Our Headline Speakers
Our headliners know how tough it is to develop a business from scratch. They are an engaging mix of business innovators, ground-breaking creatives, social game changers, field-leading experts and forward-thinking leaders.
The SME&E headliner speakers have curated presentations to provoke thought about your business’s future and explain the tools you need to consider to help your business grow faster. Authentic thought provoking discussions about navigating business challenges and how they succeeded despite numerous setbacks. Their talks are an open doorway into a deeper exploration of the topics raised and an invitation to find inspiration in the stories of those tackling the great business and social challenges of our times. Our headliners are unicorn business experts who are on a mission to help you!
We align workshops to the headliner speakers stories to help you develop the habits and skills to reach your professional aspirations. Each presentation will finish with 15min of Q&A so you can ask those burning business questions that you just have to get an answer for.
Justine Troy
Co-Founder 42 Below
Justine co-founded the iconic vodka brand 42 Below with her husband, Geoff Ross. The brand changed the way New Zealand and in particular the investment community viewed growth brands (42 Below listed on the NZX in 2003). It also brought a new style of marketing to the world. 42 Below won the hearts of bars and bartenders all over the world, from the Ritz in London to the coveted Bungalow Eight in NYC.
Mike Hutcheson
The Lighthouse Ideas Company
Mike has spent most of his life working out what makes people tick, figuring out what they want and why.
Mike has launched several businesses, a director of a number of companies public and private, a business adviser and an Adjunct Professor at Auckland University of Technology, teaching an online Innovation and Entrepreneurship programme.
Sir Ian Taylor CNZM
Founder/Managing Director | Animation Research Ltd
Profoundly inspiring, deeply thought provoking, refreshingly authentic – prepare to be informed educated and inspired by this humble, accomplished and multi awarded innovator. Ian challenges the status quo of our societies and addresses important social issues relating to our educational system and its impact on our people. The switched on, creative, solutions focussed, ‘Don’t see why not!’ thinking of this innovator will stay with you forever.
Craig Hudson
Managing Director XERO Aotearoa & Pacific Islands
Craig has been recognised for his work around mental health in business and has been awarded the Walk the Talk Award at Diversity Works, was a semi-finalist for New Zealander of the Year and was voted The Most Inspiring Individual in Tech at the Hi-Tech Awards.
In his keynote "Why wellbeing makes cents", Craig will explore the future of leadership and wellbeing in Aotearoa, discussing the role empathy plays in connecting people, as well as the importance of viewing wellbeing holistically - drawing on influences from Te Ao Māori. He will also discuss the undeniable link between wellbeing and business success.
Cassie Roma
CR&Co
Cassie is most at home when she's on stage delivering heart-full talks to passionate humans. She's been called a "secret weapon of speaking" & rightly so. Though, the secret might be out already! In 2019 alone Cassie graced stages in the USA, Australia, New Zealand, and across Asia Pacific. Melding insight, context, innovation & information - Cassie's keynotes & workshops are paving the way for a new kind of impactful leader.
Angus Brown
CEO and co-founder of Ārepa
Angus Brown is the CEO and co-founder of Ārepa, a brain-food technology company working at the nexus between nature, neuroscience and food technology to make the world's smartest food, his goal is to build a world-leading billion-dollar health food company out of New Zealand exporting high-value, clinically validated functional brain food.
Jehan Casinader
Award-Winning Journalist
Jehan Casinader is a journalist, author, mental health advocate – and one of New Zealand’s top storytellers.
He was named “Broadcast Reporter of the Year” at the Voyager Media Awards in 2020 and “Reporter of the Year” at the New Zealand Television Awards in 2018.
NZ SME&E FESTIVAL PROGRAM
"Xero is thrilled to sponsor the SME&E Festival. Small business is the backbone of Aotearoa and events like SME&E Festival are crucial in providing a space to learn, connect and foster this community. We are passionate supporters of small business owners, entrepreneurs, side hustlers and everyone in between, and look forward to attending what will be an awesome event." - Xero
