Melbourne, Back to Business Roundtable - Bold Leadership, Real Impact

Melbourne’s business community is evolving fast, and women are leading the charge. As we navigate economic fragmentation, technological acceleration, and shifting workforce expectations, the question isn’t if we’ll adapt; it’s how boldly we’ll lead.

As we step into 2026, the call is clear: leadership must be bolder, more connected, and deeply human.

Join Business Women Australia as we kick off 2026 in Melbourne with an exclusive Leaders Roundtable, bringing together senior executives, founders, board directors, and professional women to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping business leadership this year and beyond.

Hosted by Sonya Georgievski and Anne Petracca, this high-level gathering will explore:

The biggest challenges and opportunities we are facing as leaders right now
How to lead collaboratively and courageously through complexity
What support, knowledge, and connections are needed to move forward
Sharing meaningful discussions and insights into what’s working in boardrooms, businesses, and leadership teams today

This is not a presentation, it’s a conversation.

A space for meaningful dialogue, shared insight, and shaping what leadership in 2026 needs to look like. Expect a dynamic mix of conversation, collaboration, and real connection, where ideas are exchanged, experiences shared, and new alliances formed among forward-thinking women in business.

Your input will also help guide the direction of BWA’s Melbourne leadership programs for the year ahead.

This exclusive session is designed for:

Leaders and emerging leaders committed to growth and impact
Business owners and managers
Senior executives, professionals, and decision-makers across sectors
C-suite executives and women on boards

Leave with renewed clarity, shared wisdom, and actionable ideas to strengthen your leadership impact in 2026.

Be part of sharing what bold, human-centered leadership looks like in 2026, right here in Melbourne.

Meet Anne Petracca

Anne Petracca is a seasoned CEO, fractional CMO, and Non-Executive Director with over two decades of experience leading growth, transformation, and purpose-driven innovation across retail, e-commerce, franchising, and direct selling.

Currently serving as Fractional CMO at Associated Projects and on several boards and advisory groups, Anne brings a rare blend of creativity, commercial acumen, and strategic foresight to help brands grow with purpose and personality.

Previously CEO of Lorraine Lea and Adorn Cosmetics, she has led organisations through complex change and rapid evolution, uniting people around shared purpose and delivering sustainable commercial success. Known for her integrity, curiosity, and collaborative leadership style, Anne is passionate about helping businesses be a genuine force for good.

A Fellow of the CEO Institute, AICD Graduate, and Williamson Leadership Program alumna, Anne is committed to ethical governance, inclusive leadership, and mentoring women to lead boldly and well.

Outside of work, she thrives on family, travel, staying active, and connecting over good food and conversation.

About Sonya Georgievski

Sonya sits on the Advisory Board of Business Women Australia and is the Founding Director of EOX Business Partners, a seasoned business performance consultant, leadership with over 30 years in the corporate sector. She is renowned for her sharp strategic mind and ability to deliver impactful, transformational results. Sonya’s work sits at the intersection of leadership, service excellence, and customer advocacy. She is sought for her ability to help businesses align people, processes, and systems to achieve greater efficiency, productivity, and growth. Passionate about making a difference, Sonya brings heart, integrity, and focus to everything she does, whether building high-performing teams or driving systemic change

A proud mother of three, including premature twin boys, her lived experience inspired her to co-found All About Prems, Bedrest, Birth and Beyond, supporting thousands of families with premature and sick babies.

Sonya has also dedicated over 15 years to the Not-for-Profit sector and is a fierce advocate for psychological safety in the workplace, especially for women and minorities impacted by systemic bullying.

With an MBA from the University of Melbourne, Sonya is also an accredited project manager and certified in Lean Six Sigma, and most recently completed Cert IV in Personal and Business Coaching.

About Business Women Australia

BWA brings together businesswomen from all sectors, industries, and states

business owners and entrepreneurs
executives and managers
professionals
women on boards
emerging leaders
women who desire growth and high-level connections

Business Women Australia is focused on key areas of development.

Leadership
Business Improvement
Personal and Professional Growth
Connections and Friendship

Join as a member today.