Who will redefine the future? Why not you?
Step into the world of entrepreneurship and innovation at this interactive panel event designed to inspire the next generation of changemakers. Hosted by entrepreneur, investor, and ABC journalist Madeleine Hanger, this session features a dynamic lineup of founders and innovators who are transforming industries, solving real-world problems, and navigating the rise of AI with bold thinking and smart execution.
Gain insights into the personal journeys of our panellists, the entrepreneurial mindsets that drive their success, and the practical tools they use to turn big ideas into real-world impact. Discover how they spot opportunities, transform challenges into possibilities, and thrive in the fast-moving innovation economy.
Whether you're dreaming of launching a startup or driving change within an organisation, this event will equip you with the thinking, skills, and inspiration to shape a career that makes a difference.
The panel event will be followed by an audience Q&A.
Jessica Christiansen-Franks - Director, Wade Institute of Entrepreneurship
Jessica Christiansen-Franks is the new Director of Wade Institute of Entrepreneurship and is a qualified urban designer and landscape architect with over 20 years’ experience working across government, industry, and civil society, leading complex urban development projects in Australia and internationally including in the UK, Canada, India, China, Vietnam, and the Philippines. She is also the co-founder of Melbourne proptech platform Neighbourlytics, where she built and grew data tools across 12 countries and led four investment rounds over eight years. She is a passionate advocate for entrepreneurial thinking and innovation with a focus on social impact
Jodie (Day) Imam - Co-Founder & CEO, Tractor Ventures
Jodie is a founder, angel investor, advisor and non-executive director, and is passionate about helping tech businesses start and grow. Currently, Jodie is Co-founder and CEO at Tractor Ventures, a fintech helping founders unlock possibilities with alternative capital, and an NED at Private Media and Fintech Australia.
Previously, she co-founded Occasional Butler (acquired by Airtasker) and depo8 co-working. Jodie led SBE Australia, was Director of StartUps at The Wade Institute, GM at Leona Edmiston, and Account Manager at Ericsson Australia and NCR in both Sydney and London.
Andrew Rowse - Councillor, City of Melbourne (Education & Innovation)
Councillor Andrew Rowse was elected to Melbourne City Council in November 2024. Cr Rowse is the portfolio head for Innovation and Education and portfolio deputy for City Economy and Business, as well as Council's representative on the Design Excellence Advisory Committee.
Andrew graduated from the University of Melbourne with an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering before returning to study a Master of Entrepreneurship, co-delivered with the Wade Institute. He is the former Director of Programs at the Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre, University of Melbourne.
Kaushal Ottem - Master of Entrepreneurship student, the University of Melbourne
Kaushal is an entrepreneur and innovator passionate about human‑centered technology. Currently completing his Master of Entrepreneurship at the University of Melbourne, co-delivered with Wade Institute, he is committed to building and transforming lives through human‑computer interaction. Alongside an MBA and experience in high‑growth startups, he thrives at the intersection of strategy, innovation, and human connection. Drawing from his lived experience with epilepsy, he brings a unique perspective to exploring how technology can enhance human potential and foster collaboration.
MODERATOR Madeleine Hanger (Grummet)
Madeleine is a force for social change, startups and storytelling. Qualified in Design Thinking, venture capital investment, entrepreneurship and innovation, Mads has worked with ASX-listed companies, founded two award-winning startups and invests in early-stage ventures with Flying Fox, Startmate and privately. Co-host of the Human Cogs and fLounder podcasts, Mads is an ABC journalist, presenter and author.
Madeleine holds First Class Honours in a Master of Entrepreneurship (the University of Melbourne) and Master of Journalism (Monash), and has received awards for leadership, innovation and journalism.
