At Small Giants Academy, we believe our economic system can and should work better for everyone, that business can be a force for good, and that it's going to take the very best version of humanity to get there. It all starts with the way we lead.
Alongside an incredible network of partners, we support leaders from all industries and walks of life with the knowledge, tools and community to lead for a better tomorrow.
Running as a not-for-profit, we offer world-class leadership programs, an annual calendar of events with renowned global thinkers, a nourishing community of change-makers, a centre for ideas, stories and conversations, and a deep commitment to fostering a brave space where we can show up as our whole selves, tread a new path, and lead together.
Wandering through Hong Kong airport in 2007, Berry and Danny discovered Bo Burlingham’s book, Small Giants. The narrative of “companies that choose to be great instead of big” resonated deeply with their instincts. Berry’s background in investing and meaningful storytelling, and Danny’s engagement with entrepreneurialism and social change have informed their vision for a more empathetic and regenerative society. With Burlingham’s blessing, the company they launched to redefine the role of business in Australia was named Small Giants. Further inspired by the B Corp movement, Small Giants became Australia’s first B Corp in 2012.
Small Giants has invested in and supported organisations working with sustainable property, regenerative agriculture, renewable energy, circular economy and a wide range of social and environmental activism, and is ever receptive to initiatives that challenge the status quo and reimagine our economy.
Powered by the insight that change is not only about business and investing but also moving hearts and minds (through education and storytelling), Small Giants has led Dumbo Feather, brought The School of Life to Australia, created networks such as the Impact Club and B Labs Australia/NZ and programs including Impact Safari and the Journey to Impact. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the diverse programming and storytelling platforms were brought together under one banner and transitioned to a non-profit entity called the Small Giants Academy.
Small Giants Academy melds education, storytelling and action labs to integrate the ideas of wisdom and action, reflecting the realisation that one without the other cannot adequately serve the world.
Small Giants Academy engages deeply with leaders from business, investing, community, education, arts, science, civil service, politics and systems design in recognition of our collective responsibility to shape a hopeful future as the ancestors that our great great grandchildren need in this moment. Everyone has their unique entry point but all are guided by the same purpose: that we can create a society that supports all humans to flourish whilst living in harmony with nature.
Finance and Operations Lead
Lynn is the Finance & Operations Lead at Small Giants Academy. Originally from the UK, she has called Australia home for the past 16 years. Beginning her career in the Corporate sector, she discovered both passion and purpose whilst working on projects in the Not-for-Profit space. She has since worked across a variety of sectors including health, education and disability.
Lynn loves spending time with her family, walking her dog Luna and dancing whenever she can!
Lynn is the Finance & Operations Lead at Small Giants Academy. Originally from the UK, she has called Australia home for the past 16 years. Beginning her career in the Corporate sector, she discovered both passion and purpose whilst working on projects in the Not-for-Profit space. She has since worked across a variety of sectors including health, education and disability.
Lynn loves spending time with her family, walking her dog Luna and dancing whenever she can!
Program Producer
Alicia is the Producer for our Impact Investing Programs and Into the Arena: Climate Leadership Accelerator at Small Giants Academy. Alicia is an experienced community and partnership builder who has a passion for social impact. She previously worked with The Conduit Group on impact investing education, high impact programming, and cross-sector partnerships.
Alicia holds an MSc in Gender and International Relations, and BA in Theology, both at the University of Bristol. Away from Small Giants, Alicia enjoys hiking and is a qualified yoga teacher.
Alicia is the Producer for our Impact Investing Programs and Into the Arena: Climate Leadership Accelerator at Small Giants Academy. Alicia is an experienced community and partnership builder who has a passion for social impact. She previously worked with The Conduit Group on impact investing education, high impact programming, and cross-sector partnerships.
Alicia holds an MSc in Gender and International Relations, and BA in Theology, both at the University of Bristol. Away from Small Giants, Alicia enjoys hiking and is a qualified yoga teacher.
Producer
Wesel has recently joined the Small Giants team in Australia following years of collaboration as the Program Officer at the Gross National Happiness Centre Bhutan. During her time at GNHCB, she focused on developing youth programs aimed at promoting GNH values in schools and colleges both within and beyond Bhutan. Her passion lies in advocating GNH in action through daily lives. Wesel currently resides in Albury, NSW.
Wesel has recently joined the Small Giants team in Australia following years of collaboration as the Program Officer at the Gross National Happiness Centre Bhutan. During her time at GNHCB, she focused on developing youth programs aimed at promoting GNH values in schools and colleges both within and beyond Bhutan. Her passion lies in advocating GNH in action through daily lives. Wesel currently resides in Albury, NSW.
Co-Founder, Small Giants Academy
Berry Liberman is a podcaster and writer who focuses on themes of leadership, storytelling, consciousness, money, and human cultural evolutio and connection.
Berry, whose family office Small Giants has a 100% impact portfolio, is a pioneer in the impact investing landscape globally, across media, the built environment, venture capital, regenerative agriculture, financial services, nature-based climate solutions, biodiversity, and energy systems.
Berry is the Creative Director of Small Giants Academy, a not-for-profit accelerator, education and media initiative with a focus on leadership fora hopeful future. Berry was the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Dumbo Feather Magazine — now The Wisdom & Action Podcast — with an abundant audience of conscious leaders from all sectors.
As a mother to three beautiful children, her work is in service to them and generations to come.
Berry Liberman is a podcaster and writer who focuses on themes of leadership, storytelling, consciousness, money, and human cultural evolutio and connection.
Berry, whose family office Small Giants has a 100% impact portfolio, is a pioneer in the impact investing landscape globally, across media, the built environment, venture capital, regenerative agriculture, financial services, nature-based climate solutions, biodiversity, and energy systems.
Berry is the Creative Director of Small Giants Academy, a not-for-profit accelerator, education and media initiative with a focus on leadership fora hopeful future. Berry was the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Dumbo Feather Magazine — now The Wisdom & Action Podcast — with an abundant audience of conscious leaders from all sectors.
