Catherine Drayton graduated from the University of Sydney with a BA in English Literature and a Bachelor of Laws. After graduating from the University of NSW with a Master of Laws she worked as a litigation lawyer specialising in copyright and libel law at a major international law firm.

In 1998, after a brief stint as a literary scout, she joined Arthur Pine Associates which subsequently became InkWell. She represents a wide range of fiction from around the world for both adults and children as well as some non-fiction on subjects that intrigue her. Her bestselling and award-winning clients include Markus Zusak, Beth Hoffman, John Flanagan, Becca Fitzpatrick, Gavriel Savit, Cath Crowley and Karen Foxlee.

Many of her clients are published in multiple territories and sold for film. She particularly loves working with debut authors and is looking for writing that is memorable and enduring. Catherine is InkWell’s Sydney affiliate.

Alexa holds a degree in International Relations from Stanford University and has over 25 years experience in the advertising industry, having worked in the USA, Hong Kong, and Australia for J. Walter Thompson, DDB Needham, John Bevins Pty Ltd and Goldsmith-Jeffrey New York.

Alexa is the Chair of Lou’s Place, a daytime, drop in refuge serving women from all over the greater Sydney area. Each year, staff at Lou’s Place assist over 6,000 women visiting the service with housing referrals, counselling, advocacy, legal advice, addiction, domestic violence and mental health issues.

Alexa also serves on the Sydney Dance Company board and chairs its Philanthropy subcommittee.

Andrew specialises in M&A, securities transactions and corporate governance. He advises corporate clients in all aspects of local and cross border mergers and acquisitions and corporate governance, as well as contested and negotiated takeovers, fundraising and corporate and securities law matters. Andrew has expertise in foreign investment laws, real estate, infrastructure, energy and resources and media.

Andrew is listed as a leading lawyer by legal directories and publications including Chambers and Partners and Best Lawyers for his work in corporate governance, equity capital markets and M&A.

He is the Deputy Chair of the Professional Standards Council, a Member of the Corporate Committee of the Law Council of Australia and fellow and member of the Subject Advisory Committee for the Governance Institute of Australia. He is also an Adjunct Faculty Member for the Faculty of Law at the University of Sydney.

Andrew served on the Australian Takeovers Panel for 12 years, and from 1998 to 2001 was the Chief of Staff for the Minister for Financial Services & Regulation.

Joe Pollard is an accomplished Executive and Non-Executive Director with over 30+ years' experience in CEO roles, Brand and Customer management, Media and Digital/Technology roles.

She has worked across a broad range of industries including Telecommunications, Technology, Media, Marketing Communications and Sports. Joe has held leadership roles in both domestic and international markets (UK, Hong Kong, USA & Japan).

Previous roles include the Chief Marketing Officer and Group Executive Media at Telstra, CEO of Publicis Mojo, CEO of Ninemsn, Sales and Marketing Director for Nine Entertainment Co. Joe also spent ten years at Nike Inc in the United States running their global media investments, e commerce channels (nike.com) and branded content divisions.

Joe has held Non-executive Board director roles with Nine Entertainment Co, AMP Bank, 12WBT, ninemsn, I-Select & various industry boards.

Joe is currently a Non Executive Director at Endeavour Group (ASX:EDV), Washington H Soul Pattinson (ASX:SOL), Ooh Media (ASX:OOH) and Greencross Ltd. She is also a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) and Chief Executive Women (CEW).

Sharon is Chief Executive of Astrid Inc, an LA based start-up that has already acquired a compelling array IP. Prior to Astrid, Sharon was the Head of Original Series and the Head of Genre Series at Amazon Studios, where she amongst other things she was an Executive Producer on the The Lord of the Rings after securing the rights over the franchise in a multi-billion dollar deal with the Tolkien estate. Sharon also oversaw all original scripted shows at Amazon Studios including the development and production of The Marvelous Mrs Meisel, Fleabag, Homecoming, Jack Ryan, and Good Omens, among other original shows.

Previously, Sharon served as the Head of Fox International Studios and EVP of Global Programming at Fox Networks Group, where she oversaw FNG’s original global scripted strategy. She spearheaded the partnership with AMC on The Walking Dead.

The Hollywood Reporter has twice named Sharon one of the Top 100 female leaders in Hollywood. Sharon has a master’s degree in Film and Media Studies from New York University and New School University.