Iconic Women by Icon Group

In this episode we speak with Kolleen Kennedy – Varian President, Proton Solutions & Chief Growth Office. Kolleen has a clinical background in radiation therapy and medical physics and has been a prominent member of Varian since 1997. Prior to her current role, Kolleen was Corporate Executive Vice President and President of Varian Oncology Systems for seven years. She joined Varian as Marketing Manager for delivery systems and was promoted to manage Oncology Systems Marketing in 2001 and the engineering function in 2002. Today, Kolleen is responsible for growing Varian Proton Solutions offerings and oversees the company’s growth office seeking opportunities to deliver Varian technology to more people.

In this special International Clinical Trials Day episode, we speak with Iconic Woman Sophie Mepham PhD, Icon Group Executive Manager of Research. With more than 20 years of experience in oncology clinical research and a passion for delivering the best care possible, as close to home as possible through new and innovative cancer treatments, Sophie is committed to expanding oncology and haematology clinical trials across Australia, New Zealand and Asia.

Iconic Woman Hannah Hardy-Jones is CEO and Founder of the Kite Program – a tailored microlearning app for wellbeing and mental health. After being diagnosed with postpartum bi-polar disorder, Hannah set out to create a practical solution for mums dealing with everyday challenges. Today, the Kite App continues to help mums and most recently, businesses and teams to support healthy and supportive workplaces. In this episode we speak with Hannah about the transformation of the Kite app​​​​​​, along with her career in human resources and advice for other inspiring women looking to pursue their own journey.

Iconic Woman and Pharmacy Area Manager Bec Sbeghen started her career with the company over ten years ago and since that time has continued to evolve her role within the wider Icon Group. Bec talks about the many opportunities that her career in pharmacy has opened up for her. In this episode, we speak with Bec about the power of mentorship, her career in pharmacy and the many opportunities it has opened up for her.

Iconic Woman Olivia Ruello is the CEO of Business Chicks Australia and has a deep passion for women stepping into and realising their own power and potential. Olivia wants to help women harness their strengths as females – empathy, kindness, collaboration and connection – to create a generation of leaders who care. In this episode, Olivia talks about the impact of COVID-19 on Business Chicks Australia and how the new virtual events have opened up access for women in regional and rural Australia.

Iconic Woman Sharni Webb is the current Vice-Captain of the Brisbane Lions AFLW team as well as a high school teacher at Ambrose Treacy College in Brisbane. We sat down to discuss all things footy and classroom.

Iconic Woman Natalie Davidson is the Fundraising Manager for Women’s Legal Service Queensland, a specialist community legal centre that provides free legal help to Queensland women needing assistance with domestic violence and complex family law. Also in this episode is Icon Group CEO of Pharmacy Services Andrew Reid, who is preparing to take to the dance floor in 2020 for Women’s Legal Service Qld signature fundraising event, Dancing CEO’s.

Iconic Woman Ann Maguire is CEO – Cancer Services (Australia) for Icon Group. With extensive experience in leading and managing change in the acute health care sector, Ann has a strong history of improving performance within businesses via a focus on optimum output, promoting a culture of high quality service delivery and effective business outcomes. With a generous, engaging and approachable nature, Ann’s leadership style lends itself to collaboration, trust and a supportive environment that motivates teams to provide the best possible care to patients and their families. In this podcast episode, Ann reflects on her role as CEO as well as her own personal experience with cancer.

Iconic Woman and radiation therapist Amber Summers is passionate about cancer care and Indigenous health. In 2015, Amber’s own mother was diagnosed with brain cancer, and underwent radiation therapy treatment at Amber’s workplace at Icon Cancer Centre Toowoomba, giving Amber a whole new perspective on cancer care. Amber’s mum sadly lost her life in 2017 and Amber is now a proud supporter of Cancer Council Relay for Life, which raises funds for people affected by cancer, and research and prevention programs. Amber is passionate about Indigenous health and learning about the culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and is the Senior Reconciliation (RAP) Champion for Icon Group.

International Nurses Day is recognised each year on May 12 on the anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale. To mark International Nurses Day, we spoke to Icon Group Director of Nursing Margie Hjorth about her iconic career path and her passion for nurse education and professional development.

For the launch of our Iconic Women podcast, we talk to Chelsea Ren, the CEO of Icon China. Chelsea lives and works in Beijing and spoke to us during her recent visit to the Icon Group head office in Brisbane about her career path and the iconic women who have influenced her.