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SCOTT FARQUHAR HEADLINES FORBES 2025 BUSINESS SUMMIT
Sydney, AUSTRALIA (October 1, 2025) – Forbes Australia today announced the return of its flagship Business Summit, presented by Salesforce, on November 13 at Ilumina, Sydney.
This year’s theme, ‘Break Through: Game Changing Business Conversations,’ sets the tone for a day focused on cutting through barriers and challenging convention, bringing together those shaping the future of the Australian business landscape.
The Summit invites Australia’s senior business leaders, founders, and investors to explore the trends, pressures, and possibilities re-setting the business agenda. From a rare fireside chat with Scott Farquhar on the next wave of innovation, to new frontiers in defence-tech, culture-driven innovation and AI-led leadership, the Summit is curated for candour and insight.
Speakers
Scott Farquhar, Co-founder, Atlassian
Ben Thompson, Co-founder and CEO, Employment Hero
Robin Khuda, Founder and CEO, AirTrunk
Steve Baxter, Founder, Beaten Zone Venture Partners
Laura Henshaw, Co-founder and CEO, Kic
Nick Mowbray, Co-founder, ZURU
Daniel Petre, Co-founder & Partner Emeritus, Airtree Ventures
Frank Fillmann, EVP & GM, Salesforce Australia
Richard Weinberg, CEO, Terrace Tower Group
Sarah Walsh, COO, AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026
Dino Otranto, CEO, Fortescue Metals
Elle Ferguson, Founder and Creative Director, ELEFFECT
Dr Mary Manning, Chief Investment Officer, National Reconstruction Fund
Swati Dave, Non-executive member, Reserve Bank of Australia
Jacqui Lennon, Chief Technology & Transformation Officer, Zurich Australia
Bruna Papandrea, Emmy & Golden Globe–winning producer, Founder and CEO of Made Up Stories
Oleg Vornik, CEO, DroneShield
Moderators include Sean Aylmer, Journalist & Podcaster, Fear and Greed and Mark Whittaker, Senior Features Writer, Forbes Australia
The Summit’s topics draw on today’s most relevant issues: building company value, navigating market shifts, harnessing AI responsibly, and translating cultural momentum into business growth.
“At Forbes Australia, our mission is to shine a light on the people and ideas shaping the future of business,” said Sarah O’Carroll, Editor-in-Chief, Forbes Australia. “The Business Summit brings those stories to life on stage, in real time – creating a space where leaders can share lessons, challenge perspectives, and spark the conversations that move Australia forward.”
“The Summit is more than an event – it’s a high-impact community,” added Heidi de Boer, Group Head of Marketing, Forbes Australia. “Our theme, ‘Break Through’, is an invitation to business owners and decision-makers to look beyond the status quo and take fresh action on what matters next.”
Event Details
Date: November 13, 2025
Venue: Ilumina, Sydney
Presented by: Salesforce
