Anna Sheppard Travels from Sydney, NSW

Growing up in a caravan park on England's northeast coast, Anna navigated a challenging upbringing as one of five sisters, some with disabilities. Their early years were defined by resilience against prejudice and a brief stint in the care system before venturing out on their own at just 16. As a neurodiverse member of the LGBTQ+ community, Anna faced and overcame societal challenges, fueling a deep commitment to equality from an early age.

Anna's journey toward fostering kindness and equality began with a profound personal mission. They persevered through higher education, culminating in a master's degree, and gained invaluable experience from community development projects across Europe, Africa, and Asia. Inspired by these experiences, Anna founded the Bambuddha Group to enact meaningful social and environmental change. The firm not only advises on impact and leadership but also allocates a percentage of its profits to advancing equality initiatives.

At the heart of Bambuddha Group's approach is an evidence-informed Impact Index and curriculum designed to minimise risk and enhance outcomes across organisations. This initiative has earned Bambuddha Group multiple accolades as a leading social enterprise, recognized for its innovative contributions to business and society.

Anna is not only a leader in business but also a visionary behind significant initiatives such as The Kind Business Awards, Working Kind Collective Training Centre, and The Corporate Kindness Project. The latter, originating as a research endeavor in Australia, explores the tangible benefits of integrating kindness into business practices. This initiative has evolved into a popular podcast known as 'Project Good Boss,' reflecting Anna's commitment to promoting positive workplace cultures worldwide.

Throughout her career Anna has facilitated partnerships that have raised millions for charities, demonstrating how businesses can thrive while fostering social responsibility.  Prepare to be inspired by Anna Sheppard's remarkable journey, dedicated to creating a kinder, more equitable world through responsible leadership and social impact advocacy.

Anna's guiding philosophy is simple yet powerful: "If you work as hard as you do kind, success is inevitable."