Presenters

As part of workshop one Secondary Students have an opportunity to interact with 2-3 successful young business people.

These presenters generously give up their time to share their stories and explain how they have gone about achieving their success. Through this interaction, students are stimulated to consider options, ideas and career paths to follow.

2009 Presenters

Jamie Miller, Managing Director, Somnium Innovations Pty Ltd Jamie is a co-founder of Somnium Innovations, a company that has developed an innovative resource recovery and water treatment technology. The technology treats metal and acid contaminated wastewater found in the mining, electroplating, and municipal water treatment industries among others. Beginning his career in finance and not finding it a personal fit, he completed a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science, majoring in Politics and Sustainability Science. In his last year of studies he founded an export and electronics recycling company and later obtained a Masters scholarship in Science and Technology Commercialisation at the University of Adelaide. While studying he continued to operate his export business which provided him sufficient cash flow to establish Somnium Innovations.   Since then they went on to win National John Heine Entrepreneurial Competition, feature in the South Australian Mining Journal, second place in the University of Adelaide’s Entrepreneurs’ Challenge and compete in the Global MOOT Corp Competition in the United States. More information on the 2009 presenters coming soon!

Please find below profiles on some of the past presenters:

Ramy Azer (Papyrus Australia) holds many qualifications including a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, Graduation Diploma in Business Enterprise, Bachelor of Engineering Project Management.  Ramy’s combination of business and engineering degrees gives a good base for creating a successful company based on innovation engineering.  Ramy has lived and worked in Egypt, Germany and Australia.  He has been responsible for the development of the Company’s technology.

Nick Palousis was named the 2006 Young South Australian of the Year.  He completed a degree in Mechatronic Engineering and Mathematical and Computer Sciences in 2003.  Nick is now very successful in helping businesses become more competitive and innovative through sustainable practices.

Bradley Byrne (2008 WRED Keynote Speaker) from Micro I.T Solutions is the CEO and founder of this successful information technology company in Adelaide which provides design, development, deployment and management of IT systems and infrastructure. At the age of 21 Bradley set up his business from scratch, with very little money or clients behind him.  This young entrepreneur with his ‘get up and go’ attitude didn’t let those challenges dissuade him from his dream to start his own thriving enterprise. In less than 3 years Micro I.T Solutions has grown to include an office in Adelaide, Melbourne, Tokyo and soon to be China with over 500 corporate clients worldwide.

Jing Cao from Chinese Language & Cultural Advice came to Australia in 2001 as an international student.  After completing his Degree in Business he joined Chinese Language & Cultural Advice.  His current role involves designing and providing training programs for a wide range of companies and education institutions in understanding the Chinese market.

Wendy Ingman c/- Tall Poppy Campaign has a Bachelor of Science degree and a PhD at the University of Adelaide.  Wendy’s research centres on the role of the immune system in reproductive health.

Justin Campagnaro from Sixborn has his own fashion label; he manufactures and wholesales high quality denim wear, t-shirts and apparel for the local market.  Sixborn is small, yet committed with the aim of becoming a boutique supplier to like mind businesses around the globe.  Sixborn was invited to partake in the Mercedes Australian fashion week in 2005 where they were awarded among one of the best product stands in the start-up pavilion.

Vinh Lu from the University of Adelaide was an international scholarship holder completing a Bachelor of Commerce.  Vinh has been a lecturer at the School of Commerce for 3 years.

Mia Handshin (keynote speaker at the 2006 WRED) is a young business-woman who is passionate about using communication as a catalyst for change in individuals and the world.  Mia’s business, Mana of Speaking offers inspirational speaking, training, facilitation, advocacy and consultancy.  Since speaking at the WRED event Mia has gone on to become a Youth Adviser to the Federal Minister for Youth, the Honourable Kate Ellis MP.