The power of connection was on full display this February as small business owners and professionals from across Victoria and New South Wales gathered online for the monthly PBA x GLOBE Virtual Networking Event.
Designed specifically for those who can’t make it to in-person sessions, these free events offer a vital space for the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies to expand their professional networks, share resources, and support one another’s entrepreneurial journeys.
Hosted by: Angelo Baronessa (GLOBE / Divergent Wealth)
This month’s session was expertly led by Angelo Baronessa, the Small Business Director at GLOBE Victoria and Director of Divergent Wealth.
Angelo is a champion for inclusivity in the financial sector. At Divergent Wealth, he challenges the status quo by putting people before products. He is particularly renowned for his work in improving life insurance access for those on PrEP or living with HIV—breaking down barriers that previously made comprehensive cover prohibitively expensive or impossible to obtain.
Business: Divergent Wealth
What he does: Specialized financial planning including wealth creation, personal insurance, superannuation, and ethical investment strategies.
Contact: Visit Divergent Wealth to book a complimentary 15-minute introductory call.
Featured Speakers & Businesses
The event showcased a diverse array of talent, from sustainable product design to specialized corporate wellness. Here are the professionals who shared their stories:
Adrian Clark – Thinkaway Learning
Adrian specialises in creating custom e-learning solutions designed to help employees perform better. Her process is “employee-centric,” utilising rapid iterative development and interactive polling to ensure training is engaging and effective.
What they do: Custom e-Learning and upskilling for organisations.
Contact: 0493 270 235 | adrian.clark@thinkaway.com.au | www.thinkaway.com.au
Anthony Chahoud – Bare Pots
Anthony introduced us to his innovative, Sydney-made solution for plant lovers: flat-packed, recyclable cardboard sleeves that hide ugly plastic nursery pots. With a background in banking, Anthony is now focused on founding this brand new business.
What they do: Sustainable, stylish, and recyclable plant pot covers.
Contact: 0409 482 203 | Anthonyis@barepots.com.au | BarePots.com.au
Immy Abdullah – Clouds Above
Immy helps small businesses navigate the ever-changing world of social media. Whether it’s TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook, his focus is on extending brand reach through authentic digital content.
What they do: Digital content and social media management.
Contact: PBA Business Directory
Neil Valentine – V&N Buyers Advocate
Neil transitioned from a successful handyman career to helping people navigate the stressful world of real estate. He assists owner-occupiers and investors in finding, assessing, and negotiating the right properties, often taking the lead at auctions for nervous buyers.
What they do: Property searching, assessment, and negotiation.
Contact: veandnbuyers.com.au
Simon Dunn – Pink Flamingo Home Loans
With 30 years of experience, Simon founded Pink Flamingo to provide a highly digital, paperless mortgage broking experience. He is dedicated to “non-disappearing” service, conducting reviews every six months to ensure his clients always have the best interest rates.
What they do: Mortgage broking for dream homes and investment properties.
Contact: 0417 075 007 | info@pfhomeloans.com.au | www.pfhomeloans.com.au
Stephen Jasper – The Jet Lag Guy
Stephen provides a unique “one-stop shop” for jet lag management. Targeting corporate travelers and HR wellness programs, he offers workshops, coaching, and specialized Australian-made light-therapy goggles to help frequent flyers stay productive.
What they do: Corporate wellness and jet lag management solutions.
Contact: 0410 479 974 | jetlagguy.com.au
Stephen showed the group his anti-jet-lag glasses!
Join Us Next Month!
Whether you are looking for a collaborator, a service provider, or just a friendly group of like-minded professionals, these virtual events are the perfect place to start.
When: The last Wednesday of every month.
Where: Online (Zoom link provided upon registration).
Cost: Free!
Don’t miss out on the chance to grow your business while supporting the LGBTQIA+ professional community. We look forward to seeing you at our next session in March!
Save the Date: The PBA X GLOBE Virtual Networking Event happens on the last Wednesday of every month.
Everyone is welcome at the PBA! Check out our upcoming events.
