At the Beam Awards Fuchsia Fusion Festival, our presenters are much more than just faces on stage. They are industry leaders, trailblazers, and innovators – each playing a pivotal role in guiding and inspiring our attendees. Our presenters are carefully selected for their expertise, experience, and the unique perspective they bring to the table, enriching the event with valuable insights and direction.
Want to become a Beam Awards 2024 Presenter? Head to our Sponsorship page for all the details.
Beck Smith is the visionary founder behind Beam in Business and the Beam Awards, both of which stand as testaments to her unwavering commitment to highlighting the achievements of small businesses across Australia. As a serial entrepreneur and a devoted mother of five, Beck’s journey is marked by her successful orchestration of over 1,000 guest appearances in six cities throughout Queensland, each one a chapter in her mission to bring inspiring business stories into the spotlight.
The Beam Awards, under Beck’s bold and creative leadership, has blossomed into a celebrated platform, showcasing the excellence, innovation, and spirit of small business owners. Beck’s approach to business and life resonates with authenticity and possibility, underpinned by her ‘no BS, anything is possible’ ethos. This philosophy is not just a motto, it’s a lived experience that permeates every initiative she leads.
With the Beam Awards now a beacon in the business community, Beck continues to drive forward, offering unique opportunities for recognition and growth. The Awards stand as a pinnacle of her efforts, a place where excellence is not only acknowledged, it’s celebrated in its most authentic form.
As the driving force behind such a transformative platform, Beck Smith extends a warm invitation to join in this journey of acknowledging and celebrating business excellence — a journey where bold dreams and relentless effort are recognised and applauded.
As a multi-award-winning PR expert and accomplished journalist whose work has graced the pages of Australia’s leading publications, Annette understands the repercussions of women downplaying their talents.
Drawing from her wealth of experience, Annette passionately advocates for women to conquer imposter syndrome and get out of their own way to live the life they deserve. She believes in empowering women to shine in their respective fields of expertise, supporting them to break free from self-doubt and negative self-perceptions.
Annette’s journey is a testament to her resilience and determination. She emerged from a difficult and abusive childhood, faced bullying in the workplace, and still managed to build a highly successful PR company. Her personal experiences have given her a profound understanding of the obstacles we place on ourselves and the strength it takes to transcend those limiting narratives. Annette’s mission is to inspire and guide others on a path to self-belief and self-realisation, enabling them to reach their full potential and achieve their goals. When she gets on stage to talk about how to use imposter syndrome for good, she will blow you away with her passion, humility and vulnerability.
Ausloans Strathalbyn, the esteemed ‘Powered by Sponsor’ of the Beam Awards.
Jenaya Huxter, founder of Ausloans Finance Strathalbyn, defies the conventional norms of a finance professional. A devoted young mother hailing from Strathalbyn, her entry into the finance industry was marked by an unconventional path, without prior experience in cars or finance. Motivated by a profound desire to create opportunities for her family, Jenaya;’s journey has been one of personal and professional growth.
Ausloans Finance Strathalbyn specialises in financial services, including car and personal loans, with a focus on addressing the needs of clients with complex credit histories or those receiving Centrelink support. Jenaya has built a business that takes pride in its ability to break down barriers and provide tailored financial solutions for individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Jenaya’s motivation is rooted in the belief that barriers, whether tied to age or socio-economic status, can be surmounted through unwavering dedication and passion. At the heart of her mission is to empower people to tap into their inner strength, nurture self-belief, and make positive choices for their families and personal development. Financial education is important to Jenaya, and she aims to bridge the gap in financial literacy across Australia.
In an industry often characterised by traditional expectations and gender norms, Jenaya leads a team of dedicated women who boldly challenge conventions.
Gerry Blackwell is the inspirational founder of the Youth Development Foundation (YDF), a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting disadvantaged, disengaged, or ‘at-risk’ young people in the community. With a deep-seated passion for creating accessible, high-quality training and employment pathways, Gerry has made a significant impact in the lives of countless youths, particularly those facing disadvantages or unemployment.
Under Gerry’s leadership, YDF has become a beacon of hope and transformation. Gerry has established an environment that is not only safe and welcoming but also empowering. Those who have been part of YDF, both past and present, have benefitted from this nurturing space, gaining assistance in making positive life changes and being inspired to realise their potential and ambitions.
Gerry’s compassion and generosity extend far beyond professional boundaries, touching many lives in personal capacities as well. Her dedication to helping those in need, especially young people facing challenging circumstances, is evident in her tireless efforts and the solid reputation she has built within the community. Through Gerry’s leadership, YDF continues to be a pivotal force in uplifting at-risk youth, guiding them towards brighter, more promising futures.
