Anu Bedi is a business strategist, entrepreneur and community leader with a proven record of transforming ideas into sustainable, high-impact ventures across strategy, governance and social impact.
A dynamic entrepreneur, business strategist and community leader with a proven track record of transforming ideas into sustainable, high-impact ventures, my work spans strategy, governance, business growth and community development. My experience spans sports, government and the not-for-profit sector, driven by a passion for innovation, inclusion and measurable outcomes.
I am the Founder and Director of CSmart Consulting, a strategic advisory firm that bridges the gap between business, government and community. CSmart partners with SMEs, corporate clients and not-for-profits to deliver business development, training, strategic planning and policy advisory services that enable organisations to grow with clarity, confidence and purpose.
"I'm driven by a genuine desire to strengthen organisations, empower communities and create meaningful change — one strategy, one initiative and one outcome at a time."
My commitment to social impact is reflected through Impowerull Incorporated, where I serve as President of the Board. My focus is on economic empowerment and workforce participation, with our flagship women's employment initiative achieving national recognition in its first year. I also contribute at a governance level through board and advisory roles, including SWIM Coaches & Teachers Australia, BREED Australia, and the Cumberland Council Advisory Committee.
Read the Full StoryFrom facilitating founder roundtables to being recognised on the national stage — a look at Anu in action.
Why Cultural Intelligence (CQ) is the new leadership advantage. Drawing on decades spent building businesses across sport, government and community, Anu's first book makes the case that CQ — not just IQ or EQ — is what separates leaders who connect from leaders who merely manage.
Founder of CSmart Consulting, President of Impowerull Incorporated, and first-time author. This is the story behind the strategy — from the public service to the boardroom, the pool deck to the page.
Anu's career began in the federal public service, where her work in compliance, policy and coordination earned her an Australia Day Citation from the Department of Home Affairs in 1997. Nearly two decades later, in 2015, she was recognised again for the management and strategic direction of Global Visa & Offshore Services — a period that shaped her lifelong instinct for governance, process and cross-cultural systems.
Anu grew a local swim school into a genuine community institution — Local Business of the Year in 2017, AUSTSWIM Swim School of the Year in 2022, and a string of national Zero Barriers and accessibility awards for making swim safety and water education reachable for people with disabilities and CALD communities.
Drawing on both her government and small-business experience, Anu founded CSmart Consulting — a strategic advisory firm bridging business, government and community. CSmart helps SMEs, corporates and not-for-profits grow with clarity through business development, training, strategic planning and policy advisory.
As President of the Board at Impowerull Incorporated, Anu leads grassroots community programs spanning economic empowerment, education and skill development, and initiatives like SwimHER — turning "acts of hope" into measurable outcomes for the communities that need them most.
Anu is now putting three decades of cross-sector, cross-cultural leadership into her first book — making the case that Cultural Intelligence, not just IQ or EQ, is what separates leaders who truly connect from leaders who merely manage.
"Every organisation I've worked with has taught me something about people before it taught me anything about strategy."
Through Impowerull Incorporated, Anu champions grassroots community programs spanning education and skill development, mental health support, and SwimHER — an initiative built to open doors for women through sport. Her focus stays on economic empowerment and workforce participation, with outcomes that reach far beyond a single event or fundraiser.
From panel discussions to award ceremonies, Anu's work has been recognised on national and international stages, including at the IABCA Awards — reflecting the same cross-cultural, cross-sector approach she now writes about in SHiFT!
From client sessions and Founders Circle roundtables to award ceremonies and community events — a running record of the work behind CSmart Consulting, Impowerull, and the book.
Whether it's a strategy engagement through CSmart Consulting, a partnership with Impowerull, media & speaking enquiries, or an update on SHiFT! — reach out below.