Adelaide Connexions Networking Event
with Guest Speaker Panel
Alix Doherty | Jasmin Ilic | Matthew Michalewicz
Thursday, 17 September is shaping up to be one of the standout nights on our calendar this year, and we'd love for you to be part of it.
From 5.30pm to 7.30pm, the behind closed doors community will gather at EY Adelaide for an evening built around what we do best: genuine conversation, new introductions, and the kind of thought-provoking exchange that's hard to make time for in the day-to-day.
This Adelaide Connexions comes with a twist: instead of one guest speaker, we're bringing together a Guest Speaker Panel, featuring the following three entrepreneurs, who have each successfully scaled, or are currently scaling, their own businesses, and who'll speak candidly about what that journey has really involved.
Meet our Guest Speaker Panel:
Three different industries, three different paths to growth, but a shared willingness to talk honestly about the decisions, the pressure points, and the lessons that came with scaling a business.
Expect real insight alongside genuine conversation and the opportunity to connect with the broader BCD community.
We can't wait to see you there.
Date Thursday, 17 September 2026
Time 5.30pm to 7.30pm
Location EY, Level 12, 121 King William Street, Adelaide
Numbers are limited.Register now to secure your place!
About the Guest Speaker Panel
Alix Doherty
Director, Doherty Capital Group, &
Associate Director, VUCA Trusted Advisors
Alix Doherty is an experienced business leader, advisor and non-executive director with a strong track record in scaling founder-led and family-owned businesses.
As the former Mangaing Director of Doherty Trade Services, Alix helped transform the company into one of South Australia’s largest privately owned multi-trade businesses. Her experience spans business growth, operational transformation, governance, succession and navigating the opportunities and challenges that arise as entrepreneurial businesses become more complex.
Today, Alix works with founders, owners and boards to build stronger, more sustainable businesses. She is an Associate Director at VUCA Trusted Advisors, Managing Director of Doherty Capital Group, serves as an Independent Commissioner of Basketball South Australia and Vice President of the INSEAD Alumni Association Australia and New Zealand.
Alix holds a Global Executive MBA from INSEAD and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She brings a practical and candid perspective on scaling a business, including building leadership capability, introducing fit-for-purpose governance and knowing when founders must evolve their own role to support the business’s next stage of growth.
Jasmin Ilic
CEO and Co-Founder, CYBR
As CEO and Co-Founder of CYBR, Jasmin Ilic works with organisations to confront complex cyber threats, protect critical assets, and embed security as a foundation for innovation and growth. As artificial intelligence reshapes the business landscape, CYBR supports clients to realise potential while managing emerging risks.
Jasmin’s work sits at the intersection of business, technology, and community. She is driven by the belief that a secure digital future is fundamental to economic growth, social resilience, and individual opportunity.
CYBR’s impact extends beyond commercial outcomes through a social impact model that includes pro bono initiatives and programs designed to support the wider community.
Jasmin’s focus on impact is matched by her commitment to industry development and civic leadership. She serves as Chair of the Adelaide Economic Development Agency Advisory Committee, Chapter Lead for the Australian Women in Security Network, and President of Young Professionals Adelaide.
Her vision: a future where security and innovation go hand in hand, for the benefit of all.
Matthew Michalewicz
CEO, Complexica
Matthew has more than 20 years of experience in starting and running high-growth tech companies, especially in the areas of machine learning, predictive analytics, and decision optimisation. He is currently the CEO of Complexica, a provider of Artificial Intelligence software for optimising sales & marketing activities, and a director of several ASX-listed companies, including Prophecy International (ASX: PRO). He is also the author of several books, including Jobs are for Suckers?, Life in Half a Second, Winning Credibility, Puzzle-Based Learning, The Rise of Artificial Intelligence, and Adaptive Business Intelligence.
From 2005–2012, Matthew co-founded and led SolveIT Software, a supply chain optimisation business he grew from zero to almost 180 employees and $20 million in revenue before selling to Schneider Electric. Under his leadership, SolveIT became the 3rd fastest-growing company in Australia in 2012, as ranked by Deloitte.
From 1999–2003, Matthew co-founded and led NuTech Solutions in the USA, raising more than US$15 million in venture capital and growing the business to 200 employees in six offices, with a board including Lech Walesa and Frank Abagnale. NuTech was later acquired by Netezza, then by IBM.
Matthew is a Limited Partner in Blackbird Ventures and was a Visiting Fellow at the University of Adelaide (2005–2016), lecturing on technology commercialisation. His achievements have been featured in Time, Newsweek, and Forbes, and he was named Pearcey Foundation "Entrepreneur of the Year." Matthew holds a Bachelor of Science in Corporate Finance from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, later named "Alumnus of the Year."
behind closed doors warmly thanks our valued Partners for their generous support of this event. To EY, for the event space and catering, and to Paracombe Wines, for the exquisite wines to be enjoyed on the night. Thank you for your ongoing support.
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When Leadership Gets Complex, Who Do You Turn To?
At senior levels, leadership changes. Your decisions carry more weight, the room gets quieter, and the space to think out loud - honestly, confidentially, and without performance - gets smaller.
That’s the gap behind closed doors exists to fill.
We’re inviting a small group of senior female leaders to a complimentary 90-minute introductory session designed to offer something deeper than traditional networking or surface-level mentoring. This is about trusted connection, thoughtful conversation, and access to women who understand the pressure you’re under, because they’re carrying it too.
Many of our Members tell us, “It wasn’t what I expected. It was better.” More grounded. More useful. More human.
What this session includes:
A focused conversation with Donny Walford, Founder & Managing Director of behind closed doors, exploring how senior leaders create space for clearer thinking amid demanding roles
A facilitated discussion with peers navigating complex decisions, high expectations, and full lives
A first-hand experience of a community built on confidentiality, trust, and practical support, where relationships go beyond exchanging business cards.
BCD is not about adding another commitment to your calendar. It’s about discovering a sounding board you can rely on - and a network that quietly has your back.
Event Details:
Date: Thursday 24th September 2026 Time: 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM (ACST) Location: BCD Office, 10 Watson Avenue, Rose Park SA
We’d love to see you there. Places are limited, so don’t wait - secure yours today!
Ready to Step Up in 2026?
You don’t need to have it all mapped out to know that you're ready for more. More influence, more confidence, and more clarity about what’s next.
If 2026 is your year to step into leadership - whether for the first time or more fully - this 'Come & Try' session is designed for you.
At behind closed doors, we support women as they grow into leadership with intention, perspective and the right network around them. This no-obligation introductory session is a chance to pause, reflect, and explore what’s possible when you stop doing it alone.
A 30-minute conversation with BCD Founder & Managing Director, Donny Walford, sharing practical insights on building career relationships and navigating leadership with confidence.
An open, honest and supportive facilitated group discussion to unpack the challenges, opportunities and questions you’re grappling with right now.
A first-hand feel for our behind closed doors community, and the power of being in a room with other women who are stepping forward too.
We'd love to welcome you, so you can experience this window into what becomes possible when you’re supported, challenged and encouraged to back yourself.
Date: Friday 25 September 2026 Time: 9.30am–11.00am (ACDT) Location: BCD Office, 10 Watson Avenue, ROSE PARK SA
Places are limited. If this feels like it might be for you, trust that instinct and save your seat today.
Date: Wednesday 4th November 2026 Time: 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM (ACST) Location: BCD Office, 10 Watson Avenue, Rose Park SA
Date: Friday 6 November 2026 Time: 9.30am–11.00am (ACDT) Location: BCD Office, 10 Watson Avenue, ROSE PARK SA
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