Jenny Pither, the Founder and Director of Allied Health Admin and Consulting, brings over 20 years of experience in the medical and Allied Health industry to her role. Her diverse background, encompassing Radiology, General Practice, and Allied Health, has honed her expertise in administrative complexities, earning her multiple accolades including the Silver Award at the Beam Awards 2023 and finalist positions in the Australian Women’s Small Business Champion, Roar Awards, and AusMumpreneur Awards.
Jenny’s dedication to her clients’ success is unparalleled. She has assembled a virtual team of specialists in Medicare, Allied Health, General Practice, and NDIS to provide tailored solutions, allowing practitioners to focus on patient care. Allied Health Admin and Consulting is built on the principles of loyalty, honesty, respect, professionalism, and commitment, ensuring each client receives exceptional service. Jenny’s leadership makes her company the go-to for healthcare practitioners seeking to enhance their practice and work-life balance.
Kris Cotter is an accomplished occupational health and safety professional with over a decade of experience.
Kris is dedicated to ensuring people return home safely from work. With a degree, a master’s, in safety and a plethora of educational accolades, Kris’s passion for safety is evident.
Notably, she is a recipient of an Anglo American Global Safety Award and a Beam Business Professional of the Year Award at the 2023 Beam Awards.
Kris is now excited to be on her entrepreneurial journey with Synergy Safety Solutions as a safety consultant, facilitator and mentor and coach, while providing support to fellow women and men in their businesses.
Ja-Max Industries is a family owned and operated business with a long history of serving the local community. Jason started the business after spending 10 years working throughout the Blackwater community.
After his long tenure as a valuable employee, Jason felt he could serve his community much better by starting his own company. With his extensive vehicle knowledge, Jason continues to serve the people of Blackwater and surrounding areas with quality and dependable service.
What sets Ja-Max Industries apart is their dedication to the craft. Our mechanics work diligently to make sure each vehicle is repaired the right way every time, no matter how much work needs to go into it.
Every mechanic is willing to put in the long hours, day in and day out, for the satisfaction of our valued customers.
Zen and Katie Kona, the dynamic duo behind Yeppoon Central Meats, are the epitome of dedication and passion in the world of regional business.
Zen, with his impressive 25-year journey as a butcher, alongside Katie, has steered YCM for 16 years, nurturing it into a family-oriented store that is much more than just a business. Their commitment transcends the boundaries of a typical butcher shop, making Yeppoon Central Meats a cornerstone of community-focused business excellence in Central Queensland.
At Yeppoon Central Meats, it’s not just about offering the freshest cuts of meat and gourmet products. It’s about weaving a story that resonates with passion, quality, and a deep-rooted commitment to the community.
This family-run butcher shop has become a symbol of the heart and soul of regional businesses, showcasing what it truly means to be integral to the community fabric.
Meet Katie Boulter, the founder of Like She Owns the Place, a thriving community and business collective that empowers women to succeed in the world of entrepreneurship. Katie started Like She Owns the Place with a clear goal in mind: to support and connect women in business, providing them with the resources and networks they need to thrive and succeed.
With her extensive experience in the world of business and entrepreneurship, Katie understands the unique challenges and opportunities that women face in these fields. She is passionate about creating a community where women can come together, share their knowledge and experiences, and support each other in their journey towards success.
Through Like She Owns the Place, Katie has created a range of events and resources designed to inspire and motivate women in business. From networking events and workshops to online courses and mentorship programs, Like She Owns the Place offers a wealth of opportunities for women to learn, grow, and connect.
At the heart of Like She Owns the Place is a commitment to fostering a culture of support, collaboration, and empowerment. Katie believes that when women work together, they can achieve incredible things, and she has seen firsthand how the power of community can transform lives and businesses.
Jody is often described as someone with boundless amounts of energy and a creative mind that is forever turning visions into reality. She is the Founding Director of redhotblue, a creative marketing agency that has stood the test of time, this year clocking over 27 years in business. She leads a team of exceptional creatives, delivering award winning marketing, design and advertising solutions. Her philosophy “create without limitations” to foster strong relationships, provides the company’s clients that range from start-up businesses to national organisations positive direction and successful outcomes.
During her 30 year career Jody has been recognised through a number of prestigious awards and most recently redhotblue was named Creative Marketing Agency of the Year 2024 with the Australian Enterprise Awards. She has been the driving force behind a number of successful events, working with leaders from nationally recognised organisations. She is a published author, a guest speaker and a proud Mum of 2 teenage daughters.
