Key takeaways – ACS Qld Innovation & Ignite Event

^Highlights

• The ACS Queensland Emerging Professionals Committee recently hosted a well-attended event centering on entrepreneurship and start-ups, with panelists charting their respective triumphs and challenges in startup land.

On Thursday, August 8th, the ACS QLD Branch and Emerging Professionals Committee hosted Innovate & Ignite: Empowering Entrepreneurs. The evening featured presentations from four entrepreneurs at various stages of their journey, followed by a panel discussion and audience questions. Three EPC members (Zolzaya Bayarsaikhan, Miesha Nadri, Jonathan Nelson) facilitated the evening as MCs, guiding discussions and engaging the audience.

The panel (detailed below) emphasized that innovation tends to occur during times of need rather than times of plenty, and shared "10-year overnight success" stories to remind attendees that struggles and setbacks are a normal part of the entrepreneurial journey.

·   Sam Yonane - Founder and Director, Wave Cards

·   Susan Toft - Founder and CEO, The Laundry Lady (Australia and New Zealand)  

·    Gavin Keeley - Venture Builder, Non-Executive Director, and Chair 

·    Joshua Ho - Founder of Acenci | 2023 Westpac Young Technologist

The event highlighted the importance of embracing failure and learning from it, encouraging attendees to consciously counter and question the current culture of supposed perfect histories and flawless resumes. Participants left with new insights and inspiration for wherever they are in their journey.

The ACS QLD Emerging Professionals Committee looks forward to welcoming everyone to future events aimed at nurturing the innovation community. Thank you to all who attended for making this event a success!