As a mother to three beautiful children, her work is in service to them and generations to come.
Co-Founder and CEO of Small Giants Academy
Danny Almagor is co-founder (with his wife Berry) and the Executive Chair of Small Giants. Danny was the inaugural Social Entrepreneur in Residence at RMIT, the founder and former CEO of Engineers Without Borders Australia and is the co-founder and Chair of the Impact Investment Group. He has founded over a dozen for profit and non profit organisations including The Sociable Weaver, The Impact Club, and Beyond Creative. He has served on numerous boards, including Tom Organic, The School of Life, The Cape ecovillage, Pacific Biotechnologies, Smiling Mind, The Gross National Happiness Centre in Bhutan.
He has studied Aerospace Engineering, Business Administration and outdoor education. He loves to cook, read, rock climb, talk about philosophy, garden, travel and jump on the trampoline with his three kids. He doesn’t like to run marathons, watch horror films, drink beer, spend time on social media, or invest in anything that isn’t impact.
Danny Almagor is co-founder (with his wife Berry) and the Executive Chair of Small Giants. Danny was the inaugural Social Entrepreneur in Residence at RMIT, the founder and former CEO of Engineers Without Borders Australia and is the co-founder and Chair of the Impact Investment Group. He has founded over a dozen for profit and non profit organisations including The Sociable Weaver, The Impact Club, and Beyond Creative. He has served on numerous boards, including Tom Organic, The School of Life, The Cape ecovillage, Pacific Biotechnologies, Smiling Mind, The Gross National Happiness Centre in Bhutan.
He has studied Aerospace Engineering, Business Administration and outdoor education. He loves to cook, read, rock climb, talk about philosophy, garden, travel and jump on the trampoline with his three kids. He doesn’t like to run marathons, watch horror films, drink beer, spend time on social media, or invest in anything that isn’t impact.
Head of Strategic Partnerships
Jen is the Head of Strategic Partnerships at Small Giants Academy. She is committed to purpose driven work, with experience in developing meaningful and productive commercial partnerships that have a strong business development mindset. Jen loves working with organisations that are bridging the gap between profit, people and a sustainable future.
Jen is the Head of Strategic Partnerships at Small Giants Academy. She is committed to purpose driven work, with experience in developing meaningful and productive commercial partnerships that have a strong business development mindset. Jen loves working with organisations that are bridging the gap between profit, people and a sustainable future.
Chief of Staff
Samuel is the Family Office’s Chief of Staff. He provides executive project, property, business, event and relationship management and support to Small Giants' Co-Founders, and CFO / Chief Investments Officer. Samuel has supported Impact and progressive business leaders for almost 10 years in Paris, London, New York, and Melbourne. Samuel is a professionally trained writer, actor, and musician with experience that allows him to lead with trauma awareness, and deep, compassionate understanding for our various, diverse human conditions and contexts.
Samuel is the Family Office’s Chief of Staff. He provides executive project, property, business, event and relationship management and support to Small Giants' Co-Founders, and CFO / Chief Investments Officer. Samuel has supported Impact and progressive business leaders for almost 10 years in Paris, London, New York, and Melbourne. Samuel is a professionally trained writer, actor, and musician with experience that allows him to lead with trauma awareness, and deep, compassionate understanding for our various, diverse human conditions and contexts.
Front of House Coordinator
Naomi is our Front of House Coordinator, welcoming visitors to The White House and supporting the Small Giants Family Office. Born and raised in Melbourne, Naomi lives in Thornbury with her small family. When Naomi isn’t at The White House, you can find her enjoying time in nature, walking, cycling, and swimming.
Naomi is our Front of House Coordinator, welcoming visitors to The White House and supporting the Small Giants Family Office. Born and raised in Melbourne, Naomi lives in Thornbury with her small family. When Naomi isn’t at The White House, you can find her enjoying time in nature, walking, cycling, and swimming.
Brand Director & Impact Safari Producer
Anna is Brand Director and Head of Impact Safari at Small Giants Academy. She thrives on creating transformational impact experiences for our community by collaborating deeply with local knowledge. She is passionate about creating nurturing spaces for humans to be human and explore storied places across the globe through a local lens. As a trained death doula, Anna approaches her work and life with deep reverence to rites of passage and the cyclical way of being.
Away from her work with Small Giants Academy, Anna spends time plotting her own off-grid small home, dancing and road tripping the Australian coastlines with friends, collecting inspiration to imbue her work with.
Anna is Brand Director and Head of Impact Safari at Small Giants Academy. She thrives on creating transformational impact experiences for our community by collaborating deeply with local knowledge. She is passionate about creating nurturing spaces for humans to be human and explore storied places across the globe through a local lens. As a trained death doula, Anna approaches her work and life with deep reverence to rites of passage and the cyclical way of being.
Away from her work with Small Giants Academy, Anna spends time plotting her own off-grid small home, dancing and road tripping the Australian coastlines with friends, collecting inspiration to imbue her work with.
Deep Dives Producer
David is our Deep Dives Producer at Small Giants. He comes from an Operations and Human Resources background in the Education across Spain and Australia, specialising in entrepreneurship, sustainability, emotional intelligence, and languages.
Originally from Venezuela, David has traversed the globe living in the US, Spain, and now calls Australia his beloved abode. With a passion for nature, football (soccer), graphic design, and personal growth, he dives deep into the exploration of our inner worlds, always eager to engage in thought-provoking conversations.
As a self-proclaimed over thinker, David is currently working on improving his listening skills and becoming more selective with the words he chooses to use. When he’s not crushing it in the office, David hits the trails as an avid hiker and camper, knocks it out of the park as a decent baseball player, and goes the distance with a good run.
David is our Deep Dives Producer at Small Giants. He comes from an Operations and Human Resources background in the Education across Spain and Australia, specialising in entrepreneurship, sustainability, emotional intelligence, and languages.
Originally from Venezuela, David has traversed the globe living in the US, Spain, and now calls Australia his beloved abode. With a passion for nature, football (soccer), graphic design, and personal growth, he dives deep into the exploration of our inner worlds, always eager to engage in thought-provoking conversations.
