Stephen (Steve) Plakotaris leads start-ups and SMEs to grow through brand and product strategy, marketing, corporate communications and organisational behaviour. As a serial entrepreneur, Steve developed business skills from a young age. Growing up in a family business provided him with the tools and insights into what it takes to be successful – leading him to create his first business, a home maintenance company, at the age of 14. Since moving to Australia in 1997 to help launch an award-winning advertising agency, the Virtual Creative Department, Steve has honed his skills and passion for building, driving and scaling businesses. Over his career, Steve has been responsible for driving successful startup enterprises including The John Maclean Foundation, Christina Fitzgerald Australia, and presently, Dr Mark's Hygenie Pty Ltd and its Australasian licensee, Hygiene Australia Pty Ltd.Believing that it takes three things to do anything extraordinary in life – Passion, Power and Persistence – Steve lives life to its fullest. Steve has been a competitive cyclist since 1980, raced triathlon for 20 years and is still racing the bike as often as he can get out. He also loves singing and spends as much time as his busy life provides with his wonderful wife, 3 extraordinary daughters and 6 previous grandchildren.