BLOG
Sowing the Future: Antony Sormann and the Growth of EO Melbourne
Returning to EO Melbourne after a few years away, Antony Sormann stepped into a chapter that felt both familiar and astonishingly new. The modest beginnings he once knew had blossomed into a thriving, dynamic community, a living testament to the power of connection and shared vision. The transformation filled him with pride.
Beyond Membership: How Damian Found Real Value Through the EO Path of Leadership
“If you like EO and you like what EO can give you, you wouldn’t even be close to getting the most out of EO until you actively participate in the Path of Leadership,” says Damian Blumenkranc, an EO member since 2016.
Over nearly a decade with Entrepreneurs' Organization, Damian has done far more than attend events or sit on the sidelines. He has consistently rolled up his sleeves, stepping into leadership roles that started as the Chapter Communications Chair, and spanned all the way to Chapter President, Regional Council member, and now a Global Growth portfolio role, helping drive initiatives that expand membership and support the launch of new EO chapters around the world.
EO Melbourne Senior Leadership Program Launch
On 28 November 2025, EO Melbourne was proud to host the launch of our new Senior Leadership Program, delivered in partnership with Debra Chantry-Taylor and Adam Harris from Business Action.
This program has been created to support the senior leaders who work alongside our EO Members, particularly in entrepreneurial & family businesses that are growing fast, facing increasing complexity, or preparing for their next stage of scale.
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.
Shabbat Dinner Marks the Start of EO Melbourne’s Cultural Learning Events
EO Melbourne has long been a community where entrepreneurial spirit meets diverse lived experience, and this year, that richness has become the heart of a new initiative: the Cultural Learning Program.
Designed to honour the many cultures that shape our chapter, the program creates opportunities for members to learn from one another through authentic, meaningful, and immersive experiences. It recognises that our backgrounds are as varied as our businesses, rooted in different cultures, shaped by different stories, and carried across generations. By bringing these stories to the forefront, the program strengthens connection, deepens understanding, and celebrates the multicultural fabric that defines EO Melbourne.
Finding Stillness in Motion: EO Melbourne Members Explore the Power of Breath and Sound
In a refreshing change of pace from boardrooms and business strategy sessions, EO Melbourne members recently stepped into a tranquil space designed for renewal—the Elemental Breath and Sound Experience, presented by Next Step Collective.
Led by co-founders Eugene Koning, Jamie Patara, and Jayden McGrath, the 90-minute session offered a rare opportunity for members to pause, reconnect, and recharge. Through guided breathwork and sound healing, participants journeyed from focused activation to deep stillness, balancing effort and ease, mind and body.
AI Transformation for 2025 and Beyond: Preparing for What Comes Next
The AI shift isn’t coming. It’s already here, accelerating faster than most businesses anticipated. What was once viewed as a supporting tool is now shaping up to be the infrastructure driving growth, innovation, and competitiveness across industries.
EO Melbourne’s recent event, AI Transformation for 2025 and Beyond, gave members the chance to explore this reality and uncover the opportunities and challenges AI presents. With insights from Zanyar Outhman (Zuse Digital, Jabri) and Dan Petrovic (DEJAN), the discussion focused on practical questions every entrepreneur must now face.
An Evening of Leadership Insights with Larry Kestelman
How often do you get the chance to sit just metres from a billionaire and hear the unfiltered truth behind his journey? EO Melbourne members were treated to such a rare occasion at Up Close and Personal with Larry Kestelman. Held at the striking Fantauzzo Gallery in South Yarra, the evening featured EO member Leah Akoka, Founder and Managing Director of Wall Street, guiding the conversation as the host.
Startup to Scaling Up with Women in EO: Stories of Grit and Growth
Women in entrepreneurship are reshaping the business landscape through building, scaling and leading with resilience and purpose. EO Melbourne’s Startup to Scaling Up event placed that journey centre stage as it gathers a dynamic audience of founders, business owners, and aspiring EO members to hear directly from female leaders who’ve done just that.
The discussion pulled back the curtain on what it really takes to grow a business: the hard decisions, the high stakes, and the deeply personal wins. Fresh from the Fireside Chat with The Hon. Julia Gillard AC, the audience was treated to even more insights, this time from female EO members who are leading from the frontlines of business.
Only in EO: A Candid Conversation on Leadership with The Hon. Julia Gillard AC
EO Melbourne recently hosted a powerful and thought-provoking Fireside Chat with The Hon. Julia Gillard AC, Australia’s 27th Prime Minister, and the first and only woman to have held the role. This exclusive EO event offered members a rare opportunity to hear firsthand from one of the nation’s most respected leaders, whose insights into leadership, trust, and resilience left a lasting impression on all who attended.
