Darwin Innovation Hub

- Develop and manage the startup ecosystem in Darwin with education and events for founders, students and business owners

- Manage Start NT, BIP 2.0, Graduate StartUp Program and other incubation and acceleration clients in the Darwin Innovation Hub

- Stakeholder engagement with government, private sector, NGOs and strategic partners

- Working with early stage startups on Investment Readiness for government grants and venture capital from the Paspalis Innovation Investment Fund

- Champion business, ideas, growth, industry establishment, company relocation attraction to the Northern Territory and entrepreneurship development in youth, students, women, LGBTIQA+, First Nations and underrepresented groups.

Start NT Manager

Bringing my expertise in digital, entrepreneurship and providing actionable education to businesses and those who aspire to take their businesses to the next level. Providing expertise to the StartNT program, a philanthropic activity of Paspalis.

Expert In Residence

Australian Digital Education & Retail Group Pty Ltd

Sole Director of the Group which includes Clickstarter Education, Speakstarter Education, Dante St James Consulting and St James Regional Retail Holdings.

Managing Director

True Blue

Providing marketing strategy for clients of True Blue through the Australia Small Business Advisory Service - Digital Solutions program and direct clients of True Blue.

Contracted Marketing Strategist

Clickstarter Australia

- 1 of 5 Meta Community Trainers in Australia
- Delivered training modules. in-person across 12 markets in regional Australia
- Part of a team that has delivered training to over 20,000 businesses
- Consistently maintained and exceeded knowledge and study requirements for program

Meta (Facebook) Australia & New Zealand Community Trainer

- Delivered 500+ WordPress, Wix, Joomla & Shopify websites since 2017
- Delivered 100+ Social Media & Marketing Strategies
- Delivered 400+ digital marketing paid campaigns
- Delivered 250 + SEO projects

Founder & Proprietor

Marketing Consultant

Upon handing over ownership of Clickstarter to the new owner, I have stayed on as a digital delivery consultant to assist with connection clients of Clickstarter with the correct products and services.

Digital Delivery Consultant

Speakstarter

Training tomorrow's speakers and today's presenters in a calm, positive and encouraging way that focuses on what you can do rather than what you can't. Teaching confidence, technique and mastery of words to create engaging, compelling speakers for today.

Public Speaking Trainer

Skillaroo - Your Career Partner

Contracted Career Skills Trainer

Contracted Community Trainer AU/NZ

Public Sector Network 

Training specifically in the areas of social media for government and crisis communicaitons.

Contracted Public Sector Trainer

Tech Australia Advocates

The Northern Territory brand of the Australian chapter of the Global Tech Advocates network. We are on a mission to connect Australia’s regional Tech and Innovation ecosystems, providing a National community and voice for the industry.

Regional Lead - Northern Territory

LinkedIn Local -  Darwin

Licensee/Facilitator

Educating future entrepreneurs. Investing in big ideas.

My vision: Help businesses save the world. My mission: To do this through free global online learning, local in-person education and premium private consultation and training in entrepreneurship, digital skills and access to capital.

Dante St James

I'm Plastic Free

I’m Plastic Free is a world-first "matchmaking" platform for plastic waste reduction. It connects individuals and small businesses to plastic pollution solutions. It offers the easiest, fastest way to find such solutions.

•	Leading operations and strategic direction for I'm Plastic Free, a global platform for plastic waste reduction, leveraging affiliate marketing across the USA, Canada, the UK, and Australia.
•	Managing and expanding a social media community from 0 to 20,000 organic followers.
•	Leveraging national media coverage from ABC, SBS Italian, 9 News, NT News, and more to increase brand visibility and reputation: https://www.implasticfree.com/post-category/press-media/ 
•	Continually evaluating and refining the organisation’s business model, marketing strategies, and operational processes for sustained growth and profitability.
•	Acting as a circular economy consultant for the City of Darwin / Litchfield Councils, LGANT, and CDU on waste reduction and recycling education initiatives.

