European Chambers End of the Year Party, Brisbane 28 Nov 2024

European collaboration took centre stage at this unforgettable event on 28 Nov in Brisbane, which brought together over 230 attendees for an evening of shared achievements, new connections, and celebration. Partnering with 10 other European Chambers of Commerce, we created an inspiring atmosphere of unity and growth.

The night kicked off with a champagne toast, setting the tone for a vibrant evening of networking. Guests enjoyed a mouthwatering selection of gourmet canapés, perfectly paired with lively conversation and a shared spirit of celebration.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in making this event a success. It was a pleasure to connect with so many like-minded professionals and strengthen our European community. Here’s to even greater collaborations in the future!

SACC Brisbane Chapter

THE SWEDISH BUSINESS IN AUSTRALIA AWARD WINNERS 2024

On November 21, the SACC Swedish Business in Australia Awards took the spotlight, uniting the Swedish-Australian business community in a prestigious celebration of excellence. The event recognised organisations that have shown exceptional commitment to advancing sustainability, driving innovation, fostering entrepreneurship, initiating and strengthening partnerships and collaboration, creating a meaningful social impact and recognising the achievements of individual business professionals.

This annual gathering highlighted the achievements of businesses that continue to set new benchmarks in their respective fields, embodying the core values of Swedish-Australian collaboration. The Swedish Christmas inspired event, co-hosted by the Embassy of Sweden, took place at the prestigious Heritage Ballroom at the Fullerton Hotel Sydney, offering an elegant and festive atmosphere for the evening’s proceedings.

The event commenced with a beautiful Lucia performance by the Swedish School in Sydney. Attendees were then welcomed by Jan Gardberg, President of SACC, followed by the Guest of Honour speech by HE Pontus Melander, Ambassador of Sweden to Australia. A highlight of the evening was the Julbord, a traditional Swedish Christmas buffet, with an array of delicacies, providing a true Jultomten journey through the Swedish Christmas traditions.

The event showcased the finalists and winners of the 2024 Swedish Business in Australia Awards. Celebrating the achievements of inspirational companies both newcomers and well stablished businesses showcasing successful collaborations between Sweden and Australia. Organisations and professionals were recognised for their significant contributions to shaping the business landscape and setting new standards of excellence.

The 2024 SACC Swedish Business Awards were presented in the following categories:

  1. Excellence in Innovation
  2. Excellence in Sustainability
  3. Excellence in Entrepreneurship
  4. Excellence in Partnerships and Collaboration
  5. Excellence in Social Impact
  6. Business Professional of the Year
  7. Young Professional of the Year

We invited companies, enterprises, business executives, young professionals and entrepreneurs with strong ties to Sweden to submit nominations. Additionally, organisations and individuals were encouraged to nominate specific projects, such as sustainability focused projects, products or services, innovative campaigns, or impactful initiatives.

The judging panel, comprised of esteemed industry experts and leaders, carefully reviewed each nomination to ensure a fair and thorough evaluation process. The impressive range of submissions made the selection process particularly challenging for the judges. After a detailed and careful screening of all nominations, the winners were determined and announced at the event. Each category reflected the outstanding accomplishments and dedication of individuals and organisations committed to driving excellence in their respective fields. The final results celebrated not only the winners but also the remarkable contributions of all nominees, showcasing the strength of Swedish-Australian business ties.

The 2024 results within the seven categories were announced at the awards event as follows.

Excellence in Innovation

This award was open to all Swedish or Swedish-Australian businesses; large or small, newcomer or established. Recognises businesses that have made significant contributions to their industry through the introduction, improvement and implementation of an innovative solution or idea, a method, technology, process or application, new, existing or long-term.

The Excellence in Innovation Award 2024 was granted to Amokabel with Hitachi Energy and Piab Group as runner ups.

Motivation: Amokabel, with innovative Swedish engineering tailored to the Australian Government’s demands and unique environment, developed a Covered Conductor Solution to eliminate the risk of power line-initiated bushfires and significantly enhance network resilience. By refurbishing existing infrastructure, it embraces circularity, supports local manufacturing, and drives Australia’s renewable energy transition, aligning with the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

This innovation saves lives, reduces bushfire emissions, and delivers safe, affordable power to communities. Designed for Australia’s unique challenges, it strengthens the reliability of the electricity network and addresses climate risks, making Amokabel a deserving candidate for this award.