A Night to Remember: EO Melbourne’s Annual Awards & Gala Dinner 2025
On Saturday, 21 June, the Grand Ballroom of The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne, was filled with energy, elegance and emotion as EO Melbourne gathered for the most anticipated event of the year: the Annual Awards & Gala Dinner.
More than a celebration, the evening marked the close of an incredible financial year, honoured outstanding achievements, and welcomed the chapter’s new leadership. Guests arrived in style, caught up with peers and friends, and embraced the spirit of connection that defines the EO experience.
Elite Performance Intensive with Itamar Marani: A Deep Dive into What’s Really Holding You Back
When Itamar Marani first spoke at the NEXUS Chapter Retreat in Phuket, the reaction was electric. Dozens of EO Melbourne members reached out afterwards, all asking the same thing: “How can I work with him again?”
On 12 June, they got their answer.
Flying in from Thailand, EO Bangkok Metropolitan member Itamar returned to lead Elite Performance Intensive, a half-day, no-fluff workshop designed for founders who know they’re capable of more but feel like they’re still driving with the handbrake on.
Stronger Together: How the SLP Forum Is Building Connection and Growth
In a world where deep connection often takes a back seat to busy schedules and competing priorities, the EO Melbourne Spousal/Life Partner (SLP) Forum Training offered something rare: an intentional space to build meaningful relationships, share real stories, and step into a community designed to support and elevate.
Startup to Standout: The Making of Luxury Escapes
What does it take to turn a bold idea—born in a storage room—into a billion-dollar global travel brand? At EO Melbourne’s latest signature event, Scaling to a Billion: The Luxury Escapes Story, the spotlight was on Adam Schwab, the Co-Founder and CEO behind one of Australia’s most remarkable startup journeys.
Accelerating Growth: EO Melbourne Unlocks Leadership Growth with EOS
Every entrepreneur reaches a moment when growth feels out of reach—when strategy stalls, communication falters, or momentum slips. At our recent EO Melbourne workshop “Accelerating Growth: Unlocking Your Leadership Potential with EOS”, members took a bold step to confront these challenges head-on and walked away with the tools to lead with renewed clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Unleashing Brand Potential: A Transformative Marketing Masterclass with Mark Ritson
Entrepreneurs and business leaders came together for an event hosted by EO Melbourne in collaboration with its Strategic Alliance Partner, BlueRock. The session, titled “Unleashing Your Brand’s Potential: Marketing Masterclass,” delivered valuable insights into the strategies that separate thriving brands from those that struggle to make an impact. Attendees left the event equipped with practical tools and fresh perspectives to elevate their branding and marketing efforts.
Inspiring Leadership with Heart: Cindy Sirinya Bishop at the Nexus Chapter Retreat in Phuket
The EO Melbourne Nexus Chapter Retreat concluded last month on the breathtaking island of Phuket, Thailand, leaving attendees inspired, enriched, and deeply connected. The retreat brought together entrepreneurs from diverse industries for an immersive experience designed to foster growth, collaboration, and transformative learning. At the heart of this unforgettable event was Cindy Sirinya Bishop—a celebrated Thai model, actress, activist, and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador to Asia Pacific—whose presence as both a speaker and master of ceremonies elevated the gathering to new heights.
A Day to Remember: EO Melbourne’s Family Day at Luna Park
EO Melbourne’s Family Day at Luna Park was a celebration of connection, joy, and adventure—a day where families came together to create memories that will linger long after the rides came to a stop. Members of EO Melbourne brought their spouses, children, and even friends of their kids for an unforgettable experience in one of Melbourne’s most iconic locations. From the moment the gates opened for exclusive access to the final hours of fun, it was a day brimming with laughter, thrills, and heartwarming moments.
NEXUS Chapter Retreat 2025: A Celebration of Connection, Learning, and Inspiration in Phuket
The NEXUS Chapter Retreat 2025 unfolded last weekend in the breathtaking setting of Phuket, Thailand—a destination that perfectly embodied the spirit of connection, growth, and joy. EO Melbourne members, joined by their spouses or life partners, guests from EO Adelaide, and Strategic Alliance Partners, came together for an unforgettable three-day journey. It was more than just a retreat; it was a vibrant tapestry of shared insights, meaningful conversations, and moments of pure inspiration.
Transformative Leadership Lessons with Cameron Herold
The EO Melbourne community recently came together for an inspiring workshop led by leadership expert Cameron Herold, renowned founder of the COO Alliance and author of The Second in Command . The event, titled “The Second in Command: Unleashing the Power of a COO” and “2 Ladders: How Growing Your People Grows Your Company,” offered attendees practical strategies to strengthen their businesses through better leadership structures. Over the course of the day, Cameron shared insights drawn from his extensive experience coaching CEOs and scaling companies like 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, leaving participants with actionable tools to elevate their teams and operations.