In today’s digital-first world, people Google you before they meet you. They often form opinions before you even speak. The question is: Are you shaping that narrative intentionally?
Join our upcoming panel discussion where we’ll explore:
Personal branding for employees and founders
Building credibility without feeling self-promotional
Founder brand vs. business brand - what matters more?
Visual storytelling and professional presence
Outsourcing your brand vs. building it in-house
Practical steps you can take immediately
This session will give you actionable clarity whether you're growing your career or your company.
If you want greater visibility, authority, and opportunity, this session is for you.
Date: Thursday 23rd April 2026
Location: Pier Ninety Seven, 97 Hannell Street, Wickham
Time: 5.30pm to 8.00pm
Tickets: $70 for members or $80 for non-members
Inclusions: Canapés, networking, and professional development insights
Meet our Facilitator & Panelist: Jess
Jess Farchione is a radio host, civil marriage celebrant, brand collaborator and professional people-person based in Newcastle, NSW. Best known as one half of the Hit Network’s Jess & Rohan breakfast show, Jess wakes up regional NSW each morning with big laughs, real conversations and the kind of chaotic energy that only breakfast radio can deliver.
A natural storyteller with a knack for connecting with audiences, Jess has built her career around bringing people together whether that’s behind the microphone, on stage hosting events, or working with brands and community partners across the Hunter, Newcastle and beyond.
When she’s not on air, Jess is also a civil marriage celebrant, creating unforgettable wedding ceremonies that are heartfelt, personal and often filled with a few perfectly timed laughs. Her approach is simple: every couple has a story worth celebrating, and she’s there to help tell it.
Across radio, weddings, events and brand partnerships, Jess brings the same thing to everything she does - big personality, genuine warmth, and a love of making people feel part of the moment.
Meet our Panelist: Madeline
Madeline is the Founder and Director of AUTHOR Consulting, a boutique brand and marketing agency built on the belief that great brands are powered by great stories.
Since launching AUTHOR in 2019, Madeline and her team have helped businesses uncover and articulate their unique narrative - using storytelling as a strategic tool to transform brands, connect with audiences and drive growth.
With over 12 years of experience across diverse sectors - including global organisations such as Pfizer and Estée Lauder - and a Bachelor of Communications and MBA, Madeline’s expertise spans brand and visual strategy, integrated marketing, and consumer engagement - combining strategy, creative, and execution to build distinctive, high-performing brands.
Meet our Panelist: Katie
Katie is a Newcastle-based photographer specialising in high-end commercial, lifestyle, and interior photography. Through a refined, editorial approach, she creates thoughtful, visually compelling imagery that elevates brands and captures the essence of spaces with authenticity and depth.
Working across the Hunter region and beyond, Katie blends creative direction with strategic storytelling to produce imagery that positions businesses with clarity, elegance, and impact. She works closely with brands and businesses to build imagery that not only captures who they are but positions them with authority in their market.
Her work is defined by a minimalist aesthetic, intuitive composition, and a focus on natural light and detail - resulting in timeless visuals that feel both effortless and considered.
Since 2016, she has collaborated with brands, creatives, and businesses to bring ideas to life through photography that is both artful and purposeful.
We are proud to be supported by Connected People, a boutique recruitment and executive search consultancy specialising in the Legal, Accounting and Finance professions.
Based in Newcastle and working across NSW and the ACT, Connected People partners with organisations to identify and secure exceptional talent while supporting professionals to build meaningful and successful careers.
At Connected People, recruitment is about far more than filling vacancies. The team believes the best outcomes happen when values, ambition and culture align. Their approach is built on genuine relationships, deep market knowledge and a commitment to understanding both the people they represent and the organisations they support.
Connected People works with law firms, accounting practices, in-house legal teams and businesses of all sizes, providing permanent, contract, executive search and temporary recruitment solutions. Through their extensive networks and industry expertise, they connect employers with talented professionals across executive, professional and support roles.
At its core, Connected People exists to create brighter futures through connection, helping businesses build strong teams and individuals find roles where they can truly thrive.