She lives by the motto of Dr Seuss – “Why fit in when you were born to stand out”
Sally Prosser is a Holistic Voice and Public Speaking Coach with an entertaining flair and undeniable zest for life.
Over the past 20 years she’s helped hundreds of professionals speak with more confidence, had a career as a TV News Reporter and built a community of 300k+ on TikTok.
Sal is a Tedx Speaker Coach, Master NLP Practitioner and in 2020 was named Young Entrepreneur of the Year for PR and Media in Queensland.
She lives in Brisbane with her boyfriend Patrick and her hobbies include jigsaw puzzles, pilates and gaming the frequent flyer program!
Listen to her podcast – That Voice Podcast here
Thriving on capturing the beauty of the world we live in; Diane Armstrong is a passionate landscape and nature photographer. Underneath her quiet nature lies a soul that flourishes when seeking out hidden gems. Whether it’s dedicating days to capture an elusive creature of embracing daring angles and pushing physical boundaries for a fresh perspective, Diane is on a mission to reveal the extraordinary.
Whilst enduring challenging life experiences Diane developed a mantra of having ‘A Fortunate Lens’ and continually strives to acknowledge the glory of every scene. She brings exclusive moments to her client’s fingertips, capturing the world’s natural wonders and translating them into stunning visuals.
Diane, having been on an inspirational journey with Ken Duncan as mentor, has a talent that comes to life as she collaborates with clients in the art of crating atmospheres to manifest the perfect ambiance and workspace.
As a multi-award-winning photographer in many regional competitions and Australian Photographer of the Year 2022, her collections of prints aren’t just decorations; they are invitations to explore, escape, and be captivated daily. Integrating the marvels of nature into your surroundings, Diane is here to spark inspiration, tell a story and empower clients to infuse extraordinary experiences into ordinary spaces.
Sandy is a passionate and creative entrepreneur who loves WordPress website design, the digital space and graphic arts. Bringing ideas to life on the digital canvas is not just a profession for her; it’s a heartfelt pursuit. As the founder of Loud n Clear Digital, she thrives on empowering clients and cultivating their digital presence.
In the realm of design, Sandy specialises in crafting visually stunning websites, ensuring each project is a unique masterpiece. All her projects resonate deeply with her love for both design and amplifying, transforming and impacting her client’s businesses and brands.
With experience in both the corporate world, small business and the entrepreneurial space, Sandy incorporates business strategy in every project to ensure her client’s digital success.
Kristina, a renowned fashion expert, possesses a unique blend of style, elegance, and grace. As a transformational Stylist, Coach, and mentor, she guides CEOs, Coaches, Speakers, and Entrepreneurs on a journey to enhance their self-image and personal style.
With an impressive 35-year career in the fashion industry, Kristina’s unwavering commitment to her diverse artistic talents is a testament to her exceptional mentorship and leadership abilities. She consistently achieves award-winning results for her clients.
At the heart of her work is The Art of Self-Image Program, where Kristina leads engaging conversations that inspire professionals to express themselves authentically. Her approach combines her distinctive DNA and psychology-based methodology, incorporating spiritual, wellness, and physical elements to help individuals present a consistent image and presence for success.
Within the dynamic fashion realm, Kristina has excelled in numerous roles, including Fashion Designer, Stylist, RTO Fashion trainer, TV host, MC, Speaker, Model, and Camera Confidence Coach. Her vast experience fuels her passion for nurturing and guiding future leaders into magnetic success.
Kristina’s journey reached new heights when she co-authored “Inspiring Women Today” in 2020 and introduced her Signature Program, “The Art of Self-Image.” Since then, she has been dedicated to sharing the essential elements required for personal elevation, empowerment, and amplification, both in life and business. Her commitment to creating lasting change is unwavering.
Petina Tieman, Owner of Australian Women In Business, Founder and Managing Director of Complete Business Solutions (QLD), is a proud Aboriginal woman, widely recognised as an Indigenous business specialist and small business growth expert. Petina is regularly engaged by government and industry for program and policy development, keynote speaking, consultation and leadership development.
She is a serial entrepreneur living her life through her daily passion of building skills, capability and capacity in others through education, empowerment, connectivity and collaboration! Petina also serves on 2 x Queensland Government Boards and 3 x Industry Peak Body Advisory Groups, and has co-authored 2 x Women’s empowerment and leadership books.
