

Dave Clare
Circle Leadership, Founder
Driven by a PURPOSE to evolve the world of work, Dave's sense of mission is clear: to redefine business success not just for the accolades but for the impact.
Alana Kennedy is a visionary Indigenous entrepreneur, economic advocate, and global trade educator, dedicated to expanding intertribal trade networks and empowering First Nations businesses.
Alana Kennedy is a visionary Indigenous entrepreneur, economic advocate, and global trade educator, dedicated to expanding intertribal trade networks and empowering First Nations businesses. As an Eastern Arrernte, Kalkadoon, and Waanyi descendant from Mount Isa, Queensland, she is committed to bringing the world's oldest living supply chain to the global market through sustainable, ethical, and culturally grounded business models.
As Founder and CEO of Ochre Sun, Alana has built a vertically integrated skincare and sun care brand that merges traditional Indigenous botanical knowledge with modern scientific innovation. Ochre Sun is pioneering a Soil-to-Skin value exchange, ensuring that Indigenous knowledge, land stewardship, and cultivation practices remain at the core of the business. By working directly with Traditional Owners across Australia, Ochre Sun is redefining ethical sourcing, sustainable manufacturing, and premium clean beauty on a global scale.
As an Australian Delegate for the International Intertribal Trade & Investment Organisation (ITIO), Alana plays a critical role in advancing Indigenous trade agreements and strengthening economic partnerships between First Nations communities worldwide. She actively educates governments, corporations, and Indigenous entrepreneurs about the intricacies of global intertribal trade, advocating for fair trade policies, self-determined economic development, and the recognition of Indigenous intellectual property and land-based economies. Alana's expertise extends beyond business ownership — she is a thought leader in Indigenous-led trade, guiding businesses and policymakers on how to foster equitable, cross-cultural economic collaborations that respect and uplift Indigenous communities.
A Trailblazer in Sustainable & Ethical Business, Alana's work is setting new benchmarks in clean beauty, sustainable supply chains, and Indigenous economic empowerment. She is dedicated to transforming Indigenous enterprise into a global force, creating a business model that honours cultural heritage while delivering premium, scientifically backed skincare solutions. With a strong focus on sustainability, transparency, and ethical business practices, Alana Kennedy is not just building a brand-she's leading a movement. Through her advocacy for intertribal trade, economic self-determination, and Indigenous-led global commerce, she is reshaping the future of Indigenous business on the world stage.
Circle Leadership, Founder
Driven by a PURPOSE to evolve the world of work, Dave's sense of mission is clear: to redefine business success not just for the accolades but for the impact.
Deloitte, Lead Partner Trustworthy AI, Strategy Risk & Transactions
Elea leverages over two decades of advanced analytics expertise to shape ethical, legally sound, and technically rigorous AI governance strategies for major institutions.
Big wave surfer, author, keynote speaker, mindset coach and founder of The Ocean Warrior
At FWD›››FEST 25, Mark will ignite your entrepreneurial spirit with his keynote on DAY TWO, Riding the Wave, sharing actionable insights to tackle challenges and seize opportunities.
Thankyou, Social Entrepreneur | Co-Founder
Daniel Flynn is one of Australia’s most compelling social entrepreneurs, known for transforming bold ideas into powerful movements.
Leonardo.ai, Head of Product and Design
Ivan thrives on solving challenging problems, is always looking to learn more and pushing boundaries through collaboration.
LGT Crestone, Deputy Chief Investment Officer
Kevin has more than 25 years of financial markets and investment management experience in Australia and overseas.
Kismet, Founder & CEO
Mark has built and scaled multiple purpose-driven companies, combining technology, empathy, and relentless execution.
52 Risks and Gōru, Creator & Founder
Peter is the visionary Creator & Founder of Gōru and 52 Risks®, principal of Notwithoutrisk Consulting, and a trusted advisor to fintechs and start-ups companies.
Knobby, Founder and CEO
A seasoned expert in subscription business models, Rob specialises in turning customer transactions into long-term relationships.
NewStore, Principal, Omnichannel Architecture
Sam Bala is a retail innovator and entrepreneur who has spent his career defining what good looks like—from the ground up.
Advanced, Managing Director
Helping innovative founders turn R&D into a growth engine.
Scope&Go AI Agency, Founder
Alexander specialises in bridging technical and non-technical environments to create impactful solutions.
Cured Compliance, Founder
Bryton is a proud entrepreneur and technology enthusiast with an obsession for learning. Bryton is on the Silicon Coast Board.
Bookipi, Chief Operations Officer
Experienced Founder with a demonstrated history of working in the renewables and technology industry.
Sunshine Coast Council, Head of Economic Development
Chris has extensive commercial and transaction experience in both the private and public sector throughout a range of geographies and industries.
Purpose Driven Business Coaching , Founder
Cliff Benns is a 5x founder turned purpose driven business coach who built and exited several multimillion dollar ventures in mining, climate tech, manufacturing, and waste & recycling.
Co- Founder, Silicon Coast
Craig Josic aka CJ is epitomises the essence of a visionary leader and community builder. With over a decade of unwavering commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
Sunshine Coast Council, Chief Information Officer
Chief Information Officer, Sunshine Coast Council
Eighth Mile Consulting, CEO
David is a highly energetic, charismatic, and committed leader that takes pride in inspiring others to reach their full potential and allowing organisations to find their competitive edge.
