Innovation Leaders Network | Business Acumen – The Hard Decisions That Drive Growth

The next Business Acumen session will feature accomplished female founders and investors lifting the lid on the decisions that truly drive growth.
Behind every growth story are decisions that weren’t easy, obvious, or always right. In this conversation, our panellists will share the tough calls they’ve made – what paid off, what didn’t, and what they wish they’d known earlier.

Expect practical, hard‑won insights to help you reassess risk, back your ambition, and navigate growth within today’s market and system constraints, while connecting with founders building boldly alongside you.

The Panel

• Lusia Guthrie AM, Chair, Bionica, former CEO & Co‑Founder, LBT Innovations (ASX: LBT)
  Experienced medtech entrepreneur and industry leader with more than 40 years across manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics and health technology. Lusia co‑founded LBT Innovations (ASX: LBT), leading the company from concept to ASX listing, global regulatory pathways and commercial launch, including achieving the first FDA clearance globally for AI‑based automated microbial culture analysis and establishing its European joint venture, Clever Culture Systems (ASX: CC5). She has since transitioned into governance and advisory roles, including Chair of BioMelbourne Network and Neo‑Bionica, and Non‑Executive Director of ANDHealth and 4Dx. Lusia is widely recognised for bridging research, product development and international market strategy, supporting the translation of innovation into scalable, globally competitive businesses. In June 2025, Lusia received a King’s Honour as Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in recognition of her work in the pharmaceutical, bioscience and medical technology industries.
• Jennie Zeihar, CEO, Alussein; Former President, Rising Sun
  CEO of Alussein, where she is focused on advancing the future of visual filmmaking through innovative production systems and technology‑enabled workflows. Jennie previously was CEO of Rising Sun Pictures, where she led the studio through significant global growth, including prestigious recognition as Australian Exporter of the Year 2024 and multiple awards for pioneering the use of machine learning in visual effects. With deep experience across international productions, film technology, and industry strategy, Jennie brings strong insight into the evolving global screen and VFX landscape.
• Seshnie Taylor, CEO & Founder, Vocare
  Founder & CEO of Vocare, a language‑tech company helping skilled migrants in Australia build confidence and clarity in workplace English. A connector and storyteller at heart, Seshnie brings a global perspective shaped by living and working across the UK, Europe, Asia, and Australia. She previously co‑founded SpeakSpeak! in Shanghai and now leads Vocare’s work in blending AI‑powered speech diagnostics with practical, human‑centred workshops to support sectors such as aged and disability care.
• MC: Sanja Hendrick, CEO and Founder, Talent Academy
  Sanja Hendrick is a presentation and pitch expert best known as the “secret weapon” behind high‑stakes founder and executive presentations. As the in‑house pitch expert at the University of Adelaide’s ThincLab, she has helped teams secure more than $120 million in funding and investment. With a background spanning 20 years in the performing arts, Sanja brings stage‑ready energy, clarity, and confidence to the business world. As an MC, she is known for her sharp, no‑fluff style and her ability to help speakers shine while keeping conversations focused, engaging, and impactful.

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