Petina’s unique methodologies and outstanding coaching results with clients have seen her become one of Australia’s most awarded business women – recognised with more than 25 awards across leadership, business, training, community, diversity and First Nation’s specialisation.
Coming from a life of abuse, adversity, constant change and relocation, became the catalyst for Petina’s personal and professional development mission. She is renown within government and industry for advocacy, driving change and improving quality of life for many people in remote and regional areas who have little or no access to business support, tools and resources.
Nobody was there to help her, so she makes it her daily life’s work to prevent others suffering the same difficult circumstances she endured. She does this through individually working with more than 300 people every year across Northern Australia and Papua New Guinea educating, empowering and enabling them to work towards economic development opportunities operating their own micro business customised to their specific situations, hopes, dreams and aspirations.
Petina’s husband works beside her in the businesses, she has 1 adult daughter, 2 adult step-sons and 4 grandchildren. Her socials tell the stories of her loves in life … her grandchildren and traveling extensively for business.
Phillip Di Bella is a highly respected business entrepreneur with a unique ability to visualise and commercialise what many others never see. Though initially known for the establishment of Di Bella Coffee, which became Australia’s largest speciality coffee company, Phillip’s entrepreneurial spirit has brought success to other businesses such as International Coffee Traders, Abbotsford Road Specialty Coffee in New York, Coffee by Di Bella in India and more recently The Coffee Commune.
Not satisfied with simply focusing on building his own successful businesses, Phillip has dedicated much time to supporting the growth and development of other businesses through BDO Brisbane and Coraggio Advisory Boards both on the Gold Coast and Brisbane. Often referred to as an “Entrepreneur in Residence”, Phillip regularly lends his strategic thinking to businesses helping their clients overcome challenges, see new opportunities, and then supporting the commercialisation of these solutions.
Phillip has further extended his commitment to the coaching and mentoring of other businesses through the establishment of The Coffee Commune – a business dedicated to the long term development, sustainability and success of the broader hospitality industry for all participants. Through The Coffee Commune Phillip enthusiastically shares his experience and knowledge of the hospitality industry and continues his passion for encouraging improvement and inspiration in others.
Fleur Madden is a career entrepreneur with 20 years in business running 4 of her own companies. She is an award-winning businesswoman, experienced CEO/Founder/ Board Member, recognised industry expert and women in business speaker who was recently recognised as being in the Top 25 Business
Women in QLD.
She is currently the CEO for Women’s jobs site Freelancing Gems which helps women redefine their 9 to 5 by connecting them to their next meaningful part time, freelance, contract roles. She is also the CEO and Founder of The Ginsburg Firm that coaches Female Founders to scale or sell their business. She is passionate about the advancement of women, the future of work for women, diversity, inclusion, closing
the gender pay gap and women being paid what they are worth.
Fleur started her first company The Red Republic at 23 that she sold 14 years later to a multinational listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Along her journey, she has acquired other businesses, founded an online beauty company Lulu and Lipstick that she sold in 2016, where just prior her makeup brushes
were in the gift bags for the 2016 Oscars.
Fleur is a BIG believer that when women thrive, our communities thrive, and therefore works tirelessly
raising funds and awareness for her chosen charities that support women and their children, The Forgotten Woman, Women’s Legal Service and The Children’s Hospital Foundation.
You might have seen Fleur over the years in articles in The Collective, Marie Claire, Latte, Today Extra, Studio Ten and The Urban List. She has spoken at conferences around the world in Hong Kong, LA, NYC, Atlanta, South Africa and also in Australia. Fleur is a mum to Josiah and Theodore and wife to Jimmy, she lived in NYC in her early 30’s, loves Pina Coladas and has a Camilla fetish. Her favourite saying driving her in business is “ Don’t Play Small.”
Jenny Pither, the Founder and Director of Allied Health Admin and Consulting, brings over 20 years of experience in the medical and Allied Health industry to her role. Her diverse background, encompassing Radiology, General Practice, and Allied Health, has honed her expertise in administrative complexities, earning her multiple accolades including the Silver Award at the Beam Awards 2023 and finalist positions in the Australian Women’s Small Business Champion, Roar Awards, and AusMumpreneur Awards.
Jenny’s dedication to her clients’ success is unparalleled. She has assembled a virtual team of specialists in Medicare, Allied Health, General Practice, and NDIS to provide tailored solutions, allowing practitioners to focus on patient care. Allied Health Admin and Consulting is built on the principles of loyalty, honesty, respect, professionalism, and commitment, ensuring each client receives exceptional service. Jenny’s leadership makes her company the go-to for healthcare practitioners seeking to enhance their practice and work-life balance.
