Australians In Business

**Chasing Unicorns**: When Job Ads Demand Superhuman Skills, with Gaurav K In this talk, Gaurav will reveal why the “perfect candidate” is a myth and how both employers and job seekers can benefit from a more realistic approach to tech stack and domain knowledge demands in hiring instead of searching for a “unicorn” who fits every requirement. We will also be having a panel discussion after Gaurav's talk **Venue:** Hosted at Inspire9 Coworking Space Richmond https://www.inspire9.com/ **Gaurav Kathuria** is the Founder and Principal Trainer at **Business Analysis Upskill.** Gaurav offers professional training and coaching in Business Analysis, Data Analysis, Business Intelligence, Business Analysis certifications (ECBA, CCBA, CBAP), BABOK, Agile, Scrum, Process Automation, and Product Management. **Jade Bennett** is the Founder of **Middleton Executive**, an embedded hiring and executive search partner to product and technology companies. Jade is also the creator and host of The Product Edge podcast and a career strategist, known for her HIRED framework. **Jodie Marron** is a Senior Principal Consultant at **Frazer Tremble**, specialising in recruiting high-performing PMO, project, transformation, and tech teams across Australia in financial services, professional services, and utilities. She loves bringing people together through industry events and panels. **Andy Kelk** is a Fractional CTO and strategic advisor with over 25 years guiding scale-ups through technical growing pains. In senior roles at REA Group, Marketplacer, Australia Post, Wesfarmers, and others, he has architected platforms handling billions in transactions, scaled engineering teams from 15 to 100+. **John Parshotamdas** is a Lead Business Analyst at the **University of Melbourne**, where he oversees a team of more than 20 Business Analysts within the Digital Products Portfolio. +++ If you would like to volunteer to lead one or several sessions in 2026, please get in touch.

Join us for a relaxed LinkedIn networking walk — a casual way to connect with others in a friendly way. This event is only open to people who have an active LinkedIn account. Whether you're working, studying, running a business, or figuring things out, you're welcome here. It's a great opportunity to grow your LinkedIn network and meet like-minded people. We ask that everyone comes with the intention to build genuine connections — not to pitch or sell. Please remember to RSVP to this event if you wish to attend. **Please note:** We won’t accept RSVPs from individuals who have previously breached our group guidelines. **Meeting Point:** Let's meet infront of Timeout at Fed Square at 7 PM. We will be at the meeting point till 7:10 PM before walking. We will finish the walk around 8:30 PM at Fed Square. Please don't be late. Map: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/CnfUeKQ4XQZwkbrb8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/CnfUeKQ4XQZwkbrb8) **Total Walking Distance:** 4km, Easy, mostly flat Cost: FREE Please follow me on LinkedIn for updates: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheolsu](https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheolsu) Explore Melbourne is the largest meetup group in Australia with more than 43,000 members. We know these group rules won’t suit everybody, and that’s okay—there are many other groups where you might feel more at home. To keep things safe, fun, and positive, we have 8 simple rules for people attending our events. Over the past 9 years, we’ve removed 342 people (around 0.8%) for breaking them—so please read carefully! ❌ Not a dating group! – We’re here to make connections, not find soulmates. 📵 No phone numbers, please! – Feel free to swap LinkedIn if both parties are cool with it, but please don’t share or ask for phone numbers. Please don’t add people to WhatsApp or other groups. 🔞 Our events are only open to people aged 18 and older. 📢 Please do not advertise other events or groups. 🚗 We don't allow carpooling due to safety incidents/our public liability insurance not covering motor related accidents. 💰 **No sales pitches! – No selling, no MLMs, no pyramid schemes, no “life-changing mentorship” offers—let’s keep things scam-free.** By joining an event, you agree to follow these rules. Breaking them means removal from all our groups—no exceptions. Thank you! **Liability Waiver:** The organizer of this group cannot accept any liability for any loss, damage, injury, or accident to participants or their property at this event. By participating in this event, you're taking responsibility for your safety and well-being. By joining this event, you agree to the liability waiver mentioned here: [https://exploremelbourne.au/explore-melbourne-liability-waiver/](https://exploremelbourne.au/explore-melbourne-liability-waiver/ "https://exploremelbourne.au/explore-melbourne-liability-waiver/")

