Turning Fails into Fuel: Highlights from 'Screw Up Stories' event
Highlights
- What if your biggest career ‘oops’ could become your best opportunity? At ‘Screw Up Stories,’ top industry pros shared raw stories and real strategies for bouncing back stronger than ever.
Last Wednesday, Brisbane’s tech community came together for an inspiring evening at "Screw Up Stories: Surviving and Thriving." With a room full of professionals eager to learn and grow, the event featured a dynamic panel who shared their candid stories of setbacks and resilience. It wasn’t just about the challenges—they offered fresh perspectives on navigating careers and thriving, even in the face of adversity. Special recognition was given to two members who received their CT and CP certificates, celebrating their achievements within the community.
Event Highlights
The evening opened with each panelist sharing personal anecdotes and hard-earned lessons. Attendees were captivated by insights on how to thrive, not despite failure, but because of it:
- Nicole Bourke shared, “I never know enough. I just jump in,” encouraging a fearless approach to tackling new challenges. She lightened the room with her story about dancing to “Jack Jack Jackie,” adding that staying upfront and calm can help anyone push past obstacles.
- Karen Cohen revealed her own resilience strategy, advocating that it isn't actually sustainable to care above an 85% level all of the time... but to “ramp it up to 100% when it truly counts.”
- Charissa Jones highlighted her key takeaway of “never assume anything,” a simple yet powerful reminder that can save time and reduce misunderstandings in complex projects.
- Mat Eames shared how his approach to setbacks has informed his leadership style: solve the problem first, then discuss improvement. He emphasised that hard conversations should follow resolution, not precede it.
- Leo Kozhushnik talked about the different ways he approaches risks: “Personal risk - give it a go. Commercial risk - identify and mitigate.” His practical advice was later combined with encouraging everyone to use seetbacks as an opportunity to take a step back and consider if they’re really where they want to be.
Engaging Q&A and First-Time MC
The panel discussion and subsequent Q&A brought the crowd into the conversation, with Pavel Zemnukhov, an EPC member, did a wonderful job of chairing the panel for the first time. His engaging moderation added warmth to the night, facilitating genuine exchanges between panelists and the audience.
Zolzaya Bayarsaikhan, Chair of the EPC, set the stage with an insightful introduction and later wrapped up the evening, capturing the night’s key messages and the spirit of resilience.
Afterward, attendees enjoyed refreshments and networking time, where the energy and camaraderie were palpable. Stories of personal challenges were exchanged, connections were made, and the atmosphere was both relaxed and inspiring.
Key Takeaways
"Screw Up Stories" showed that while failure may feel uncomfortable, it is often the foundation of future success. Panelists offered actionable advice on embracing challenges, emphasizing that setbacks are temporary, and often, opportunities in disguise. Whether it’s diving into new territory or learning to recognize which moments need 100% effort, the event reminded attendees that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back; it’s about growing forward.
The event left everyone with a sense of community and motivation to face the next steps in their careers with confidence. "Screw Up Stories" was a powerful reminder that resilience is a skill anyone can build—one challenge, one story, and one success at a time.
Emerging Professionals Committee
This event was one of the many events in 2024 by the ACS QLD Emerging Professionals Committee. Nominations are now open to express your interest in being part of the QLD Emerging Professionals Committee for 2025. The committee is made up of 12 currently studying or recently graduated emerging professionals from around QLD who come together once a month online to plan events such as this and other initiatives to support the future leaders of the tech industry.