Danielle Wood, the 415th person I've met on my quest to have lunch with 500 strangers, is a passionate believer in using evidence to guide public policy decisions. While that might sound obvious, many decisions are actually based on assumptions, instinct or expediency. Danielle previously served as an economist at the ACCC, the competition regulator, and [...]
Treska Roden, the 414th person I've met on my quest to have lunch with 500 strangers, teaches an art that seems outdated but is actually timeless – etiquette. Treska is the owner of the International College of Etiquette, which she founded in 2010. The college teaches a range of pupils, from children who want to improve [...]
Guy Smith, the 413 person I've met on my quest to have lunch with 500 strangers, knows property from every possible angle. Almost two decades ago, Guy entered the industry as a sales agent; then spent a decade as a valuer; and then, five years ago, became a buyer's agent. Along the way, he completed a [...]
Stacey Trock, the 412th person I've met on my quest to have lunch with 500 strangers, has friends and relatives on the left and right, who tend to hold wildly opposing views. But when she announced on social media, in August 2020, that she was moving from America, her homeland, to Australia, there was general agreement [...]
Harley Stibbard, the 411th person I've met on my quest to have lunch with 500 strangers, lives and breathes business – he's both a small business owner and a business broker. Harley has spent his career in the fitness industry, as both a trainer and manager. Wanting to take the next step in his life, he [...]
Jon Glass, the 410th person I've met on my quest to have lunch with 500 strangers, works with clients who are often confused, low on confidence and unsure of their identity. Jon is the owner of 64PLUS Retirement Coaching, which coaches people who are moving to, or have recently entered, retirement. It’s common for strangers to [...]
Ever wondered what it's like to be a political staffer? Rory Cunningham, the 409th person I've met on my quest to have lunch with 500 strangers, says it's stimulating, fascinating and relentless, while also being an emotional rollercoaster. Your day can shift instantly depending on an unexpected event or a breaking news story. Rory is the [...]
Dr Robert Urquhart, the 408th person I've met on my quest to have lunch with 500 strangers, is about to embark on a voyage of discovery. Robert has received a Churchill Fellowship grant to visit Britain, Canada and America to consult experts in the field of family and domestic violence – particularly involving children. At the [...]
Helen Hamilton-James, the 407th person I've met on my quest to have lunch with 500 strangers, is managing partner of Deloitte’s Western Sydney office. Before that, she had a life-changing experience serving in the same role for Deloitte’s Papua New Guinea office. From a professional perspective, the role compelled Helen to adapt to a very different [...]
Rachel Clissold, the 406th person I've met on my quest to have lunch with 500 strangers, has an unusual gift. Time and time again, strangers who meet her feel the urge to open up and reveal intimate experiences. Part of the reason is that Rachel is an excellent listener; also, she asks thoughtful questions that give [...]
