Join us for an inspiring morning designed by and for women who understand the unique challenges of running and managing a business or organisation whilst managing everything else life throws at you. This event brings together the local business community for genuine connection, practical insights and the kind of support that makes all the difference.

To kick start the day award-winning author, podcaster and business mentor Fiona Killackey (My Daily Business) will lead an interactive workshop designed specifically for women navigating business ownership. This isn't about profit margins and marketing strategies—it's about the real stuff: maintaining friendships when you're always "on," managing career ambitions alongside family commitments, building meaningful professional relationships and finding your community as a business owner and leader. You'll leave with practical takeaways you can implement immediately.

Following the workshop our panel discussion, "Making It Work," features successful local businesswomen and leaders from various industries who'll share the real strategies behind building thriving businesses whilst juggling life's demands. Expect honest insights into how they've navigated challenges, scaled their ventures and found their rhythm as female entrepreneurs and leaders. This isn't polished corporate speak—it's genuine conversation with plenty of opportunity for your questions and practical advice you can actually use.

We've also designed structured networking that actually works—no awkward small talk or forced mingling. Our signature connection cards ensure you meet people you genuinely want to stay in touch with and can exchange details directly with those who matter to your business journey. Come ready to connect, learn, and leave feeling supported and inspired.

 

Event details

Thursday 21 August, 9.30am to 12.30pm 
Venue Sage Hotel, Ringwood
Cost $55, includes morning tea and light lunch

 

 

This event is presented in partnersrship with Eastland.

 

Meet our facilitator - Fiona Killackey, My Daily Business
 

Fiona Killackey is a dynamic business strategist and founder of My Daily Business, where she transforms how entrepreneurs approach their business (and life!) through online education, coaching and creative consulting.

With an impressive career spanning global powerhouses like Amazon UK, where she led the 8-million-product Kitchen & Home category, to heading up marketing at MIMCO (Country Road Group), Fiona brings a wealth of corporate expertise to small business strategy. Clients include the large- Audible, Australia Post, Etsy and L'Oreal - through to creative small business brands changing their industries — CULTIVER, Collective Closets, Cargo Crew and Mustard Made.

Drawing from her experience working on Open University's MBA program in London and consulting for luxury brands like Porsche, Fiona helps business owners restructure their offerings, culture, systems and marketing to achieve what many think impossible: reducing stress while increasing profit, purpose and passion.

A sought-after speaker on small business strategy, humanity in marketing, AI, cut-through and connective customer service, leadership development and moving from transaction to transformation, Fiona combines big-business thinking with practical, actionable solutions for growing companies.

Meet the panel

 

Stephanie Chan - Sugar Rush by Steph

Stephanie Chan is the Founder and Director of Sugar Rush by Steph, a Melbourne-based baking business known for its handcrafted custom cookies and large-scale production. She started a solo operation from her home kitchen in 2017, which has since grown into a HACCP-certified commercial facility producing thousands of cookies daily for clients, including Google, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, and other globally recognised brands.

Stephanie leads a team of ten people, the majority of whom are women. They focus on design, quality and operational efficiency, which are key. Sugar Rush by Steph stands out for its creative products, eco-friendly methods, and strong online presence. It serves both individual and corporate clients across Australia.

Stephanie's story highlights the struggles many women encounter while balancing ambition and flexibility. She keeps building a business that supports thoughtful leadership, practical systems, and creativity.

 

Jessica Shaw - True Fairies and Curious Events Co

Jessica Shaw is the Company Director and Events Manager at True Fairies and Curious Events Co., two vibrant event venues based in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. Since founding her business in 2017, Jessica has specialised in unique, themed, and immersive events — from whimsical children’s high teas to outrageous Burlesque nights and dazzling community experiences.

A local mother of three and an enthusiastic worldwide traveller, Jessica brings warmth, imagination, and global inspiration to every event she curates. Her work brings people together in meaningful, memorable ways. She is particularly committed to supporting local talent, especially women in the arts.

She has a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling. Her mission is to help the community with bold event designs. She continually challenges the usual standards in how she runs her business and the unique events she offers.

 

Marianne Di Giallonardo - Maroondah City Council 

Marianne is a seasoned senior public sector leader with over 44 years’ experience across local and state government. She has overseen portfolios including Arts, Business, Corporate, Community, Leisure and Infrastructure Services. Marianne recently celebrated 20 consecutive years at Maroondah City Council, where she currently leads Business and Precincts, Communications and Citizen Experience, Community Services (including Board support for Your Library Ltd) and Workplace People and Culture teams.

Formal qualifications include an MBA, Graduate Diploma of Business, Bachelor of Arts (Youth Affairs) and Diploma of Youth Work, along with Chartered and Certified Practicing Manager status with the Institute of Managers and Leaders. She is a regular contributor to the broader public and related sectors through membership of a range of professional associations and activity such as the Australian Human Resources Institute, Company Directors, Victorian Employment Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Committee for Melbourne, Committee for Economic Development Australia, Institute of Public Administrators Australia, Local Government Professionals, Municipal Association Victoria and the Institute of Managers and Leaders. She has served on a number of these Boards and special interest groups for several terms.

Based in Melbourne, Marianne was born at Box Hill Hospital just three months before her husband! With 25 nieces and nephews and 8 great nieces and nephews, Marianne is never short of gift ideas for birthdays and Christmas. She enjoys gardening, reading, walking and running (slow jogging really) -including representing Council in the annual Corporate Games circuit around Albert Park Lake.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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