As a self-proclaimed over thinker, David is currently working on improving his listening skills and becoming more selective with the words he chooses to use. When he’s not crushing it in the office, David hits the trails as an avid hiker and camper, knocks it out of the park as a decent baseball player, and goes the distance with a good run.
MBE Producer
Olivia is the MBE Host and Producer at Small Giants Academy and comes from a visual storytelling and production background in film, TV and advertising industries. She has worked in producer and production roles for over 15 years in documentaries, narrative, music videos and feature films in Australia and internationally. A community facilitator and bridge builder, she is passionate about creating inclusive spaces and immersive experiences for leaders and those who are curious and interested in working together to create a hopeful future.
Olivia is the MBE Host and Producer at Small Giants Academy and comes from a visual storytelling and production background in film, TV and advertising industries. She has worked in producer and production roles for over 15 years in documentaries, narrative, music videos and feature films in Australia and internationally. A community facilitator and bridge builder, she is passionate about creating inclusive spaces and immersive experiences for leaders and those who are curious and interested in working together to create a hopeful future.
Community and Events Manager
Van (pronounced Varn) is our Community and Events Manager at Small Giants Academy. A passionate connector of people, she deeply understands the value of a well-curated, nourishing retreat and event. Her experience as a creative thinker, master weaver and community builder allows Small Giants to cross-pollinate its various communities.
Away from the White House she loves to spend time immersed in nature and is deeply committed to various volunteer roles.
Van (pronounced Varn) is our Community and Events Manager at Small Giants Academy. A passionate connector of people, she deeply understands the value of a well-curated, nourishing retreat and event. Her experience as a creative thinker, master weaver and community builder allows Small Giants to cross-pollinate its various communities.
Away from the White House she loves to spend time immersed in nature and is deeply committed to various volunteer roles.
Head of Programs
Tamsin is the Head of Programs and the Mastery of Business and Empathy at Small Giants Academy. She brings several decades of leadership experience and systems change in Europe, Australia and Africa. Tamsin believes the best way to predict the future is to create it, change moves at the speed of trust and the superpower of leadership today is our ability to listen. After working as a policy advisor to the Premier of South Australia over two successful campaigns, Tamsin went on to ignite and co-create a string of initiatives including co-founding: Workshop17 inclusive innovation hub in Cape Town; TheBoardroom Africa to bring board gender balance; and The Rallying Cry to shift investment at the intersection of gender and nature for climate outcomes. She is a strategic advisor to CEOs on feminine leadership, gender lens investing and embodiment and holds an MBA from the University of Oxford as a scholar of the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship.
Tamsin is the Head of Programs and the Mastery of Business and Empathy at Small Giants Academy. She brings several decades of leadership experience and systems change in Europe, Australia and Africa. Tamsin believes the best way to predict the future is to create it, change moves at the speed of trust and the superpower of leadership today is our ability to listen. After working as a policy advisor to the Premier of South Australia over two successful campaigns, Tamsin went on to ignite and co-create a string of initiatives including co-founding: Workshop17 inclusive innovation hub in Cape Town; TheBoardroom Africa to bring board gender balance; and The Rallying Cry to shift investment at the intersection of gender and nature for climate outcomes. She is a strategic advisor to CEOs on feminine leadership, gender lens investing and embodiment and holds an MBA from the University of Oxford as a scholar of the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship.
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Head of Labs & CEO Regen Melbourne
Kaj is the Director of the Small Giants Academy Action Labs, where he leads the incubation and development of new initiatives. This has included the creation of Regen Melbourne, launching B Corporation in our region, bringing the School of Life to Australia and co-creating the Mastery of Business and Empathy and Impact Safari. He is a guide on a number of the SGA programs including Impact Safari Scandinavia: the Future of Cities.
Kaj is the Director of the Small Giants Academy Action Labs, where he leads the incubation and development of new initiatives. This has included the creation of Regen Melbourne, launching B Corporation in our region, bringing the School of Life to Australia and co-creating the Mastery of Business and Empathy and Impact Safari. He is a guide on a number of the SGA programs including Impact Safari Scandinavia: the Future of Cities.
Co-Founder, Small Giants Academy
Berry Liberman is a podcaster and writer who focuses on themes of leadership, storytelling, consciousness, money, and human cultural evolutio and connection.
Berry, whose family office Small Giants has a 100% impact portfolio, is a pioneer in the impact investing landscape globally, across media, the built environment, venture capital, regenerative agriculture, financial services, nature-based climate solutions, biodiversity, and energy systems.
Berry is the Creative Director of Small Giants Academy, a not-for-profit accelerator, education and media initiative with a focus on leadership fora hopeful future. Berry was the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Dumbo Feather Magazine — now The Wisdom & Action Podcast — with an abundant audience of conscious leaders from all sectors.
As a mother to three beautiful children, her work is in service to them and generations to come.
Berry Liberman is a podcaster and writer who focuses on themes of leadership, storytelling, consciousness, money, and human cultural evolutio and connection.
Berry, whose family office Small Giants has a 100% impact portfolio, is a pioneer in the impact investing landscape globally, across media, the built environment, venture capital, regenerative agriculture, financial services, nature-based climate solutions, biodiversity, and energy systems.
Berry is the Creative Director of Small Giants Academy, a not-for-profit accelerator, education and media initiative with a focus on leadership fora hopeful future. Berry was the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Dumbo Feather Magazine — now The Wisdom & Action Podcast — with an abundant audience of conscious leaders from all sectors.
As a mother to three beautiful children, her work is in service to them and generations to come.
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CEO of The Culture Institute of Australia
Karl Treacher (GAICD) is an Associate Professor of Social Science at Griffith Business School and the Chairman of The Brand Institute and The Culture Institute of Australia. He has over 20 years of experience working with tier-one brands, boards and business leaders and is recognised as an expert in organisational reputation, brand, culture and experience alignment.
