others, Lisa is a motivator and facilitator of change and is passionate about being a catalyst in other people's lives by empowering them to drive their business further.
SPECIALIST MENTOR - DEREK MUNNEKE
CIO at NextFaze and techno guru
SPECIALIST MENTOR - NICK LOTHIAN
Technology
Nick Lothian is a software architect and developer with nearly 15 years experience in a wide variety of roles. He specializes in Web technologies ranging from front end (Javascript, GWT etc) through to back end technologies (Java, PHP, databases & search) as well as dabbling in mobile development. Nick is a Mega alumni (2008) and graduated from the University of South Australia in 1997 with a Bachelor in Computer and Information Science. Nick can be found on Twitter at @nlothian
SPECIALIST MENTOR - SPUTNIK
Advertising and communications
Sputnik has worked for three of the world’s biggest ad agency groups including Leo Burnett, Clemenger BBDO and Ogilvy. Which we think you’ll agree seems to suggest he might just know a thing or two about a thing or two about Advertising and Marketing.
In fact, he’s had quite a few rather impressive jobs over the years as he’s worked in Australia and South East Asia as a copywriter, creative director, communications director and a couple of other equally nice sounding titles. For some reason, he tends not to brag too much about his time as ‘the guy who sends couriers’ though. Or about being sacked from most of those jobs - including by the same people twice. But that’s another story.
Which might just explain why he ended up starting his own business where he has the slightly dubious title of ‘Idea Merchant and Chief Swashbuckler’.
The bottom line is, Sputnik’s quite a creative and strategic guy who, despite his feeble attempt to look like a 20-something rock star, has actually clocked up over two decades (it sounds like longer than 20 years, right?) experience in the industry. During which time he’s worked on all kinds of projects for everyone from Unilever and Mercedes-Benz to Disney and The Simpsons. He’s even managed to pick up a bunch of creative awards both in Australia and internationally, for writing and directing, in the process.
Despite his over-hyped Bio and ridiculous hair cut he’s actually a surprisingly down to Earth guy who’s passionate about what he does, but not to the point of being a pain in the arse to work with. Well, at least not most of the time.
GRAEME KENNELLY
Graeme has worked in the information technology industry for over 30 years with more than 20 years in senior leadership and corporate development roles with major information technology, telecommunications and satellite services companies in both Australia and the United States. Graeme was actively involved with the early development of the internet and had the leadership role in establishing the Telstra’s Internet business. Since returning to Australia in 2003 Graeme has been focused on developing small technology companies involved in real time systems, global positioning systems, electronics manufacturing, engineering services and wireless networking. More recently, Graeme has established himself as an angel investor and is actively involved as an investor, coach and mentor in a small number of rapidly growing digital media companies.
ANNE MCCUTCHEON
After an early career in community development, her work experience includes commercial, not for profit and public sector work environments, including local government nationally and internationally, state and federal governments. Anne has developed corporate online management education and development in companies and government departments in collaboration with UniSA, and now teaches strategic management with the Australian institute of Management’s Graduate School of Business.
TODD MILLER
“Success comes to those who go out and get it”
Todd Miller is the President and CEO of Aussie Inc. which helps companies with consumer products to export into the USA. Started in early 2009, his first product, a portable dog kennel range called HoundHouse, launched in October 2009 and is sold across the USA into Kmart, QVC, the Sportsman’s Guide and pet specialty stores. Todd also secured a contract to supply the dog kennels to the US Military. Todd also secured a license through famed dog whisperer Cesar Millan and has launched a version of the HoundHouse under the Dog Whisperer brand. Aussie Inc. now has products in the pet, cleaning, surf and food categories. Companies Todd works with include Maggie Beer, Total Fresh and Imagination. Todd is also importing an American invented product into Australia from early 2011.
Todd Miller has been involved in marketing for over 20 years, across a number of industries. He has been successfully involved in retail leadership with Brashs and Radio Rentals, worked in consumer electronics Sharp and Philips, and creative in the international licensing arena with Imagination Entertainment.
