14 Australian Business Leaders to Follow Online to Become Successful

One of the most effective ways to gain insights and develop your entrepreneurial skills is by following key business leaders who have excelled in their fields.

Australia is home to some of the most dynamic and successful business personalities whose online presence provides a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. 

Below is a dive into 14 influential Australian business leaders you should follow online, detailing what you can learn from them, why they’re worth following, and even some fun facts about their journeys.

1. Melanie Perkins – Co-founder and CEO of Canva

Melanie Perkins is one of the youngest female CEOs to lead a tech startup valued at over a billion dollars. Canva is a graphic design platform used by millions worldwide, making design accessible to both beginners and professionals.

Why Follow Melanie Perkins?
If you are interested in creativity, design, or simply starting a business from scratch, Perkins' story is immensely inspiring. She co-founded Canva while still a university student, pitching the idea numerous times before finally landing investors. Melanie is a role model for perseverance, creativity, and the power of innovation.

What You Can Learn:

⚡ How to pitch your startup idea effectively.

⚡ Overcoming rejection in the entrepreneurial journey.

⚡ The importance of simplicity in product design to scale globally.

Fun Fact:
Melanie Perkins initially started with a yearbook design business for schools called Fusion Books, which eventually evolved into the idea for Canva​.

2. Mike Cannon-Brookes – Co-founder of Atlassian

Mike Cannon-Brookes is one-half of the dynamic duo behind Atlassian, the enterprise software company that has transformed how teams collaborate globally. Atlassian's products, like Jira and Trello, are essential tools for project management and collaboration.

Why Follow Mike Cannon-Brookes?
Cannon-Brookes is more than just a tech mogul; he's also a passionate advocate for environmental sustainability. He frequently speaks on climate change and renewable energy, offering a unique perspective on how business can drive positive societal changes.

What You Can Learn:

⚡ Building a global software company from the ground up.

⚡ Leadership insights in scaling tech companies.

⚡ How to integrate sustainability into your business model.

Quote:
“Great companies are built by a mission-driven focus, not just a profit-driven one. You’ve got to know why you’re doing what you’re doing.”​

3. Jane Lu – Founder of Showpo

Jane Lu, famously known as “The Lazy CEO,” turned her side hustle into a multi-million dollar online fashion empire. Showpo, an e-commerce platform, specializes in affordable, trendy women’s clothing and has grown into a global brand.

Why Follow Jane Lu?
Jane is a self-made entrepreneur who took the plunge after quitting her corporate job and starting Showpo from her parent's garage. She’s candid about her failures and wins and provides authentic advice for young entrepreneurs and those interested in e-commerce.

What You Can Learn:

⚡ How to bootstrap a business and scale effectively.

⚡ The importance of personal branding and being relatable.

⚡ Digital marketing and e-commerce strategies.

Fun Fact:
Jane Lu failed in her first entrepreneurial attempt, an online retail store called Fatboye Group, which she often jokes about on her social media​.

4. Tim Fung – Co-founder and CEO of Airtasker

Tim Fung is at the forefront of the gig economy with Airtasker, a platform that connects people who need tasks done with those willing to do them. From moving furniture to graphic design, Airtasker has revolutionized how people work and find services.

Why Follow Tim Fung?
Tim’s vision for Airtasker was ahead of its time, especially in today’s rapidly changing job market. Following him provides insights into how technology can transform traditional job roles and create new opportunities.

What You Can Learn:

⚡ How to build and scale an online marketplace.

⚡ Insights into the gig economy and its future.

⚡ How to create customer trust and loyalty in a service-based platform.

Fun Fact:
Tim Fung originally wanted to start a bar before founding Airtasker but realized tech had more potential to impact people's lives​.

5. Janine Allis – Founder of Boost Juice

Janine Allis is the founder of Boost Juice, a global juice and smoothie brand with hundreds of stores worldwide. Janine’s journey from a stay-at-home mom to an international franchise leader is nothing short of remarkable.

Why Follow Janine Allis?
Janine is a true entrepreneurial powerhouse, having built Boost Juice into an international franchise. She offers practical advice on franchising, business management, and work-life balance.

What You Can Learn:

⚡ Franchising strategies and how to expand globally.

⚡ The importance of innovation in a competitive market.

⚡ Managing a business while maintaining personal life balance.

Quote:
“Business success is about survival. You have to love what you do because, if you don’t, you won’t survive the tough times.”​

6. Naomi Simson – Founder of RedBalloon

Naomi Simson, also known from Shark Tank Australia, is the founder of RedBalloon, an experience gift company. RedBalloon is one of Australia’s most recognized online platforms, offering unique experience gifts like skydiving, cooking classes, and hot-air balloon rides.

Why Follow Naomi Simson?
Naomi Simson is a master of creating positive workplace cultures and scaling businesses that focus on experiences rather than products. She’s also a strong advocate for women in business and often shares motivational content.