Karl’s thought leadership in the fields of brand and culture have led to more than 60 published articles and speaking engagements at the Committee for Economic Development in Australia and TEDx. Karl’s organisations choose their clients based on an environmental and social impact criteria.
Karl Treacher (GAICD) is an Associate Professor of Social Science at Griffith Business School and the Chairman of The Brand Institute and The Culture Institute of Australia. He has over 20 years of experience working with tier-one brands, boards and business leaders and is recognised as an expert in organisational reputation, brand, culture and experience alignment.
Karl’s thought leadership in the fields of brand and culture have led to more than 60 published articles and speaking engagements at the Committee for Economic Development in Australia and TEDx. Karl’s organisations choose their clients based on an environmental and social impact criteria.
Conscious Leadership Facilitator and experienced board director, currently sitting on the Small Giants Academy GOP (Board)
Lydia is a Conscious Leadership Facilitator. Her professional background is in executive arts leadership, festival curation and producing for theatre and film, in both urban and remote communities. She was previously the dual recipient of the Sidney Myer Creative Fellowship and the Australia Council for the Arts Community Arts and Cultural Development Fellowship, where she formed much of the work she does today in facilitating conscious leadership, spiritual direction and next economy transitions for both companies and individuals.
Lydia has a BA in Social Sciences and is currently undertaking post-graduate studies in theology. She enjoys a continued arts practice as a singer/songwriter and freelance writer, creating two back to back albums True North and The Narrows in 2019–21. Lydia loves to enjoy her free time either in the ocean, church or the bush, and outside of her work she enjoys a simple, quiet life with her partner and two children.
Lydia is a Conscious Leadership Facilitator. Her professional background is in executive arts leadership, festival curation and producing for theatre and film, in both urban and remote communities. She was previously the dual recipient of the Sidney Myer Creative Fellowship and the Australia Council for the Arts Community Arts and Cultural Development Fellowship, where she formed much of the work she does today in facilitating conscious leadership, spiritual direction and next economy transitions for both companies and individuals.
Lydia has a BA in Social Sciences and is currently undertaking post-graduate studies in theology. She enjoys a continued arts practice as a singer/songwriter and freelance writer, creating two back to back albums True North and The Narrows in 2019–21. Lydia loves to enjoy her free time either in the ocean, church or the bush, and outside of her work she enjoys a simple, quiet life with her partner and two children.
CFO & CIO, Small Giants Family Office
Francie is the CFO and Chief Investment Officer at Small Giants. She is passionate about empowering people for positive impact and systems change. Responsible for leading finance, investments, governance, and operations for the Small Giants family office and the portfolio of Small Giants businesses, she holds several governance positions across the Small Giants portfolio. This includes Board Chair for Small Giants Catalyst Foundation and Small Giants Academy, as well as a Board member for Impact Funds Management (IIG subsidiary) and Sentient Impact Capital.
Francie is also on the Board of Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA), member of RIAA’s People, Nominations and Remuneration Committee and is a Governor at WWF Australia. She has a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) and a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting), and is also a Chartered Accountant (CA) and Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) Company Directors course and AICD Boardroom Mastery course. Francie is a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and APS College of Organisational Psychologists. She is a Provisional Psychologist currently completing a Master of Psychology (Organisational).
Francie has a big family and loves long walks as well as arts and crafts (you can never have enough sequins and glitter!).
Francie is the CFO and Chief Investment Officer at Small Giants. She is passionate about empowering people for positive impact and systems change. Responsible for leading finance, investments, governance, and operations for the Small Giants family office and the portfolio of Small Giants businesses, she holds several governance positions across the Small Giants portfolio. This includes Board Chair for Small Giants Catalyst Foundation and Small Giants Academy, as well as a Board member for Impact Funds Management (IIG subsidiary) and Sentient Impact Capital.
Francie is also on the Board of Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA), member of RIAA’s People, Nominations and Remuneration Committee and is a Governor at WWF Australia. She has a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) and a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting), and is also a Chartered Accountant (CA) and Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) Company Directors course and AICD Boardroom Mastery course. Francie is a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and APS College of Organisational Psychologists. She is a Provisional Psychologist currently completing a Master of Psychology (Organisational).
Francie has a big family and loves long walks as well as arts and crafts (you can never have enough sequins and glitter!).
Co-Founder and Executive Chair of Small Giants
Danny Almagor is co-founder (with his wife Berry) and the Executive Chair of Small Giants. Danny was the inaugural Social Entrepreneur in Residence at RMIT, the founder and former CEO of Engineers Without Borders Australia and is the co-founder and Chair of the Impact Investment Group, and more recently created Sentient Impact Group. He has founded over a dozen for profit and non profit organisations including The Sociable Weaver, The Impact Club, Beyond Family Office and Beyond Creative. He has served on numerous boards, including many of the Small Giants family of businesses such as Tom Organic, The School of Life, The Cape ecovillage and Pacific Biotechnologies, as well as non-profit boards and advisories boards including the Jewish Museum of Australia, Stand Up, Smiling Mind, The Gross National Happiness Centre in Bhutan and Toniic. Danny has been recognised through many awards including a Churchill Fellowship, RMIT Alumnus of the Year, EY Social Entrepreneur of the Year, UN PRI Social Investment Pioneer and the Medal of the Order of Australia.
He has studied Aerospace Engineering, Business Administration and outdoor education. He loves to cook, read, rock climb, talk about philosophy, garden, travel and jump on the trampoline with his three kids. He doesn’t like to run marathons, watch horror films, drink beer, spend time on social media, or invest in anything that isn’t impact.
