In this inspiring and practical keynote, Tessa Clarke, Co-Founder & CEO of Olio, shares how harnessing the power of community and public relations can transform a business from idea to global movement. Drawing on Olio’s journey from a neighbourhood food-sharing experiment to a platform with millions of users worldwide, Tessa reveals how mission-driven storytelling, grassroots advocacy, and creative PR strategies can spark growth without huge marketing budgets.

The session explores why a strong, authentic mission is the foundation for community building; how to empower passionate advocates and build trust at scale; and the role of storytelling, media coverage, and case studies in amplifying your impact. Attendees will gain actionable insights on mobilising people around a shared purpose, embracing competitors to strengthen your sector, and confidently stepping into the spotlight with their founding story.

Key takeaways include:

How to align community growth with a clear mission and values.

Practical strategies for generating word-of-mouth momentum.

The importance of authentic storytelling and PR “angles” to cut through.

Real-world lessons from building Olio into a purpose-driven global brand.

This keynote is ideal for entrepreneurs, leaders, and changemakers who want to grow their business while making a positive difference