**Estrela do Mar** Inc is a Not-for-Profit organisation and this is a ticketed event, however don't let the investment be in your way, **please reach out** if you are experiencing financial difficulties to learn how can you contribute. Find out more at **[our](maracatu.org.au)** website. Workshops are held every Tuesday night at the Multicultural Hub in Melbourne, opposite the Vic Market. As the front door is locked after hours, please walk to Victoria Street, and turn right. You will find the door to Maracatu workshops on the right hand side just after Yarn Strong Sista. We teach **rhythm, song & movement** at regular workshops. Our style is traced through the lineage of groups (or "nations") such as **Maracatu Aurora Africana, Maracatu** **Estrela Brilhante**, **Maracatu** **Leão Coroado**, and others. We share a **living tradition of maracatu locally** to promote **social inclusion, break cultural barriers, and facilitate community building** & **engagement**. * **No musical experience** is required * **All instruments provided** * Not suitable for **children** Come along to learn & play this exhilarating rhythm. Please arrive at 6.25pm. The workshop will start at 6.30pm. \*\*Tickets: [https://events.humanitix.com/maracatu**](https://events.humanitix.com/maracatu**) $30 workshop or $20 concession Packages and Membership available

While there is plenty of advice available out there about public speaking, we think the best way to gain confidence is to practice and learn by doing, in a fun, friendly forum over dinner. Gourmet Toastmasters is set in the familiar and comforting soundings of a restaurant. We meet monthly, on the second Tuesday of each month, upstairs at the Malvernvale Hotel. We have a range of supportive club members from beginners looking to improve their public speaking, through to long term experienced Toastmasters, who impart their gift of knowledge and experience for all club members. Guests are more than welcome to visit the club, so come along, make new friends, learn from others and experience their journey. **Date:** The second Tuesday of each month **Time:** 6:30pm - 9.30pm **Location:** Malvervale Hotel 1321 Malvern Rd, Malvern As we are located in a restaurant we have a set cost of $40 for a 2 course meal, and bookings are essential. So please email [contact@gourmettoastmasters.org](mailto:contact@gourmettoastmasters.org) to find out more. We hope to see you for dinner!

**🙋‍♀️**Welcome to our Tuesday Social + language ​exchange meetup. Meet people from many countries and make new friends. 👉We always have between 150 - 200 people attending our Tuesday event since this event is listed in 3 different meetup groups. Some people come early some come late, best time is between 6pm to 9pm. 👉This is a great opportunity to learn to speak English with native and non-native speakers. Many English speakers, Europeans, Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, and other Asians attend our fun and friendly party. 👉It is suitable for international students, working holiday people, professional ex-pats, and local Australians. Find more Info; [https://instagram.com/Linguas.AU](https://instagram.com/Linguas.AU) or @Linguas.AU

**🙋‍♀️**Welcome to our Tuesday Social + language ​exchange meetup. Meet people from many countries and make new friends. 👉We always have between 100 - 150 people attending our Tuesday event since this event is listed in 3 different meetup groups. Some people come early some come late, best time is between 6pm to 9pm. 👉This is a great opportunity to learn to speak English with native and non-native speakers. Many English speakers, Europeans, Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, and other Asians attend our fun and friendly party. 👉It is suitable for international students, working holiday people, professional ex-pats, and local Australians.

