Taryn Williams is a multi-award-winning founder, CEO, and one of Australia’s most prolific entrepreneurs, with over 20 years of experience at the intersection of talent, media, and technology. Renowned for her innovative approach, Taryn has built and exited successful businesses while transforming industries.
At just 21, Taryn founded WINK Models, one of Australia’s most successful commercial modelling agencies, which she still owns today. In 2016, she launched theright.fit, an online talent-brand matching marketplace, followed by The Influencers, a full-service influencer marketing agency. These ventures quickly gained traction, securing venture capital funding and serving over 17,000 talent and 11,000 clients across APAC. In 2023, Taryn successfully exited both businesses to international acquirers.
Her latest venture, #Gifted, a Shopify plug-in for managing influencer contra gifting at scale, is already being used by brands like Accor Hotels, PE Nation, Estee Lauder, and Panasonic. Co-founded with James Dumay, an early-stage Canva and Atlassian employee, #Gifted launched in 2023 and is poised for international expansion.
Taryn is a sought-after commentator and keynote speaker on tech, entrepreneurship, digital disruption, and personal branding. She has graced stages at conferences like Vivid Sydney, Business Chicks, and Mumbrella, while also hosting the Vodafone Business Web Series and Podcast. Her expertise has earned her board roles with Next25 and Digital + Technology Collective, as well as advisory positions for All G Foods and Lamborghini FAB.
Recognised with numerous accolades, including the Mumbrella Award for Innovation and a spot on the B&T Women in Media Power List for three consecutive years, Taryn is a trailblazer who continues to shape industries and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.