Cathie Reid AM
‘We each only get one life and I intend to make mine as epic as I possibly can! As an entrepreneur, I’m constantly challenging myself to think differently, and a favourite way to stimulate new ideas is by changing my physical environment. If you’re always looking at life through the same lens, chances are you’ll keep seeing the same things. This is the place where I share what I see and the ideas sparked by those experiences.’
After Co-Founding Australia’s Epic Pharmacy and Icon Group, Australia’s largest dedicated cancer care provider, Cathie’s attentions are now focused on the Arc31 family office and the portfolio of businesses and funds it invests in, and SpArc Foundation which oversees the family’s philanthropic activities.
Cathie is the Chair of AUCloud, provider of digital infrastructure and information governance for sovereign data assets, and a director of the Brisbane Lions Australian Rules Football Club.
As tech geek at heart, Cathie has always believed in the role digital solutions have to play in the delivery of exceptional healthcare, and this focus has driven not only her activity at Icon and Epic but sits behind many of the Arc31 investments.
She has been the recipient of many industry awards and honours including: induction into the Australian Businesswomen’s Hall of Fame in 2015, named one of the Top 100 Women of Influence by the Australian Financial Review in 2013, winner of the National Telstra Business Women’s Award in 2011, and recognised by Monash University with a Distinguished Alumni Award for Professional Achievement in 2012. In June 2019, Cathie was honoured with a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her significant service to healthcare delivery and philanthropy.
Cathie’s fascination in breaking new ground saw her invited to be part of the original Google Glass Explorer program and she is one of Virgin Galactic’s future astronauts. She eagerly awaits the opportunity to travel into space and see the world from a very different perspective.
Cathie regularly speaks on a broad range of topics, including digital healthcare, wearable technology, entrepreneurial lessons from the Epic business story and the role of women in leadership.