From mathematics teacher to internationally acclaimed opera singer, managing director, Board member and community advocate, Stella Axarlis’ career has been one of diversity, determination and inspiration.
Stella has from childhood embraced her fellow human beings with love, tolerance, generosity and a respect for all creeds and religions.
Stella’s three very diverse vocations have provided her with a common thread of skills, ethos, professionalism, hard work and passion, which she now brings to any business venture in which she is involved and in her support of people of all ages and her community.
Stella returned recently to Opera to become Chair of CitiOpera and to direct the highly successful productions of Verdi’s Otello, Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana, Richard Strauss’ Ariadne auf Naxos and Verdi’s Il Trovatore.
At a time when most people retire, Stella continues to work and mentor people in management as well as artists.
I don't think excellent is good enough to describe Stella. She is an inspirational and sensational speaker. ... keep reading Hotel Grand Chancellor
Stella was an excellent and riveting speaker….she held the audience in her hands throughout.
In a blaze of diva red, she enthralled the unsuspecting audience with her personal anecdotes and inimitable management philosophy, all the while skilfully weaving ANZ’s values and aspirations into her delivery. She read her audience beautifully, drawing them further into the performance until they were sitting perched on the very edge of their seats. One hardened critic later admitted ‘Stella made me laugh and cry…’ At the conclusion there were cries of ‘encore!’, ‘hire her!’, ‘absolutely inspirational!’, and ‘loved Aunty Stella!’.
Dear Stella, I am just writing to thank you for your lunchtime address to our Council Planning Workshop on Saturday, 29 June. It proved to be difficult to find someone who would fulfil the Chancellor's specificiations, which were that we needed a stimulating and provocative address tha twent beyond the standard predictable positions.Your background with a perspective on both Higher Education and VET sectors, as well as an employer's perspective, was ideal, and you fulfilled Doug's specifications admirably. Thank you again.
Comments included: An amazing lady. Delivery was very good, clear and concise. Very entertaining and interesting. Fantastic lady - very interesting. Inspirational. Stella spoke from experience which kept the audience captivated. Good manager's perspective on financial information. Good fast/opening speaker. Very entertaining! Excellent.
Stella was warm, generous and very adaptable. She was inspiring and our Principals' loved her presentation.
She was one of the best speakers we have had in years. Our reps and manager's loved her
Stella engaged the audience and tailored her presentation to align with the conference theme. Stella participated in the formal Conference dinner and even went to the trouble of dressing in the theme of the night.
The staff enjoyed Stella's talk and felt that she touched on many relevant isssues for them
I wish to thank you sincerely for speaking so eloquently and passionately at our Leadership Conference in Auckland. Your career has certainly been a unique and fascinating one, full of exciting challenges and also one which reinforces my belief that if you put your mind to it, great things are possible in life. You had obviously done a good deal of research into Air New Zealand as many of your observations and insights were right on the mark and were much appreciated by our people.
Stella was one of the most passionate, energetic and inspiring speakers that I have heard over the past twenty years! First, Stella had a great story to tell and told it with verve and passion. Second, Stella did her research on both AusIndustry and Cardinia Shire. So, throughout her presentation, Stella continually drew on her experiences and referenced them into the current challenges facing both our organisations. Let me tell you that a sponsor can't ask for any more than that! Third, Stella's story is very relevant to today's business leaders.
Stella was extraordinary! She was funny, charming, provocative and all while right on message. We loved her and I recommend her unreservedly.
