Profile
“We keep evolving the brand as we grow and expand, which is equally rewarding and satisfying”
Alice Phillips Topping
Ryan Specialty
Anne Johnstone is the Global Chair of the International Positive Education Network (IPEN) and a former Chair and founding Board member of the Positive Education Schools Association (PESA). She is also chair of the Excellence in Leadership and Teaching Council for the Association of Independent Schools of NSW (AISNSW). She was the recipient of a Churchill Fellowship, during which she explored strategies to foster resilience in learning while based at Cambridge University in England.
In 2019, Johnstone was the only woman among five international educational leaders acknowledged for her “pioneering work, contribution and internationally recognised leadership in the field of positive education” at the Positive Education Global Summit in Philadelphia. In 2018, she received the prestigious Australian Speech and Communication Association Award for Excellence.
Johnstone is currently completing a PhD in Education through the University of Melbourne and holds a Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) from an Ivy League University (University of Pennsylvania), a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws (with honours), as well as a Graduate Diploma of Education. She completed the thesis for her master’s degree under the supervision of the founder of Positive Psychology, Professor Martin Seligman. Johnstone’s research was recognised by the University of Pennsylvania as a Distinguished Capstone. The focus of her current doctoral research is on helping young people develop a mindset that promotes wellbeing.
Before her appointment as Principal of Ravenswood School for Girls, Johnstone was Principal of Seymour College in Adelaide. Prior to this, she served at St Catherine’s School in Sydney as Deputy Headmistress, Head of Senior School and Head of Junior School, and as an English and History teacher.
Before pursuing her passion for teaching, Johnstone practised as a lawyer for four years, specialising in commercial litigation. An internationally sought-after speaker and presenter, she is passionate about helping young people fulfil their potential and flourish in all aspects of their lives.
10 Henry St, Gordon, NSW 2072
+61 2 9498 9898
admin@ravenswood.nsw.edu.au
linkedin.com/in/anne-johnstone-30409672
ravenswood.nsw.edu.au
Anne Johnstone
Principal
Ravenswood School for Girls
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Bio
Milestones
“It’s very important to set an example and to not only inspire but mentor other females”
Alice Phillips Topping
Ryan Specialty
2002–2004
2008–2014
2019–2023
Present
Present
2002: Nominated for the National Excellence in Teaching Award
2003: Winner of the Teachers’ Guild of New South Wales Award for Excellence in the Early Years of Teaching
2004: Winner of a Winston Churchill Fellowship to explore and evaluate programs that relate to the integration of pastoral and academic domains in schools to enhance student wellbeing and learning in the classroom through strategies that build resilience (Cambridge University, working with Colleen McLaughlin, deputy head of the Faculty of Education at Cambridge University)
2002–
2004
2008–2010: Head of Junior School at St Catherine’s School
2010–2012: Deputy Headmistress, K-12 at St Catherine’s School
2013–2015: Principal at Seymour College
2013–2024: Chair and Founding Board Member of Positive Education Schools Association (PESA)
2008–
2014
2019: University of Pennsylvania and the Eisenhower Fellowships Award
2020–2024: Vice Chair of the International Positive Education Network (IPEN)
2022: Recognised on The Educator’s Hot List; 2022 Excellence Award; Principal of the Year in the Australian Education Awards; Teachers’ Guild of NSW 2022 Phyllis Evans Medal, a prize that acknowledges a distinguished educator of great standing
2023: Recognised on The Educator’s Most Influential Educator; recognised on The Educator’s Hot List
2019–
2023
Principal at Ravenswood School for Girls since 2016
Global Chair of International Positive Education Network
Chair of the Excellence in Leadership and Teaching Council for the Association of Independent Schools of NSW (AISNSW)
2024 Excellence Award, Principal of the Year, Australian Education Awards
Present
Co-Founder and Creator at The Future of Education Summit since 2023
Deputy Principal at Canterbury College since 2023
Present
Assistant Vice President and Senior Broker at MJ Hall & Company since 2018
Present
Milestones
Aug 2022
Milestones
Sept 2021
Feb 2022
Apr 2022
Jul 2022
Aug
2022
Suncorp Bank introduces Solar Home Bonus offer for customers who are choosing renewable energy for their homes
Sept 2021
Month-on-month market share growth commences
Feb 2022
Suncorp Bank wins the Canstar award for most outstanding value in investment loans
Apr 2022
Suncorp Bank wins Money Magazine’s Bank of the Year and Business Bank of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row
Jul 2022
Suncorp Bank’s turnaround times are the lowest they have ever been. The lender becomes Australia’s first certified carbon neutral bank for both its operation and transaction services
Aug 2022
Milestones
• Gold award for Magazine or Newspaper Advertisement
• Silver award for Promotional Email
• Silver award for Most Out-of-the-Box Idea
As a founding member of WOW! (Women. Opportunity. Winning.), an employee resource group created for all women of Ryan Specialty, Phillips Topping has long championed for women in the industry.
“It’s very important to set an example and to not only inspire but mentor other females,” she adds.
In addition to her sharp marketing eye, the key to Phillips Topping’s success lies in her high-energy approach and positive attitude.
“As the leader of a team, it’s important to motivate and encourage your team members. People work very hard and do their best and it’s important to recognize these efforts. For my career overall, my attitude has been one of curiosity. The more you can learn, the better you’ll understand the business, and then the deeper your knowledge will become, making you a better team member.”
Chief underwriting officer of executive risk at Chubb
President of financial insurance solutions at Kemper
Chief underwriting officer at Axis Capital
CEO of global Insurance at Endurance
CEO of global Insurance at Sompo International
“We keep evolving the brand as we grow and expand, which is equally rewarding and satisfying,” adds Phillips Topping.
“Marketing is a very busy space. The challenge is to keep it fresh and keep it new. There’s so much out there. You have to think about how to break through.”
Since joining the firm in 2015, Ryan Specialty has:
• completed 28 acquisitions
• launched 10 companies
“With each acquisition and de novo formation, a large branding component is involved,” says Phillips Topping.
Speaking on the importance of spotlighting marketing professionals, Phillips Topping says, “It’s imperative to shine a light on those who aren’t necessarily brokers or underwriters. There are so many different aspects of the industry. It’s nice to show all the great work that’s being done behind the scenes.”
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