Kara Bombell is the co-founder of EthicAI, an Australian consultancy helping small and purpose-led organisations implement AI ethically, sustainably, and with real commercial impact. With 20+ years of experience in enterprise operations, business strategy, and creative technology, she brings a systems-thinking lens to streamlining businesses and scaling innovation without compromising culture.

Kara has built a reputation for designing practical models that align AI integration with long-term value, psychosocial safety, and equitable outcomes. Her work spans automation, workforce design, data readiness, and ethical frameworks for machine learning and generative AI.

A vocal critic of performative ethics in tech, Kara advocates for honest, bold change. She believes technology should amplify human potential—not replace it—and that progress must be measured by its ability to build a fairer, more inclusive society.

At her core, Kara is a mum of 2, an astronomy nerd, and deeply driven by a sense of moral ambition and a belief in better futures.

Paula Cowan is a strategic communicator, project manager and capability builder with experience in government, education and community sectors.

She leads the firm’s operations, oversees client engagements and works with senior executives across a range of sectors.

An expert in change management, communications and organisational transformation, she helped establish and maintain the Redesign Network for NSW Health.

Paula has an eye for efficiency and effectiveness, a good sense of what motivates people to perform, and an ability to translate all that into useful policy and processes. She puts all this to good use developing teams and an organisation that support clients’ strategic vision.

Tara is the CEO of Social Traders, a leading industry body for social enterprise and social performance established since 2008. Social Traders certify and support social enterprises to increase trade revenue while also supporting businesses to deliver and report on social performance, the “S” in ESG. Tara has international experience across social enterprise, charities, social innovation and for-purpose intermediaries in the UK, Europe and Australia.

Her career has spanned strategy, business development, innovation, marketing, social impact and cross-sector collaboration at executive and Board level. She holds an MBA and Masters in Social Innovation. She’s passionate about seeing more businesses embed purpose – to create a more equitable and sustainable world, for all of us.

Bronwen Clark is a nationally respected policy strategist and advocate with a career dedicated to amplifying the voices of communities often left out of the policy spotlight. As Chief Executive of the National Growth Areas Alliance, she leads advocacy for Australia’s outer suburban councils — the fastest-growing regions in the nation — influencing national debates on housing, infrastructure and economic equity. Previously, Bronwen was Managing Director of Thriving Regions, a consultancy delivering strategic planning and public affairs support across rural and regional Australia. Earlier in her career, she represented Australia at the United Nations and World Trade Organisation in Geneva, working at the intersection of international trade and economic growth for developing countries. Known for her clarity, conviction and collaborative style, Bronwen brings real-world insight to conversations about how to make government policy more effective, inclusive and future-ready.

Royden is a big picture thinker who believes we all have a role to play in shaping a better, fairer world.

As Head of Advisory, Royden is exceptionally skilled at bringing together people, data and insights to drive better decision making and unlock meaningful impact in communities.

Royden holds a Masters Degree in public health and spends his free time planning his next cycling adventure across some of the most remote and spectacular countryside in Australia.