**🔥L​assie & Edward Zia's Business Community is hosting a Business Networking Event @ Pullman Melbourne on the Park!🔥** Join like-minded people in Business for a fun and relaxing Networking Lunch and afternoon of Networking that you won't want to miss!​ Our Business Community includes a diverse range of friendly and supportive Professionals, Entrepreneurs, Business Owners, CEOs, Managing Directors, Boss Ladies, Thought Leaders and Influencers, open and ready to meet like-minded individuals, to connect and grow their Networks! ​​Our events are all about fostering and empowering meaningful connections, getting everyone out of their homes and offices to build a stronger Network within our Communities. **​T​he Event:** ​Our gatherings are free to you and pretty casual, with minimum structure to allow natural flow of conversations. [Please make a donation, we really appreciate your support.](https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ExcellenceAbove) Come along, grab lunch, ​introduce yourselves, make new friends, and connect with each other on your phones via Linkedin. Our leaders will give a brief introduction after lunch, feel free to move around and speak to everyone before and after, and enjoy a coffee and or beverages of your choice throughout​ the event too. **Before the event** ​Make sure that you have registered for this event, updated your professional profile and install the Linkedin app on your phone, our preferred social media platform for high quality professionals and Business Partners. **After the event​:** ​Touch base with those you have met and connect with any you may have missed on the day. Schedule a coffee meet and come along to our next event to meet and re-connect with others. **​P​arking:** Pullman Melbourne on the Park is located in East Melbourne, about a 10 minute walk East from Parliament Train Station. It's close to the MCG, and is also a popular venue for many concerts and sporting events. Wellington Parade also has many trams, with a tram spot just outside the Hotel. Parking includes a mixture of street parking and paid carparks including: \- Underneath the Pullman on the Park \- The Epworth Freemasons Carpark - Secure Parking, 12 - 20 Flinders Lane This part of town tends to be either empty or completely packed, based on what events are happening at the MCG and more (always great to leave earlier and allow more time when things are busy). **First time with Us?** You're in good hands! We've been running​ networking events in ​since 2015 and beyond **About Us** Our Meetup Business Community has over 16k members and has become one of Australia's largest Business Networking Meetup groups. We host regular Networking events in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra and zooms throughout the year, supporting a network of ever-growing businesses. With over 16,000 members in our Business Community, you have the best chance of meeting like-minded people to grow and scale your Network faster. **View all upcoming ​events [here](https://linktr.ee/LassieZia)** ### Frequently Asked Question​s **What is the dress code?** Smart Business casual and ​be photo ready. **Do many people attend by themselves?** Many of ​our attendees come by themselves​ and friends, colleagues and first timers are always welcomed. **How can I make contact with any questions?** ​Simply direct message [Edward Zia](https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwardzia/) with any further questions. We aim to create High Value and the best Business Networking Events available out there! **Meet - Like - Know - Trust** **Your Network is your Networth!** 🌏🌏🌏💙💙💙🔥🔥🔥 If you love our High Quality Business Networking Events, please Sign up to become a Member of the **[Awesome Influencer Vault](https://edwardzia.teachable.com/p/theawesomemarketingvault)** and help us keep them Running! We really appreciate your ongoing support!

* Join us for an evening of professional networking and valuable insights at our Entrepreneur & **Small Business Networking Mixer**. Connect with fellow small business owners, entrepreneurs, and like-minded professionals to share business strategies and exchange ideas for startup success with a drink. * * We have carved a deal with the restaurant of 10% Discount of all Menu items & drinks if you mention the staff "**Friday Business Meetup Deal**" * * We will delve into the power of integrating feminine wisdom with masculine energy for enhanced business strategies and entrepreneurial success. Discover the importance of positive human collisions in fostering innovation and growth, while expanding your network in a dynamic and supportive environment. * * Don't miss this opportunity to meet new contacts, exchange knowledge, and take yourself to the next level! * * **About Host:** Host of the event Sash (Sachin) is qualified accountant in practice. Mostly he is present in the event but it is subject to his prior commitment. However everybody is still invited to chat & socialise whether he is present or not. The place is a platform for everyone to gather,meet & help each other. * * **Address & Timings :** from **6-8 PM** at **500 Victoria Street, North Melbourne VIC 3051 (This event will be on every Friday same time same day unless otherwise advised)** * * Join us to meet new friends, hang out and have some laughs. New people are always welcome 😊🍺🍺 * * Come along to meet new people and see the familiar faces of the regular members. This is a regular weekly group for socialising and unwinding for the weekend. * * **Liability Waiver:** The organizer of this group cannot accept any liability for any loss, damage, injury, or accident to participants or their property at this event. By participating in this event, you're taking responsibility for your safety and well-being.

Join us for a relaxed, no‑pressure networking evening designed to bring Melbourne’s business community together with purpose. There’s no formal agenda—just quality conversations and genuine connections, hosted by the team at [PropertySensor](https://www.propertysensor.com). **What to expect** A connection‑first environment (no sales pitches) Opportunities to expand your professional network Potential client introductions and new business leads - without the hard sell **Good to know** Cost: Free to attend (limited places — please register early) Food & drink: Available for purchase at venue restaurant / bar prices Bring: Your business cards and an open, collaborative mindset All Melbourne business professionals are welcome. Come to connect, share ideas and discover opportunities.

Come join us and practise public speaking! All levels are welcome. Take the first step to overcome your fears, build confidence and learn to speak with impact in a friendly, supportive and encouraging environment. Start you public speaking journey with us now to improve your communications skills and elevate all aspects of your life. Please arrive 10 minutes early so we can settle everyone in for a 5.30pm start. See you soon!

Smashing! Try something new Friday night Interactive workshops Everyone speaks multiply times - we typically start in small groups and gradually build up confidence and skills **Free parking** close: O'Connell and Cobden streets **IMPORTANT: Be on time, as doors close when the show starts** “Proudly Australian" – Free-flowing teamwork, greater good, all funds stay within Australia Multicultural Hub, 506 Elizabeth St (Opposite Queen Vic Market) Level 1, Orange room More to come...