University of the Sunshine Coast, Senior Lecturer in Public Relations
Dr Karen Sutherland, AI Stream Host | Senior Lecturer, Public Relations | Director, Dharana Digital.
Queensland Government, Department of Customer Services, Open Data and Small and Family Business, Small Business Procurement Advisor – Q - 2032 Games, Small and Family Business Division
Frank’s career has been focussed on addressing social and economic issues, through roles within government, community, and business.
Sunshine Coast Tech Industry Alliance (SCTechIA), Chair
As Chair of Sunshine Coast Tech Industry Alliance and the Sunshine Coast Business Council, alongside his own technology firm Secure Access, Jason provides connection to the digital economy.
macroDATA Digital Solutions, Managing Director
Chair of Silicon Coast - Kathryn Giudes is a leader dedicated to creating successful organisations through strategic conversations and problem-solving.
Sunshine Coast Health, Senior Director Strategy and Planning
Senior Director Strategy and Planning, Sunshine Coast Health
Strucket, Inventor - CEO
Strucket’s seemingly overnight success was based on three years of research, design, prototype, tooling, testing, grant applications, sourcing funding, sleepless nights.
Triballink, Director
Kerry has worked within community services, health, training and education, creating and delivering Indigenous education experiences and lessons
Smartline Medical, CEO
Lachie Smart speaks with authority on the leadership required to bridge generational gaps, solve pain points and boost team engagement.
River City Labs, Head of Growth
Laura believes the success of any business is determined by its ability to innovate, harness the potential of its people and be utterly obsessed with its customers.
Unitywater, Head of Procurement
Marc has been leading Procurement and Supply Chain teams in top ASX listed companies and Government organisations for over 20 years
Queensland Government, Department of Customer Services, Open Data and Small and Family Business, Manager, Industry Engagement, ICT Category Management and Sourcing
Manager, Industry Engagement, ICT Category Management and Sourcing, Department of Customer Services, Open Data and Small and Family Business, Queensland Government
Sunshine Coast Council, Mayor
Mayor Natoli will lead the Sunshine Coast community to a bright future while protecting the lifestyle we love.
Zipline AI, Founder and CEO
An international executive and entrepreneur, Michelle has led innovation strategies for brands across fashion, sports, entertainment, and emerging tech.
Suncoast Biochem, Co-Founder
Naomi's company Suncoast Biochem delivers sustainable, traceable ingredients through a B2B model that includes bulk supply, private label services, and strategic partnerships.
Five Faces, CEO
Nicole brings a rare blend of empathy and operational discipline, shaped by diverse roles in manufacturing, consulting, and entertainment.
ProxiTech, Founder
Oscar develops AI and robotics applications for manufacturing and service industries while offering educational services in collaboration with various organisations.
Performance Breathing Australia, Director
As an elite performance coach, Rich centres his approach on the mastery of the breath.
Securely Group, Founder and Director
Entrepreneur, Fintech Innovator, and Community Leader who is recognised globally for his groundbreaking work in digital identity, banking, and cybersecurity.
DeLorean Project, Founder/Facilitator
Rob is an experienced educator that is passionate about innovation and disruption to Education and believing for radical change to the system.
RoomReadi, Co-Founders
RoomReadi is a youth-led retail tech startup that’s rethinking how retail spaces connect with customers.
White's IGA, Co-owner
Roz White is an award-winning business leader with over 32 years’ experience, a charity volunteer and leading advocate for various industry groups.
everfocus, Director
Sustainability and ESG are not just feel good concepts—they are a proven path to growth, and Ryan has spent over 25 years showing companies exactly how to achieve it.
Transform Engine, Founder and CEO
Sam is the Founder and CEO of Transform Engine, an outsourcing company based in the Philippines and Nepal that employs survivors of slavery in technology-centric jobs.
RSB Capital, Vice President, Business Development
CEO | Entrepreneur | Speaker | MC | Author | Panel Facilitator | Leadership Expert | Founder - Influential Leader Academy
Nash Capital, Managing Director
Sean O’Neill is the Managing Director of Nash Capital, a mid-market private equity fund in Australia that manages $200m of high-net-worth client funds.
Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA), CEO
Simon is one of Australia’s most respected technology and policy business leaders.
The Laundry Lady Australia and New Zealand, CEO
As CEO and founder of Laundry Lady and TimeBoss (an AI-driven platform powering The Laundry Lady), Susan has created scalable solutions for industries like aged care, cleaning services, and pet grooming.
Ecodia, Founder
Tate's approach to sustainability isn't just about environmental protection… it’s comprehensive, innovative, and community-driven.
Cummins & Partners, National Head of Strategy
Tim Collier is on a mission to bring back what makes advertising great: simple, entertaining, and memorable ideas that drive real business results.
Gov Ready, Managing Director
Thomas brings over two decades of expertise in winning government business for the SME sector.
The Digital Guide, AI Speaker and Consultant
As founder of The Digital Guide and Unusual Comms, Tracy specialises in implementing AI responsibly while balancing innovation and risk.
7 - 9 MAY 2025 Sunshine Coast
Silicon Coast and partners pays our deepest respect to the Traditional Custodians of this country; the Kabi Kabi and Jinibara peoples of the coastal plains and hinterlands of the Sunshine Coast, as we honor them as the original storytellers, innovators, and custodians of this land, embracing their wisdom to innovate while respecting the sacred ground on which it takes place.
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