MC | Keynote Speaker | Panel Moderator | Podcast Guest
I've spent my career helping people cut through the noise, find common ground and take action. Whether I'm on stage, behind a microphone or at the head of a boardroom table, my job is the same: make it easier for good people to do good work together.
Jodie Willmer is a facilitator, MC, keynote speaker and business mentor who has spent more than 30 years helping purpose-led organisations plan, align and take action.
As the former CEO of Travellers Aid Australia, she led the modernisation of a century-old not-for-profit and has worked with hundreds of organisations across the social impact sector. Jodie has a rare talent for facilitation, often described as "disarming" in her ability to bring groups into alignment even when there are competing interests in the room.
Today, through Happy Changemakers, Jodie is the go-to person in East Gippsland for governance and strategic planning. She and her partner Rob Nagy are also the co-authors of Package Promote Scale.
30+ years spanning not-for-profit leadership, governance, tourism, social enterprise and small business. When Jodie speaks, she speaks from experience.
Facilitation is Jodie's superpower. She brings groups into alignment, even when there are competing interests and strong personalities in the room.
Jodie and Rob built a thriving practice from scratch in regional Victoria, and mentored over 300 business owners through bushfires and COVID lockdowns.
Responsive, flexible and genuinely invested in your event's success. Jodie works with you on content and logistics well before the day, and sticks around afterwards.
Jodie is available for events, conferences, podcasts and panels across Australia.
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Jodie's facilitation background makes her a natural MC. She reads the room, keeps energy high, transitions smoothly between segments and ensures your event flows with warmth and professionalism.
Ideal for: Conferences, awards nights, community forums, AGMs, sector gatherings
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Jodie delivers keynotes that are grounded in real-world experience, not theory. She speaks with warmth, directness and humour, and leaves audiences with practical strategies they can act on immediately.
Ideal for: Conferences, leadership retreats, sector summits, community events
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Jodie's facilitation expertise is tailor-made for panel moderation. She draws out the best from panellists, navigates tricky topics with grace and keeps the conversation focused and engaging.
Ideal for: Industry panels, governance forums, Q&A sessions, thought leadership events
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Jodie is an engaging, articulate podcast guest who brings depth and practical insight to every conversation. Available solo or as a duo with Rob Nagy.
Ideal for: Business podcasts, NFP sector podcasts, leadership and governance shows
Jodie's keynote topics can be tailored to your audience and event objectives. All topics are available as keynotes (30 to 60 minutes) or extended workshop sessions. Custom topics are also welcome.
Governance & Strategy
Every organisation has a wish list of things they'd love to achieve. But too often, those ideas stay stuck in planning mode. Jodie shares her proven approach to helping boards, leadership teams and community groups turn their aspirations into a clear, actionable plan that everyone agrees on.
Your audience will walk away with: A clear understanding of why plans stall, practical tools for building alignment, and the confidence to take the first step.
Consulting & Business Growth
How do you become the person everyone calls? Jodie and Rob moved to a region where they knew nobody and had no clients, and within months had built a thriving practice through genuine connection and word of mouth.
Your audience will walk away with: Practical strategies for packaging expertise, building a referral network, and growing a consulting business sustainably.
Resilience & Recovery
Having supported hundreds of business owners and community organisations through bushfires, COVID lockdowns and economic disruption, Jodie brings first-hand insight into what it takes to lead through crisis.
Your audience will walk away with: A framework for community-centred resilience, practical leadership strategies for uncertain times, and inspiration from real recovery stories.
Governance & NFP Leadership
Good governance shouldn't feel like a box-ticking exercise. Drawing on her experience as a CEO reporting to boards, an inaugural board chair, a governance trainer and a facilitator, Jodie shares what actually makes governance work in practice.
Your audience will walk away with: Clarity on what good governance looks like, common pitfalls to avoid, and practical steps boards can take immediately.
Custom topics are available. Jodie is happy to work with you to develop a keynote or workshop tailored to your audience and objectives.
"They didn't just give feedback, they helped me rethink how I package and promote my services so they really speak to what my clients need. Jodie and Rob were super generous with their time and advice."
Tammy Ven Dange Independent Advisor to NFP Leaders
"The session was expertly planned and facilitated, helping us develop a rock-solid manifesto that guides everything we do. I recommend Happy Changemakers if you're looking for strategic business planning support or mentoring."
Merryn Padgett The Rural Engagement Generalist
"Jodie is the consummate professional. Her vast experience and competence are evident in all interactions and inspire confidence. She delivered well beyond the scope of our agreement."
Karen Trapani Research Translation & Public Health
While Jodie is the primary speaker and MC, several of her offerings are available as a duo with her business and life partner, Rob Nagy.
Rob brings complementary expertise in business strategy, sales and marketing, technology (including AI) and training. Together, they've built Happy Changemakers, co-authored Package Promote Scale and mentored hundreds of businesses across Australia.
Joint offerings: Joint keynotes, podcast appearances, and Jodie as moderator with Rob as panellist.
Grow Your Business Revenue and Impact Without the Stress and Overwhelm
Published in 2025, Package Promote Scale is a practical guide for independent consultants who want to build a business that serves them, not the other way around. Based on the framework Jodie and Rob co-designed from their own experience as consultants for over 10 years.
East Gippsland Shire Council, Business Victoria, Aerium, Monarch Institute, Victorian Chamber of Commerce, Gippsland Community Foundation, Small Business Mentoring Service, Airbnb International, Emergency Relief Victoria, and 100+ NFP sector organisations.
Want to bring Jodie to your next event? Tell us a bit about what you're planning and we'll get back to you.
You can also reach Jodie directly on +61 422 262 040,
or book a 15-minute call.