𝐀𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬: 
•	Secured $60,000 in government grants, adeptly managing the grant application and reporting processes.
•	Recognised as a finalist in the 2019 “Croc Pitch”, northern Australia’s premier start-up pitching competition.
•	Launched I’m Plastic Free as an e-commerce third-party vendor marketplace in 2020, connecting eco-conscious consumers with sustainable businesses and leading a team of five university graduates.
•	Won the 1st NT Women’s Innovation Pitch start-up competition in 2021.
•	Nominated for the Chief Minister’s NT Export Awards and the NT Digital Excellence Awards in 2023, showcasing the start-up’s industry impact and innovation.
•	Reached 400,000 organic global web page views annually, demonstrating successful SEO strategies.

Founder & Managing Director

Universal Site Monitoring

Universal Site Monitoring is an Australian Hardware enabled Software as a Service (He SaaS) start-up in IoT worker safety technology / real-time data monitoring.

•	Developed and executed a comprehensive go-to-market strategy for a Hardware-enabled Software as a Service (He SaaS) IoT worker safety start-up, encompassing new product launches, processes, and systems.
•	Led an outsourced overseas sales department and tender processes, aiming for business growth and team development.
•	Implemented account-based marketing and a new CRM system, significantly boosting lead generation.
•	Directed public relations and social media efforts to increase online visibility and brand presence.
•	Managed the development of a new website with creative direction, ensuring alignment with the company's vision and branding.
•	Coordinated global events and trade shows to maximise brand exposure and new business opportunities.

𝐀𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬: 
•	Successfully increased lead generation from 0 to 1,200 leads in 17 months, demonstrating the effectiveness of the newly implemented Account-Based Marketing (ABM) strategies and CRM system.
•	Doubled the LinkedIn organic followers, significantly enhancing the start-up’s online presence and reach

Head of Commercialisation

DARWIN TRAILER BOAT CLUB INC

Full Time / then part-time work from home position (20 h /week) during maternity.

•	Led the execution of a targeted marketing strategy, enhancing brand promotion and business growth.
•	Developed strategic partnerships in hospitality and tourism, boosting brand visibility.
•	Managed key public relations and community events to elevate customer engagement.
•	Oversaw digital content across platforms for consistent, impactful messaging.

𝐀𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬: 
•	Drove significant business growth and enhanced brand recognition through effective marketing, as demonstrated by the following industry awards for excellence: Best Overall Small Club (2017/ 2019), and Best Family Friendly Venue (2018)
•	Amplified brand reach through key partnerships in hospitality, tourism and successful large-scale events.

Marketing and Events Manager (WFH/Maternity)

The GPT Group

Australian ASX-listed property investment company.

•	Led Casuarina Square’s marketing strategy, establishing a standout market identity.
•	Efficiently managed a $1 million budget for impactful marketing campaigns.
•	Built strong partnerships with retailers and stakeholders, enhancing collaboration.
•	Oversaw key events with local festivals and organisations, boosting brand and community engagement.
•	Directed dynamic PR and social media campaigns for cohesive brand messaging.
•	Enhanced customer service to improve guest satisfaction and loyalty.

𝐀𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬:  
•	Drove brand differentiation and recognition, securing a competitive advantage for Casuarina Square during a major re-development project.
•	Significantly increased foot traffic and revenue through strategic marketing initiatives.
•	Elevated community engagement and brand presence through local partnerships.
•	Achieved a unified brand image across media channels and enhanced customer journey experiences.

Marketing Manager

Self-Employed

•	Competitive analyses & market research
•	Marketing plans & campaigns
•       Event management
•	Social media set-up, management & monitoring
•	Business development and new clients acquisition
•       Market Expansion Strategies (i.e. Europe / Asia)

Business Consultant

Hocoma AG

A world leader in advanced robotic rehabilitation technologies owned by DIH Medical.

•	Directed sales for Asia-Pacific and Italy, overseeing a CHF 8 million business portfolio, including a direct subsidiary and nine distributors.
•	Implemented regional business strategies and marketing plans, translating them into effective sales initiatives.
•	Conducted strategic reviews with distributors to assess and boost sales performance.
•	Fostered relationships with customers, key opinion leaders (KOLs), and sales partners to ensure sustained collaboration and growth.

𝐀𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬: 
•	Drove significant sales growth in Asia-Pacific and Italy, markedly contributing to the company's revenue.
•	Established strong, productive networks with key stakeholders, enhancing Hocoma's market position and brand reputation.