**FromHereOn** is proud to sponsor this special event with **Women in Architecture Australia (WIA)** in Melbourne **Panel Guests & Networking Event** This event is open to everyone—women, men, and supporters of diversity. Connect with like-minded professionals, build meaningful relationships, and unlock new opportunities. Please make sure to **register on Humanitix** (RSVP on Meetup won’t secure your spot): [https://events.humanitix.com/women-in-architecture-networking-event-in-melbourne-xu49tqj2](https://events.humanitix.com/women-in-architecture-networking-event-in-melbourne-xu49tqj2) Join us for an inspiring evening of thought leadership and networking as we celebrate **International Women's Day** with some notable voices in **architecture, innovation, and leadership**. Enjoy food and drinks while connecting with peers and gaining insights from our panelists. This is a fantastic opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, expand your network, and be part of the conversation shaping the future of Women in Architecture. **Find out more details here: [https://events.humanitix.com/women-in-architecture-networking-event-in-melbourne-xu49tqj2](https://events.humanitix.com/women-in-architecture-networking-event-in-melbourne-xu49tqj2)**

**Important Note:** The Commons requires a guest list in advance. To lock in your spot, please message me on LinkedIn with your full name and email address. Once I’ve got that, you’re in. LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewstuckings/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewstuckings/) If you’re building something and wouldn’t mind doing it around other switched-on humans, come join us for a relaxed co-working day at **The Commons QV**. **Location:** https://www.thecommons.com.au/locations/the-commons-melbourne-cbd-qv No formal agenda. No awkward icebreakers. Just good people, decent coffee, and focused work. ☕ **Loose plans on the day** *10:00–11:00am* Coffee, chat, and a quick “what are you working on?” round. After that, everyone settles in and gets on with their own work. *12:30–1:30pm* Optional tag-along lunch nearby if you feel like stretching your legs. **What to expect** • A mix of founders, consultants, marketers, and side-project builders • Light conversation, real work • Space to focus without being isolated You can network as much or as little as you like. **Who this is for** • People actively building something • Those who enjoy thoughtful conversation • Anyone who prefers productive days over scrolling at home **Details** Location: The Commons QV Capacity: 20 people Cost: Free Please RSVP only if you genuinely intend to attend. Spots are limited. Bring your laptop, your to-do list, and something meaningful to move forward.

We are now Meeting at ResQ BBQ in Leesburg \*\*help us track guest attendance, please register here please: https://www.bniconnectglobal.com/web/open/visitorRegistration?chapterId=16801 \*\* *** Thanks for visiting our meetup group for information for BNI Potomac Business Alliance where I am honored to hold the Title Insurance seat. During this meeting you will meet other local business professionals from a wide variety of industries who commit to providing excellent service to people within our shared networks. We will pass over 1.5 million dollars of business in 2022-2023. and we want you to consider applying to be a part of our referral network. So come out, enjoy an excellent breakfast, learn a little more about me and Title Insurance, and consider being a part of a fantastic group of business professionals. Be prepared to tell everyone about your business in about 30 seconds or less. We want to know what you do but have to keep it short so we can complete the meeting's agenda, we want to honor your time! • 30 second elevator speech? What do I say?! Your Name Your Company's Name What your company does (in basic form) One key difference maker (deliver on-time, on budget. or We close complicated cases. or We can sell your home quickly and for top dollar. Etc...) Who you would like to meet in the room or in the area (so we can refer you business :-) ) Keep it short and sweet, there will be plenty of time after and before the meeting to get to know other people in the group and even opportunities to schedule "one to one/1:2:1" meetings. We love to grab our coffee and go out to a spot in the lobby afterwards in one on ones to discuss how we can work together, get to know each other, get business done! So plan a little extra time to meet if need be.

Network with an average of 60+ business professionals, all attendees get an opportunity to give a 30 second elevator pitch, enjoy a light breakfast, 10 minute educational presentation on topics that change weekly, and enjoy networking before and after the meet up.