Excellence in Sustainability

The Sustainability Award recognises organisations that execute initiatives that demonstrate leadership and commitment to sustainable business practices in planning, and operations in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s). We encouraged businesses of all sizes and sectors that go above and beyond to achieve any of the SDG’s, to reduce the impact of their operations on the environment and/or provide products and services that have positive environmental outcomes. With many Swedish organisations excelling in this field, selecting a winner in this category was challenging for the jury, given the exceptional calibre of the finalists: ABB, Arjo, and Flick Anticimex.

The Excellence in Sustainability Award for 2024 went to Arjo.

Motivation: Leading the way in reducing healthcare waste and advancing sustainability, Arjo operates Australia’s first TGA-certified, ISO-accredited facility for reprocessing single-use non invasive medical devices, addressing the sector’s annual 168,000 tonnes of waste. Arjo’s chemical-free pasteurisation technology enables safe reuse of medical products, reducing landfill waste without added costs for hospitals. With biodegradable materials, recycled packaging, and optimised transport, Arjo demonstrates a holistic commitment to sustainability. Recognising Arjo with this award highlights its innovation and inspires broader adoption of sustainable practices in Australia’s healthcare industry.

Excellence in Entrepreneurship

This award recognises the efforts and achievements of exceptional entrepreneurs, individuals and businesses (large or small) who are working in the field of entrepreneurship development. There were three shortlisted companies within this category AstraZeneca, Berkeley Communications and Nordman Design.

 The 2024 Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award was secured by AstraZeneca.

Motivation: AstraZeneca, AstraZeneca ANZ, through its A.Catalyst Innovation Hub and BRIDGE Program, empowers Australian healthcare startups by connecting them with over 350 global experts and fostering collaboration with universities and institutions. Supporting over 30 startups in diagnostics, medical devices, and digital health, and training 200 biotech entrepreneurs through the BRIDGE Program, AstraZeneca drives innovation, economic growth, and job creation.

With its Swedish heritage and commitment to cross-border collaboration, AstraZeneca strengthens ties between Sweden and Australia, making it a deserving recipient of the Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award.

Excellence in Partnership & Collaboration

This award recognises achievements associated with partnerships and collaborations that develop, maintain, and grow successful Swedish-Australian collaboration, knowledge exchange, R&D, and creative and sustainable business development.

The winner of the Partnership and Collaboration Award went to Ericsson.

Motivation: Ericsson in partnership with Telstra delivered a transformative telecommunications upgrade to King Island, featuring the world’s longest over-water microwave link. Using Ericsson’s MINI-LINK technology, the project increased network capacity and availability tenfold, significantly enhancing connectivity for residents, businesses, and educational institutions on the island.

This achievement showcases the power of cross-continental collaboration between Swedish and Australian engineers, demonstrating innovative problem-solving in harsh environments. The project aligns with government initiatives to enhance regional connectivity, highlighting Ericsson’s commitment to leveraging technology for good and advancing sustainable development in Australia.

Excellence in Social Impact

This award recognises businesses/organisations/individuals that implement initiatives that have a positive and sustainable impact on the community and generate outcomes that have a long-term benefit. Initiatives can include but are not limited to projects, programs, processes, systems, developments, ventures and undertakings.

The Excellence in Social Impact Award was granted to IKEA Australia.

Motivation: IKEA’s commitment to refugee and asylum seeker employment through its Australian Refugee Workforce Inclusion program represents a meaningful and sustainable model of social impact.

The initiative benefits not only the participants, who gain financial independence and a sense of social belonging but also IKEA’s business. It has helped reduce staff turnover, improve workplace diversity, and create a new talent pipeline across various roles. Furthermore, IKEA’s initiative aims to reshape the narrative around refugees through advocacy and positive storytelling. This initiative stands as a beacon of social impact, demonstrating the powerful intersection between ethical responsibility and business success.

Business Professional of the Year Award

This award honours individuals who embody exceptional business acumen, strategic foresight, and inspiring leadership. It celebrates executives or entrepreneurs who have achieved significant success in their careers, whether within an organisation or through running their own business.

These professionals exemplify the core values of SACC, serving as role models for the next generation with their dedication to innovation, transformation, and sustainable progress.

The winner of the Business Professional of the Year Award went to Povel Torudd, Managing Director, Berkeley Communications

Motivation: Through transformative leadership, Povel has revolutionised business storytelling in Australia. Under his guidance, Berkeley Communications has rapidly emerged as a key player in the competitive PR industry, championing an innovative approach that prioritizes engagement and quality over visibility.