Danny Almagor is co-founder (with his wife Berry) and the Executive Chair of Small Giants. Danny was the inaugural Social Entrepreneur in Residence at RMIT, the founder and former CEO of Engineers Without Borders Australia and is the co-founder and Chair of the Impact Investment Group, and more recently created Sentient Impact Group. He has founded over a dozen for profit and non profit organisations including The Sociable Weaver, The Impact Club, Beyond Family Office and Beyond Creative. He has served on numerous boards, including many of the Small Giants family of businesses such as Tom Organic, The School of Life, The Cape ecovillage and Pacific Biotechnologies, as well as non-profit boards and advisories boards including the Jewish Museum of Australia, Stand Up, Smiling Mind, The Gross National Happiness Centre in Bhutan and Toniic. Danny has been recognised through many awards including a Churchill Fellowship, RMIT Alumnus of the Year, EY Social Entrepreneur of the Year, UN PRI Social Investment Pioneer and the Medal of the Order of Australia.
He has studied Aerospace Engineering, Business Administration and outdoor education. He loves to cook, read, rock climb, talk about philosophy, garden, travel and jump on the trampoline with his three kids. He doesn’t like to run marathons, watch horror films, drink beer, spend time on social media, or invest in anything that isn’t impact.
CFO & CIO, Small Giants Family Office
Francie is the Chief Financial Officer (CFO)/Chief Investment Officer (CIO) at Small Giants, an impact investment family office. Francie began her career at PwC, where she was a senior Director providing assurance, consulting and transaction services across a range of clients. Before joining Small Giants,Francie was the CFO at the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, a role cementing her belief that arts and culture are important for the wellbeing of society.
Francie is passionate about empowering people for systems change and using finance and business to shift us to a more socially equitable and environmentally regenerative world. She has 23 years’ experience reporting to Board of Directors and Board sub-committees (Governance, Finance,Audit, Risk,Investment) of ASX listed, not-for-profit and for-purpose private companies across financial services, property, construction, mining, education, health, retail and arts and culture. Francie also has 13 years’ experience as a Non-Executive Director on Boards of not-for-profit and for-purpose private businesses across property funds management, retail, health, education, arts and culture.
Francie’s current directorships include Impact Investment Group (IIG, subsidiaries–Impact FundsManagement and Impact Assets Management), Sentient Impact Capital, Responsible InvestmentAssociation Australasia (RIAA), Small Giants Academy and Small Giants Catalyst Foundation. Francie is also Chair of the RIAA Governance Committee.
Francie was previously on the Board of B Lab Australia & New Zealand and TOM Organics. Francie was previously an External Member of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee for St Kilda Mums and Our watch.
Francie has a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) and a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting). Francie is aChartered Accountant (CA) and Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD)Company Directors course and AICD Boardroom Mastery course. Francie is also a member of theAustralian Psychological Society (APS) and APS College of Organisational Psychologists. Francie is aProvisional Psychologist currently completing a Master of Psychology (Organisational).
Francie is the Chief Financial Officer (CFO)/Chief Investment Officer (CIO) at Small Giants, an impact investment family office. Francie began her career at PwC, where she was a senior Director providing assurance, consulting and transaction services across a range of clients. Before joining Small Giants,Francie was the CFO at the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, a role cementing her belief that arts and culture are important for the wellbeing of society.
Francie is passionate about empowering people for systems change and using finance and business to shift us to a more socially equitable and environmentally regenerative world. She has 23 years’ experience reporting to Board of Directors and Board sub-committees (Governance, Finance,Audit, Risk,Investment) of ASX listed, not-for-profit and for-purpose private companies across financial services, property, construction, mining, education, health, retail and arts and culture. Francie also has 13 years’ experience as a Non-Executive Director on Boards of not-for-profit and for-purpose private businesses across property funds management, retail, health, education, arts and culture.
Francie’s current directorships include Impact Investment Group (IIG, subsidiaries–Impact FundsManagement and Impact Assets Management), Sentient Impact Capital, Responsible InvestmentAssociation Australasia (RIAA), Small Giants Academy and Small Giants Catalyst Foundation. Francie is also Chair of the RIAA Governance Committee.
Francie was previously on the Board of B Lab Australia & New Zealand and TOM Organics. Francie was previously an External Member of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee for St Kilda Mums and Our watch.
Francie has a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) and a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting). Francie is aChartered Accountant (CA) and Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD)Company Directors course and AICD Boardroom Mastery course. Francie is also a member of theAustralian Psychological Society (APS) and APS College of Organisational Psychologists. Francie is aProvisional Psychologist currently completing a Master of Psychology (Organisational).
Co-Chair of B Lab Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand
A passionate and experienced governance professional, Mele-Ane’s work explores the intersection of cultural wisdom, purpose-led business, and the “next economy,” and believes in the immense power of storytelling for change. Mele-Ane holds an MBA from Oxford, where she was a fellow of the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship. She also has an LLB/BA fromMonash University.
Mele has over 20 years of experience reporting to Boards and Board sub-committees with over 13 years of experience as a non-executive Director of Boards. Her experience spans ASX-listed companies, not-for-profits and for-purpose organisations across a wide range of sectors.
Mele-Ane’s professional background spans the areas of corporate law, human rights and community law, leadership development, strategy, operations, investment management and media. She has worked in Australia (predominantly based in Melbourne and the Kimberley) and overseas (the Netherlands, theUK and the UAE).
Prior to taking time to care for her young children, Mele-Ane was the founding CEO of Small GiantsAcademy for 2 years during its establishment. Prior to that, Mele-Ane held various positions across theSmall Giants impact investment family office including co-CEO, strategy and portfolio manager, and general manager of Dumbo Feather. Mele-Ane began her career in law, working at Clayton Utz inAustralia in corporate law, including governance advisory work and then for international French firmGide Loyrette Nouel, supporting their expansion into the United Arab Emirates.
Mele-Ane is currently the co-Chair of B Lab Aotearoa Australia & New Zealand and founding Board member of Regen Melbourne.
Prior to that Mele-Ane was a Director of the Impact Investment Group (impact fund manager), Tolu-TePae ki te Rangi, an investment fund using Maori values and principles to invest in communities, where she served as interim Chair. She also sat on the Investment Committee for Small Giants Family Office and The School of Life, a board she also chaired, finally she was also Company Secretary of the UNPrinciples for Social Investment.