Small business Owners who do business through referrals and community. Come visit our chapter to see how help each other expand our business and maximize our time. Our group has over 30 members from different backgrounds! We meet every Wednesday morning, network, and share great ideas! We are looking for a few more like-minded business professionals to grow our group! Come visit our chapter and see if we are fit! Breakfast and drinks are provided at $30. Location: Seva Spaces Tysons 1604 Spring Hill Rd 2nd floor, Vienna, VA 22182

Attendance is $35 (cash, credit/debit card, or ApplePay - paid at the door), which includes water/soda/coffee, bread, choice of a plated lunch entrée, and a dessert assortment. Parking is also validated in the Reston Station garages (3 hours of validation). Join one of Northern Virginia's most successful business networking groups (part of BNI). Open to the public and is typically attended by business owners, business developers, and entrepreneurs. Meetings are typically attended by 30-40 members and guests. \*\*\*PLEASE RSVP here: [REGISTER HERE](https://square.link/u/0WvC6Eir) \*\*\*If you do not register on the BNI website, there may not be a seat available for you.

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun – March 11th Business Presentation** **Featuring Q Studio** **Wednesday \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun** Join us for an engaging and forward-thinking presentation as we welcome **Q Studio** to the 1 Million Cups Loudoun stage. *** ## **About the Business** Q Studio operates on the belief that **peak mental performance** is a state of optimal functioning — where individuals intentionally control their thoughts, understand their emotions, and respond with clarity and wisdom to opportunities and challenges. Through science-backed **Mind Skills**, Q Studio helps individuals strengthen focus, resilience, emotional regulation, and performance. Their digital platform, the **MyQStudio app**, provides unlimited access to micro-learning courses, personalized assessments, practical techniques, habit-building tools, progress tracking, and a supportive member community — all designed to build sustainable mental excellence. Beyond individual development, Q Studio partners with organizations to help teams integrate Mind Skills into everyday work. With customizable tools, reporting, and expert guidance, companies gain insight into how developing Mind Skills as a core competency drives engagement and performance at every level. *** ## **Target Markets** Q Studio serves: * Organizations seeking workforce upskilling * HR and talent development leaders * Corporate teams focused on engagement and performance * Businesses looking to strengthen leadership and team resilience *** ## **Current Business Focus & Barrier** As Q Studio continues to expand, they are seeking feedback around: * Hiring strategic personnel * Expanding market reach * Scaling sustainably * Strengthening positioning in B2B markets Insight from leaders who have scaled teams, grown SaaS or app-based platforms, or expanded into new markets would be especially valuable. *** ## **Why Attend?** * Learn how mental performance directly impacts workforce success * Offer insight to a growing, innovation-driven company * Connect with business leaders focused on growth and development * Be part of a collaborative, solutions-oriented conversation **About 1 Million Cups** 1 Million Cups is a national program that brings entrepreneurs and communities together to learn, connect, and grow through presentations and discussion. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays each month. Join us for coffee, connection, and a powerful conversation about unlocking peak performance in individuals and organizations. We look forward to seeing you there.

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun – Resource Presentation** **Why Not Today? Build Systems That Support Your Growth** **Presented by Leslie Kane, Founder of Why Not Today?** **Wednesday March 25th \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun** Join us for a powerful resource presentation designed to help entrepreneurs move from scattered effort to sustainable momentum. *** ## **About the Session** Entrepreneurs rarely struggle because they lack ideas. They struggle because everything lives in their head. In this session, **Leslie Kane**, founder of **Why Not Today?**, will explore how developing intentional systems creates clarity, focus, and forward progress in business. Drawing from decades of leadership experience and working with hundreds of entrepreneurs, Leslie shares how structure reduces overwhelm, simplifies decision-making, and transforms inconsistent action into repeatable success. If you’re building a business and constantly feeling stretched thin, this conversation will challenge you to ask a powerful question: **Why not today?** *** ## **What You’ll Gain** * Insight into why systems are critical for growth * Practical perspective on turning ideas into structured action * A framework for reducing overwhelm * A mindset shift from reactive to intentional leadership This is not about adding more to your plate — it’s about building the foundation that allows your business to grow without burning you out. *** ## **About 1 Million Cups** 1 Million Cups is a national program that brings entrepreneurs and communities together to learn, connect, and grow through conversation and collaboration. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays each month. Join us for coffee, connection, and a conversation that may completely change how you approach your business growth.

Join us at Tyson Morning Meet-UP for a casual networking coffee chat tailored for small business owners and entrepreneurs. This is a great opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, share experiences, and exchange ideas over a cup of coffee. Whether you are just starting off or have an established business, this event is designed to provide support, build relationships, and foster collaboration in a relaxed and friendly environment. Come prepared to introduce yourself, talk about your business goals, and make valuable connections that can help you grow your business. Don't miss out on this chance to expand your network and gain insights from other professionals in the field. Let's sip, chat, and network together!