Beyond his professional success, Povel’s mentoring, pro bono work, and support for local start-ups highlight his dedication to nurturing future communicators. His commitment to diversity, mental health, and employee well-being reflects a forward-thinking approach, making a profound impact on both grassroots and professional communities.

His unique blend of strategic vision and passion sets him apart, making him truly deserving of this award.

Young Professional of the Year Award

Recognising the tremendous talent in the young professional business community, this award honours up and coming leaders (up to 35 years) who impress with their ability to make an impact, build strategic success and inspire others with their business acumen to raise the Swedish profile in Australia.

The winner of the Young Professional of the Year Award went to Joshua Di Paola, Solutions Architect, Hexagon Safety & Infrastructure

Motivation: Joshua’s outstanding contributions to Hexagon highlight his professionalism, innovation, and resilience in high stakes environments. His ability to bridge technical and non technical stakeholders and adapt to challenging circumstances has delivered critical solutions for life and death organisations like police, ambulance and firefighters.

A dedicated team player, Josh’s commitment to understanding client needs and delivering effective solutions has yielded exceptional results. His hunger to learn and success in implementing Swedish technology to enhance safety for Australians make him highly deserving of this award.

The Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce would like to thank members and everyone engaged in the 2024 Swedish Business in Australia Awards.

A special thank you goes to the dedicated judging panel and all the companies who participated in the awards.

Download the Summary of the Swedish Business Award Winners 2024 here.

For more information please contact:

sacc@swedishchamber.com.au

www.swedishchamber.com.au

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ABB helps industries outrun – leaner and cleaner

 

 

ABB helps industries outrun – leaner and cleaner. For 140 years we have been doing this through enabling energy efficiency and electrification on multiple fronts. In Australia, we have proudly been present since 1906. Locally, we employ a workforce of 670 people across operations in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia.

Today, we are focused on leveraging our leading technologies in electrification, automation and digitalisation to drive the ongoing energy transition. By helping our customers in industry, buildings, power and transport – sectors that account for the majority of the world’s energy-related carbon emissions – to electrify, optimise and decarbonise, we enable them to remain competitive while reducing their carbon footprints.

ABB’s leading portfolio of products and services encompasses digital and connected innovations for low- and medium-voltage, including electric vehicle infrastructure, modular substations, distribution automation, power protection, wiring accessories, switchgear, enclosures, cabling, sensing and control.

To support decarbonisation, we are innovating to integrate renewables into the energy mix. In Australia, we have been selected to help electrify what will be one of the country’s largest battery-energy storage systems.

We also aim to provide customers with solutions that help them to electrify their operations. We have recently signed a deal to provide lighting control to a commercial building in Melbourne with ambitions to achieve Net Zero Carbon as well as 6 Star Green Star New Buildings rating, and 6 Star NABERS Energy rating. Elsewhere in Australia, we will also provide EV charging as part of the electrification of a major bus fleet.

Finally, we work closely with our suppliers and partners to help them save energy and reduce emissions across their value chains. ABB is working with one of its main channel partners, IPD, to adopt sustainable packaging practices inspired by reusable plastic crates employed by supermarkets for home deliveries.

Our commitment to supporting energy security and the transition to a low-carbon society is demonstrated by the work we are doing to increase energy efficiency and reduce emissions in our own operations. As a provider of the widest portfolio of high quality, highly reliable AC and DC charging hardware, a few of these solutions were recently installed at the ABB office in Notting Hill, Victoria, for the use of employees and visitors.

Contact:

Candice Johnson
Marketing and Communications Manager Electrification, ABB Australia

Email: candice.johnson@au.abb.com

Web: https://new.abb.com/au

 

Hitachi Energy Australia – Transforming the power grid for Net Zero

 

Hitachi Energy

Hitachi Energy is building on a combined heritage of more than 250 years of innovation to advance a sustainable energy future for all. With its evolution to Hitachi Energy in 2021, the global technology leader has effectively positioned its innovative technologies and services to reflect the rapidly evolving energy landscape and the opportunity to create economic, environmental, and social value. The company is a key industry partner with more than 45,000 employees globally.

Hitachi Energy partners and co-creates with customers and partners to accelerate the energy transition towards a carbon-neutral future. In addition to power generation, energy intensive industries including transport, mining, and data centres need to decarbonize in line with the Paris Agreement and the United Nations’ SDGs. In Australia, Hitachi Energy has offices in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Darwin, with dedicated R&D and manufacturing in Victoria delivering clean energy technologies for local use and export.

