Startup to Scaling Up with Women in EO: Stories of Grit and Growth

Women in entrepreneurship are reshaping the business landscape through building, scaling and leading with resilience and purpose. EO Melbourne’s Startup to Scaling Up event placed that journey centre stage as it gathers a dynamic audience of founders, business owners, and aspiring EO members to hear directly from female leaders who’ve done just that.

The discussion pulled back the curtain on what it really takes to grow a business: the hard decisions, the high stakes, and the deeply personal wins. Fresh from the Fireside Chat with The Hon. Julia Gillard AC, the audience was treated to even more insights, this time from female EO members who are leading from the frontlines of business.

Leading the conversation was Tracy Angwin, Marketing and Partnership Director of the EO APAC Regional Council and Founder of Australian Payroll Association. Known for her straight-talking style and strategic mindset, Tracy guided the panel through the question at the heart of the event: What does it really take to grow a business and lead with impact? The answers came from four powerhouse women in EO—Dawn Piebenga (EO Sydney), Melissa Strutt (EO Perth), Leah Akoka (EO Melbourne), and Donna Guest (EO Melbourne)—each with a distinct perspective and a refreshingly honest take on the entrepreneurial journey.

The panel didn’t sugarcoat the experience. Dawn shared how she built and led a national team in the complex world of medico-legal assessments, driven by empathy and precision. Melissa opened up about building and exiting one of Perth’s largest independent agencies, while balancing family and a fierce competitive spirit. Leah lit up the room with her insights on redefining productivity through people, and Donna spoke of building a brand that blends business with beauty, creativity with commerce. The stories resonated because they were real, marked by resilience, evolution, and clarity of purpose.

Throughout the session, what stood out was not just the success, but the solidarity. These women didn’t just build businesses, they built capacity—for themselves and others. They spoke of the pivotal moments where EO helped them level up: the conversations that challenged them, the connections that pushed them forward, and the community that never let them feel alone in the climb.

That spirit of growth was echoed by James Murray, EO Melbourne’s Membership Chair, who took the stage to introduce EO’s unique ecosystem. He walked the audience through the Four Truths of EO and its Four Pillars: Forum, Events, Network, and Leadership. Together, these pillars support a holistic kind of development, one that fuels not only business success but also personal transformation. 

For those in the room, especially the women looking for more than just a business network, Startup to Scaling Up offered a glimpse of what EO truly stands for. It’s a global community that values authenticity, growth, and impact. Whether you're just starting or scaling to the next level, EO is a place where entrepreneurs grow together. Ready to find your tribe? EO is where it begins.

Unleashing Greatness: Warren Rustand Inspires EO Melbourne with Authentic Leadership

Warren Rustand, a globally recognised leadership expert and Amazon bestselling author of The Leader Within Us, captivated attendees at EO Melbourne’s highly anticipated event. The speaking session, titled Authentic Leadership: Unleash the Leader Within, left a profound impact on entrepreneurs who gathered to learn from one of the most influential leadership minds of our time.

During his presentation, Warren shared powerful lessons from his extensive experience as a former White House official, CEO of billion-dollar companies, and mentor to countless entrepreneurs worldwide. He emphasised the importance of tapping into one’s true potential and leading with purpose, resilience, and authenticity. Drawing from his bestselling book, Warren recounted inspiring stories of individuals who transformed adversity into greatness. These narratives served as reminders that everyone possesses an inner leader capable of rising above challenges. Attendees walked away equipped with practical tools to overcome setbacks, insights to harness inner strength, and the empowerment needed to realise their leadership potential.

Warren also delved into the five dimensions of authentic leadership, guiding the audience through a transformative journey from a mindset of acquisition to one of meaningful contribution. Using examples of visionary entrepreneurs, he inspired attendees to lead with clarity, aligning their values with their vision and intent. His talk underscored the importance of prioritising purpose over profit and fostering a leadership style rooted in authenticity.

Before the main event, EO Melbourne held a Membership Info Session for prospective members, who gained a sneak peek into the value and vibrancy of EO Melbourne’s community. This session provided an excellent opportunity for them to hear the experiences of current members and understand how EO supports entrepreneurial growth and personal development. Prospective members then joined the larger group for Warren Rustand’s speaking event, experiencing firsthand the calibre of learning and inspiration EO offers.

Following the impactful talk, EO Melbourne organised an exclusive dinner exclusively for its Tenured Members. This intimate gathering allowed participants to engage in deeper, more meaningful conversations with Warren Rustand. The dinner wasn’t just a meal; it was a unique chance to exchange ideas, discuss strategies for growth, and hear remarkable stories from a legendary leader. Attendees cherished the opportunity to explore leadership philosophies and gain wisdom that would leave a lasting impression on their entrepreneurial journeys.

Warren Rustand’s visit to Melbourne proved to be an unforgettable experience for all involved. His insights, drawn from decades of visionary leadership and executive achievements, resonated deeply with both seasoned entrepreneurs and those aspiring to join EO’s ranks. From the Membership Info Session to the speaking event and the exclusive dinner, EO Melbourne crafted an evening that celebrated leadership, connection, and growth—a testament to the organisation’s commitment to nurturing authentic leaders within its community.