Kris Cotter is an accomplished occupational health and safety professional with over a decade of experience.
Kris is dedicated to ensuring people return home safely from work. With a degree, a master’s, in safety and a plethora of educational accolades, Kris’s passion for safety is evident.
Notably, she is a recipient of an Anglo American Global Safety Award and a Beam Business Professional of the Year Award at the 2023 Beam Awards.
Kris is now excited to be on her entrepreneurial journey with Synergy Safety Solutions as a safety consultant, facilitator and mentor and coach, while providing support to fellow women and men in their businesses.
As a multi-award-winning PR expert and accomplished journalist whose work has graced the pages of Australia’s leading publications, Annette understands the repercussions of women downplaying their talents.
Drawing from her wealth of experience, Annette passionately advocates for women to conquer imposter syndrome and get out of their own way to live the life they deserve. She believes in empowering women to shine in their respective fields of expertise, supporting them to break free from self-doubt and negative self-perceptions.
Annette’s journey is a testament to her resilience and determination. She emerged from a difficult and abusive childhood, faced bullying in the workplace, and still managed to build a highly successful PR company. Her personal experiences have given her a profound understanding of the obstacles we place on ourselves and the strength it takes to transcend those limiting narratives. Annette’s mission is to inspire and guide others on a path to self-belief and self-realisation, enabling them to reach their full potential and achieve their goals. When she gets on stage to talk about how to use imposter syndrome for good, she will blow you away with her passion, humility and vulnerability.
Ausloans Strathalbyn, the esteemed ‘Powered by Sponsor’ of the Beam Awards, epitomises a commitment to Australia’s business excellence. More than a finance provider, Ausloans is dedicated to empowering dreams and fuelling aspirations across the Australian business landscape. Their approach transcends traditional financing; they are partners in the truest sense, deeply invested in nurturing growth, celebrating success, and building a supportive community. As catalysts for business development, they specialise in bespoke financial solutions tailored to each business’s unique journey.
Ausloans Strathalbyn’s involvement in the Beam Awards symbolises their dedication to not just recognising but actively elevating Australian businesses. Their commitment to connecting communities and fostering prosperous futures positions them as much more than a financial entity; they are a cornerstone in the narrative of Australian business success and community development.
Petina Tieman, Owner of Australian Women In Business, Founder and Managing Director of Complete Business Solutions (QLD), is a proud Aboriginal woman, widely recognised as an Indigenous business specialist and small business growth expert. Petina is regularly engaged by government and industry for program and policy development, keynote speaking, consultation and leadership development.
She is a serial entrepreneur living her life through her daily passion of building skills, capability and capacity in others through education, empowerment, connectivity and collaboration! Petina also serves on 2 x Queensland Government Boards and 3 x Industry Peak Body Advisory Groups, and has co-authored 2 x Women’s empowerment and leadership books.
Petina’s unique methodologies and outstanding coaching results with clients have seen her become one of Australia’s most awarded business women – recognised with more than 25 awards across leadership, business, training, community, diversity and First Nation’s specialisation.
Coming from a life of abuse, adversity, constant change and relocation, became the catalyst for Petina’s personal and professional development mission. She is renown within government and industry for advocacy, driving change and improving quality of life for many people in remote and regional areas who have little or no access to business support, tools and resources.
Nobody was there to help her, so she makes it her daily life’s work to prevent others suffering the same difficult circumstances she endured. She does this through individually working with more than 300 people every year across Northern Australia and Papua New Guinea educating, empowering and enabling them to work towards economic development opportunities operating their own micro business customised to their specific situations, hopes, dreams and aspirations.
Petina’s husband works beside her in the businesses, she has 1 adult daughter, 2 adult step-sons and 4 grandchildren. Her socials tell the stories of her loves in life, her grandchildren and traveling extensively for business.
Sally Prosser is a Holistic Voice and Public Speaking Coach with an entertaining flair and undeniable zest for life.
Over the past 20 years she’s helped hundreds of professionals speak with more confidence, had a career as a TV News Reporter and built a community of 300k+ on TikTok.
Sal is a Tedx Speaker Coach, Master NLP Practitioner and in 2020 was named Young Entrepreneur of the Year for PR and Media in Queensland.
She lives in Brisbane with her boyfriend Patrick and her hobbies include jigsaw puzzles, pilates and gaming the frequent flyer program!
Listen to her podcast – That Voice Podcast here