Hitachi Energy’s culture of innovation is deeply rooted in its long history. The company leverages Hitachi values from a foundation of proud innovation and a significant presence in Sweden, with major R&D and manufacturing facilities in Ludvika and Västerås. This culture is characterized by a strong pioneering spirit that drives the company to push boundaries, break records, and continuously evolve to meet modern challenges. Its commitment to collaboration and co-creation, diversity, equity, and inclusion are integral parts to the DNA and enablers for a sustainable energy future.

Transforming the power grid for Net Zero

With ambitious renewable targets for 2030 and Net Zero commitments for 2050, Australia’s energy system is rapidly transforming. Renewable generation in remote areas combined with rapidly changing urban landscapes, EV adoption, and industrial electrification is increasing the need for long transmission lines and powerful cross-border interconnections with minimal energy losses, and energy storage and power quality solutions.

Utilities and the future grid are critical for the Net Zero economy catering to the increasing demands for flexibility on both the supply and demand side. From cutting-edge power electronics, digital solutions, and sustainable products that enable greater flexibility, efficiency, and safety of the grid, Hitachi Energy has an end-to-end solutions portfolio, which is critical for successfully managing the energy system of the future.

As the energy transition gathers pace, the energy system needs to be more interconnected. High-voltage direct current (HVDC)², a technology Hitachi Energy pioneered over 70 years ago, is powering some of Australia’s largest interconnectors.

Marinus Link, a project of national significance, will integrate more renewables into the grid and unlock Tasmania’s world-class wind and hydro storage resources to deliver affordable and reliable clean energy for all Australians.

Hitachi Energy also enables large scale super batteries and microgrids in remote and island communities, helping to stabilize the grid and enabling a sustainable energy future for all.

Hitachi Energy’s pioneering HVDC will power Marinus Link, a project of national significance for Australia’s energy transition (pictured: comparable HVDC valve hall from Europe).

 

Clean and efficient transport

The journey to reduce CO2 emissions has accelerated the need for sustainable mobility. Hitachi Energy has been a rail and urban transportation pioneer for over a century. Cleaner, greener and quieter public transport modes can be scaled across cities and regions with innovative solutions in electrification and digitalisation.

Hitachi Energy was selected to design and build a charging solution for Brisbane City Council’s public transport project – Brisbane Metro. The high-performance charging system is the first in Australia, allowing the metro vehicles to charge in just over six minutes at the end of route locations.

Using Hitachi Energy’s innovative flash charging solution, Brisbane Metro introduced its first fully electric metro service ahead of schedule as part of customer trials.

 

Sustainable mining

Mining is a key industry in Australia’s economy, and the demand for critical minerals is growing for the global energy transition.

Hitachi Energy is an innovation and industry partner for sustainable mining. Its pioneering technologies ensure reliable energy supply at remote mine sites for 24/7 operations – increasingly challenging for the industry in an environment where electrification adds to power demand.

The company’s products, solutions, services, and software solutions allow miners to meet ESG targets and regulations, maintaining health & safety records and global competitiveness.

Integrating renewable energy into battery powered microgrids provides reliable power in remote areas, delivering sustainability benefits to communities and off-grid mining.

Contact: Isabel Wagner

Communications Manager, Hitachi Energy Australia & New Zealand

Email: isabel.wagner@hitachienergy.com

Web: https://www.hitachienergy.com/about-us/company-profile/country-and-regional-information/australia

 

 A Night to Remember: Swedish Business in Australia Awards & Christmas Dinner 2024

 A Night to Remember: Swedish Business in Australia Awards & Christmas Dinner 2024 at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney
On November 21, the Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce and co-host Embassy of Sweden in Canberra celebrated the 2024 Swedish Business in Australia Awards and Christmas Dinner.

The event brought together industry leaders, innovators, and the Swedish-Australian business community to honour excellence, foster connections, and reflect on a year of remarkable achievements.

Guests enjoyed a festive atmosphere filled with a beautiful Lucia performance by the Swedish School in Sydney, a keynote by HE Pontus Melander Ambassador of Sweden to Australia and a Swedish “Julbord” including all traditional Swedish Christmas delicacies. A perfect start to the holiday season!

This event highlighted the power of partnership, innovation, and shared goals. It was a reminder of how the Swedish-Australian business community continues to thrive and contribute with a positive impact here in Australia.

A big thank you to everyone who joined us, thank you to our sponsors Gold: ABB, Hitachi Energy Silver: Hexagon AB Bronze: AstraZeneca, Tetra Pak, Treotham Automation Pty Ltd and all those who made the evening a success. Here’s to another year of excellence and collaboration!

