Masterclass: In Business to Save Our Home Planet with Dane O'Shanassy

Patagonia is the exemplar of business as a force for good, a global icon and a symbol of a hopeful future. 

From humble beginnings blacksmithing pitons for rock climbers in California to a global outdoor clothing operation with offices in the United States, the Netherlands, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Chile and Argentina — and over 70 stores worldwide, Patagonia aims to use all the resources it has: its business, its investments, its voice and its imagination to protect our planet.

With decades of steadfast loyalty to environmental ethics, the company continues to grow its reputation and impact. Patagonia has become the subject of a Harvard Business School case study and won the United Nations Champions of the Earth award in 2019. What does success mean for a business balancing global retail, activism and storytelling? How do you lead a business with an outspoken commitment not to compromise, no matter what the financial success on the other side of that compromise might be? 

Dane O’Shanassy is the Country Director of Patagonia Australia. His leadership embodies the very values that are so dear to Patagonia. Rather than striving to be a visionary of change and innovation, O’Shanassy sees his role as a custodian of something much greater, something in service to our planet, something intergenerational, something simultaneously humble and profound. 

In this three hour Masterclass, we will learn from Patagonia’s example firsthand to re-evaluate the role of leadership and legacy in our own businesses, exploring:

• A deep dive into Patagonia’s legacy and its future vision
• Longevity: How do you integrate something not just human but also multi-generational into the mission and values of your company?
• Environmental Protection: How can you establish a boundary around what you’re not willing to compromise in your own business?
• People & Culture: What is it that holds people together?
• Marketing & Storytelling: What is the essence you bring that makes a difference and how do you share it?
  
  

Join us for this unique, intimate Masterclass experience with Dane O’Shanassy, the leader at the helm of Patagonia Australia.

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About Dane O’Shanassy:

Since August 2013, Dane has been leading Patagonia in Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia, supporting growth in sales and brand awareness, alongside steering our regional environmental impact. He finds joy and satisfaction through building strong teams and creating business strategy that can be disruptive and transformational. A Master’s in Business Administration at Melbourne’s Deakin University underscores more than 20 years working with some iconic Australian brands including Rip Curl, Bellroy and Colorado. Now in his role at Patagonia, Dane has the opportunity to demonstrate that business success and positive environmental impact don’t have to be at odds, in fact, they can be harmonious and profitable. Dane finds his passion in the surf, the mountains, and through spending time with his family at home on Victoria’s Surf Coast.

About our co-facilitator, Danny Almagor:

Danny is the co-founder and Chair of Small Giants, which he started with Berry, who also happens to be the mother of his three children, and the creative director of Small Giants. Prior to Small Giants, Danny was the founding CEO of Engineers Without Borders and the CEO of Medivax. He loves reading nonfiction and jumping on the trampoline with his kids.

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Concession Rate:

We offer concession rates to support those who are unemployed, studying or working for non-profits and B Corporations. Please check out using the concession ticketing option.

Accessibility:
If you require Auslan Interpretation, please contact us at info@smallgiants.com.au at least 2 weeks prior to the event. We will be very happy to arrange this for you.

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About Small Giants Academy:

Our vision at Small Giants Academy is for a just and inclusive transition to a global economy that supports human flourishing while living in harmony with the natural world.  Through articles, podcasts, conversations and masterclasses that illuminate the work of global thought leaders, Small Giants Academy is leading its communities towards a hopeful future, the Next Economy.