Working Hard,
Working Kind.

We believe in a future where every leader and organisation is committed to creating a sustainable world of equality and opportunity for all

Anna Sheppard
– Founder Bambuddha Group

Bambuddha Values

Balance

If we work as kind as we do hard success is inevitable.

Growth

We care about progress, embrace change and development.

Kindness

We are kind to ourselves and each other. We empower others to do the same.

Mutuality

We work to ensure all our partners and stakeholders have a mutual benefit.

Optimism

We approach life with a positive mindset and a good sense of humour.

Meet The Team

Our team are experts in their fields ready to support you on your journey.

Anna Sheppard (She/They)

Founder & CEO

(Strengths: Bravery, Creativity, Humour, Kindness, Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence) Anna Sheppard, Founder and CEO of Bambuddha Group strongly believes the power of Kindness is world-changing. With a deep commitment for creating equality based on her lived experience, Anna began Bambuddha Group to empower corporate leaders and their teams on how to ‘work kinder’. The team at…

(Strengths: Bravery, Creativity, Humour, Kindness, Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence)

Anna Sheppard, Founder and CEO of Bambuddha Group strongly believes the power of Kindness is world-changing. With a deep commitment for creating equality based on her lived experience, Anna began Bambuddha Group to empower corporate leaders and their teams on how to ‘work kinder’. The team at Bambuddha developed an evidence-informed kindness curriculum which minimises risk and improves outcomes across all organisational areas. Bambuddha Group is a multi-award-winning social enterprise that provides leadership coaching, education, and corporate kindness programs.

BACKGROUND

Anna grew up in a caravan park on the northeast coast of England and is one of five sisters, several of whom have physical and learning disabilities. As a child, Anna spent most of her childhood fighting prejudice and finally went into the care system for a short time before braving the world alone, at the young age of 16. As a neurodiverse gay person, fitting into the systems in life has always been a challenge.

The good news? Anna was lucky enough to have found and understood her WHY from a young age. Early life experiences helped her develop a strong passion for equality and a vision for change. Anna worked hard and optimistically putting herself through college, university and a master’s degree.

After working on various community development projects in Europe, Africa, and Asia, Anna had the idea to set up an enterprise with a clear vision for social and environmental change. And so Bambuddha Group was born, to pay forward a percentage of business profits to work towards balancing the scales for equality.

Anna has added value to thousands of companies and inspirational leaders by showing them how to ‘work kinder’. She is also the founder of several other major initiatives, including The Corporate Kindness Awards, Working Kind Collective (the world’s first kind business centre), the Impact Studios, and The Corporate Kindness Project, which is an Australian-based research study focusing on the business benefits of working kind. The first white paper was released in 2019 and is now an upbeat, honest, and feel-good podcast show called ‘Project Good Boss’.

Anna Sheppard and Bambuddha Group have won multiple awards for work in this space, including being recognised as one of the ‘Top 10 Leadership Development Training and Coaching Companies 2021 in APAC’, ‘Top 50 leading light for APAC’, ‘Top 50 most impactful LinkedIn Influencers’, a 2021 NSW Business Awards finalist and currently a finalist for 2022 Telstra Best of Business Awards.

Throughout her career, Anna has raised millions in funds for charities via mutual partnerships created to reduce inequalities. She is an old hand when it comes to showing the big fish how to give back and do well whilst doing so.

Anna likes to keep things simple ‘If you work as hard as you do kind’ success is inevitable’.

Anna’s storytelling is relatable, down-to-earth and fun. She is a real powerhouse who is optimistic and engaging. Anna takes the audience on a journey leaving people feeling educated and inspired to be the change they want to see in the world. Book Anna to speak here.

Jo Bowles (She/Her)

Program Facilitator & Coach

Jo Bowes started her career as a lawyer and risk and governance specialist who made money and reputations all over the world for financial powerhouses. Jo was a Macquarie Bank divisional director and a KPMG director, leading risk management support to the Commonwealth Bank of Australia following the Royal Banking Commission. Jo provides strategic, future-focused…

Jo Bowes started her career as a lawyer and risk and governance specialist who made money and reputations all over the world for financial powerhouses. Jo was a Macquarie Bank divisional director and a KPMG director, leading risk management support to the Commonwealth Bank of Australia following the Royal Banking Commission. Jo provides strategic, future-focused guidance and a no-nonsense but fun approach to support exceptional leaders who are ready to do things differently.

