Bernadette Schwerdt

My career spans 30 years in media, marketing, the arts and technology. As the founder of four successful companies, author of three bestselling business books, and the creator of two educational institutions, I bring a range of eclectic skills, experiences and networks to all those I work with.

Topics: Digital Marketing, Small Business, Communication, Presentation Skills, Persuasive Writing.

ABOUT BERNADETTE

My career spans 30 years in media, marketing, the arts and technology. As the founder of four successful companies, author of three bestselling business books, and the creator of two educational institutions, I bring a range of eclectic skills, experiences and networks to all those I work with.

Multiple roles in marketing include senior account director for global brands including Apple, American Express and BHP, to digital marketing strategist, pitch coach and copywriter for McDonalds, Mirvac and Merrill Lynch.

In 2004, I founded the Australian School of Copywriting, Australia’s longest running copywriting school. Alumni include the former creative director of Clemenger Advertising, M&C Saatchi and copywriters working for the world’s leading advertising agencies.

A development deal with Fairfax Media to produce an online TV series documenting the success of Australia’s top online entrepreneurs led to the writing of three bestselling business books, (Secrets of Online Entrepreneurs, How to Build an Online Business and ghost writer for Catch of the Decade).

In 2020, I applied this knowledge to found a tech startup called Synthetic Data (formerly known as Machine Dreams). We help engineers in the predictive asset management sector use Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to replace the manual inspection of critical assets with automated visual inspection systems.

In 2020, I was named in the Top 50 Small Business Leaders by a leading industry journal, and my start-up was accepted into the prestigious Startupbootcamp Accelerator. We won the Asset Management Conference Award for Best Startup, were a finalist in the AWS Machine Learning Pitch Competition and semi-finalist at the Australian Technology Competition.

I am what’s commonly known as an AFL ‘tragic’ and as such, was delighted to be invited to be the inaugural mindfulness coach for the Carlton AFL Football Club. I worked closely with the AFL club psychologists and players to develop and deliver their foundation mindfulness program that is still operating today.

I am a sought-after speaker on the global conference circuit on the topics of women in tech, creative courage, personal branding, acts of micro-bravery, machine learning for beginners, and data-based storytelling for business.

I have taken these eclectic experiences to create Australia’s first School of Creative Courage. We help individuals unlock their creative potential, find their unique passion, share that purpose with the world, leverage that wisdom into an online business, and profit from their expertise.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
ABOUT BERNADETTE

"Thank you for your motivating keynote presentations for our annual roadshow – the attendees are still singing your praises! You are a dynamic professional whose passion is second to none. It was such a great pleasure working with you."
Melinda Mason, Loyalty Program Manager, De Lorenzo

"Thank you so much for sharing your perspectives and insights with us. Your insights and learnings were VERY well received by the audience! You delivered a refreshing, entertaining and unique talk!"
Kris Larsen, Senior Manager, Business Innovation, KPMG

"Bernadette is a subject matter expert that backs up her sessions with a really engaging and powerful presentation style. Bernadette is a delight to work with and a true professional. I have no doubt that we will be working with Bernadette again in the near future"
Leah Hitchings, Brand & Communications Manager – AMP/Hillross

"Thank you again for helping our team overcome the fear of presenting and being able to articulate the features and benefits of what we do. The feedback I have received from all our staff can only be described as glowing"
Tamatha Harding, Acting CEO – Tennis Australia