Back to Main Guide
Masterclass

Karl Schwantes

Karl Schwantes, an award-winning designer and former Australian Army Captain, is a multifaceted individual known for his passion for diamonds and commitment to philanthropy. Growing up in the jewelry business at Xennox Diamonds, he honed his skills early, crafting pieces since the age of 12.

With a degree in psychology from The University of Queensland, Karl’s diverse background complements his military service. His blog, often described as a guide to diamonds, reflects his deep knowledge and engaging communication style, demystifying the industry.

As an acclaimed designer, Karl has assisted over 5,000 couples in creating unique, meaningful pieces. Beyond jewelry, he thrives on curating unforgettable life experiences. A committed philanthropist, Karl supports organizations like The Zig Zag Foundation and Legacy, raising substantial funds.

Karl’s journey is a brilliant blend of creativity, expertise, and compassion, leaving an enduring impact on both the world of design and the lives he touches through philanthropy.

Tuesday

Lauren Clemett

The Brand Navigator, Lauren Clemett is an award-winning Neurobranding expert.
Told as a child that she had wordblindness and would never be able to read or
write properly, she went on to become a 5 time best selling author and now uses
her dyslexia as her greatest asset – helping others understand how the brain sees
brands.

She has worked at leading advertising agencies and in brand management since
before the internet, helping launch hundreds of global brands and appears in
worldwide media, as the sought after personal branding specialist.

Lauren shares how to overcome overwhelm and get a clear direction to market and
promote professional and business services, to stand out from the crowd as well
known, well-paid and wanted leaders.

Tuesday

Jenn Donovan

Jenn Donovan is a dynamic figure in small business, marketing, and social media. Starting as a property law specialist, she smoothly transitioned into retail and emerged as a prominent speaker and mentor with 15 years of hands-on experience.

As a marketing enthusiast and avid social media user, Jenn, a mother of three and supportive wife, hosts podcasts like Small Business Made Simple, showcasing her commitment to sharing valuable insights. Beyond podcasts, she founded Social Media and Marketing Australia, drives Buy From a Bush Business with 355,000 members, and co-founded Spend With Us, Australia’s premier online marketplace for rural businesses.

Having weathered business challenges, Jenn spends the last five years mentoring and coaching, translating her experiences into strategies for small businesses. Her unwavering belief in the transformative power of effective marketing, both online and offline, reflects her mission to help others achieve their business dreams.

Tuesday

Simone Guild

Simone Guild, the CEO and founder of The Extraordinary Group, is a seasoned professional with a passion for helping individuals and organizations achieve extraordinary success. With a rich background spanning 25 years, she has been a driving force behind the leadership development and talent strategies of multi-billion-dollar organizations.

Over the course of her career, Simone has honed her expertise in developing leaders, scaling teams, and aligning people for success across 30+ industries. Notable achievements include spearheading the people component of a private equity business turnaround, orchestrating a successful sale of a private equity-owned business, and creating leadership and talent programs for major corporations such as QIC, Coles, Australia Post, and Spotless.

Simone’s hands-on experience extends to managing HR delivery, workforce planning, and resourcing for significant events, such as the 2006 Commonwealth Games. Her dedication to supporting entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses with effective talent strategies has empowered numerous business owners, providing both freedom and increased business valuation.

As a judge on the Australian Telstra Business Women of the Year Awards for several years, Simone has been a recognized authority in leadership excellence. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she is on a mission to uplevel the self-leadership capability of one million people globally through The Extraordinary Group. Simone firmly believes that better leaders create a better world, and her commitment to this vision defines her work and the mission of her organization.

Tuesday

Stacey Hughes

Stacey Hughes is the go-to digital ads specialist for small businesses. With a knack for making the “f-word” (funnel) less daunting, she crafts custom high-performing funnels that connect with your audience. Her focus is on creating attention-grabbing digital ad campaigns that not only attract clicks and leads but also translate into sales.

Specializing in LinkedIn advertising, Stacey has mastered the art of combining paid courses with self-guided learning. Now, she’s sharing her insights through a crash course, making it easy for businesses to use LinkedIn ads to grow.

In a world of digital complexity, Stacey stands out as the expert who simplifies the process, helping small business owners boost brand awareness and attract course students with effective and delightful digital ads.