Rachel Mason (She/Her)

Marketing & Relationships

(Strengths: Gratitude, Fairness, Humour, Curiosity, Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence) Originally from the UK Rachel is our creative of the group. With an extensive background in marketing in both the corporate and NFP sector. With a degree in design and communication, she works with Bambuddha members and partners to tell the stories of impact from…

(Strengths: Gratitude, Fairness, Humour, Curiosity, Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence)

Originally from the UK Rachel is our creative of the group. With an extensive background in marketing in both the corporate and NFP sector.

With a degree in design and communication, she works with Bambuddha members and partners to tell the stories of impact from our community and to build impact into every alignment we make.

Rachel set up Aroura Studio to pursue her personal goal of empowering companies to make more social and environmental impact. Her style is very positive and she works with a holistic approach. Rachel is truly interested in supporting businesses behind the scenes, to help accomplish their goals along with working to create a positive social impact, freeing up busy business owners to do what they love to do. Rachel is a trained yoga teacher and meditation devotee, who is passionate about authentic, positive work culture and employee well-being. Rachel works with Bambuddha Group to offer Virtual Assistance including copywriting, FB Ad creation, Pinterest Management, Workshop & Webinar set up, EDMs and more.

Sharon Gray (She/Her)

Indigenous Inclusion Programs & RAP Advisor

Winangar Guru is the official Bambuddha Advisory Partner and is a 100% Indigenous-owned consultancy specialising in the execution of Indigenous Australian Inclusion Program and Reconciliation Action Plan development. Sharon and her team work with your company to develop and implement an Indigenous Inclusion Program and RAP that best fits the company’s principles and end goal…

Winangar Guru is the official Bambuddha Advisory Partner and is a 100% Indigenous-owned consultancy specialising in the execution of Indigenous Australian Inclusion Program and Reconciliation Action Plan development.

Sharon and her team work with your company to develop and implement an Indigenous Inclusion Program and RAP that best fits the company’s principles and end goal that is reflective of the Indigenous communities needs and input. We can assist with the embedding Indigenous Australian
Inclusion into the broader business through:

  • Building Cultural Capability
  • Community Engagement
  • Employment and Training
  • Indigenous Business and Supplier Opportunities
  • Cultural Training and Workshops
  • Development of procedural and knowledge resources and implementation.

Shelly McElroy (She/Her)

Team Purpose & Performance Advisor (Senior Facilitator)

Shelly hails from Dublin and has been in Australia for over a decade.  Shelly has a Bachelor of Science in Media and Communications, specialising in television production. She also has a Diploma in Leadership and Management and is the Founder of Dream Culture. Shelly previously worked as the Training and Development advisor for the Merivale…

Shelly hails from Dublin and has been in Australia for over a decade.  Shelly has a Bachelor of Science in Media and Communications, specialising in television production. She also has a Diploma in Leadership and Management and is the Founder of Dream Culture.

Shelly previously worked as the Training and Development advisor for the Merivale Group which had over 3000 staff. She has managed large teams up to 120 people in her previous roles as General Manager and Licensee. Shelly’s in-depth understanding of people means she can work in a wide range of industries with people from all backgrounds. She is particularly passionate about maximising individuals’ potential which results in a greater contribution to the team.

Siena Nisavic (She/Her)

Impact Producer

Passionate about powerful stories of impact and change, Siena brings with her an extensive background in brand development, marketing strategy, and content production.

Passionate about powerful stories of impact and change, Siena brings with her an extensive background in brand development, marketing strategy, and content production.

Jeremy Mah (He/Him)

Transformational Leadership Advisor

(Strengths: Appreciation of Beauty & Excellence, Honesty, Love of Learning, Hope, Prudence) Jeremy is passionate about supporting those working to create change. Specifically, his interests lie in human potential and sustainability, environmental and social issues, transformative learning and coaching, leadership and organisational change, and how our understanding of these fields can help create a more…

(Strengths: Appreciation of Beauty & Excellence, Honesty, Love of Learning, Hope, Prudence)

Jeremy is passionate about supporting those working to create change. Specifically, his interests lie in human potential and sustainability, environmental and social issues, transformative learning and coaching, leadership and organisational change, and how our understanding of these fields can help create a more positive future.