Todd has launched successful brands including Battle of the Sexes and Fact or Crap, and been involved in winning key licenses through Warner Brothers, HBO and Cesar Millan Inc. His international experience extends across 15 countries, including the USA, United Kingdom, Europe, New Zealand, South Africa and South America.
Todd has worked across a number of industries including consumer electronics retail and wholesale, toys and games, advertising, market research, consumer behaviour and international trade. Key skills include research, sales, marketing, product and brand development, manufacturing, import and export experience, cross-promotional strategies and operational management.
Todd served as a Director and Board Member of the Australian Institute of Management (SA), a member of the Council of the Australian Marketing Institute as well as Chair for the AIM Young Professional Group (SA).
CRAIG PICKERING
Craig Pickering, author of 'Successful Sales Management', has nearly 20 years experience in senior management, including senior positions with Harvey Norman Commercial, Hagemeyer and Panasonic Australia (Sydney).
His wide industry experience is unique and covers retail, manufacturing, finance, insurance, wholesale, consumer electronics, IT, telecommunications, education, importing, distribution, not for profit and construction.
He has successfully managed a diverse team of 14 staff, covering areas including customer service, estimation and warehousing.
Craig is a Certified Professional Manager with the Australian Institute of Management, an affiliate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is a past board member of the Conservation Council of South Australia
TREVOR GLEN
Trevor Glen is one of the founders and the Managing Director of Memory Box Backup Pty Ltd. After starting professional life as a Software Engineer at the Motorola Australia Software Centre, Trevor jumped in the deep end and started a software development company along with fellow engineers from Motorola. He now spends his days juggling sales, marketing and investment related activities for the multi-award winning Memory Box backup product.
SHANE BEVIN
Shane Bevin is Technical Director and Co-Founder of Adelaide based Animation and New Media Studio, Monkeystack. He is a multimedia designer and educator with over fifteen years of experience in computer aided art and design. Shane's first computer was a ZX81 with a staggering 1 kb of ram backed by the blistering speed of a 3.5 MHz processor and so rarely complains about contemporary technology. He is an accomplished 3d modeller and animator with a soft spot for weird little robot designs and steampunk. Shane has a focus on technical direction and has high level skills in 3d compositing, 3d animation, camera tracking/matching, particle and simulation effects, render wrangling and 2d/3d integration. He's never met a gadget he doesn't like and his brain is filled with sometimes useful but often bizarre trivia.
SHANE CHEEK
BBus MSTC MAICD
Shane is the Managing Director of Method Advisory.
Prior to this he was an Investment Manager with Playford Capital, a $20m technology seed fund based in SA. Responsibilities include the identification and packaging of early stage investment opportunities and managing a portfolio of 4 investee companies. In 2009 he assisted Playford portfolio companies in raising over $12m of private and public co-investment.
He has worked as State Manager with the Australian Institute for Commercialisation where he was responsible for industry development programs including TechFast® which was funded by State and Commonwealth Government and spent 6 years commercialising university research at ITEK and the University of Adelaide.
Prior to this he founded Realize Technology, which focused on in licensing and developing a portfolio of technologies for the energy and utilities sector.
Shane holds an undergraduate degree in Marketing and postgraduate qualifications in Technology Commercialisation and Finance. Shane mentored Chronicle Mobile, which scooped the prize pool in the 2008 MEGA series.
TIM WATERHOUSE
Tim has twenty two years in Telstra in engineering, marketing and management, ending up as GM Consumer SA/NT and CEO’s Representative for SA. Tim spent five years in government developing strategy around government standards and use of IT and telecoms, sourcing strategies and associated industry development.
After leaving government, Tim spent several years as independent consultant (mainly working for financiers) at end of “dot com” period – a useful grounding in good business planning and investment! He then had seven years as MD of Sentek Pty Ltd a small SA business that designs, builds and exports electronic soil moisture sensors and software. Still a Board member and R and D adviser to Sentek.
For the past two years, Tim has been CEO of a Helicopter company! Currently a director of a national Cooperative Research Centre and of the Water Industry Alliance (an organisation focussed on small business growth), he is now semi-retired!
