Feeling inspired after the Festival of BA? Not sure where to start? Join the IIBA® Melbourne branch for an exclusive online discussion!

Hear from a panel of highly skilled BAs with over 60 years of combined experience. They'll share their mentorship journeys (as both mentee and mentors) and how it's impacted their personal and professional development. Hosted by Michael Augello, the panel includes Liza Laya, Gerri Dickson, and Maria Montgomery. Discover the profound power of mentorship in their journeys and how it can transform yours!  Mentorship benefits are boundless, whether you're a mentor or mentee. Break barriers, expand your horizons, and be inspired!

Don't miss out on this opportunity for growth and inspiration.

REGISTER HERE

OUR PANEL
Liza Laya
Liza Laya, a Business Analysis (BA) Manager at the Victorian Building Authority, brings an extensive wealth of experience spanning over 23 years in business analysis and information technology. Leading a highly skilled BA team, she successfully established a BA centre of excellence within her organisation. Liza’s professional journey has been a dynamic one, beginning as a software developer, transitioning into project management, and ultimately excelling as a seasoned BA professional.
However, Liza’s impact extends beyond her corporate role. Liza is also the visionary and developer behind Spenza, an innovative startup poised to harness the potential of AI and data mining. Spenza’s mission is to deliver personalised recipe recommendations that make the most of all the ingredients in your pantry and fridge. This ambitious initiative not only aims to combat food waste but also aspires to elevate dietary choices while providing valuable assistance to busy households that may not have the time for meal planning.
With a robust background in driving business transformation, optimising processes, and implementing cutting-edge systems across Australia, the USA, and the Asia Pacific, Liza remains dedicated to delivering valuable solutions that align with business, customer, and end-user needs.
 
Gerri Dickson
Gerri has over 20 years’ experience in the IT consulting industry specialising in Business Analysis, Experience Design, and Visual Thinking, and has most recently moved from consulting into industry.
Throughout her career, Gerri has worked in various leadership roles within the business analysis space and believes that you do not need to have the word “Lead” or “Manager” in your job title in order to be a Leader. She has mentored and coached team members, peers, and mentees along their professional journeys.
Gerri is passionate about Diversity and Inclusion, mentoring, and supporting Women in Technology. She is a Mentor in the Monash University FIT Women in Technology Mentoring program and the Post Graduate Industry Experience unit. Gerri was invited to be an Alumni Guest Speaker at this year’s Cliff Bellamy Awards and was the Keynote Speaker at the Faculty of IT Graduation Ceremony. She has been a Mentor in the IIBA Mentoring Program and a Guest Panelist at IIBA events.
When she is not working, she juggles family life (mum to 2 fierce little girls), a Wheaten Terrier puppy, yoga, reading, watching soccer, and in-line skating. She also volunteers her time as the Co-President of her daughter’s primary school parents committee. Gerri is multilingual – she can speak English, Cantonese, French, German, Turkish, and Japanese.
 
Maria Montgomery
Maria is a highly regarded leader, recognised author, coach, trainer, and facilitator with a track record of success in guiding and mentoring a multitude of individuals to enhance their skills for higher performance. Since 2014, Maria has been running results-driven mentorship programs tailored to individual and team needs, fostering significant growth and development.
In addition to her coaching expertise, Maria is an accomplished author and passionate speaker, actively contributing to the Medium publication with a focus on leadership and personal development. Her thought-provoking insights and practical advice resonate with readers seeking to excel in their professional and personal lives.  Maria’s extensive credentials include being a Certified Professional Coach (MCPC), Certified Professional Life Coach (CPC), Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) practitioner, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) practitioner, holding a degree in Business IT, and a masters in accounting. Furthermore, Maria is certified in the Agile Analysis Certification – IIBA, demonstrating her proficiency in agile business analysis practices.
With a wealth of experience leading challenging and complex business transformations, coupled with her entrepreneurial background, Maria possesses the in-depth knowledge and expertise to guide and support individuals and teams in achieving their goals. Her holistic approach, combined with her strong analytical skills, ensures that clients receive comprehensive and tailored guidance throughout their journeys.
At the age of 15, Maria embarked on a significant journey by migrating with her family from Serbia to a foreign country. Despite not knowing a word of English, she swiftly adapted to a new way of life, overcoming the challenges that come with relocating to an entirely different cultural and linguistic environment. Throughout this transition, Maria encountered incredible individuals who provided invaluable support and guidance.
Motivated by her deep-seated desire to assist individuals and organisations, Maria thrives on tackling complex problems and uncovering innovative approaches to work. Over the years, she has had the privilege of working in a diverse range of large and medium-sized organisations that exhibit rapid growth, allowing her to gain extensive experience and expertise.
Outside of her professional endeavours, Maria faces the ongoing joys and challenges of motherhood, skilfully managing the responsibilities that come with raising her 19-year-old daughter and 22-year-old son. Balancing the demands of work and family, she embraces the ever-evolving journey of being a dedicated mother.
 
Michael Augello
Michael has been an influential leader in Business Analysis over many years. His passionate involvement in building successful professional communities saw him serve 8 years with the global board of IIBA® where he had a central role in developing strategy. Michael served as Global Board Chair in 2014-2016. Michael has a strong entrepreneurial style which brings energy to all of his undertakings.
After a career in project delivery, Michael co-founded a successful consulting company which led to a Stock Exchange public listing in 2007.In recent years, Michael has returned to Business Analysis leadership through coaching, mentoring and leading capability uplift programs.