Jeremy recently completed his PhD research, which explored how we can better support the resilience and effectiveness of those working to create change. In particular, how Focusing (a form of inward bodily attention widely used within the humanistic psychotherapy tradition) can be used within coaching to support self-care and help prevent burnout. This research aligns with Jeremy’s experience in transformative learning, sustainability education and leadership development, organisational change management, strategic government policy and program development (in particular, energy efficiency and climate change adaptation), and environmental impact assessment.

It is hoped that this research will help to stimulate dialogue within the transformative learning and coaching, and sustainability leadership and organisational change communities, regarding how embodied ways of learning can support both personal and social change. In other words, how transformation from the individual, micro level to the social, macro level can be viewed as a whole, ongoing process.

Areas of expertise

  • Transformative coaching, whole-person (in particular Focusing) and facilitation techniques
  • Organisational change management, leadership and behavior change for sustainability
  • Education and learning for sustainability and Action Research
  • Energy efficiency and climate change adaptation
  • Project management and public policy development (State and Federal) aimed to achieve market transformation
  • Environmental impact assessment, and related community and stakeholder engagement processes

Focused on Sustainability leadership, Transformative learning and Focusing-oriented coaching.

Beth Williams (She/They)

Community Growth Lead

(Strengths: Kindness, Perspective, Spirituality, Gratitude and Zest ) Originally from the UK, Beth has an extensive background in Psychology working as a Case Manager with vulnerable youths and those with disabilities and mental health illnesses. This experience has helped Beth understand the needs of those who have experienced extreme trauma and hardship in their lives…

(Strengths: Kindness, Perspective, Spirituality, Gratitude and Zest ) Originally from the UK, Beth has an extensive background in Psychology working as a Case Manager with vulnerable youths and those with disabilities and mental health illnesses. This experience has helped Beth understand the needs of those who have experienced extreme trauma and hardship in their lives and is passionate that all individuals should be given equal opportunities. Beth also has an intense passion for sustainability and the environment and has a role volunteering at Green Peace Australia. She believes that all organisations have a social responsibility to ensure that their business is positively contributing to the world and its customers. Beth also has a creative side as an actor which helps her to interact with others and come up with creative solutions. Beth is working with Bambuddha Group as the Community Growth Lead to to support program participants and clients on their journeys.

 

 

Simon Popley (He/Him)

Coach Supervisor

Simon redefines leadership from the inside out and apply the latest in coaching psychology research along with evidence based assessment tools to create insights that facilitate development and growth. He walks with his clients to develop greater perspective taking capacity to enable them to lead in complex environments successfully. Simon supports clients every step of…

Simon redefines leadership from the inside out and apply the latest in coaching psychology research along with evidence based assessment tools to create insights that facilitate development and growth. He walks with his clients to develop greater perspective taking capacity to enable them to lead in complex environments successfully.

Simon supports clients every step of the way with sensitivity and pragmatism whilst confronting whatever elephants are in the room. Results are achieved in shorter than standard timeframes thereby reducing cost commitments.

– Individual, Teams, Organisations
– Executive Coaching
– Leadership Team Development
– Accredited assessments & reports
– Supervision of coaches
– Management development programs
– Career Mentoring and Coaching

He has worked for over 20 years in management, coaching and consulting roles in financial services, Government, private and public healthcare, mining and occupational rehabilitation sectors.

A clinical background in mental health and academic qualifications in nursing, HR, IR and coaching psychology. This combination enables a richer understanding of diverse clients and the design of a truly agile coaching plan to meet their needs.

