“It’s so exciting to see someone suddenly realise exactly what they want to do - and how to make that aspiration a reality”- JULIE

“It’s deeply rewarding to be involved with women pursuing self-discovery, and to support them in redefining their future…” ML

Meet Julie

I’ve spent most of my working life in education—drawn again and again to the power of learning and personal growth. Over the past decade, I’ve been designing and running Human-Centred Design Thinking workshops that focus on real, meaningful change—ideas that are not just smart, but also sustainable and deeply human.

What I love most about Design Thinking is how it puts people and the planet at the centre of the process. It’s creative, collaborative, and grounded in empathy—what’s not to love?

I’ve taught in universities and worked with all sorts of organisations—from corporations to nonprofits to government bodies. That mix of experience helped me (alongside the wonderful Maria-Luisa Nardella) shape The Cherry on Top—a program designed especially for women navigating the big (and often messy) transitions that come with ageing.

Because let’s face it: our bodies change, our roles shift, and the world can sometimes feel like it’s racing ahead without us. But later life can also be rich, joyful, and full of possibility—especially when we approach it with curiosity, courage, and a dash of design thinking.

Meet Maria-Luisa

Maria-Luisa, can be a mouthful, so I’m better known as ML.

I have always embraced change, creativity, and the thrill of reinvention, and I’m excited to share this enthusiasm and inspire others.

This time of life is so interesting, isn’t it? My life has always revolved around creativity; now that attribute seems more vital than ever.

As an artist, I’ve poured my energy into painting and exhibiting my work while concurrently working in a myriad of other sectors, including advertising, television, theatre, art galleries, and local government.

In recent decades, I’ve held a managerial role in local government, developing and encouraging entrepreneurial activities. I find supporting others in realising their dreams is as rewarding as bringing my own ideas to realisation.

Now, I’m thrilled to bring my creativity, experience, and skills to The Cherry on Top, where I will support women in connecting with their deepest desires and bringing them to life.

When I'm not working to grow The Cherry on Top, you'll find me in the water or beach combing along the Bellarine Peninsula. Life after work has freed me to pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a strong ocean swimmer. My new goal is to distance swim not only confidently but with enjoyment

Our design thinking methodology

  • Discover

    This process of discovery dives deep, and you may be surprised by what you discover about your hopes and dreams.

  • Define

    Knowing what you now know about yourself, what changes might you want to your life? What will remain, what needs to be added? What will you let go?

  • Design

    The last step? We learn how to continually refine what we’ve learned. Think of this as your new beginning - with the tools to modify as you and life change.

Questions? Let’s chat…

We’d love to explore how we can work together.