How did you get started with The Ortus Club?
I don’t recall how my engagement with Ortus Club started. I think I received a message via LinkedIn and then jumped on a video call to learn more. I am a curious person, and once I learned more about the opportunity, I was really excited about moderating my first lunch. So, you could say I was “discovered” from LinkedIn.
What’s your preparation process for moderating our events?
I like to be prepared and ensure I can contribute effectively. To do that, I review the vertical or industry sector first. I like to ensure I have an understanding or experience within the sector, before agreeing to moderate.
Once I am committed, I then research the Sponsor. It is very important to understand the Sponsor’s expectations and how their product and solutions align to the industry sector. The last step is to research the list of attendees. I like to acquaint myself with their businesses and some of their recent initiatives and connect on LinkedIn. From this review, I have a deeper sense of the stakeholders on the day and I feel this helps the event run smoothly. It also enhances the depth of the questions and challenges discussed.
What do you find most exciting about moderating?
As I mentioned, I am a curious person, and table discussions (issues faced and how the sector is tackling challenges) always deepen my knowledge. The senior attendees offer deep experience and insight about their sector, which I find really interesting. And, of course, if you’re making sure that the event sponsor is having a meaningful discussion, then there is a feeling of satisfaction that the event has been a success for them also.
Can you share a memorable moment from your moderating experiences?
My favourite memory isn’t related to my role as a moderator. It was when I was setting up for an initial event and I got chatting to a member of the Ortus team. He was super nice and he mentioned he was an applicant for the upcoming “Married at First Sight” show in Australia. He was extremely hopeful of being on TV and getting through to the end. Now, I don’t watch TV so I don’t know whether he married, but the concept of marrying on reality TV was quite strange to me.
As a Moderator, I have to say that the event location and food are always great. The stakeholders are well-versed and have always been willing to share their perspectives candidly, which creates a great experience for all.
How has moderating contributed to your personal and professional growth?
Definitely, especially when it comes to building a broader understanding of different sectors. As a Moderator, you are always enhancing your facilitation skills and building your network, but the insights into sectors is definitely my favourite aspect of being a Moderator.
Is there a standout event you’ve participated in?
I liked the Hospitality sector I did recently, particularly the stakeholders from the Voyager group. I learned a lot about their operations in Alice Springs and of course, the broader challenges the hospitality industry is tackling across Australia with optimising customer experiences and their collective readiness for tech. So, for me, the hospitality vertical was fantastic. I have an initial qualification in hospitality management and I worked the first part of my career in hotels and restaurants so I jumped at the opportunity to Moderate when the offer was presented.
What has been your most challenging event to moderate?
I wouldn’t say they’ve been challenging. I think if you do your research, you walk in prepared. Being prepared about the sponsor and the stakeholders around the table along with the run sheet has always ensured a smooth experience. Moderators have to “be comfortable, being uncomfortable” and have a strength in “thinking on your feet”. Regardless of how prepared you are, you still have no visibility of how the conversation will flow, and what opinions or comments will be shared and that is where the exciting part of the sessions.
What are your hobbies and interests outside of moderating?
This is probably unexpected, but I have an interest in martial arts and boxing. So, I have a black belt in martial arts, and I’ve studied four (4) different martial arts since I was eight years old. I’ve recently gotten back into working with a boxer twice a week to improve my boxing skills. I am also blessed to be married to an amazing man and we have two amazing daughters. Family is a huge focus for me and a big part of my life.