Georgia Denny (She/Her)

Program Facilitator & Coach

(Strengths: Kindness, Perspective, Gratitude, Honesty and Social Intelligence) With a background in Leadership Development, Diversity, Recruitment & Talent strategy, Georgia is deeply passionate about workaround mindsets and behaviours, diversity in leadership and supporting leaders to find meaning in what they do and lead as the most authentic versions of themselves. Georgia has spent the majority…

(Strengths: Kindness, Perspective, Gratitude, Honesty and Social Intelligence)

With a background in Leadership Development, Diversity, Recruitment & Talent strategy, Georgia is deeply passionate about workaround mindsets and behaviours, diversity in leadership and supporting leaders to find meaning in what they do and lead as the most authentic versions of themselves.

Georgia has spent the majority of her career within the corporate world bringing about change within organisations by embedding strategic diversity practices and designing and delivering programs that support women to build a deep level of self-insight and an awareness of their own purpose and capability in leadership. This has in turn, supported them to thrive and lead in a powerful, authentic way. Her work looks to instil self-accountability and awareness as a way to build effective relationships through openness, kindness and sustainable impact.

With her early career in recruitment & talent strategy, Georgia has run programs and coached leaders through significant periods of change and career transition and supported them to uncover their ‘why’ as a guide to what they do and how they show up.

With her focus on the ‘inner game’ of leadership, Georgia is fascinated by what drives human behaviour and how this then manifests in the relationships people hold with themselves and others. She is all about supporting leaders to use their potential to make a positive impact in the world, reach their goals and have a really good time in the process of doing so!

 

Fern Rice (She/Her)

EA to CEO & Board

(Strengths: Kindness, diligence, fairness and love of learning  – with a few others thrown in to the mix when needed) Originally from NZ and with a long and diverse background from IT to customer service and business development, Fern runs her own Virtual Assistant business (Your PA and More). She is the team ‘Mum’, the…

(Strengths: Kindness, diligence, fairness and love of learning  – with a few others thrown in to the mix when needed) Originally from NZ and with a long and diverse background from IT to customer service and business development, Fern runs her own Virtual Assistant business (Your PA and More). She is the team ‘Mum’, the glue that holds us together behind the scenes and assistant to Anna. Fern is passionate about getting things just ‘right’ and making sure procedures run smoothly.

Mariane Power (She/Her)

Coach Supervisor

(Strengths: Zest, Curiosity, Love of Learning) Mariane is unashamedly obsessed with all things related to human potential, and her work is driven by her big audacious goal to see all unnecessary emotional pain and suffering eliminated within her lifetime. With a history of research contributions and practical applications of fostering purpose and potential across the…

(Strengths: Zest, Curiosity, Love of Learning)

Mariane is unashamedly obsessed with all things related to human potential, and her work is driven by her big audacious goal to see all unnecessary emotional pain and suffering eliminated within her lifetime. With a history of research contributions and practical applications of fostering purpose and potential across the lifespan, Mariane co-founded The Posify Group with her sister and partner in possibilities, Jenna O’Connell. Together, they are working to support the growth of impact-driven organisations and foster compassionate and courageous leaders who can navigate their teams through change. Their organisational work helps to fund the delivery of their immersive career programs for youth that seek to close the gap between education and employment for the next generation.

A sought after keynote speaker, workshop facilitator and executive coaching psychologist on behalf of The Posify Group, Mariane’s thought leadership dances between science and spirituality to address the human upgrade that is required for us to create solutions to today’s challenges. Mariane’s top strengths of zest and love of learning are reflected in her academic path, which boasts a Bachelor in Performance, a Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy, and more recently a Masters in Clinical Psychology. Mariane has over 15 years experience in consulting, facilitation and corporate training for personal and strategic growth. Her work as a Leadership Coaching Psychologist in the corporate world further fuels her understanding of the necessary skills for the 21st Century workplace, and she has a particular interest in supporting our next generation to thrive.

Outside of The Posify Group, Mariane is proud to have extended her personal purpose to support a number of not-for-profit and for-purpose initiatives including The Luminosity Summit and Project Gen Z, and she currently extends her expertise in positive youth development as an Impact Leader on the Board for Ambisie.

