Keynote speakers
Effie Zahos, Money Editor, 9News
Effie Zahos is one of Australia’s most trusted and recognised voices in personal finance, known for her clear, no-jargon discussions.
As the Money Editor for 9News, Effie is committed to helping everyday Australians navigate the often-confusing world of money. Her specialty is breaking down complex topics, from budgeting and savings to mortgages and superannuation, into news you can use.
Effie’s career highlights include being part of the launch team for Money magazine and subsequently spending 20 years on the title. As Editor, she successfully led the publication to become the number one consumer finance magazine in Australia.
Her commitment to financial literacy extends to governance and digital innovation. She currently serves as a Director on the Board of the Ecstra Foundation, a not-for-profit grant-making body, and as an Board Member for InvestSMART, a leading digital wealth platform. Her mission is simple: to empower consumers to make smarter financial decisions without the headache.
Michael McQueen, Futurist
Michael McQueen understands what it takes to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
Recently ranked #11 among the world’s top futurists, Michael is widely recognized for having his finger on the pulse of change, helping clients ranging from Google to Toyota and Mastercard navigate uncertainty and stay ahead of the curve.
A bestselling author of 10 books, Michael’s latest release was named by Malcolm Gladwell and Adam Grant as one of the top five must-read new leadership books. He is a sought-after media commentator, with his insights regularly featured in Forbes, The Guardian, and CNN.
Having presented to over 500,000 people across five continents since 2004, Michael is a familiar face on the international conference circuit, having shared the stage with the likes of Mel Robbins and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak.
Formerly named Australia’s Keynote Speaker of the Year, Michael has also been inducted into the Professional Speakers Hall of Fame.
Wi Liem Chua, Partner, National Head of Retail & Consumer, Grant Thornton
As Partner and National Head for Retail & Consumer Industry at Grant Thornton Australia, Wil specialises in guiding senior executives through successful business transformations. With 16 years of experience, Wil excels in co-creating innovative solutions that deliver tangible outcomes and elevate team capabilities, ultimately driving enterprise value for clients.
Wil works collaboratively across Grant Thornton teams to deliver enterprise value transformation for retail industry clients. His expertise in working side-by-side with mixed client and consulting teams fosters strong partnerships, enabling sustainable organisational change.
Mentored by dynamic leaders, Wil is passionate about sharing his experiences to inspire growth in others. Holding a Bachelor of Business in Entrepreneurship, Wil resides in Melbourne, skilfully balancing his professional pursuits, family life, and enthusiasm for running.