Mele-Ane has a Bachelor of Arts (Indigenous Studies) and a Bachelor of Laws, in addition to a Masters ofBusiness Administration from Said Business School, Oxford University where she was a Skoll Associate Fellow.
A passionate and experienced governance professional, Mele-Ane’s work explores the intersection of cultural wisdom, purpose-led business, and the “next economy,” and believes in the immense power of storytelling for change. Mele-Ane holds an MBA from Oxford, where she was a fellow of the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship. She also has an LLB/BA fromMonash University.
Mele has over 20 years of experience reporting to Boards and Board sub-committees with over 13 years of experience as a non-executive Director of Boards. Her experience spans ASX-listed companies, not-for-profits and for-purpose organisations across a wide range of sectors.
Mele-Ane’s professional background spans the areas of corporate law, human rights and community law, leadership development, strategy, operations, investment management and media. She has worked in Australia (predominantly based in Melbourne and the Kimberley) and overseas (the Netherlands, theUK and the UAE).
Prior to taking time to care for her young children, Mele-Ane was the founding CEO of Small GiantsAcademy for 2 years during its establishment. Prior to that, Mele-Ane held various positions across theSmall Giants impact investment family office including co-CEO, strategy and portfolio manager, and general manager of Dumbo Feather. Mele-Ane began her career in law, working at Clayton Utz inAustralia in corporate law, including governance advisory work and then for international French firmGide Loyrette Nouel, supporting their expansion into the United Arab Emirates.
Mele-Ane is currently the co-Chair of B Lab Aotearoa Australia & New Zealand and founding Board member of Regen Melbourne.
Prior to that Mele-Ane was a Director of the Impact Investment Group (impact fund manager), Tolu-TePae ki te Rangi, an investment fund using Maori values and principles to invest in communities, where she served as interim Chair. She also sat on the Investment Committee for Small Giants Family Office and The School of Life, a board she also chaired, finally she was also Company Secretary of the UNPrinciples for Social Investment.
Mele-Ane has a Bachelor of Arts (Indigenous Studies) and a Bachelor of Laws, in addition to a Masters ofBusiness Administration from Said Business School, Oxford University where she was a Skoll Associate Fellow.
CEO of Regen Melbourne
Kaj (pronounced Kai) is the CEO of Regen Melbourne, an engine for ambitious collaboration, in service ofMelbourne. Powered by an alliance of more than 200 organisations, Regen Melbourne is the host of bold projects that are moving Melbourne towards a regenerative future
Kaj is also the Director of Action Labs atSmall Giants Academywhere he leads the creation of newinitiatives and collaborates on the Academy’s education and storytelling programs.
Kaj (pronounced Kai) is the CEO of Regen Melbourne, an engine for ambitious collaboration, in service ofMelbourne. Powered by an alliance of more than 200 organisations, Regen Melbourne is the host of bold projects that are moving Melbourne towards a regenerative future
Kaj is also the Director of Action Labs atSmall Giants Academywhere he leads the creation of newinitiatives and collaborates on the Academy’s education and storytelling programs.
Program Curator
Eleanor is a curator of immersive experiences which bring people together to explore the ideas defining our time.
Eleanor most recently curated the ‘Forest Economics Congress’ with MONA (Museum of Old and New Art, Tasmania) and ‘Into the Arena’ the Climate Leadership Accelerator for Small Giants Academy.
She was previously the Head of Programs at Small Giants Academy, co-creating the Mastery of Business and Empathy, Impact Safaris to Israel and Palestine (conflict & innovation), Bhutan (GNH & systems of measurement) and the Tarkine rainforest (regeneration of people and place), as well as various courses exploring the interplay of wisdom and action required to meet global challenges.
Eleanor was formerly the Managing Director of The School of Life Australia, a platform exploring emotional intelligence through philosophy, anthropology and culture, staging ambitious public programming with interdisciplinary thought leaders across the country.
She and her husband Dan co-founded First Light to contribute to the growing global community investing in climate responses. She is a board director for Groundswell Giving and co-chair of the Atelier Council at the Art Gallery of New South Wales
Eleanor is a curator of immersive experiences which bring people together to explore the ideas defining our time.
Eleanor most recently curated the ‘Forest Economics Congress’ with MONA (Museum of Old and New Art, Tasmania) and ‘Into the Arena’ the Climate Leadership Accelerator for Small Giants Academy.
She was previously the Head of Programs at Small Giants Academy, co-creating the Mastery of Business and Empathy, Impact Safaris to Israel and Palestine (conflict & innovation), Bhutan (GNH & systems of measurement) and the Tarkine rainforest (regeneration of people and place), as well as various courses exploring the interplay of wisdom and action required to meet global challenges.
Eleanor was formerly the Managing Director of The School of Life Australia, a platform exploring emotional intelligence through philosophy, anthropology and culture, staging ambitious public programming with interdisciplinary thought leaders across the country.
She and her husband Dan co-founded First Light to contribute to the growing global community investing in climate responses. She is a board director for Groundswell Giving and co-chair of the Atelier Council at the Art Gallery of New South Wales
Chief of Staff at Boundless Earth
Caroline is purpose-focused and a passionate advocate for the Boundless vision. Starting her career in private practice, she comes to Boundless after six years at Impact Investment Group (a pioneer of Australia’s impact investment sector) as Chief of Staff, leading complex capital transactions, and one of the founding team of Australia’s first 100% impact Venture Capital fund, Giant Leap.
Caroline is on the advisory board of Tripple, a private investment company using capital as a force for good, and a director of the Australian Communities Foundation. She has spent over a decade working with wealth owners on purpose-driven investing, including as a co-founder of philanthropy leadership network (New Generation of Giving). Caroline is a graduate of the Sydney Leadership program and an alum of the Australia Vietnam Youth Leadership Dialogue. She holds an LLB (Hons) from the University of Technology, Sydney.
Caroline is purpose-focused and a passionate advocate for the Boundless vision. Starting her career in private practice, she comes to Boundless after six years at Impact Investment Group (a pioneer of Australia’s impact investment sector) as Chief of Staff, leading complex capital transactions, and one of the founding team of Australia’s first 100% impact Venture Capital fund, Giant Leap.