Richie Mulder (He/Him)

Environmental Impact Advisory Lead

Is the co-founder of Carbon Halo, an organization committed to helping businesses become empowered by simplifying ways to take positive climate action.  Having spent 20+ years in corporate business, as an accredited carbon specialist has seen the impact on our environment and the difficulty for most to do something about it, Richie is on a…

Is the co-founder of Carbon Halo, an organization committed to helping businesses become empowered by simplifying ways to take positive climate action.  Having spent 20+ years in corporate business, as an accredited carbon specialist has seen the impact on our environment and the difficulty for most to do something about it, Richie is on a mission to educate and simplify what can be a complex area.

 

Dr Manisha Amin (she/her)

Inclusive Training & Design Advisor

Manisha is the chief strategist and visionary at the Centre for Inclusive Design. With a background in strategic marketing, communication, transforming cultures, and creativity she is a thought leader in the power of thinking from the edge. Manisha has a unique talent for seeing beyond the horizon to emerging trends, defining them, and building powerful…

Manisha is the chief strategist and visionary at the Centre for Inclusive Design. With a background in strategic marketing, communication, transforming cultures, and creativity she is a thought leader in the power of thinking from the edge.

Manisha has a unique talent for seeing beyond the horizon to emerging trends, defining them, and building powerful communities to bring them into being.

Manisha previously worked in the technology sector and with various government departments in environmental advocacy. With over 20 yrs experience in strategic marketing, communication, transforming cultures, and creativity, she brings together an impressive team of industry experts and global partners to focus on the areas ripe for disruption where we can make the greatest impact.

She is passionate about social justice and business growth and believes that when we combine the two we get gold. She has a PhD in Arts and Social Science, a Masters in Professional Writing, and a Bachelor of Business (Marketing), from the University of Technology, Sydney. Manisha is also on the Board of ADHD Australia and is a published novelist

Charlie Winn (He/Him)

Program Coach & Facilitator

Charlie is a Leadership and Executive Coach.  He is a strengths-based coach with IECL & Leadership Circle Profile certified practitioner bringing a diverse background as a business owner and leader not only in agencies (20+ years) but also in technology, consulting, insurance, telecommunications, not-for-profit, engineering, and airlines. Charlie is driven to make a difference, influencing…

Charlie is a Leadership and Executive Coach.  He is a strengths-based coach with IECL & Leadership Circle Profile certified practitioner bringing a diverse background as a business owner and leader not only in agencies (20+ years) but also in technology, consulting, insurance, telecommunications, not-for-profit, engineering, and airlines.

Charlie is driven to make a difference, influencing people to understand that leadership is just as much about the people as it is about achieving.  This is best done by creating and sustaining a balance between the person, business (profit) and the planet in the wider system the leader is engaged in.

He has led in many different spaces in a variety of leadership models including business owner, global Director with a team of 20+, industry board member, program manager, head coach of a rugby club, co-coach of a rugby team, club president, business coach (EOS), leadership team coach (TDS certified) mentor, agile coach and consultant.

Charlie’s personal values are: making a difference, sustainability, creating leaders, people first and continuous learning.

Monica Rosenfeld (She/Her)

Programs Facilitator

Monica is one of Australia’s leading educators and speakers on the topic of communication and storytelling. She has worked in the media industry globally for over 25 years and has helped thousands of people communicate their stories, to an audience of millions. Monica is on a mission to unleash the true storytelling superpower of leaders,…

Monica is one of Australia’s leading educators and speakers on the topic of communication and storytelling. She has worked in the media industry globally for over 25 years and has helped thousands of people communicate their stories, to an audience of millions.

Monica is on a mission to unleash the true storytelling superpower of leaders, business owners, and individuals so that they can achieve incredible success.

Jason Wong (He/Him)

Program Facilitator & Coach

(Strengths: Kindness, Love, Honesty, Humour, Leadership) Jason is a proven and passionate leader of people, successful in motivating, developing and inspiring others to exceed expectations. He has over two and a half decades of experience leading, coaching and mentoring technology professionals and managers, after having had an initial career in the hospitality industry in customer-facing…

(Strengths: Kindness, Love, Honesty, Humour, Leadership)

Jason is a proven and passionate leader of people, successful in motivating, developing and inspiring others to exceed expectations. He has over two and a half decades of experience leading, coaching and mentoring technology professionals and managers, after having had an initial career in the hospitality industry in customer-facing roles. Jason’s senior IT leadership experience includes two global NGOs, two-state cultural institutions, a religion-based benevolent organisation and a management education institution.

