EARLY BIRD PRICING | Book before 27 March
KEYNOTE SESSION
The Next
Generation is Now
Speakers | Amie and Belinda Lyone, Co-CEOs, COS
Date and Time | Friday 22 May, 9:50am – 10:40am
Join second-generation Co-CEOs Amie and Belinda Lyone as they unpack what it's like to lead together, sharing an honest account of the challenges and strengths of running a family business, including carrying the business forward through grief, making decisions side by side, and driving growth without losing what matters.
COS (Complete Office Supplies) is Australia’s largest family-owned and operated workplace and education supplies business, led by second-generation sisters and Co-CEOs, Belinda and Amie Lyone. Founded in 1977 by their late father, Dominique Lyone, COS began as a small family venture built on a vision of exceptional service and strong social responsibility.
Over the past 45 years, COS has grown from entrepreneurial origins into a national enterprise with more than 700 staff and warehouses across every state and territory. Every day, they deliver thousands of products to workplaces, schools and hospitals across Australia, helping to keep them healthy, safe and productive.
Belinda and Amie have worked side by side in the family business for over 20 years. Throughout this time, they have embraced professional development, succession planning and learning to lead together, proving that the next generation is taking charge today.
However, their path hasn’t been without challenges. In this session, the sisters will share the good, the bad and the ugly of that experience offering an honest look at what it takes to lead, evolve and sustain a family business. They’ll also reflect on navigating the unexpected passing of their father and what the future holds for COS. Through sharing their story, Belinda and Amie will explore the real challenges, lessons and triumphs that define family business.
The next generation is now
To view the full speaker line-up at the Family Business Conference, click here.
About Amie Lyone
Amie Lyone is a second-generation leader and Co-CEO of COS, Australia’s largest family-owned and operated workplace and education supplies business. With over 20 years at COS, Amie brings purpose and heart to her role championing people, community, sustainability, and service excellence while continuing the legacy of her father and COS founder, the late Dominique Lyone.
Amie has played a pivotal role in shaping COS into a purpose-driven business, leading initiatives that enhance the customer experience and deepen community impact. Her leadership has accelerated COS’s sustainability journey, including major investments in solar energy, electric vehicle trials, and a commitment to reducing single-use plastics.
Together with her sister and fellow Co-CEO, Belinda Lyone, Amie leads a national team of more than 700 people. Under their joint leadership, COS has been certified as a Great Place to Work and continues to deliver trusted solutions that help schools, hospitals, and workplaces stay healthy, safe, and productive.
About Belinda Lyone
Belinda Lyone is a second-generation leader and Co-CEO of COS, Australia’s largest family-owned and operated workplace and education supplies business. With over 20 years at COS, she brings purpose and heart to her role championing innovation, sustainability, and service excellence while staying true to the values instilled by her father and COS founder, the late Dominique Lyone.
Belinda has played a pivotal role in COS’s growth, leading strategic acquisitions and expanding the company’s reach across the country. Her commitment to ethical and sustainable procurement, including partnerships with minority-led businesses and social enterprises, reflects her dedication to making a lasting positive impact on both people and the planet.
Together with her sister and fellow Co-CEO, Amie Lyone, Belinda leads a national team of over 700 employees. Under their joint leadership, COS has been officially certified as a Great Place to Work and continues to support Australian communities by keeping schools, hospitals, and workplaces healthy, safe, and productive.
Facilitator
Wendy
Sage-Hayward
Senior Consultant, The Family Business Consulting Group
Wendy is a seasoned senior consultant at The Family Business Consulting Group, specialising in advising business leaders, family firms and boards globally. With extensive experience, she facilitates continuity planning for enterprising families, focusing on governance, family enterprise continuity, leadership, next-generation preparation, and conflict resolution.
In addition to her consulting role, Wendy is deeply involved in her own family business ventures. As an owner of Sage Hayward Vineyards, her family's winery on BC’s Southern Gulf Islands, she understands the complexities of family enterprises firsthand.
Previously, Wendy was a partner and director in her family's longstanding U.S. firm, spanning over five generations. This experience inspired her to focus on serving the unique needs of family enterprises as a consultant and educator.
Currently, Wendy serves as the Academic Director at Family Enterprise Canada (FEC), where she leads instruction for FEC’s Family Enterprise Advisors (FEA) program and is faculty in the Family Shift program at Western’s Ivey Business School. Wendy is the co-founder of mGen Education Inc, dedicated to educating and training family firms and their advisors for successful generational transitions.
Her commitment to the field is evident in her co-authorship of two significant books: "Human Resources in Family Business: Maximizing the Power of Your People" and "Own It! How to Develop an Owner’s Mindset at Every Age." She has also contributed numerous articles and book chapters. Wendy resides in Vancouver, British Columbia, where she continues to work closely with family businesses.