Speakers
Andrew Conway, CEO, Institute of Public Accountants
A former Australian Government Treasury Ministry Chief of Staff, Andrew holds the record of being the youngest CEO of a public entity, appointed at just 28 years of age in 2009. Andrew has represented Australia at a range of international events including APEC, G20, and World Trade Organisation summits. Andrew's academic background and qualifications are in commerce, education, and commercial law.
In 2001 Andrew was awarded the Centenary of Federation Medal through the Order of Australia. Andrew was also awarded the 2011 Young Professional of the Year award and was appointed a Professor of Accounting (honoris causa) at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics and is an Adjunct Professor at Deakin University and Lanzhou University in China. Andrew has held statutory positions including as a Board Director of a large government agency (Eastern Health in Victoria).
In November 2014, Andrew was announced as one of the AFR Boss Magazine's Young Executives of the Year and in 2015 was announced as the Young Alumni of the Year of Deakin University and is a current Vice Chancellors' Distinguished Fellow.
Andrew leads the transformation of the IPA and pioneered the policy development of the landmark Australian Small Business White Paper and has consolidated the IPA's position in the global profession by leading the successful acquisition of the Institute of Financial Accountants in the UK to create the IPA Group.
These achievements, awards, and academic appointments cement Andrew's position as one of Australia's leading and most promising CEOs.
Michelle Howard, Michelle Howard Consulting Ltd
In today's fast-paced world, leadership requires agility and inclusivity. Michelle Howard, a respected leadership and marketing expert champions these principles to help people to grow. Recognised by the global 'She Inspires' foundation and with an impressive career spanning professional services, education, business, and healthcare, Michelle has transformed struggling organisations and shaped leadership journeys.
Recognised for creativity and innovation, she was among the first Chartered Marketer-accredited Marketing Managers in professional services at a Legal 500 company. Moving swiftly from private sector marketing manager to a strategic public sector leadership role, Michelle uniquely earned awards for her work and became known for championing the work of supporting team members. She now works with organisations and people to help them grow though delivering actionable insights, inspiring audiences to achieve more than they thought possible.
Liz Barclay, Office of the Small Business Commissioner
Small Business Commissioner for the UK having been a small business journalist and broadcaster for 25 years. Liz also has a wealth of experience of NED roles and advises on diversity and inclusion, governance and consumer needs, and coaches communications skills.
Shane Lukas, AVN Inspiring Accountants
A coach and trainer to accountants.
Since 1998 Shane’s enabled over 5000 accountants who run their own accounting firm to escape the business prison (feeling overworked, underpaid, trapped or becoming outdated) to achieving a successful, future ready practice that gives them freedom, enjoyment and a great lifestyle.
Those accountants - and their team - gain confidence and skills in value pricing, attracting great clients, delivering advisory solutions and scaling whilst reducing pressure and stress.
Shane has authored multiple international best-selling books for accountants including Putting Excellence Into (your) Practice and What’s Next For Accountants,
He’s a keynote, tedx and webinar speaker.
Lenny Barry, HMRC
Lenny is an experienced engagement manager having worked on Making Tax Digital since 2018.
He worked extensively with agents on MTD for VAT and is now immersed in readiness work for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax.
