Doing What You Love: Turning Passion into Purpose

We are delighted that our exclusive and complimentary Young Leaders Program (YLP) for AICC members is running again in 2026. The program provides our member organisations with the opportunity to develop their emerging leaders through meeting Australia’s top business leaders.

We are kicking off our first event for the year with Naomi Simson, Founder, Red Balloon; Co-Founder, Big Red Group; and "Red Shark" on Australian Shark Tank,  who will speak on the topic "Doing What You Love: Turning Passion into Purpose". 

Drawing on her remarkable entrepreneurial journey, Naomi will share the defining moments that shaped her career, the challenges she navigated along the way, and the mindset that has enabled her to remain focused, resilient, and purpose-driven.

OUR GUEST SPEAKER

Naomi Simson OAM began her career in corporate marketing, working with leading global brands including IBM, KPMG, Apple Computer Australia, and Ansett Australia. 

In 2001, she founded RedBalloon from her home with a $25,000 investment, growing it into one of Australia’s most recognised consumer brands with a team of 46. After serving as CEO for a decade, she stepped back from day-to-day operations in 2011 to focus on strategic growth. 

In 2017, she co-founded Big Red Group with David Anderson, building a portfolio that includes RedBalloon, Adrenaline, Experience Oz, Local Agent, Everything NZ, and hundreds of other sites. 

Naomi is widely known as one of the original “Sharks” on Shark Tank Australia, where she invested in and mentored dozens of startups, championing small business and entrepreneurship. She also appeared on The Secret Millionaire – Australia, volunteering in underprivileged communities before making personal donations to causes close to her heart. 

Her commitment to leadership extends beyond business. Naomi currently serves on the Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation board and spent a decade on the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Business and Economics board. She has also contributed to organisations including EO, YPO, Heads Over Heels, Voiceless, and Best Buddies, and actively mentors young founders while supporting community initiatives. 

With more than 2.6 million LinkedIn followers, she is one of Australia’s most followed business influencers. A Fellow of the AICD and a University of Melbourne commerce graduate, she was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in 2026 for services to business and leadership. Naomi has authored two books, Live What You Love and Ready to Soar.