11. Management Consultancy International

Revenue: $23.1 million
Growth: 389.32%
Founders: Denise Meyerson, 56
Head office: Sydney
Year founded: 2004
Employees: 80
Industry: Education and training
Website: mci.edu.au

Management Consultancy International has grown steadily over the past three years.

Last year the business turned over more than $11 million, while this year the business recorded $23.17 million in revenue – landing it at number 11 on the Smart50 list.

Founder Denise Meyerson originally trained as a teacher in South Africa and moved to Sydney in 2004.

Meyerson says what drives her is a quest to ensure everyone in Australia has a fair chance in life.

“A timeframe for everyone within the workforce to have at least a Certificate III qualification by 2020 has been set, yet Australia is nowhere near this target,” Myerson says.

“These stats drive us to set a strong focus on ensuring that everyone in Australia has a fair chance in life.

“We are determined to work towards creating a culture of learning in Australia where everyone, irrespective of age and background, has the ability to further themselves for their own benefit and that of their families.”

Giving back to the community is hugely important for Meyerson.

She donates 1% of the company’s turnover back into the community through charities and other fundraising initiatives.

As for her advice for fellow business owners, Meyerson says it’s important to focus on growth instead of profitability.

“Growth allows you to continually challenge yourself to think outside the box for new or improved ways to do things, establish industry trends rather than follow them and keep a mindset for forward thinking and planning,” she says.

“With growth comes good luck moments and opportunities to create new revenue streams which, in turn, drives business profitability.”