Ross Elliott. BA (Hons). MAICD

My employer for 6 years from 1996 to 2001. I started when the PCA was known as 'BOMA' and took part in a radical re-energising and repositioning of the organisation, first in Queensland as Executive Director, than nationally as Chief Operating Officer. I am sure Peter Verwer, the PCA's long standing CEO, would allow that while he created the new logo and direction for the PCA, I was responsible for the tag line "the voice of leadership." Both have endured.

My client for almost three years from late 2009. A start up in Queensland, the business grew under my strategic guidance from one to over 30 staff and $100 million in projects, and we did this during a downturn. It was a team effort of all involved and one that owed much to then Australian GM, Matthew Dalmau, who was prepared to back some different approaches to business development strategy and execution.

In October 2001 I was the first Chief Executive for the newly formed Brisbane Marketing. It was a big challenge to deal with multiple organisations formed into one, and at the same time create a fresh, youthful image for the city. The politics of the new organisation were challenging but maintaining a strategic focus on where we wanted to take the brand of Brisbane ultimately led to a number of successes. No more 'big country town.'

A client of mine from Sept 2012 to the end of 2013. The challenge was to realign the construction business in terms of focus and market perception and to chase down new external construction opportunities. Mission accomplished. Devine CEO David Keir backed my ideas and efforts and the business was soon competing for (and winning under Mike Tucker's leadership) projects which it otherwise would not have been considered for.

In my early days I worked for Queensland MP David Jull as his media and policy officer. Later, I returned as Private Secretary/Policy Advisor when he became Opposition Minister for Tourism and Aviation under Leader John Hewson. I worked in both old and new Parliament Houses. I also remember the moment Mike Willesee asked John Hewson "that" question about the GST and a cake. It was all over in the blink of an eye. A young Tony Abbott was Hewson's press secretary at the time. Small world.

Another early incarnation was as Director of Public Affairs for the Real Estate Institute of Queensland, where I spent four years before joining the Property Council. There were many achievements, notable among which was first coining the '1000 people per week' line about interstate migration into Queensland.

A client, where I was engaged to develop a marketing strategy to take in the many and various communities of interest that make up this new city in the making. I've continued to be a strong believer in Springfield and what it stands for. The vision and tenacity of founder Maha Sinnathamby to achieve what he has is nothing short of remarkable. Australia needs more Springfields, and more Mahas.

A client, for whom I created a campaign about 'the design dividend' - designed to awaken our thinking about the importance of quality design by the architecture profession in creating better and more efficient urban spaces. This remarkable profession has more to offer than I suspect many in public policy realise.

After a three year absence form the PCA I was asked back to lead the new Residential Development Council. The focus was on major national housing developers and the issues of concern to them. We took a fledgling outfit and turned it into a major force in public policy nationally within a couple of years, more than tripling income in the process. The RDC has maintained its leading role in public policy commentary on housing and development in Australia.

An occasional client over many years. Tony is a visionary among developers - always good to work with because he and his team are always testing the boundaries - including mine. Working with developers like Tony is great fun because he understands the connection between design and enduring commercial value.

A client, looking to create a new online presence for their 12 hotels under one brand and a single domain, connected to e-commerce, social media and marketing of special events for everything from weddings and conferences to their famous pig races. I learned a bit about pubs in the process, including just how proud a pub chef can be of his daily roast meals. Great to see a private family business like this show the big boys how it's done.

In early 2008 I became Sirromet Wines Chief Executive, running a $12m pa business with 130 staff at the time but mainly with a focus on creating a different and more commercially successful brand proposition for this family owned Queensland wine producer. We kicked a number of significant goals but the onset of the GFC among other factors meant this engagement lasted only 18 months. In the process I became a great fan of Granite Belt wines and wonder why more people aren't.

My current client and terrific mid size architecture practice. The brief here is to refresh some of their market perceptions and to create more opportunities for the firm in targeted industry sectors which offer a good match to the business' dna and which also offer opportunity for growth. My aim is to put pdt firmly on radar screens as the 'go to' practice in its chosen fields.

An ongoing client since early 2013 this Queensland based national firm of engineers (formerly known as Brown Consulting) has a great story to tell but needed some help telling it. We're changing that, training key senior personnel in the dark arts and disciplines of business development in the process. There has been good progress to date, working closely with its regional EGM, Brent Thomas - a classic example of a business rainmaker with limitless energy and drive.

A pro bono client who I am trying to help with some general commercial advice, and support through my networks. This online start up is run by a small handful of switched on entrepreneurs and I think their plan of making it Australia's premiere channel for news on all things urban development is a winner. Watch this space - these guys I am convinced will soon be market leaders in their field.