Introduction

Anti-communist political activist, dissident, deserter, defector, political refugee, dishwasher, kitchen hand, chef, waiter, restaurant manager, customer service officer, commercial lawyer, corporate counsel, and knowledge professional – my life and career in a single sentence.

After defecting from then communist Hungary in 1987, and spending a year in Austria as a political refugee, I arrived in Melbourne, Australia in June 1988. I became an Australian citizen in 1990, and now I hold dual Australian and European Union passports.

Non, je ne regrette rien …

In Melbourne I worked as a dishwasher and kitchen hand first, while I learned English. Later I was employed as a chef, a waiter, and eventually a restaurant manager. I moved to Sydney in 1992 and continued to work in the hospitality industry as a restaurant manager until 1994.

In 1994 I moved into a customer service role at one of the big four banks, before enrolling to study at university in 1996. I graduated with bachelor’s degrees in law and business, sub-majoring in marketing, and went on to complete a graduate diploma of legal practice with high distinction.

During the past two decades I worked with some of Australia’s best business leaders and legal minds as a trusted adviser, practising solicitor, in-house counsel, knowledge management professional, and social media consultant.

Someone once said that to follow the path that others have laid before you is a very reasonable course of action, therefore all progress is made by unreasonable [people].
_{Adam Savage}

I am a tireless human rights, social justice, and workplace diversity and inclusion advocate, a passionately creative personality, and enjoy blogging and writing when time permits.

My practical legal and commercial experience extends across alternative and commercial dispute resolution, general commercial litigation, contractual negotiations and disputes, corporate and regulatory affairs, employment law, financial services, insolvency, insurance, and privacy.

I have a strong track-record in establishing, resourcing and leading project teams, facilitating diverse views and expectations, and cutting through distractions and roadblocks.

I also have an in-depth understanding of emerging media and technologies, and I am a proponent of strategic project management, technology, and social media integration.

The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn.
_{Alvin Toffler}

My multidisciplinary education in law, business, and marketing, cross-industry experience, understanding of social media and technology, curious mind, and hunger for new knowledge and skills make me the perfect fit for dynamic organisations that embrace modern business practices, diversity, social engagement, and technology.