Meet the 14WCC speaker: Professor Mimmie Claudine Watts PhD

Prof Watts is Associate Professor at Federation University Australia, Chairs the Australian Chapter of ASRIC (African Union Commission), a Director at laGuapa Outerwear, a member of the Advisory Board of the Circle of Global Business Women, and an Adjunct Professor of Research at Fiji National University.

With a career that bridges academia and industry, Prof Watts has led international partnerships including with VMware in Silicon Valley and across the African continent and served as Director of Industry Partnerships at Federation University.

A panellist for the session Leading with purpose: Impactful leadership in a changing world, her focus at the Congress will centre on leadership, innovative business and fostering global partnerships.

About the Congress

Co-hosted by the Victorian Chamber with the International Chambers Congress World Chambers Federation (ICC WCF), 14WCC is the premier global event for chamber and business leaders. Hosted in Melbourne from 2- 4 September 2025, 14WCC will explore themes of resilience, innovation and inclusive growth through high-impact sessions and global collaboration.

One of the plenary sessions, Leading with purpose: Impactful leadership in a changing world, will take place on 4 September from 9:40–10:30am at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) Plenary Hall 2.

This high-energy plenary session will showcase personal leadership stories and strategies for navigating complexity and redefining norms. Alongside Prof Watts, the panel will feature Sally Guyer, Global Chief Executive Officer of World Commerce and Contracting; and Gönül Serbest, Commissioner for Victoria to Europe, Middle East, Türkiye and Africa at Global Victoria. The session will be moderated by Chanelle Pearson, Chief of Staff at the Victorian Chamber.

Drawn to the Congress by a global vision

“I was drawn by the opportunity to engage with visionary leaders shaping the future of global trade,” Professor Watts says of 14WCC.

With a deep commitment to sustainable business and inclusive economic growth, she views the Congress as an opportunity to share actionable insights and foster meaningful dialogue on a worldwide stage.

“The Congress is a unique platform to exchange innovative ideas, challenge conventional thinking, and foster meaningful collaborations, all of which align with my passion for transformative business leadership.”

Bringing a bold, equity-driven lens to leadership

“I thrive in spaces where tech and equity collide,” Prof Watts explains. Her presentation will focus on leadership with purpose – being bold.

“I’ll highlight how ethical leadership, digital transformation, and cross-sector collaboration can drive resilience in uncertain markets using real world examples.”

Connecting with women leaders and changemakers

Prof Watts looks forward to engaging with fellow leaders who are redefining industry norms, particularly women in academia and business, on how chambers of commerce can bridge gaps between developed and developing markets.

“The energy of collaborative problem solving, especially in sessions on digital economies, development, and inclusive trade, should spark the kind of ideas that transcend borders,” she says.

The Congress as a forum for unity in a divided world

“In a fractured geopolitical climate, forums like this dissolve barriers by aligning diverse stakeholders around shared goals,” Prof Watts notes.

For Professor Watts, the Congress is a space where public and private sectors can unite around equitable trade, climate-conscious business and digital equity.

“I hope it will be about prioritising dialogue over division, laying groundwork for policies that benefit all economies.”

Envisioning a future where business serves humanity

Looking ahead, Professor Watts hopes the Congress will help shape a future where global business is both profitable and purposeful.

“The next era of trade should be one where AI, sustainability and ethical supply chains are a standard for all. The partnerships forged here should accelerate scalable solutions, ensuring trade evolves as a force for collective prosperity. I refer to it as humanity in business.”

How to get involved

Join the world’s top business, chamber and government leaders at 14WCC. Registrations close 31 August so head to the website now.

Discover how businesses and chambers have previously helped shape the World Chambers Congress – and can continue to do so in Melbourne in 2025.

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