I was matched with my Kilfinan mentor, Dr Michael Georgoff, through my Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowship, which focused on innovation in mental healthcare, and particularly the expansion of psychedelic-assisted therapy within Australia.

Michael was the perfect mentor for me. As an entrepreneur himself, he understood not just the opportunities but also the day-to-day challenges of building something new in a highly complex and regulated environment. We connected every six weeks, and our conversations became a vital touchpoint where I could bring the issues I was wrestling with, whether engaging healthcare institutions, navigating regulatory uncertainty, or managing the personal weight of leadership.

What stood out most was Michael’s candour. He never sugar-coated the realities of the sector, and his honesty helped me see challenges more clearly and respond with greater confidence. Despite the fact that we’ve never actually met in person (our entire mentorship has taken place via Zoom and phone) it has felt like two entrepreneurs sitting across the table, helping each other figure it out.

Michael’s generosity with his time and wisdom has made a real difference to me as a CEO. I am deeply grateful to him and to Kilfinan for making this connection possible.