An AIGA medalist for her contribution to the field of design and Founding Chair of the first MFA program in Design for Social Innovation at NYC’s School of Visual Arts, Cheryl Heller is an unstoppable force.

Cheryl is a business strategist and communication designer. She has founded two companies and taught creativity to leaders and organisations globally. She has helped businesses grow from small regional enterprises to multi-billion dollar global market leaders and designed strategies for hundreds of successful entrepreneurs. Her clients have included Ford, American Express, Reebok and Marriott International.

In 1999, she created the Ideas that Matter program for Sappi, which has since given more than $12 million to designers working for the public good.

Website — dsi.sva.edu
Twitter — @cherylheller

Straight to the Point: How to Communicate Effectively with Cheryl Heller masterclass. Full Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane masterclass details here.

A London-based creative director, James Greenfield has worked at some of London’s leading studios, on projects for some of the world’s biggest brands, such as Google, Microsoft, MTV and Nike.

James was recently Head of Design on the D&AD- and Cannes Gold Lions-winning More4 and 4seven projects for British television’s Channel 4. He has been creative director on large Nokia and Microsoft projects and recently lead the rebrand of tech giant Airbnb.

This year, James started Koto with his partners Caroline Matthews and Jowey Roden – born of their love of working at the intersection of branding and digital.

Website — studiokoto.co
Twitter — @gradiate
Instagram — @studiokoto

How to Make a Meaningful Brand with James Greenfield masterclass. Full Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane masterclass details here.

Director and co-founder of Eskimo – one of Australia’s most respected design and brand agencies – Zoë Pollitt has 23 years’ experience at the forefront of branding.

She has established a world-class business based on a combination of smart ideas, strategic thinking and high-end design. A genuine desire to always achieve what’s best for her clients has lead to an exceptional list of design and branding projects for the likes of Vogue Australia, Oroton, Westfield, Mirvac, SABA, AMP and, most recently, QIC.

Zoe’s work on the evolution of the Westfield brand, including Westfield Sydney, reflects her innate skill for astute and yet beautifully creative brand positioning.

Website — eskimodesign.com.au
Twitter — @snowyzoe
Instagram — @eskimodesign

As Creative Director at Interbrand Sydney, Ben Miles has had a huge hand in shaping some of Australia and New Zealand’s biggest, boldest brands, including Telstra and SKY TV.

He subscribes to a simple yet powerful philosophy: pro-positivity. Ben believes a good environment attracts great people and great people create bold ideas – the perfect combination to enable change. This drives his determination to deliver real results for his clients, providing solutions that transform a business both internally and externally.

His approach involves championing collaboration, focusing on big ideas, putting the audience at the centre of his work and, of course, having fun while he’s at it.

Website — standapart.com.au
Twitter — @benmiles9

Co-founder of Projects of Imagination, Nick Cox brings the integration of interior and graphic design to all projects.

With previous design stints at Melbourne’s Fabio Ongarato Design and 3 Deep, Nick’s work has come to focus on a diverse mix of cultural and retail clients. Recognising a need for industry change, together with his business partner Dion Hall, Projects of Imagination focused their attention on the hospitality landscape. Nick has since been a player in some of Melbourne’s most iconic restaurant identities and interiors, including Chin Chin, Coda and Supernormal.

Steering away from the spotlight, Nick measures the value of the studio’s work through the commercial success and out coming of their client’s projects.

Website — projectsofimagination.com

With a background in strategy, user-centred interaction, service and experience design, marketing and brand management, Daniel Banik is a driving force behind August.

As the agency’s co-founder, he takes a holistic approach to business – his own and that of their clients – and constantly asking, “How can we do it better?”. Daniel is a strategic thinker and doer who leads the August team to think big and deliver work that exceeds clients’ expectations.

He has worked with clients such as Yarra Valley Water, Snowgum, Major Projects Victoria, La Trobe University, Royal Botanic Gardens, Nous Group, Scope, Peddle Thorp Architects and Australian National Academy of Music.

Website — august.com.au
Twitter — @DanielBanik