Now operating his own technology strategy and leadership consultancy, Jason spends much of his time coaching & mentoring tech leaders, building high-performing teams and re-designing service delivery models. He is passionate about coaching for win-win-win outcomes and is a strong advocate of the philosophy that “…it’s not about getting a bigger piece of the pie but making the pie bigger for everyone”.

Outside of work, Jason has always been active in volunteering roles, having been the president of a university sports club, youth mentor for a community organisation supporting disadvantaged young people and president of the P&C association of his children’s school. He is currently the secretary of a regional public education advocacy & support group.

Our Members

Our clients and the wider community of partners contribute knowledge and resources to ensure our members can access a wide range of workshops, education, programs and online learning.

Nicole Done

Xceptional Testing

Mahza Ahadiwand, CFRE

Childrens Cancer Institute

Victoria Edghill

Relievables

Adam Blatch

Organisational Design

Ness Song

YEmpower

Fiona Vale

Humanico

Paul Rush
Paul Rush

Humanico

Simon Hall

The Hive

Amanda Mandell

Citizen Music

Oscar McMahon

Young Henrys

Prof Debbie Haski-Leventhal, MA, PhD

Macquarie Business School

Hiam Sakakini

The Culture Equation

Claire Quigley

Launchpad9

Carolyn Butler-Madden
Carolyn Butler-Madden

The Cause Effect

Jo O’Brien

Platinum Pre School

Luli Adeyemo
Luli Adeyemo

Best Case Scenario

Become a Member

Contact us today to see how your Working Hard can be Working Kind.

Learn More

What are people saying about us?

Bambuddha worked with SDMF on recasting our events fundraising strategy. They got it grasped our requirements quickly and shaped a workshop for a time poor and diverse stakeholder group wrestling with a thorny problem. We found it particularly valuable that they draw upon their own deep and broad experience and can quickly cut to the heart of the issue.

Alex Green, General Manager - Sir David Martin Foundation

Bambuddha creative is a dynamic and refreshing team of marketing guru's. Very quickly they identified what our target market would respond to in order to create conversions. They helped to identify and add the "heart" to our product and showed us how to use this in the marketing plan for our target market. They have boundless energy, work within your budget, are incredibly understanding & supportive and do not know the word 'obstacle' We only have one wish.... that Bambuddha would join our team permanently. Thank you.

Pam Burnett, Cream Workwear

Contributing some of our profits to fundraising and charities has always been part of our business. But Bambuddha helped us streamline our fundraising efforts and align with one charity to create more of an impact and allow more ways for the whole team to be involved. This created a more meaningful charity partnership for the business and a clear fundraising plan.

Annabelle Davidson, Director - Social Playground

Bambuddha worked with us to develop our marketing strategy during a period of growth for the company, the advice and solutions they provided enabled us to take the next steps. We have gone on to see significant growth, a big thanks to Anna and the team.

Oliver Sheer, Managing Director - Be Challenged

Working with Bambuddha Group has helped me define a vision for the business and create a blue print for our CSR, sustainability and employee corporate kindness initiatives, whereby our team is empowered to contribute as part of their overall KPI's and contribution

Gabrielle Browne, Alpha Vet Tech

Working kinder adds an additional layer of strength in business, which has been an important aspect for me. Bambuddha Group allows like minded people to come together to create strong and conscious businesses with lots of heart and soul

Doreen Brown SEO

By sharing their expertise Bambuddha helped us effectively connect our culture to service strategy in a way that truly engaged our staff. The program ensured our people were happy, motivated and armed with materials created to build efficiency and excellence within their teams. We would endorse Bambuddha to any like-minded company looking to develop an empowered culture for their people.

Merivale, 2017

Bambuddha introduced us to the B Corp assessment tool so we could benchmark our practices across governance, transparency, environment and social impact. By doing this we were able to go for certification. The team continue to work with us to deepen our impact for our stakeholders and the community.

Clovelly Community Bank - Branch of Bendigo Bank