Member Focus Series: Natasha Marcello

Imagine turning corporate swag into a powerhouse of connection, culture, and strategy. Natasha Marcello has done just that—and she’s rewriting the rules of the branded merchandise industry along the way. With nearly a decade at the helm of a corporate gifting company that culminated in a jaw-dropping $28M acquisition, Natasha proved her knack for transforming everyday items into tools for meaningful engagement. But she didn’t stop there. During the pandemic, she flexed her entrepreneurial muscles again, building and selling Snacks with Bite for an impressive $1M.

Today, as co-owner of For Keeps Merch and host of The WIBS Podcast , Natasha is on a mission to revolutionize how businesses think about branded goods—shifting them from forgettable trinkets to purposeful products that foster loyalty and strengthen company culture. A two-time Young Entrepreneur Finalist and Women in Leadership Finalist, Natasha isn’t just making waves; she’s creating a movement. In this Q&A, we dive into her journey, her secrets to success, and how she’s helping brands connect in ways that truly last.

Member Focus Series: Ravijeet Dang

Step into the world of Ravijeet Dang, where innovation meets strategy and technology becomes a tool for transformation. Ravijeet, Managing Director Australia at Iotasol Technologies Private Limited, spearheads a team delivering cutting-edge mobile and web solutions to clients across industries.

With over 15 years of experience working with and as a founder of his own successful tech start-up, he’s no stranger to crafting out-of-the-box strategies that drive revenue and unlock significant cost savings. In this Q&A, Ravijeet shares his journey, insights, and what it takes to stay ahead in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Learnings & Reflections: Building Blinkist into a Global Brand

Turning a start-up into a global brand is no small feat, and EO Melbourne members had the privilege of diving into this journey through the lens of Holger Seim, Co-founder and CEO of Blinkist. During our recent event, Holger shared his inspiring story of Blinkist’s growth from its 2012 inception to its acquisition by Go1 in 2023. With his candid reflections, Holger painted a vivid picture of the challenges, triumphs, and lessons gleaned from over a decade of innovation in lifelong learning. As a member of EO Berlin, he deeply understood his audience, making his insights especially resonant.

An Unforgettable Taste of Scotland: EO Melbourne Explores the World of Whisky

In true EO Melbourne fashion, our members recently gathered for an exclusive experience that was equal parts educational and indulgent. “An Exploration into the Wonderful World of Scottish Whisky” brought together enthusiasts and curious novices alike to deepen their appreciation of one of Scotland’s most celebrated exports.

Meet and Greet Speed Networking: A Night of Meaningful Connections

On the evening of 14 November, EO Melbourne hosted its exclusive Meet and Greet Speed Networking event, bringing together a limited number of entrepreneurs for an unforgettable night of connection and collaboration. Held at the stylish Backroom Bar of the Ovolo Hotel, the event offered a vibrant and dynamic setting for members to connect and share ideas.

Trailblazing Talent Takes Centre Stage at GSEA Melbourne

After a decade-long absence, the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA) made a triumphant return to Melbourne on Wednesday, 13th November 2024. The event brought together some of the brightest young entrepreneurial minds from tertiary institutions, all competing for the prestigious title and the chance to represent Australia at the APAC finals in Japan next year. The evening, hosted by EO Melbourne Chapter Strategic Alliance Partner BlueRock, offered a unique blend of intense competition and camaraderie within the vibrant, creatively designed spaces of their venue.

Mastering Mindset with NLP: EO Melbourne’s Transformative Workshop

In a powerful session hosted by EO Melbourne, members recently gathered for the "Transform Your Business Mindset with NLP" workshop led by Madeleine Robinson. She is a Managing Partner and Coach Trainer at The Coaching Room, EO Melbourne’s Strategic Alliance Partner. With over three hours of in-depth exploration into the intricacies of mindset and decision-making, attendees left not only inspired but also armed with practical NLP strategies to elevate their approach to business challenges and personal growth.

EO Melbourne Members Recognised at the 2024 Melbourne Young Entrepreneur Awards

The 2024 Melbourne Young Entrepreneur Awards lit up the city’s business landscape on 17th of October, honouring some of Melbourne's brightest young business minds. Hosted at The Park Hyatt, the evening was an unforgettable celebration of talent, vision, and commitment, with Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) Melbourne proud to sponsor this esteemed event. 

Two of EO Melbourne's own members, Costa Vasili and Benjamin Circosta, were recognised with awards in their respective categories—making waves not only within their industries but also across the wider entrepreneurial community.

A Slice of Mastery: Pizza and Entrepreneurship with Johnny Di Francesco

Entrepreneurship is an art, much like crafting the perfect pizza. At a recent exclusive event with EO Melbourne, members had the unique opportunity to blend these two worlds in an interactive and insightful Pizza Masterclass led by Johnny Di Francesco, founder of 400 Gradi and the Gradi Group of restaurants. The setting was intimate, the energy palpable, as participants eagerly gathered around to learn from a culinary master who built a global pizza empire, one slice at a time.

