Meet the minds: Six speakers at 14WCC

Held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), the Congress brings together business leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs from around the world to tackle the defining challenges of our time. 
 
Here are six standout speakers whose sessions promise to inspire, provoke and energise. 

Professor Mimmie Claudine Watts PhD

Associate Professor, Federation University Australia
Plenary Session: Leading with Purpose: Impactful Leadership in a Changing World
4 September, 09:40 – 10:30 | MCEC Plenary Hall 2

Prof Watts is a dynamic force in global leadership, innovation, and inclusive trade. She chairs the Australian Chapter of ASRIC (African Union Commission), serves on international advisory boards, and is a passionate advocate for cross-border collaboration.

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

“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.”

Expect a powerful call to action on purpose-driven leadership and global partnerships.

Read more about Prof Watts. 

Jacqui Savage

Founder, MedCorp Technologies
Focus Session 7: Health Check: Advancing Life Sciences Through Technology
4 September, 11:50 – 12:20 | MCEC Plenary Hall 2

Jacqui Savage is a medtech pioneer who’s reshaping healthcare through innovation. With multiple successful startups and a global footprint, she brings a systems-level view to the intersection of technology, education, and industry.

“The 14th World Chambers Congress is a unique global platform, bringing together leaders, entrepreneurs and policymakers who are shaping the future of industry and international collaboration,” she says.

“It’s a rare opportunity to not only share insights from Australia’s vibrant life sciences sector, but to also listen, learn, and partner across borders.”

Read more about Jacqui Savage.

Jan Lambrechts

Global CTO, RGH-Global Ltd & Founder, Epitome Global
AI in Action: Delivering on the Promise of the New Intelligent Era
3 September, 15:20 – 15:50 | MCEC Plenary Hall 2

Jan Lambrechts has spent over two decades turning data into decisions. His company, Epitome Global, is redefining workforce analytics with AI-driven solutions that reduce bias and empower individuals.

“I’ve spent 20+ years turning data into decisions—founding Yuntaa, the first commercial cloud platform, and building AI-driven talent systems that serve millions today,” he says.

“What drives me is not the technology itself, but solving real challenges: reducing bias in skills assessments, safeguarding data privacy, and making AI genuinely useful for organizations and governments.”

“I’ll share lessons learned from deploying workforce intelligence platforms across multiple countries and discuss how we can align innovation with regulation, manage risk, and ensure AI delivers fair, actionable insights for everyone.”

Steven Marshall

President, American Australian Association
Geo-economics: Navigating the Ripple Effects of Geopolitical Disruption
2 September, 10:20 – 11:10 | MCEC Plenary Hall 2

Former Premier of South Australia and now a key figure in US-Australia relations, Steven Marshall brings deep experience in government, innovation, and cultural diplomacy.

“Across the globe, governments and businesses are grappling with profound challenges—from fractured geopolitics and shifting trade flows to technological disruption and climate pressures,” he says.

“In this uncertain environment, the relationship between chambers of commerce and governments is not simply about advocacy; it is about forging the trust, agility, and shared purpose needed to navigate change and unlock opportunity.”

Steven Skala AO

Chairman, Clean Energy Finance Corporation
Focus Session 4: Scaling Clean Energy: Financing the Transition to a Sustainable Future
3 September, 13:20 – 14:00 | MCEC Plenary Hall 2

As Chair of Australia’s $32 billion “green bank,” Steven Skala is at the forefront of the clean energy transition. With a career spanning law, finance, and the arts, he brings a unique perspective to sustainability and investment.

“Energy’s contribution to enhancing productivity and living standards is a once-in-a-generation decarbonisation challenge,” he says.

“While offering significant potential to be part of remaking our economies for a net zero future, clean energy financing comes with enormous and complex issues.”

“I look forward to joining the Congress to discuss our work and spotlight some thoughts on the way ahead.”

Linzi Boyd

Founder, One Earth Global
Focus session 9: Future-proofing the workforce: Embracing continuous learning and digital integration
4 September, 12:30 – 13:00 | MCEC Plenary Hall 2

Linzi Boyd is a globally recognised entrepreneur, speaker, and purpose-led visionary. Over a decade ago, Linzi made a pivotal shift from consumer brands to scaling businesses for conscious impact, founding One Earth Global — a platform uniting businesses, movements, and communities. She has partnered with institutions such as the London Stock Exchange, the Mayor’s Office, and the UN Global Compact to drive economic reform and innovation.

“Businesses today are no longer just vehicles for growth — they are instruments of positive impact and social transformation,” she says.

“The World Chambers Congress brings together leaders who are not only driving economic growth but also reimagining how business can serve people and society. I was drawn to the opportunity to contribute to this global dialogue and bring a voice that blends commercial strategy with conscious leadership and systemic change.”

"It reminds us that we share a common future - and that economic leadership must now be delivered with heart and purpose."

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.

Contact us today at info@14wcc.au to explore how sponsorship can help you achieve your goals at the 14th World Chambers Congress in Melbourne.

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