"I hope others can take something from my diverse experiences to enhance their own journey"
- Jen Geale
I'm Jen
A relatable entrepreneur
Have you ever read a founder's story, or listened to a speaker, and thought their journey sounded incredible - but it was almost too good to be true? Or that, while they had some great experiences under their belt, it was hard to really connect with them and feel like you were on the same page?
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Whether I'm delivering a keynote to a room full of female business owners, mentoring an online retailer, or running a homeschooling workshop - I pride myself on being able to draw on my experience as founder and CEO of a highly-awarded ecommerce retailer, and combine this with my trademark relatability and bias for action.
My story
As co-founder and CEO of online retailer MTB Direct, I gained extensive experience in building an incredibly successful business. We went from a totally bootstrapped startup to strong 8-figure turnover, featured in the Deloitte Fast 50, AFR Fast 100, Telstra Business Awards and more, and ultimately sold to private equity in 2023.
I have been regularly recognised as one of the Top 50 People in Ecommerce in Australia, sharing my experience on stages across Australia and the USA.
I have a passion for community, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity Room to Read after setting up a local fundraising chapter in my early twenties. I established MTB Direct’s community giving program Dollars for Dirt, which saw us give over a quarter of a million dollars to clubs and trail care groups around Australia and New Zealand. I am Vice Chair of the board of Retail Outreach Initiative - a non-profit that enables the Australian retail community to support community projects aimed at vulnerable women and children.
I hold a Bachelor of Economics and a Master of Development Practice - which is a community-focused degree that informs both my passion for community work, and my ability to confidently and empathetically facilitate group sessions in a wide variety of settings.
My husband was my co-founder at MTB Direct, and we also homeschool our kids - I know what the reality of business and family looks like! I love helping families explore alternative models of education.
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I am currently based in Queenstown, New Zealand, and available to travel for events throughout Australia, New Zealand and beyond!
Keynote Speaker & MC
I have presented at events across Australia and the USA, from ecommerce conferences with thousands of attendees, to university startup incubators and women's leadership events, and everything in between.
I am a confident MC, keynote speaker, moderator and panelist. I have a real passion for ensuring my audience walks away not just inspired, but with actionable tools to help them achieve success in their lives and businesses - whatever that may look like to them.
I love to draw on my experiences - from ecommerce and entrepreneurship, to being a homeschooling mum - and merge those with my skills in facilitation and presentation. I tell stories, spark ideas and help my audience develop a clear action plan. Whether it's a keynote, workshop or multi-day conference, I can help your audience walk away inspired, energised and ready to go!
I have a wide repertoire to draw on, for example:
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I can run a workshop on the community development principle of frameworking, and how this can be used to help your audience define and work towards their own personal version of success.
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I can share a keynote presentation on lessons learned in business and how I have translated these into my practice as a homeschooling parent.
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I can participate as a panelist or podcast guest sharing insights from my startup, growth and funding journey with MTB Direct.
I am open to in person and virtual events across Australia, New Zealand and the world!
Facilitator
I love running workshops and working collaboratively with attendees to solve real problems, facilitate meaningful dialogue and help participants walk away energised and ready to succeed.
I am an open book when it comes to my business and personal journey, and I love nothing more than to share from my experiences - the good, the bad and the ugly! However I can also simply act as a guide for your group, drawing on my skills in community work.
Real feedback
"Jen is a natural on stage, she speaks clearly and thoughtfully, and managed a big 2.5 day MC role for our conference with 300+ delegates perfectly. She brings a sensitivity to the role of reading the room, introducing the speakers with heart, and doesn't make the stage (or the event) about her, rather she is the gel in the middle of the event. She is now a much valued member of our live events and one of our hand-picked mentors in our Scale program."
Lisa Jones,
Founder and CEO, SHE-com
"Jen has been MC of our conference for 7+ years. Her foundation as an ecommerce pioneer, turning into a vital part of the Retail Fest brand, shows her ability to continue to engage our audience, provide genuine insights throughout our show and provide ongoing feedback for the betterment of our show. Jen is more than MC - she becomes a part of the show."
Ash Hudson
CEO, Retail Global
"Jen, speaking with you about TeacherTalk forces me to really think about why I am doing this and to articulate it the best way I can.
I love how you can pick out the essence and redirect it.
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Thank you again and again!!"
Kylie Van Grinsven
Founder, TeacherTalk
Let’s Connect
I’d love to hear from you so to explore how we can work together