International Account Manager Asia Pacific

Sabbatical Year

Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Australia, Singapore, China

Around the World Travel

Zimmer Biomet

Fortune 500 / NASDAQ listed world leader in medical devices.

•	Led sales and marketing initiatives for the Zimmer Dental division across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), managing activities for 5 subsidiaries and over 25 distributors.
•	Coordinated new product launches throughout the region, including conducting product sales training and organising road shows in partnership with alliance partners.

𝐀𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬: 
•	Successfully steered the launch and promotion of new products across multiple markets, significantly enhancing product visibility and sales performance in the EMEA region.
•	Delivered comprehensive sales training and executed engaging road shows, fostering strong partnerships and collaborative success with alliance partners.

Product Manager Regenerative, Europe, Middle East & Africa - Zimmer Dental 

•	Executed global brand strategy for the product portfolio, aligning upstream marketing plans with organisational goals.
•	Managed worldwide product launches and cultivated relationships with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) in the medical field.
•	Led the commercial product development of a new orthopaedic plating system from concept to global market launch, leading cross-functional teams in R&D, packaging and labelling, regulatory, and operations planning.
 
𝐀𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬: 
•	Successfully launched a new orthopaedic plating system in global markets, demonstrating exceptional leadership in design thinking, product development and cross-functional collaboration.
•	Contributed to the medical device field as co-inventor of multiple patented designs, underlining innovation and technical expertise in the industry: https://patents.justia.com/inventor/simona-paganetto

Associate Global Brand Manager - Zimmer Trauma 

Stryker

Fortune 500 / NASDAQ listed world leader in medical devices.

• Conducted competition & sales analyses of Trauma and CMF businesses    
• Implemented a web-based Market Intelligence database project
• Wrote monthly division management reports to CEO, newsletter articles
• Planned and conceptualized Strategic Plan / Objectives meetings 
• Project Management: coordinated and monitored Executive Team projects

Market Analyst to the Division President - Stryker Osteosynthesis 

Sony Europe

In the Finance & Accounting European Headquarters:
• Consolidated P&L and B/S of European Entities in Hyperion Enterprise System 
• Analyzed monthly financial development of Sony Europe

Financial Analyst

Impact Entrepreneurship | Digital Marketing | Circular Economy

I bring over 15 years of commercialisation experience, including a decade serving in global/international brand management roles of Swiss-based US medical technology multinationals (Fortune500 / NASDAQ listed companies).

Most recently, I became a start-up impact entrepreneur and founded I’m Plastic Free www.implasticfree.com - which was launched first as a 3rd party vendor marketplace connecting eco-conscious consumers to sustainable businesses. In 2022 the start-up pivoted into a world-first "matchmaking" platform for plastic waste reduction. 

I have extensive cross-functional and international business experience, a strong work ethic, I'm able to influence, coach & lead diverse teams as well as maintain an optimistic and pragmatic approach, working efficiently and effectively even under demanding situations.

Originally from Italy, I lived and studied in six countries, speak six languages fluently and I’m a strong believer that diversity is essential to fostering innovation and bringing projects to success.

Start-up Entrepreneurship skills:
-	Start-ups and Product Launches
-	Leadership and Management
-	Design Thinking /  Human-centred Design
-	Lean Start-up Methodology 
-	GTM Go-To-Market Plans
-	Finance & Fundraising (grants)
-	Critical Thinking & Problem Solving 

Marketing & Commercialisation skills:
-	Branding
-	Brand / Product Management
-	Global Product Launches (from Ideation to Production)
-	Marketing Strategy / Go-to-market Plans
-	Managing Marketing Budgets
-	Integrated Marketing Campaigns
-	Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
-	Social Media Marketing & Content Creation
-	WordPress Website Design & UX
-	Web / Digital Analytics & Reporting
-	eCommerce & Marketplaces
-       Affiliate Marketing

Sustainability skills:
-	Circular Economy
-	Regenerative Economy
-	Sustainable Business Strategy
-	Waste Reduction (particularly Plastic Waste)
-	Waste Reduction & Recycling Education

taplio

The Battle

Dante St James

Simona Paganetto 诗梦楠

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