We spoke to Lauris Pandolfini, owner of two successful businesses - Speaking Out and Booked Out. Booked out started in 1994, when Lauris took the jump from being an English teacher to organising school visits for children's authors. Originally based in her home office, the original concept expanded over time, and now Booked Out features many inspirational speakers as well as authors. With so much experience booking speakers for events for schools, four years ago she created the sister business Speaking Out.

She explains, "Speaking Out is a boutique agency for public speakers. We connect event organisers with some of Australia’s brightest and most inspiring voices for progress... we have grown out of a rising interest in
speakers who champion articulate, passionate debate on social justice issues."

The growth of an entirely different business targeting event organisers rather than schools has happened quite organically. "In recent years Booked Out began representing industry leaders, activists and visionaries. With increasing demand for social change. Speaking Out has seen us branch into corporate, government and nonprofit sectors, working with clients who wish to spark new ideas and promote
equality, diversity, and inclusion."

Yarra is a great central location for these two successful businesses, as well as all the extra perks, as Lauris continues, "Being located just off Brunswick St, we are spoilt for choice – Alimentari is our go-to for meetings over coffee, and the lush greenhouse at Grub Fitzroy is perfect for team lunches. We are also fairly regular customers down at
Wine Republic!"

Visit Booked Out and Speaking Out online.