Tim describes his education as – “lots of management training including an MBA (UniSA). Fellow of Institution of Engineers Australia, Graduate Member of Australian Institute of Company Directors.”
GAVIN ARTZ
Gavin Artz has over a decade of business management experience, with roles in education, health, electronics and the creative industries, spanning multinational companies and small business, through to local community organisations and national not for profits. He currently runs a strategic consulting business focusing on governance and innovation. His expert presentation and facilitation skills, combined with research expertise, allows for effective collaboration with clients to turn analysis and vision into strategic success.
He is a member of the MEGA digital entrepreneurship working group and Fab Lab Adelaide (digital manufacturing) steering committee.
Gavin holds an MBA, a BA in Politics and he is currently a PhD candidate at the UniSA School of Management, where he is researching the problem of integrating innovation processes that occur in creative communities, micro and small business with innovation from academic research and corporations.
His interest in Corporate Governance has led to roles as Director and Company Secretary for both ANAT and the Australian Design Alliance and as Director of the ICT Council for South Australia. In the past his work has included the FutureEverything Award International Advisory Group (UK), Innovation and Business Skills Australia Expert Working Group, P2P International IP and Commercialisation Forum Steering Committee (UK), TAFE (Entrepreneurship) Course Advisory Panel and Chair of ISEA2013.
He has published papers on topics such as creativity, innovation, commercialisation, entrepreneurship and corporate governance. His many public presentations have included TEDx Adelaide 2011, DMITRE's Prototyping Innovation Forum, The 5th World Summit on Art and Culture, The 3rd Annual IP Management in Practice Conference and the keynote at both VET11 and Four Pillars of VET 2012.
KAREN MARSH
BA (hons) English Literature
Karen is Business Development Manager at ANAT (Australian Network for Art and Technology). Karen runs ANAT's 3D printing program, an educational program aimed at creative individuals, students and businesses interested in exploring the opportunities that 3D printing and digital fabrication techniques are making possible.
ANAT supports creative practitioners engaging with science and technology. Its innovative program includes immersive residencies, professional development labs, online research tools, publications, seminars and workshops.
Karen is also a writer, and she records ANAT's experiences with 3D printing via its blog makerblog.anat.org.au
Prior to moving to Australia in 2009, Karen held senior positions within global entertainment companies in Europe, including Sony, EMI Music, and Universal Music. In these roles she managed the strategic relationship with a wide range of external partners, from SMEs through to major brands including Microsoft Xbox, Starbucks, McDonald's, Samsung and Procter & Gamble.
EMMA BEAMES
Emma's former life was as a corporate solicitor, specialising in intellectual property within a commercialisation company and then as the founding director of an entrepreneurial education program.
In 2013 she launched her own consultancy company (www.emmabeames.com.au) where she now assists organisations to create an intrapreneurial culture using the techniques and mindset of start-ups.
Her involvement with the start-up community continues to be strong and she actively connects with start-ups and entrepreneurs through ongoing events, personal mentoring and education programs as much as possible.
TERESA CREA
With a passion for creative endeavour, and recognized as a pioneer in the use of new technology in the live arts, Teresa initiates, develops and produces projects across diverse industry and media platforms. She is skilled at bringing people together to grow ideas, develop exciting ventures and design innovative responses to suit their specific needs.She compliments her award winning work as a writer/director/creative producer in media and the Live Arts, with expertise in strategic visioning, policy development and community engagement.
Her current research focus on the use of narrative in simulation and digitally augmented environments has seen her specialize in the role of story and narrative design in these contexts.
PARI PATHAK
Pari Pathak is the co-founder and Managing Director of Magnifier Technologies, an Adelaide based software development company specialising in enterprise scale online business solutions and development & commercialisation of mobile apps. With over 12 years in the industry, Pari has steered the technology and rollout of over a dozen hugely successful enterprise scale SaaS systems and mobile applications. Starting out as a software developer, he has cherished every moment of the journey as a business leader and entrepreneur. He believes that passion, persistence, hard work and integrity are the essential ingredients for success and loves to mentor young entrepreneurs with great skills and progressive ideas.
