An Unforgettable Taste of Scotland: EO Melbourne Explores the World of Whisky

In true EO Melbourne fashion, our members recently gathered for an exclusive experience that was equal parts educational and indulgent. “An Exploration into the Wonderful World of Scottish Whisky” brought together enthusiasts and curious novices alike to deepen their appreciation of one of Scotland’s most celebrated exports.

Hosted at the opulent Nick & Nora’s Melbourne, the evening transported attendees to a realm of glamour and sophistication. This venue, with its nod to post prohibition soirées, set the perfect stage for an intimate whisky-tasting session led by EO Melbourne member Greg Sanderson, Managing Director of The Speakeasy Group.

The event kicked off with exquisite canapés and drinks that seamlessly blended with the venue’s renowned culinary artistry. Once the guests were settled, Greg, with his rich experience and approachable style, guided them on a journey across Scotland’s whisky regions. Each of the five whiskies presented told its own story, revealing the intricate interplay of tradition, craft, and the unique geography of Scotland.

Beyond the tasting, the evening was a reminder of the value EO Melbourne places on learning through experience. Members didn’t just savour exceptional spirits; they gained insights into the artistry behind whisky-making and connected with one another over shared discoveries.

This event exemplifies EO Melbourne’s commitment to creating opportunities for both professional growth and personal enrichment. By weaving together a vibrant community, a world-class venue, and a passionate expert, it offered members a night to remember—a celebration of craftsmanship, camaraderie, and connection.

Cheers to more adventures that bring us closer to the finer details of the world, and to the extraordinary learning opportunities that EO Melbourne continues to provide.

A Slice of Mastery: Pizza and Entrepreneurship with Johnny Di Francesco

Entrepreneurship is an art, much like crafting the perfect pizza. At a recent exclusive event with EO Melbourne, members had the unique opportunity to blend these two worlds in an interactive and insightful Pizza Masterclass led by Johnny Di Francesco, founder of 400 Gradi and the Gradi Group of restaurants. The setting was intimate, the energy palpable, as participants eagerly gathered around to learn from a culinary master who built a global pizza empire, one slice at a time.

The masterclass kicked off with the essentials: the dough. Lined up in anticipation, participants carefully followed Johnny’s instructions, mixing and kneading their dough with precision. More than just learning how to make the world’s best pizza, they were gaining valuable insights into the art of patience, precision, and the importance of perfecting your craft – qualities that mirror entrepreneurial success.

Johnny, a true embodiment of turning passion into a thriving business, spoke candidly about his journey, connecting his love for food to the foundational values of entrepreneurship. Like many in the room, he started with a dream—except his was in the kitchen, not the boardroom. His early years as a pizzaiolo were rooted in mastering the fundamentals, and from there, he built his now-famous restaurant group. As attendees watched him stretch the dough, it was clear that making pizza, like building a business, requires a deep understanding of the process, resilience, and a touch of creativity.

The highlight of the event was when participants assisted Johnny in making pizzas using the same techniques that won him the title of World Pizza Champion. In between bites of wood-fired pizzas paired with exquisite Italian wines, they engaged in candid discussions about the intersection of culinary mastery and business acumen. Johnny shared that just as a perfect pizza needs the right ingredients, timing, and heat, a successful business needs focus, adaptability, and persistence to grow. The Q&A session allowed everyone to explore the real-life challenges and opportunities that Johnny navigated—from expanding his brand globally to maintaining authenticity in each of his restaurants.

For the entrepreneurs present, it wasn’t just about learning how to create mouthwatering pizzas; it was about mastering the delicate balance between passion and enterprise. Johnny’s experience in growing 400 Gradi into an international brand, while maintaining the integrity of his craft, resonated deeply with those looking to expand their own ventures. His key takeaway? Whether you're making pizza or building a business, staying true to your values and perfecting your core offering is what ultimately leads to lasting success.

As the evening wrapped up, attendees left with more than just pizza dough—they carried with them lessons in entrepreneurship, a renewed sense of purpose, and the secret recipe for creating something that lasts. Just like Johnny’s pizzas, their businesses, too, could be a masterpiece in the making.

Unlocking Success: The Power of Effective Boards - A Masterclass Recap

In the realm of business, what sets apart the titans from the rest? It's a question that has intrigued entrepreneurs and corporate leaders alike. The answer, as many would agree, lies in having a high-functioning and effective board or advisory board. The biggest and most successful companies in the world have this crucial commonality, and it's time to ask yourself – does your company have one?

The recent EO Melbourne masterclass featuring Stuart Cook, the former CEO of Zambrero and Founding Partner of TWIYO (The World Is Your Oyster), centred around the transformative potential of the right board or advisory board, making it a game-changer for businesses of all scales and stages.

Stuart Cook, a seasoned entrepreneur and investor, shared his wealth of experience with eager participants. His journey from the helm of a Mexican restaurant chain to overseeing its meteoric growth and expanding into three countries is nothing short of inspirational. For the past decade, he and TWIYO have been actively engaged in nurturing and investing in early-stage companies across Australia and the US, primarily focusing on health and wellness, food sustainability, and environmental technology.

The masterclass, titled "The When, Who, and How of Setting up Your Board/Advisory Board," unfolded as a practical workshop, offering insights and expertise that resonated with both established business leaders and those embarking on entrepreneurial journeys. Here's a glimpse of what attendees gained from this invaluable session:

Understanding Types of Boards: Stuart helped participants navigate the nuances between statutory and advisory boards, shedding light on their respective pros and cons. The goal was to enable individuals to identify when each type of board fits best into their strategic roadmap.

Developing the Perfect Board: Crafting the ideal board requires careful selection of members possessing unique skill sets. Stuart guided participants on how to create a well-rounded team that complements and elevates their business.

Remuneration and Expectations: Participants gained insider knowledge on the art of rewarding board members and understanding what these key stakeholders expect in return.

The masterclass didn't stop at theory; it delved into actionable insights:

When to Implement a Board: Attendees learned to pinpoint the perfect timing for introducing a board to their organisation, a decision that can make or break a business's trajectory.

Who to Choose: Drawing from Stuart's real-world experience, participants gleaned insights into picking the right board members tailored to various types of businesses.

How to Manage and Reward: Best practices in remuneration, governance, and nurturing productive relationships with the board were explored in depth.

The overarching message of the masterclass was clear – a well-structured board or advisory board can be a catalyst for success. Whether you're steering an established business or embarking on the entrepreneurial path, the tools and confidence gained from this event can help you create a powerful board that aligns seamlessly with your vision.

Stuart Cook, as the Founding Partner at TWIYO, continues to be a guiding force in the world of early-stage ventures. His leadership extends to multiple fronts, including chairing AirSeed Technologies, For Purpose Co, and Fitstop. Each of these roles underscores his commitment to sustainability, innovation, and growth.

In conclusion, the masterclass with Stuart Cook was not merely an event; it was an opportunity to unlock the secrets of building and harnessing the potential of effective boards. It was a reminder that, in the business world, the right board can be the key to unlocking unprecedented success.