Sasha is a leading career advice professional, experienced educator, and a pro at brokering partnerships with a wealth of knowledge drawn from a long career of entrepreneurial and mentoring experience. He is committed to empowering people and creating opportunities for entrepreneurship and connection.

He worked for many years for the Coober Pedy Council, has served as a local and national career specialist with the Australian Industry Group, and initiated youth entrepreneurial programs for HYPA Works and mentored at Techstars Startup Weekends in Adelaide.

In 2016, he was celebrated in the Business Startup Adelaide Community as ‘Mentor of the Year’ for his mentorship of entrepreneurs. His motto, "people make the world go round!" encapsulates his belief in the power of human connections. Sasha remains actively involved in community roles assisting others realise their ideas, grow businesses and become effective leaders.

“Small businesses are the people behind them. Polaris clients learn by doing and they come to realise how their humanity is the essence of business. Like swimming, you can’t learn in the library, you've got to get in the pool!”

Janet Wootton is the beating heart of the Polaris Centre. With over 20 years’ experience in project work, organising events and networking experience, Janet is key to the Polaris Centre’s operations and keeps the schedule of services, events and team members all working smoothly together. She spent many years working on projects in the finance, insurance, and defence industries but working with the community and enabling people to participate and grow is undoubtedly her calling and superpower.

Realising the value she could contribute to the small business community; Janet embraced her role with the Polaris team and studied various business courses of her own initiative to get up to speed. She is a true professional within the business operations of Polaris and serves as a firm network link between businesses in the greater Adelaide region, and an integral support for women in business.

With a long history of aiding busy professionals, Janet’s passion for the SA business community is demonstrated through her excellence in service and care for Polaris clients. Bringing people together at Polaris events and workshops, Janet welcomes and delights everyone, whether they are already in business or just starting out.

“I love my job! Connecting people and seeing their businesses come to life is so rewarding. Having worked at Polaris for almost 20 years, I have seen hundreds of business success stories.”

Rob has over 40 years of business experience and knowledge and started his first company at 27, the first of several businesses that went on to win awards locally and nationally.

His talent for leading companies and keen eye for holistic business operations gained him several appointments on company boards over the years both public and private. He also became a certified business coach and for 8 years worked with the government’s ‘The Business Owners Coaching Program.’ In recognition of his outstanding contributions and service to small business in SA, Rob received The Order of Australia Medal in 1985.

Rob’s perspective has been indispensable to the shaping of Polaris’s programs for business owners and operators, including our Mentoring for Success and Business Fundamentals programs, which he continues to manage and facilitate.

Clients attribute his effectiveness as a mentor to his genuine empathy and loyalty to them. Understanding that trust is key, Rob takes his clients’ businesses seriously and treats their matters with confidentiality and compassion.

“My clients trust me not just due to my experience but because I simply want what’s best for them; I want the satisfaction of seeing them win.”

Nick has a wealth of experience, pragmatism and qualifications as a Business Mentor. Nick has 11 years+ experience as a business owner, beginning as a Business Consultant within his own business, while delivering accredited business training for TAFE NSW.

In his second business, Green Aid Australia, Nick provides property maintenance services to the Community Housing Sector. In 2017, Nick commenced working as a Business Coach with Good Shepherd Australia and New Zealand in the LaunchMe program, assisting 100+ people starting businesses in Northern Adelaide.

Recently, Nick has launched his third business breeding German Shepherds for Police and Military operations. Nick has a Business Degree in Marketing, a Degree in Multimedia and Certifications in Frontline Management and Training and Assessment.

Leandro brings plenty to the table, boasting a diverse background in economics, public policy, and management, spanning over a decade of excellence in economic development and innovation. His passion for solving challenges, coupled with his strong leadership and strategic ability, sets him apart as a standout professional. His impressive journey includes a recent role as Chair of the South Australian chapter of Economic Development Australia.

As the driving force behind the City of Salisbury City Shaping team, Leandro leads Strategic Urban Planning, Sustainability, Economic Development, and the Polaris Business Development Centre. He thrives in multicultural environments with teams of diverse skills and enjoys exercising his analytical skills towards complex real-world problems.

Hailing from Buenos Aires and with many years living in Australia, Leandro considers himself a citizen of the world. With a strong sense of social responsibility, he is continually on the lookout for new experiences that allow him to sharpen the tools of his trade and take an active part in building a better future.

“It is a privilege to be able to lead the Polaris Team in our quest to provide business services to our community.”

A specialist in trade and investment, Joseph spent a decade in the private sector working with reputednames like GE, Goldman and Sachs, and Hutchinson Whampoa. His economic development journey began in 2013 facilitating bilateral trade across sectors in the United Kingdom and with the British High Commission in India.

He grew to the rank of a Director at the High Commission representing Scotland in India. Joseph brought 22 business investments into the UK during his tenure and helped multiple UK businesses find markets in India. Amongst the many highlights the one that stands out was being recognised for facilitating the visit of the Indian Prime Minister, Mr Narender Modi’s maiden visit to the UK in 2015.

Beyond this, Joseph spent time helping businesses internationalise before moving to New Zealand where he worked with local government to host international delegations and tech meetups and led unique programs to enhance the positioning of the Kapiti Coast region. He also worked on a special project to bring 65+(seniors) back to the workforce. Joseph has also been granted honorary committee roles due to his depth of expertise.

Having lived in five different countries with further qualifications in global leadership and risk management, you can be assured that Joseph cuts an edge on the forefront of economic understanding and holds invaluable insights in the arena.

“There are very few places in the world where entrepreneurs of all stages can find assistance - Polaris is one of them, truly a friend of an entrepreneur.”