EO Melbourne Explores Demographic Certainties at AGM and “Outrageous Optimism” with Simon Kuestenmacher

EO Melbourne gathered for a productive Annual General Meeting that set a clear course for the chapter’s year ahead, bringing members together to reflect on achievements, review key updates, and align on the path forward.

The evening then shifted gears as members welcomed renowned futurist and demographer Simon Kuestenmacher, Co-founder and Director of The Demographics Group, for the highly anticipated session Outrageous Optimism: Demographic Certainties – Running a Business in Volatile Times.

Simon, known for his compelling analysis of global and demographic trends, delivered an energetic and data-rich exploration of the forces shaping Australia’s future. Drawing on his extensive work as a columnist for The New Daily, contributor to The Australian, and one of the world’s leading data communicators, he showed how demographic trends offer both clarity and strategic advantage, even in an environment defined by geopolitical tension, economic shifts, and rapid technological change. His presentation blended sharp visuals, long-range population insights, and an ability to translate complex demographic patterns into clear, actionable thinking for business leaders.

Throughout the session, Simon emphasised that while volatility dominates daily headlines, certain demographic forces remain predictable, and understanding them helps entrepreneurs make smarter long-term decisions.

His discussion highlighted the realities of population growth, workforce transitions, generational change, and shifting consumer values, giving members a grounded view of the decade ahead. While he avoided definitive predictions, his message centred on preparing with intent, investing in capability, and being responsive to the structural shifts already underway.

For EO Melbourne’s community of entrepreneurs, the session served as both a strategic lens and a spark of optimism. Members left with a deeper appreciation of the demographic currents shaping Australia’s business landscape, more confidence in planning for uncertainty, and a sharper perspective on where opportunities may emerge next.

Combined with the AGM’s forward-focused energy, the evening marked a meaningful close to the chapter’s calendar and an empowering call to approach the future with clarity, adaptability, and yes, a little outrageous optimism.

EO Melbourne elects FY 2023/24 Board at the AGM, plus an inspiring talk from Fable Food CEO Michael Fox

The Annual General Meeting is one of the important events in the EO Melbourne calendar. It is the time of the year when members play their role in the election of the Chapter President and Board for the next financial year. 

Recently, the chapter has gathered and elected its Board for the FY 2023/24, ratified by the current Board. The following are the newly elected officials, who will start their term in July 2023:

President: James Murray

President-Elect, Communications Chair and Finance Chair: Costa Vasili

Strategic Alliance Chair: Damian Blumenkranc

Mentorship Chair and Key Executive Chair: Tom Ormerod

Accelerator Chair: Anthony Lam

Membership Chair: Kate Save

Membership Co-Chair: Jeni Clift

Membership Engagement Chair: Rob Roy Rankin

Learning Chair: David Fastuca

Forum Chair: John Bevitt

Forum Co-Chair: Ben Beattie

During the AGM, Michael Fox, CEO and Co-Founder at Fable Food Co, gave a talk about the lessons he learned from the failure of his first business, Shoes of Prey, and how he has brought those lessons to Fable Food.

“Failure isn't fatal, but failure to change might be" are the famous words of known basketball coach John Wooden, to which Michael also subscribes.

His experience with Shoes of Prey was something he and his co-founders described as "the kiss of death," "one of the most horrific days of their lives," and "learning the hard way" as they witnessed the collapse of their business, which led to losing $35 million of investments and laying off over 200 people after 10 years of hard work.

The experience left Michael "physically ill" to go back to the entrepreneurial track. Still, starting a new business he eventually did, and Fable Food Co was born.

Taking in both the highs and the lows of his Shoes of Prey start-up journey, Michael shared his experiences of expanding a business, not being able to scale to the mass market, and personally applying the lessons learned to his new enterprise, Fable Food, making it right this time, and building his latest venture into a successful business.

What also made Fable Food successful is Michael’s personal commitment to the company’s purpose. Growing up as a meat-loving Queenslander, he became a vegetarian in 2015 and is now vegan for health, environmental and ethical reasons. He co-founded Fable Food to help people reduce their meat consumption.

EO Melbourne Members found Michael’s entrepreneurial journey a fantastic story with great learnings and key takeaways, such as:

• Do your research on your product fit carefully and thoroughly

• Cut deep when you need to reduce expenses

• Be careful who you take investment from, look for smart money

There will always be challenges in every business and failures are inevitable. But what’s important is how to bounce back and turn things around to make them in your favour. 

With these lessons from Michael Fox’s talk and the promise that the new Board can bring to the table, we look forward to a more exciting journey for EO Melbourne in the upcoming FY 2023/24 and the years ahead.