ABOUT ME

Hi, I’m Olivia, founder of Olivia Cozzolino : Impact Practice. I’m passionate about helping purpose-driven organisations make a positive impact on the world.

Olivia Cozzolino Impact Practice

I’m a creative, curious, down-to-earth and commercially-minded professional with 25 years of diverse business experience across sectors, from social enterprise and non-profits to corporate, government and start-up environments. Having worked in both Melbourne and London, I bring a global perspective and a dynamic approach to solving complex challenges.

Specializing in purpose-driven business, my expertise spans a wide range of industries, including retail, fashion, design, transport, construction and superannuation. I’ve taken on many different roles over the years— general management, strategy, business development, consulting and advisory, capability building, education, social procurement and diversity, equity & inclusion. My focus is always on helping organisations—whether they’re social enterprises, startups, big companies, or government agencies—find the balance between doing good and doing well.

I hold an MBA (First Class Honors) from Melbourne Business School, which has enabled me to apply solid business knowledge in the for-purpose and public sectors over the past 15 years.

My approach is rooted in making things practical and achievable, always with a focus on what will really work for the people involved. I believe in leading with empathy, listening closely and creating spaces where teams can collaborate, trust each other and get things done.

Since moving to the Dandenong Ranges in 2021, I’ve found a renewed sense of clarity and purpose through my connection to nature. This shift has not only helped me grow personally but has also influenced my approach to work—bringing a grounded perspective that values balance and well-being and offering a calm, fresh outlook on complex challenges. Through thoughtful, sustainable solutions, I’m committed to helping individuals, teams and organisations thrive and make a meaningful difference.

Learn more about my sector specific enterprise:

  • I’ve worked for the Victorian Government Department of Transport & Planning and Level Crossing Removal Project. I led the team responsible for social procurement, inclusive employment and the Women in Transport Mentoring Program.

    I understand the complexities involved in complying with government legislation, policies, frameworks, strategies and plans, with deep expertise in working under Victoria’s Social Procurement Framework and the Gender Equality Strategy and Action Plan.

    I’ve led consulting projects for Banyule Council and Knox Council through my work at Social Traders. These projects were focused on increasing social enterprises and social procurement opportunities within the respective LGAs.

  • I’ve had 25 years of business experience, 10 years of which was in the corporate sector in high-pressure buying roles working for large retailers in both Australia and the UK, including River Island, Sportsgirl, Sussan and Jeanswest.

    Through my government experience working for the Level Crossing Removal Project, I worked closely with a number of transport and construction companies, including Metro Trains, John Holland, Laing O’Rourke, McConnell Dowell, Fulton Hogan and Acciona. I understand the complexities involved in complying with government legislation, policies, frameworks, strategies and plans. I have deep expertise in working under Victoria’s Social Procurement Framework and the Gender Equality Strategy and Action Plan.

    I observed on the board of Women in Super, a national advocacy and networking group that works to achieve better and fairer retirement outcomes for Australian women. This provided me with some experience in the superannuation sector.

  • I led the transformation of Red Cross’ $22m social enterprise, the national network of op-shops. I took this business from loss making to profit generating in four years, by designing and implementing a range of intrapreneurial initiatives that increased revenue, as well as by implementing business process improvement activities that significantly reduced costs.

    Through my work at Social Traders I consulted to, advised and facilitated 70-odd social enterprises on how to grow, tap into new markets, improve operations, be ready for social procurement and have impactful and sustainable business models. Some of the social enterprises I led projects on included the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, The Big Issue, Ability Works, Good Cycles, Homie and Clickability. 

    I managed Australia’s first social enterprise startup accelerator program, ST Crunch, where I worked with over 30 different social enterprise startups, 70% of which are still trading today.

    I currently work for The Social Studio (part-time), in a strategic role responsible for growing the social enterprise arms of the organisation.

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