How I made a difference
The talks will feature four keynotes, all speaking about how they have ‘made a difference’ for the
world of entrepreneurship and the city of Melbourne.
Featuring Marita Cheng, Russell Yardley, Stef Kuypers and Andrew Brough
Marita Cheng
Marita is the founder and director of Robogals, an international organisation that aims to get
more girls interested in science, engineering and technology. She is also a full-time student
of Mechatronics Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Melbourne.
In 2012, she was named the Young Australian of the Year. She demonstrated vision and
leadership well beyond her years is dedicated to encouraging young women to become
interested in a career in engineering. Already Robogals has run robotics workshop for 3,000
girls across 80 schools in Australia and now has 17 chapters across Australia, New Zealand
and the United Kingdom.
Russell Yardley
Russell joined IBM in 1978 left in 1985 to start one of Australia's first multimedia businesses
and in the mid 90's became one of the first Internet developers in the country.
He has spent 23 years running Acumentum and other small business interests now taking
on non-executive director roles and helping new entrepreneurial companies grow and
prosper. He has been appointed as Director of Alcidion Corporation and other fast growing
entrepreneurial companies.
Stef Kuypers
Stef Kuypers started his career as a software developer and architect. In 2006 the joy and
passion he had found in theater and improvisation theater made him start a journey towards
a radically new career.
Today Stef facilitates people and organizations break through the boundaries of perceived
possibilities. Armed with playful interactive exercises, coaching and communication skills,
knowledge of body language and insights in transformation and change processes he
creates an environment where people can safely roam unexplored territories, the place
where unexpected and inspiring growth lives.
Andrew Brough
Andrew enjoys helping passionate people turn their ideas into reality. Currently he is Managing Director at the Foundation for Young Australian, an organisation focussed on enabling and empowering young people to shape their own futures, be successful learners and create social change.
An experienced director & entrepreneur, Andrew has recently returned to Australia after 13 years living in the UK, France and USA. He helped setup social ventures in the UK including School of Everything, Spice and Social Innovation Camp and venture funds in health and education for the Young Foundation. Previously he co-founded several start-ups from University R&D; helped set up one of Europe's first early stage technology incubators and consulted to organisations such as the BBC and Siemens. He holds a Masters degree in Space Science and Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering.