You may have a brain for Business, but do you have a mind for it?

Leanne Faulkner had a strong corporate background before establishing her own company in 2004. She has a Degree and Masters in Adult Education (UTS), and has worked extensively in the area of organizational development and employee training. Before transitioning to small business, Leanne held several senior positions in large international organisations and appreciates the ethos of working in large corporations.

In 2004 she founded her own small business, Billie Goat Soap. Leanne grew Billie Goat from a kitchen based hobby and today Billie Goat Soap is sold in over 2000 stores around the country, including Myer, David Jones, Terry White Pharmacies, Babies R Us and Priceline. Billie Goat Soap was awarded the NSW Business Chamber President’s Prize in 2009, and was acknowledged with the Excellence in Small Business Growth Award in the same year. In 2010 the business was the Myer Supplier of the Year in General Cosmetics.

Billie Goat Soap was sold to The Heat Group in February 2012. Leanne understands the strains and pressures faced by small/medium business owners today, and fought her own battle with situational depression triggered by tough business trading conditions in recent years in Australia. She was an original participant in the University of Tasmania Business in Mind program. She has participated in several interviews focusing on the needs of small business owners who face mental health challenges often in isolated environments and today advocates for more mental health resources to support small business owners. Leanne was also the Co-Chair of the Mental Health Alliance Strategic Advisory Group leading to contributions to the current Heads Up national workplace mental health campaign in Australia.