Click on link or images below to see the presentation of sponsors and images from the event: 2024 SACC AWARDS AND CHRISTMAS DINNER IMAGES AND SPONSORS

THANK YOU!

Warm Regards,

The Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce

sacc@swedishchamber.com.au

www.swedishchamber.com.au

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SwedishBusinessAwards Sustainability Innovation Entrepreneurship SwedishAustralianPartnership SACCevents TeamSwedenAus

SACC Perth WA After Work at SKØL in Scarborough 21 Nov 2024

SACC Perth WA wrapped up the year with a fantastic after work gathering at Skøl in Scarborough at the end of November.

It was a pleasure to connect with new SACC members and warmly welcome Swedes who have recently made Perth their new home.

The evening was filled with great conversations, new connections, and a shared sense of community.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and wishing you all a lovely Holiday season!

Looking forward to seeing you at SACC events in 2025!

SACC Perth WA Chapter

Cruise with the Europeans 2024, Sydney 14 Nov

On November 14th, we embarked on the much-anticipated European Cruise on Sydney Harbour!

This incredible evening was made possible through the collaboration of European chambers, all coming together to create an unforgettable experience for everyone on board. With the backdrop of Sydney’s iconic landmarks at sunset, over 600 attendees joined us for an evening of networking, laughter, and connection.

The event offered the perfect mix of new connections and familiar faces, with plenty of opportunities to engage, share experiences, and expand professional networks. After the cruise, the festivities continued with an on-shore after-party, where the energy and camaraderie remained high.

A big thank you to everyone who attended and to our partnering chambers, especially the German-Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce for making this event such a resounding success!

#cruise #european #chambersofcommerce

 

 

 

WORLD BUSINESS FORUM – WOBI in Sydney 13-14 Nov – Takeaways 2024 and SACC Member Discount for 2025

This year the SACC partnered with World Business Forum International (WOBI) which took place at ICC Sydney 13-14 November 2024. The 2-day conference brought together leading global business executives, innovators, and thought leaders to share insights and strategies for navigating the future of business.

Organised by WOBI in major cities worldwide, the World Business Forum attracts thousands of senior executives eager to learn from top business experts and pioneers. The Forum covered today’s most pressing management topics, equipping business leaders with the tools to guide their teams and organisations through an ever-evolving landscape.

WOBI Sydney 2024 showcased a lineup of international experts, renowned business leaders, and thought-provoking visionaries. The speakers were pioneers in their respective fields, offering valuable insights into best practices, future trends, and leadership strategies. The event covered the most pressing topics in business, including:

  • Strategy and global business trends
  • Leadership and organisational culture
  • Self management
  • Marketing, brand engagement and consumer behaviour
  • Generative AI, innovation and the future of work
  • Talent, evolving corporate environment and adapting to new generations
  • Disruptive Technologies and the Future of Work

Read speaker summaries and key takeaways below.

Here is a recap video of  WOBI Sydney 2024: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cJcrv5KvmYT6p-lqKat4L82irChWitHE/view

WOBI is transitioning to a membership model in 2025 find out more here: https://www.swedishchamber.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/syd_public.pdf

Save the date for next year: ICC Sydney, November 11-12, 2025! SACC Members can use the following discount code to get $300 off their tickets: SACC300.

https://wbf.wobi.com/wbf/wbf-sydney-lp

Key takeaways and summaries by some of the top speakers:

Strategy by GARY HAMEL

Transparency as a Control Mechanism

Transparency can be a more effective control mechanism than bureaucracy, as seen in organizations that have successfully reduced rules and audits while maintaining accountability.

“The hypothesis is that transparency may be a better way of getting control than a lot of policies and rules and audits.”

De-bureaucratizing Ourselves

To foster innovation and agility, individuals within an organization must reflect on and address their own bureaucratic behaviours and mindsets.

“The game doesn’t change until we walk off the playing field. And that means maybe at the end of the week, reflecting back and asking yourself, where was I behaving out of that old bureaucratic model?”

Technology vs. Organizational Change

While technology has advanced rapidly, organizations have lagged in evolving their management models to leverage these advancements effectively.

“Technology is making it possible to organize in completely new ways. And most of us have not taken that advantage yet.”

Revolutionary Goals with Evolutionary Steps

Large-scale organizational change can be achieved through a series of small, manageable experiments that challenge the existing bureaucratic framework.