What You Can Learn:

⚡ Building a business that focuses on customer experience.

⚡ Leadership and workplace culture.

⚡ Insights from her experience as a Shark Tank investor.

Fun Fact:
Naomi started RedBalloon from her home and was initially rejected by banks when she sought funding to expand her business​.

7. Lucy Liu – Co-founder of Airwallex

Lucy Liu is one of the co-founders of Airwallex, a cross-border payment platform that allows businesses to operate globally without traditional banking fees. The company’s valuation has surpassed $2.6 billion, making it one of Australia’s tech unicorns.

Why Follow Lucy Liu?
Lucy has been a trailblazer in the fintech industry, overcoming significant challenges to scale Airwallex into a global company. Her insights into technology, cross-border payments, and startup scalability are invaluable for anyone interested in fintech.

What You Can Learn:

⚡ How to navigate the fintech space and scale a tech startup.

⚡ The complexities of cross-border payments and global expansion.

⚡ Leadership in a male-dominated industry.

Fun Fact:
Lucy met her co-founders in a Melbourne café, and they launched Airwallex while all working day jobs​.

In addition to the seven Australian business leaders mentioned, here are a few more influential entrepreneurs and executives you should consider following for further inspiration and insights:

8. Scott Farquhar – Co-founder of Atlassian

Scott Farquhar is the co-founder and co-CEO of Atlassian alongside Mike Cannon-Brookes. Like Mike, Scott has been instrumental in growing Atlassian into a billion-dollar software giant, and his perspectives on leadership, company culture, and innovation are invaluable for anyone interested in tech and business.

Why Follow Him?
Scott regularly discusses leadership, technology, and scaling businesses, making him a great resource for entrepreneurs looking to learn from a successful, homegrown global brand.

9. Kayla Itsines – Fitness Entrepreneur

Kayla Itsines is a globally recognized fitness entrepreneur and co-founder of the "Sweat" app. Starting from Instagram, she built an online fitness empire, providing millions with workout routines and nutrition advice.

Why Follow Her?
For those interested in branding, fitness, or building a community-based business, Kayla provides insights into social media marketing, personal branding, and product development​.

10. Catriona Wallace – Founder of Flamingo AI

Dr. Catriona Wallace is a pioneer in artificial intelligence, leading one of the first publicly listed AI companies on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). She is also a prominent advocate for women in tech.

Why Follow Her?
Catriona offers deep insights into these fields if you are interested in AI, fintech, or leadership in tech. She's also an excellent role model for women in leadership roles within the tech sector.

11. Ronni Kahn – Founder of OzHarvest

Ronni Kahn is the founder of OzHarvest, a food rescue organization that collects excess food and redistributes it to those in need. She is a social entrepreneur with a deep commitment to sustainability and social impact.

Why Follow Her?
Ronni's journey offers a look into how businesses can create social good while being profitable. Follow her for lessons on social entrepreneurship, sustainability, and leadership in the non-profit sector​.

12. Maxine Horne – Founder of Vita Group

Maxine Horne is the founder of Vita Group, which grew from a single retail store to a company with hundreds of retail locations. She is a highly respected businesswoman in Australia, known for her strategic understanding and ability to grow businesses across various industries.

Why Follow Her?
Maxine shares valuable insights into retail, business growth, and resilience. Her experiences are particularly helpful for entrepreneurs interested in scaling businesses across multiple locations.

13. Naomi Milgrom – CEO of Sussan Group

Naomi Milgrom runs the Sussan Group, which owns major fashion brands like Sussan, Sportsgirl, and Suzanne Grae. She is also deeply involved in philanthropy, particularly in the arts and mental health.

Why Follow Her?
Her leadership in retail and philanthropy offers a balanced perspective on building a business empire while making an impact on society. Naomi’s approach to fashion retail and giving back to the community is inspiring for those who want to integrate social responsibility into their business.

14. Tracey Spicer – Founder of NOW Australia

A well-known journalist and advocate, Tracey Spicer, founded NOW Australia, an organization that supports people experiencing workplace harassment. She is a key figure in media and gender equality movements in Australia.

Why Follow Her?
Tracey is vocal about workplace culture, gender equality, and the importance of speaking out against injustice. Her insights are invaluable for anyone looking to build inclusive workplaces​.

Conclusion

These Australian business leaders offer a treasure trove of insights for entrepreneurs, executives, and anyone interested in business growth. 

Whether you’re seeking advice on scaling a tech startup, creating a positive workplace culture, or entering the e-commerce world, following these leaders can provide the guidance and inspiration needed to achieve success. 

Their journeys highlight resilience, innovation, and the importance of staying true to one’s mission – key traits from which any aspiring entrepreneur can learn.

What Can ANNA Do For You?

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