Caroline is on the advisory board of Tripple, a private investment company using capital as a force for good, and a director of the Australian Communities Foundation. She has spent over a decade working with wealth owners on purpose-driven investing, including as a co-founder of philanthropy leadership network (New Generation of Giving). Caroline is a graduate of the Sydney Leadership program and an alum of the Australia Vietnam Youth Leadership Dialogue. She holds an LLB (Hons) from the University of Technology, Sydney.
Originally known as Berkeley Hall, The White House is a remarkable building, designed in 1854 by architect Albert Purchas as the residence for Victoria's then-Crown Solicitor, Henry Field Gurner.
Today it is the home of Small Giants Family Office and the city campus of Small Giants Academy, where our team eat, debate, laugh, learn, listen and gathers together for community events.
We also offer tenancies to values-aligned businesses, including Regen Melbourne, The Sociable Weaver Group, First Australians Capital, Blaze Your Trail and WomenCAN.
Our regional campus, Mossy Willow Farm is located in beautiful Boon Wurrung Country on the Mornington Peninsula. The 25-acre property is both a working farm and gathering space for large community events.
As a space to host events, we welcome the changing seasons with rejuvenating retreats and opportunities for deep connection, collaboration and the exchange of wisdom in service to action.
Mossy Willow’s farming practices draw on permaculture and ‘minimal till’ methodologies that are based on a strong belief in the cultivation of living soils and a deep connection with the natural rhythms of the landscape.
The Small Giants Artist and Elder in Residence Programs are an invitation for creatives, changemakers and wisdom keepers in our community to join us at The White House for an extended period. While sharing a workspace with our team, they connect more deeply with us, share thoughts and ideas, and showcase their practice in a nurturing and supportive environment.
Through championing the power of creatives and changemakers as they explore and develop their ideas, we hope to co-create a more hopeful future. This future is deeply connected with the human experience — an essential component of human flourishing — fostering empathy, promoting self-expression, and enriching our lives with meaning and beauty.
N'arweet Carolyn Briggs is a Boon Wurrung senior elder and is the chairperson and founder of the Boon Wurrung Foundation.
A descendant of the First Peoples of Melbourne, the Yaluk-ut Weelam clan of the Boon Wurrung, N’arweet is the great-granddaughter of Louisa Briggs, a Boon Wurrung woman born near Melbourne in the 1830’s.
N’arwee thas been involved in developing and supporting opportunities for Indigenous youth and Boon Wurrung culture for over 40 years. In 2005, she established the Boon Wurrung Foundation, which has been responsible for significant work in cultural research, including the restoration of the Boon Wurrung language. The Foundation also helps connect Aboriginal youth to their heritage.
N'arweet plays a key role in our Commitment to Indigenous Australia and we are grateful that she shares her wisdom and knowledge with us as we work towards the Next Economy.
Storyteller and Guitarist
Robert K Champion moves audiences with his haunting guitar music and compelling stories of life, love and loss.
A Gubrun, Kokatha and Mirning man now living and making music in Melbourne, Robert performs original compositions, a combination of country ballads and melodic songs.
Robert has toured nationally as a solo artist as well as with his band The MERRg and as part of other collectives and performing acts such as the Desert Fringe Super Band, the Stray Blacks and more.
Robert K Champion moves audiences with his haunting guitar music and compelling stories of life, love and loss.
A Gubrun, Kokatha and Mirning man now living and making music in Melbourne, Robert performs original compositions, a combination of country ballads and melodic songs.
Robert has toured nationally as a solo artist as well as with his band The MERRg and as part of other collectives and performing acts such as the Desert Fringe Super Band, the Stray Blacks and more.
Artist and Producer
Andrea Kirwin is an Australian-Fijian Artist/Producer with a retro soulful sound and a knack for storytelling. She writes and arranges her songs by weaving melodies and lyrics together with purpose and passion much like the way her Fijian grandmother used to weave pandanus mats in the village on the island of Matuku, Lau. Andrea's sound can be described as an earthy blend of folk, roots, reggae, blues, funk and soul and she waxes and wanes between her more gentler folk/soul tunes as a solo artist, and her upbeat groove based songs that she performs with her talented band.
Andrea Kirwin is an Australian-Fijian Artist/Producer with a retro soulful sound and a knack for storytelling. She writes and arranges her songs by weaving melodies and lyrics together with purpose and passion much like the way her Fijian grandmother used to weave pandanus mats in the village on the island of Matuku, Lau. Andrea's sound can be described as an earthy blend of folk, roots, reggae, blues, funk and soul and she waxes and wanes between her more gentler folk/soul tunes as a solo artist, and her upbeat groove based songs that she performs with her talented band.
Period preacher, author, and folksinger
Lucy Peach is a long-time champion of the power of the menstrual cycle who published Period Queen (she’s also a folk singer and a talented performer).
Lucy was featured in Dumbo Feather issue #65, sharing a conversation with Berry Liberman on rest and the cycles that we are both part of and are part of us. We loved the way Lucy talked about the period as the invitation that is present in each stage of that cycle, so we also published their conversation on the Dumbo Feather podcast.
Lucy Peach is a long-time champion of the power of the menstrual cycle who published Period Queen (she’s also a folk singer and a talented performer).
Lucy was featured in Dumbo Feather issue #65, sharing a conversation with Berry Liberman on rest and the cycles that we are both part of and are part of us. We loved the way Lucy talked about the period as the invitation that is present in each stage of that cycle, so we also published their conversation on the Dumbo Feather podcast.
Pianist, singer-songwriter, composer and educator
Monique diMattina understands how music casts spells, how it engulfs us on a whole-body level. A pianist, singer-songwriter, composer and educator, she spent 10 years living in New York on a Fullbright scholarship in her twenties, observing and learning from the greats while fine-tuning her own style, which today swings from jazz to classical to roots, depending on her appetite at the time.
