About Dawn – Dawn M Pugh

About Dawn Pugh

I am an experienced brand strategist, writer, animator, communication designer, photographer, artist, educator and course writer. I have been the head of 2 private universities, as well as being closely involved with several others. I have authored several training books, courses and degrees/diplomas here in Australia. I have also contributed to creative industry magazines and newspapers. My previous career history includes being: the GM of the Academy of Information Technology (2013), owner of Crash Productions (Design & Production Company)(1995-2004) and from 2004-2009, was the Program Director of Digital Media Design at Billy Blue College of Design. I am also disciplined as an animator (I did my internship with Disney in 1992), photographer and artist. I was born in the USA, but have lived in Australia for over 29 years and am a dual citizen of both countries.

I have a high level of experience in the following areas:
Leadership & Leadership training, Program & Team Managing, Writing (persuasive, technical and narrative), Stage & Personal Branding Photography, Designing (brand, communication, interactive/gaming, as well as interior/exterior design), Public Speaking, Digital Media Design, Painting/Illustration, Animation, Lecturing, Brand Strategy, Business Strategy, Higher Education, Vocational Education, Course Development, Academic Governance, as well as accreditation, compliance and reaccreditation processes for both TEQSA & ASQA. I am a registered STEM Professional with the CSIRO and I have also recently studied neuroscience and have become a certified i4 Neuroleader, which is an internationally recognised certification.

I am passionate about supporting and growing creative industries here in Australia. I have mentored several individuals, from students up to executives and business owners.

Currently I am:
• Co-Owner, Managing Director & Strategist for KICK Swim Centres https://www.kickswim.com.au,

• Co-Owner, Managing Director & Strategist for BEST Aquatics https://www.bestaquatics.com.au,

• Brand Strategist for Sports Lab https://www.sportslab.com.au, as well as being the

• President of G&S Opera Sydney https://www.gsosydney.com.au.

I also consult as brand strategist for select clients and own an apparel business and a photography business.

My personal interests include: performing/singing, flying planes (single engine planes), kayaking & creating (anything).

Testimonials

Professional, organised and thorough are just a few words I would use to describe Dawn. She brings such a positive energy to her work and is so motivated it’s infectious. I have worked with Dawn as my Program Director in an education capacity for several years now and I just know that I don’t have to think twice about anything, I’m in safe hands, working for a highly professional individual. On top of all of that she is easy going and such a great pleasure to work with, I can’t wait to work with her again some day.Suzanne Keating – Graphic & Instructional Designer, Educator & Creative Director at Oriole Design.

Dawn immediately strikes you as someone with that 'special' element which sets people apart from others. Her enthusiasm, generosity and friendliness is balanced perfectly with her wisdom, insight and vision. She packages this up delightfully in with a driven work ethic. Since working alongside Dawn several years ago, I have always looked forward to the time we do so again.Justin Brow – Managing Director 60Sox (Business Development Consultancy)

Dawn immediately strikes you as someone with that 'special' element which sets people apart from others. Her enthusiasm, generosity and friendliness is balanced perfectly with her wisdom, insight and vision. She packages this up delightfully in with a driven work ethic. Since working alongside Dawn several years ago, I have always looked forwrd to the time we do so again.Anna Fraser – Art Director & Designer, Immersive, Visual Effects, Animation, Storytelling & Educator

Dawn is a helpful breath of fresh air! I could write about skills and expertise but really, at the end of the day, it's just great to work, discuss jobs and people, and liaise with someone who's fun and we like dealing with. Effortless and charming.Jonathan Nolan – Director at Coast Design, Hermann Anthony & St Albans Writers’ Festival