GRANT HULL
Grant Hull is CEO of Enabled, a cross-platform digital media company with services across consultation, mobile, touch, web, and motion, and current President of the South Australian Chapter of AIMIA, Australia’s peak industry body for digital media.
Under his guidance, Enabled has grown steadily over the last twelve years and today works with iconic Australian brands, multinationals, enterprise and government as well as entrepreneurs from around the world.
Graduating with an Honours Degree majoring in business information systems and advances in human-computer interfaces in 1998, Grant survived the ‘Dot Com Bust’, leveraged the spread of Broadband, and grasped an early mover advantage in smartphone and touch technology to make Enabled one of Australia’s most prolific iPhone developers.
A popular presenter and speaker in the digital media sector, Grant has appeared on ABC’s Inside Business, Qantas Radio, and KANZ (Korea-Australia-New-Zealand) Broadband Summit. He also presented in Korea as part of Australia’s 2009 Children’s Television and Digital Content Delegation.
Grant joined AIMIA in 2011 and was elected as State President four months later. During his term, he is looking to collaborate with education institutions to improve digital media courses and pathways, work with the government to improve funding and tender processes, and encourage and equip AIMIA members to export their services and content internationally.
BILL CHIN
Adjunct Senior Research Fellow, Australian Centre for Asian Business
Mr. Bill CHIN, Communications Engineering & Computer Science graduate from Australia (La Trobe University, Victoria), has over 26 years’ experience in Information and Communications Technology (ICT).
Through his career experience, he has developed an all-round familiarity and experience within end-user environment, managing in-house computerized operations, data centre, helpdesk, as well as inter-state sales management. Bill’s experience is also in starting and managing new and existing businesses for ICT vendors and management consultancy.
For the past 13 years, he has been in the government-backed private corporation managing the Malaysian Government’s Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) programs in enterprise development. Bill was responsible for lead generation campaigns to encourage incoming of foreign direct investments to the MSC Malaysia and exports by MSC Malaysia-status companies through collaborative partnerships with both local and foreign enterprises.
Through his decade long engagement with the MSC Malaysia, Bill has pioneered industry development programs including the Technopreneur Development Flagship which uses the entrepreneurial life cycle as a framework for developing the support program to spawn and nurture growth of SMEs in the ICT sector. Within which, he was notably involved in the 3 major areas of development Lead Generation & Start-up, Funding, and Market Access.
Bill was also one of the pioneering Mentors for the Malaysian Venture Corp, the national venture capital fund management program for Malaysia since 2003.
His experience has led him towards his current focus on building sustainable value towards the digital economy across all communities targeting businesses, citizens, and governments.
Simply described as creative and strategic with an eye for detail and striving for perfection. Valuable self-assets include being able to adapt to the environment and excel towards excellence.
A definite flair with people, having excellent human relations, and interpersonal attributes. Undeniably… “A People-Person”.
Blessed with two wonderful boys and a loving wife, much time is spent with the family and always believed in building adequate foundation with lots of room for innovation and growth especially for young children.
“For a child, love is spelled T.I.M.E.”
ZigZiglar
DR IAN CODY
Ph.D Ottawa
Ian spent some 40 years in Canada and the United States, working with Imperial Oil of Canada and ExxonMobil Research and Engineering.
Ian's PhD in Chemistry was attained at the University of Ottawa, Canada. His experiences in petroleum research led to managerial and team leading responsibilities. These teams developed and deployed various technologies including catalytic processing technologies and new methods and devices for improved energy efficiency in refining.
Ian has over 50 US patents and was appointed Senior Scientific Advisor at ExxonMobil Research and Engineering.
John Saldin
John has experience as a senior manager, board member, project and program manager and consultant within the IT, GIS, automotive, NFP, Government and education sectors. Areas of expertise are broad and include project management, finance, business strategy, brand management, policy, marketing, quality assurance and HR. Experiences also include business and technical consulting and work as company Director.
He has over a decade of experience both from business start-ups and from growing small businesses to mid-sized companies. The experience includes both product and service companies.
John is driven by a passion for entrepreneurship and helping new companies establish themselves and succeed.
He holds a Master of Science in Small business management.