Monique is sass and joy and love and sophistication, wrapped up in a clever quip and a yearning to connect. For her, global fame isn’t the pull, it’s playing at the local jazz bar for the baker up the road, and knowing that her music lands somewhere, like sunlight reaches a flower.
Nathan Scolaro spoke to Monique in Dumbo Feather issue #67, read their conversation in “Monique diMattina composes beauty”.
Monique diMattina understands how music casts spells, how it engulfs us on a whole-body level. A pianist, singer-songwriter, composer and educator, she spent 10 years living in New York on a Fullbright scholarship in her twenties, observing and learning from the greats while fine-tuning her own style, which today swings from jazz to classical to roots, depending on her appetite at the time.
Monique is sass and joy and love and sophistication, wrapped up in a clever quip and a yearning to connect. For her, global fame isn’t the pull, it’s playing at the local jazz bar for the baker up the road, and knowing that her music lands somewhere, like sunlight reaches a flower.
Nathan Scolaro spoke to Monique in Dumbo Feather issue #67, read their conversation in “Monique diMattina composes beauty”.
Singer-songwriter
Jess Hitchcock is an Indigenous singer-songwriter, award-winning opera singer and composer. Her powerful voice and passion for storytelling are revealed in captivating performances, be that with her own band, or when she joins forces with Australian music legends or performing arts companies such as Bangarra Dance Theatre, Victorian Opera, Opera Queensland and Short Black Opera.
Jess shared her musical journey with us in “Singing the sun up”, originally published in Dumbo Feather issue #67 exploring Music.
Jess Hitchcock is an Indigenous singer-songwriter, award-winning opera singer and composer. Her powerful voice and passion for storytelling are revealed in captivating performances, be that with her own band, or when she joins forces with Australian music legends or performing arts companies such as Bangarra Dance Theatre, Victorian Opera, Opera Queensland and Short Black Opera.
Jess shared her musical journey with us in “Singing the sun up”, originally published in Dumbo Feather issue #67 exploring Music.
Songwriter, natural singer and performer
Joel Havea is a man of many talents. A skilled songwriter, natural singer, unique guitarist and an overall engaging performer whose eclectic style reflects his roots as a true world citizen — he was born to a Tongan father and a Dutch mother in the island capital of Nuku’alofa and was raised in the rich cultural landscape of Melbourne.
Joel’s music asks the question, “What does it mean to be at home?”, the experience is different for everyone, but that feeling is one we all recognise — listening to old Tongan music has always transported him to that place.
Joel Havea is a man of many talents. A skilled songwriter, natural singer, unique guitarist and an overall engaging performer whose eclectic style reflects his roots as a true world citizen — he was born to a Tongan father and a Dutch mother in the island capital of Nuku’alofa and was raised in the rich cultural landscape of Melbourne.
Joel’s music asks the question, “What does it mean to be at home?”, the experience is different for everyone, but that feeling is one we all recognise — listening to old Tongan music has always transported him to that place.
Lydia’s Fairhall’s professional background is in executive arts leadership, festival curation and producing for theatre and film, in both urban and remote communities.
Lydia is a Worimi woman, born on Bundjalung country, now living in Gubbi Gubbi Country. She has lived many lives in this one life, from experiencing trauma in early life to art-filled, soulful adult life as a mother, producer, executive, singer/songwriter and custodian of ancient wisdom, Lydia is the embodiment of compassionate resilience.
Today she facilitates conscious leadership, spiritual direction and next economy transitions for both companies and individuals.
Lydia is part of much of our work, she’s a Guardian of Purpose, a guide in the Mastery of Business & Empathy, was featured on the cover of Dumbo Feather issue #60, Belonging, and has contributed to a number of issues of the magazine. Her reflection on “Holding Space for a New Creative Process” (co-written with Leanne de Souza) is a must read.
Lydia’s Fairhall’s professional background is in executive arts leadership, festival curation and producing for theatre and film, in both urban and remote communities.
Lydia is a Worimi woman, born on Bundjalung country, now living in Gubbi Gubbi Country. She has lived many lives in this one life, from experiencing trauma in early life to art-filled, soulful adult life as a mother, producer, executive, singer/songwriter and custodian of ancient wisdom, Lydia is the embodiment of compassionate resilience.
Today she facilitates conscious leadership, spiritual direction and next economy transitions for both companies and individuals.
Lydia is part of much of our work, she’s a Guardian of Purpose, a guide in the Mastery of Business & Empathy, was featured on the cover of Dumbo Feather issue #60, Belonging, and has contributed to a number of issues of the magazine. Her reflection on “Holding Space for a New Creative Process” (co-written with Leanne de Souza) is a must read.
Multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter
Bobby Alu is a multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter. His mantra is:
Move. And be moved. Find your flow and go about each day to the rhythm of your own making.
It’s been a long-time personal and musical mission.
Bobby’s tunes have a way of sneaking into the subconscious and taking up residence with smooth harmonies, rhythms inspired by a strong family lineage of Polynesian performance.
During our time together, we invited Bobby to reflect on his experience during the Covid-19 Pandemic, read his story in Being an Artist in 2020.
Bobby Alu is a multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter. His mantra is:
Move. And be moved. Find your flow and go about each day to the rhythm of your own making.
It’s been a long-time personal and musical mission.
Bobby’s tunes have a way of sneaking into the subconscious and taking up residence with smooth harmonies, rhythms inspired by a strong family lineage of Polynesian performance.
During our time together, we invited Bobby to reflect on his experience during the Covid-19 Pandemic, read his story in Being an Artist in 2020.
The Small Giants team are connected by shared values and conscious work that tackles the vast social and environmental challenges we face. Building a strong community is central to creating the world we want to live in, a world where we all have the opportunity to connect to ourselves, to each other and to the planet.We are always looking to connect with like-minded people who inspire and challenge us.
Have questions, ideas, or just want to connect? We'd love to hear from you! Drop us a message, and our team will get back to you shortly
Small Giants is located on the traditional lands of the Boon Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
With thanks to our partners
