Archives: Speakers

Leron is a forward-thinking technology executive specialising in cyber strategy, management and delivery. He has led large scale, global, high value digital and security transformation programs to improve cost performance and support business strategy.

Leron has extensive knowledge and practical experience in solving information security, privacy and architectural issues across private and public sectors. His business acumen, technology insight, leadership and facilitation skills allow him to enable businesses to thrive while managing cyber security risks.

Leron is also a book author, award-winning speaker and advisor to startups helping them grow and innovate while protecting them against cyber threats.

Recognised as one of the Top 10 Cybersecurity Leaders in Australia (CSO30).

CISO | Chief Security Officer | Cyber Security Leader | Director of Security | Interim CISO | Fractional CISO | vCISO | VP of Security

I am a seasoned security operations executive with extensive experience building world class (24/7) security operations centres from the ground, drafting high-value cyber resilience strategies and helping organisations quickly recover from high-impact cyber breaches. I have been nominated for several industry awards for exemplary leadership that goes beyond the norm, I am also a staunch diversity advocate, actively engaged in several initiatives to accelerate women into cybersecurity and leadership positions.

Head of Security at Nuvei | Author | Co-Chair AWSN | Diversity & Inclusion Advocate | Cybersecurity Leader

Madhuri is a hands-on cybersecurity professional with close to two decades of experience across various security domains, ranging from technical leadership to business strategy. As the head of security at Nuvei, she has led high-impact security initiatives that align with both business objectives and risk mitigation strategies. Madhuri is known for her ability to balance strategic oversight with technical execution, often rolling up her sleeves to directly solve complex security challenges and guide teams through hands-on implementation.

She is also the creator of the Security Awareness Framework, empowering organizations to enhance their internal security posture through comprehensive training and awareness programs.

Holding a Master’s degree in Digital Forensics from Charles Sturt University (CSU), Madhuri’s in-depth understanding of cyber threats and digital crime investigation informs her approach to securing digital environments and leading teams effectively.

As Co-Chair of the Australian Women in Security Network (AWSN), Madhuri is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion within the cybersecurity field, striving to create equitable opportunities for women in technology.

An accomplished public speaker, she regularly shares her expertise at major cybersecurity events like Cybercon and CISO Sydney and serves as a judge for the ISACA OneTech Scholarship Programs. As an author and thought leader, Madhuri contributes to the broader conversation on cyber resilience, security governance, and the evolving threat landscape, helping organizations secure their digital assets while driving innovation securely.

Madhuri’s ability to seamlessly navigate the technical and business sides of cybersecurity, along with her people-centric leadership, makes her an invaluable asset in any organization’s cybersecurity strategy.

I am an accomplished ‘Cyber Security Leader’ & Security Speaker with overall IT Security experience of more than 13 years including specialising in leading, analysing and implementing Cyber Security based initiatives along with Security Consultation with respect to design and implementation of complex projects and Security Compliance, Risk, Governance based on industry established standards.

Manasseh Paradesi is an experienced CISO and executive advisor, known for delivering pragmatic, risk-based cybersecurity leadership across top-tier organizations. With a strong focus on aligning security with business and regulatory objectives, Manasseh specializes in maturing security postures, optimizing SIEM operations, and implementing compliance programs guided by global standards such as ISO, NIST, PCI-DSS, and GDPR. His collaborative, customer-focused approach turns cybersecurity challenges into strategic business value.

I am a cyber security and IT leader with over 20 years of experience across government, healthcare, academia, and telecommunications. I have a proven track record in leading large-scale cyber security initiatives, enhancing governance frameworks, and managing multi-million-dollar budgets. My expertise lies in implementing advanced security measures to safeguard critical infrastructure and ensuring compliance with state, federal, and international standards.

I have extensive experience in risk management, security architecture, and stakeholder engagement, and I work closely with C-suite executives and legal counsel to align cyber security strategies with broader business objectives. With a strong technical background, I’m skilled at translating complex security concepts for both technical and non-technical audiences, and I actively promote cross-jurisdictional partnerships to strengthen cyber security resilience.

I’m passionate about advancing the field of cyber security through academic leadership, consultancy, and collaboration. I’ve launched new programs and secured competitive grants, including developing industry recognised certifications and postgraduate degrees. As a recognised thought leader, I continuously strive to drive innovation and excellence in cyber security and privacy.

A respected industry leader & advocate for women in Cybersecurity, Tech and Business, River is driven by inclusion, innovation, process improvement & strategic advisory. Focusing on execution and delivery of optimised strategic solutions in the banking, entertainment, Web 3.0, hospital & healthcare industries.

An accomplished academic with a double bachelor’s degree in Commerce & Economics and triple major in Applied Agricultural Economics, Finance and Econometrics from Sydney University and a Masters in Information Technology majoring in Programming and Security Engineering from the University of New South Wales. River has recently commenced the CISSP certification with a target completion date of 2023.

An experienced and successful senior executive with broad and deep knowledge of the domestic and international dimensions of cyber security, transformational technology, risk and governance.

Goran Stefkovski is a leading technologist and business leader, serving as the Chief Technology Officer of the Kogan.com, one of Australia’s largest online retailers and five time winner of the ORIA’s customer’s choice award. Goran looks after the technology, data and security as well as product strategy and execution of the Kogan.com group – ensuring Kogan.com customers are experience the best digital shopping experience available.
Under his guidance, Kogan.com has made strides in innovation and customer experience. He engineered the online store, co-invented patented technologies, refined agile delivery processes and has driven adoption of personalisation, AI and learning throughout the business.
With a background in Law and in Engineering, Goran has been a speaker and panellist at many events on topics ranging from technology, drones and self-driving cars through to business process and engineering best practices. He has also received the 2017 CIO of the Year award for Retail.

Stephanie has a background in technology leadership, consulting, project management, and marketing across various industries. She’s passionate about collaboration, creativity, change, and communication to drive innovation and social justice. She’s worked with companies like CBRE, Foxtel, and Fairfax.