Crownstone Advisory was created to give entrepreneurial leaders access to the strategic guidance and governance expertise typically reserved for established corporations.

I'm Goran Dubljevic—Melbourne-based certified chair, company director, and business advisor with over 35 years of experience leading teams and advising boards across four continents. As a polyglot with Serbian-Australian roots, I bring a global perspective that helps founders navigate complexity with clarity.

My Background

I founded Rubicon Associates in 2015 to deliver maritime solutions across Defence, Marine, and Oil & Gas. That experience—combined with C-level roles across Australia, the EU, Singapore, Malaysia, and Serbia—taught me what separates companies that scale successfully from those that don't: strong governance, clear strategy, and leaders willing to challenge their own assumptions.

As a Chartered Engineer (Australia & UK) and Fellow of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (FRINA), my technical background spans EPCM shipbuilding, naval defence systems, asset management, and strategic acquisitions. I've led multidisciplinary teams through complex projects, negotiated international contracts, and advised boards through growth, M&A, and strategic transitions.

About
Crownstone Advisory

About Crownstone Advisory

Why Advisory Work

After three decades building and scaling businesses, I've shifted my focus to what matters most: helping the next generation of founders avoid the mistakes I made and accelerate past the obstacles I faced.

I completed Executive Education in M&A at Imperial College Business School, London, and became a Certified Chair through the Advisory Board Centre because I believe advisory work requires the same rigour and continuous learning as any other profession.

I'm particularly passionate about commercialising autonomous maritime technology (AUSV) and mentoring founders who are building businesses that matter—not just businesses that exit.

My Approach

I don't do cookie-cutter consulting. Every founder faces unique challenges, and generic advice is worse than no advice. Instead, I:

  • Listen before I advise

  • Challenge assumptions — including my own

  • Focus on implementation, not just strategy

  • Bring global experience with local accountability

  • Stay involved until the work delivers results

What Drives Me

I believe business can be a force for levelling the playing field. The solutions to inequality aren't being created in Fortune 500 boardrooms—they're being built by founders right now.

That's why I dedicate my time to entrepreneurial leaders — because the next generation deserves access to hard-won wisdom without spending 35 years learning it the hard way.

Beyond the Boardroom

When I'm not working with founders and boards, you'll find me exploring new cultures through travel — most recently through the Balkans — enjoying live theatre, or reading philosophy and leadership. I'm also a lifelong sports enthusiast, from football and basketball to water polo.

Let's Work Together

Whether you're building an advisory board, navigating rapid growth, or facing a leadership challenge you haven't encountered before, I'm here to help.