Tuesday

Erika Cramer

Erika Cramer, also known as The Queen of Confidence, is an award winning coach, international speaker, podcast host, and author, empowering individuals worldwide to create confidence and transform their lives. Erika’s childhood was marked by trauma and abuse, she grew up in and out of foster care.

She joined the US Army as a teenager and married her partner, but life took a dark turn when a car accident left her with a broken back, and she was widowed at a young age. She spiraled into a cycle of alcoholism and toxic relationships but knew she needed to change her life. After moving to Australia and healing from her past, Erika founded The Queen of Confidence, a global business that has transformed the lives of thousands of people from across the globe. Her award-winning podcast, The Confidence Chronicles, has over 2.8 million downloads and has inspired people worldwide. Erika’s energy is boundless, leading a global business while pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in psychotherapy. Erika’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and healing, showing that one can overcome any challenge and emerge stronger than before.

Wednesday

Patrick D’Cruze

Patrick D’Cruze is a technical director, software architect, lead developer, and business analyst with over 25 years of experience in the IT industry. He has a proven track record of success in managing large-scale projects for global companies such as Morgan Stanley, Standard Chartered Bank, Motability Finance, iiNet, and the RAC.

Patrick is also a passionate advocate for small businesses. He believes that they are the backbone of the Australian economy and is committed to helping them succeed. He has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by small businesses and is able to tailor his solutions to meet their specific needs.

He is a highly accomplished IT professional with a proven track record of success. He founded Linux International, a not-for-profit organization to promote the newly introduced Linux operating system. He also developed the world’s first coin-operated Internet kiosk. In addition, he has managed large-scale projects for global companies such as Morgan Stanley, Standard Chartered Bank, Motability Finance, iiNet, and the RAC. Most recently, he returned to his hometown of Perth to pursue his passion of helping local small to medium enterprises thrive.

Wednesday

Jackson Millan

Meet Jackson Millan, The Wealth Mentor and Aureus Financial’s Co-Founder. With a proven track record, Jackson specializes in transforming service businesses into super profitable ventures, fast-tracking individuals to financial freedom.

Highly awarded in the wealth space, Jackson excels at increasing profits, optimizing cash flow, and simplifying complex financial strategies. His strategies have propelled clients to achieve financial freedom in just a few years, not decades.

Recognized in Money Magazine, The Today Show, ABC, and The Financial Review, Jackson is an international best-selling author and a sought-after speaker. For those aiming to grow their businesses and attain financial freedom, Jackson Millan is the mentor to follow, making financial concepts simple and accessible.

Wednesday

Natasha Denman

Natasa Denman, The Ultimate 48 Hour Author, is a renowned speaker, coach, and mentor with 14 published books. Creator of the ‘Ultimate 48 Hour Author’ model, she’s guided 600+ individuals, including coaches and wellness practitioners, to become published authors.

In 12 years, Natasa’s achievements include two Telstra Businesswoman of the Year nominations and a Product Innovation finalist at AusMumpreneur of the Year.

Featured in major media outlets, Natasa, alongside her family, runs a 7-figure business, traveling globally to empower small businesses.

Since 2017, Natasa expanded her influence globally, working with authors in 15 countries. Her best-selling book, ‘Ultimate 48 Hour Author,’ sold in 25 countries, inspires readers to embark on their publishing journey. Natasa Denman is a visionary leader transforming the business landscape.

Wednesday

Peter Ritchie

Peter Ritchie’s journey began as an accountant before he joined McDonald’s in 1970, becoming the first employee of McDonald’s Australia and a pivotal figure in its growth to over 500 stores and 50,000 employees. Serving on the Board of McDonald’s Corporation, he played a crucial role in expanding McDonald’s across Asia and the Pacific.

After 25 years with McDonald’s, Peter retired in 1995, later serving as non-executive Chairman until 2001. His board service extended to companies like Westpac Banking Corporation and Seven Group Holdings Limited.

Aside from his corporate achievements, Peter is an enthusiastic sportsman and holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the University of NSW. Recognized for his contributions, he received an Order of Australia award in 2003 and an honorary Doctor of Business degree from The University of New South Wales in 2013.

Peter Ritchie’s legacy is one of visionary leadership and philanthropy, making lasting contributions to business, education, and community development.