Member Focus Series: Martin Moyano

Introducing Martin Moyano – the man who’s been quietly transforming the logistics landscape, one freight at a time. With nearly 30 years of experience spanning Argentina, New Zealand, and Australia, Martin is the architect behind Clarke Global Logistics’ evolution from a traditional customs brokerage to a dynamic freight forwarding force. Since stepping into the company in 2010, he hasn’t just contributed; he’s reshaped the business, propelling its growth and redefining its trajectory.

Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Greg Sanderson’s Entrepreneurial Journey

In a riveting episode of the EO Business Podcast, Greg Sanderson, Managing Director and Co-founder of Speakeasy Group, offers a rare glimpse into his life as an entrepreneur who has weathered both professional success and personal challenges. Hosted by Linh Podetti, an EO Sydney member and owner of Outsourcing Angel, this episode highlights Greg’s resilience, emotional strength, and the unique lessons he’s learned through adversity.

Forum Next Level: Empowering EO Melbourne Members with Cutting-Edge Practices

The Forum Next Level event at Encore St Kilda brought together EO Melbourne members, SLP Forum members, and Key Executive Forum members for a day focused on enhancing Forum practices, deepening connections, and driving entrepreneurial growth. Led by esteemed trainers Fletcher McKenzie and Jody Dharmawan, the event helped attendees upgrade their Forum skills using the latest tools and strategies developed over the past 40 years.

From the Fast Lane to Baking Fame: Kate Reid’s Inspiring Journey Takes Centre Stage at EO Melbourne’s Event

It’s not often you hear about someone swapping the world of high-speed racing for the art of crafting the perfect croissant. At EO Melbourne’s latest event, “The Pit Stop” – Kate Reid’s Adventure from the Fast Lane to Baking Fame, that’s exactly the story attendees were treated to.

Member Focus Series: Benjamin Circosta

Benjamin Circosta, Founder and CEO of Bippi, has been making waves with his “nonna-approved” range of chilli condiments, olive tapenades, and salsa verde. Inspired by his Nonna Emilia’s traditional recipes and a passion for authentic Italian flavours, Ben launched Bippi during the COVID-19 lockdown. What began as a family-rooted passion project quickly gained popularity, bringing a taste of Italy to kitchens across Australia and beyond. This feature highlights yet another EO Melbourne member turning a love for tradition into a thriving brand.

Unlocking High Performance with the Mind of the Stoic: An EO Melbourne event with Ryan Holiday

In an exclusive morning session at the State Library of Victoria, EO Melbourne members engaged in a thought-provoking Q&A with bestselling author Ryan Holiday. The event, titled "Unlocking High Performance with the Mind of the Stoic," was moderated by EO Melbourne Learning Chair Anthony Lam, who guided the conversation through key Stoic principles that have shaped Ryan’s life and work.

Winning in Business: EO Melbourne Hosts Ross Bernstein’s “The Champion’s Code" Workshop

The recent EO Melbourne event, "The Champion's Code” Workshop, held at the picturesque Elwood Bathers, was a gathering that left its mark on attendees, blending the dynamic world of sports with the strategic intricacies of business. The workshop, led by Ross Bernstein, a best-selling author and a celebrated peak-performance business speaker, offered a deep dive into the life lessons drawn from sports champions and how these can be harnessed to generate momentum and build a lifestyle brand in the business world.

Member Focus Series: Fiona White

As we dive into this Member Focus feature, we’re thrilled to introduce Fiona White, the visionary Founder and Director of Own Body, and a celebrated entrepreneur with a keen eye for innovation in the allied health sector. Fiona’s journey began with a simple yet profound question: "Why can't it be simpler?"—a question that led to the creation of Own Body, a mobile allied health service that prioritises connection, a holistic approach, and client empowerment.

Mastering Performance Under Pressure: EO Melbourne's Transformative Workshop with Nam Baldwin

EO Melbourne recently held an impactful workshop titled "Mastering Performance Under Pressure" at the Port Melbourne Football Club (The Sandridge Events Centre). The event featured Nam Baldwin, a renowned Performance Coach, Innovator, Speaker, and Co-Founder & Head Trainer of Breath Enhancement Training (B.E.T.). Baldwin shared his extensive expertise with attendees, offering valuable insights into thriving under high-pressure conditions.

The One-Page Business Plan Workshop: Revolutionising Business Strategy for EO Melbourne Accelerators

EO Melbourne recently hosted an enlightening workshop aimed at transforming how business owners approach their strategic planning. "The One-Page Business Plan" workshop, led by EO Melbourne Member Cesar Aldea—Managing Director of Aldea Consulting and Founder of cesaraldea.com.au—offered participants a fresh perspective on planning for success.

EO Melbourne Hosts Transformational Workshop "Beyond the Price Tag" with Matthew Pollard

EO Melbourne hosted a transformative learning event titled "Beyond the Price Tag" at the Hotel Chadstone Ballroom. This workshop, led by renowned business growth expert Matthew Pollard, combined insights from his two popular topics: "Rapid Growth, The Lazy Way" and "Death of the Elevator Pitch." The event aimed to empower business owners to differentiate themselves from competitors, identify their niche markets and develop a strategic networking framework.