“The pace at which any institution can evolve fundamentally depends on the number of experiments it runs. This is not a sort of change thing you can do top down.”

Cultivating Audacity for Exponential Growth

Organizations need to set audacious goals that challenge the status quo and push for exponential growth, as innovation is born from the gap between aspirations and resources.

“Innovation is always born in the gap between aspirations and resources… Most organizations are not resource constrained, they’re ambition constrained.”

Decline in Productivity Despite Technological Investment

Despite significant investment in technology, productivity has been declining, suggesting that the issue lies in how large institutions utilize technology.

“How do you explain more and more investment in technology and declining productivity? That’s a super complicated question. But I’ll give you one quick hypothesis. My hypothesis for that… All that innovation to pay off, all that technology to pay off, it has to be used in truly transformative and not incremental ways.”

Embracing Change and Overcoming Bureaucracy

Organizations must revolutionize management to be as different from the bureaucratic status quo as innovative companies are from traditional businesses, tackling deep-rooted issues rather than superficial symptoms.

“When I talk to leaders around the world and I ask them, what are you worried about? They are not talking to me about digital transformation or their supply chain or logistics. They’re talking about how we’re too slow, we have too many layers, we’re too conservative, and we’re too insular. They’re talking about a management model that is no longer fit for purpose.”

Human-centric Organizations for the Future

Future-proof organizations need to be designed to be fit for humans, prioritizing engagement, and leveraging human creativity and passion.

“If you want to build an organization that’s fit for the future, it has to be fit for human beings… We also have to build a human advantage.”

Listening to Frontline Employees

Leaders can gain insights and drive impactful change by actively listening to frontline employees and understanding the obstacles they face in their roles.

“Find four half days every week, take a half day and go talk to frontline team members in your organization and ask them what is getting in the way.”

Building Communities Rather Than Climbing Ladders

The future of leadership lies in building communities and enabling collective action rather than focusing on individual advancement up the corporate ladder.

“The people who have an impact do not spend time fighting the pyramid. They spend a lot of time finding co-conspirators, finding others who share their passion, and uniting those in a larger, more powerful group, that is how large-scale change happens in our world today.”

 

Leadership by ANNE CHOW

Summary

Anne Chow, a seasoned leader with a 32-year career at AT&T, shared her insights on leadership and organizational culture at the World Business Forum Sydney. She emphasized that every business is fundamentally a people business, with leadership being a choice rather than a title or position. Chow stressed the importance of trust, transparency, and the role of culture as the only sustainable competitive advantage for a company. She also addressed the need to recognize and overcome unconscious bias, advocating for empathy and curiosity to unlock potential within organizations.

Chow reflected on her first leadership role, where she learned the importance of supporting her team and removing barriers to their success. She introduced her three foundational leadership beliefs: the centrality of people in business, the transcendental nature of leadership, and the critical role of culture. Additionally, she highlighted the power of human connection and the necessity of inclusive leadership, defining it as widening perspectives for better performance and impact. Chow also discussed flexibility in leadership, the interplay of personal and professional lives, and the integration of purpose and values in driving team performance.

She concluded by underscoring the importance of meaningful relationships in life and leadership, urging leaders to foster them for greater impact. Chow’s session left attendees with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in realizing the full potential of their organizations through culture, inclusivity, and connection.

Takeaways

From Tolerance to Inclusion

Moving beyond tolerance to understanding, empathy, and caring is crucial for inclusion, as it fosters a sense of belonging and connection among team members.

“Caring is the precursor to inclusion. If you care about something or someone, you will work to include them.”

People Culture Equals Performance Culture

A people culture, characterized by inclusivity and caring, is synonymous with a performance culture, which is accountable and growth-oriented; both are essential for organizational success.

“A people culture is a performance culture, and a performance culture is a people culture.”

Growth Through Self-Investment

Investing time in attending professional forums like the World Business Forum is a form of personal and professional growth, contributing to the development of oneself, one’s team, and organization.

“Congratulations for taking the time to be here at the World Business Forum this year, because you are here. You are investing in yourself, you’re investing in your team, and you’re investing in your organizations.”

Flexibility in Work-Life Integration

Embracing a modern view of flexibility means acknowledging that individuals have one life with both professional and personal dimensions, and leaders should respect this integration.

“The bigger definition of flexibility in leadership is the fact that you do not have a professional life, you do not have a personal life. You have one life.”

Values as Guiding Principles

Clear values serve as the foundation for an organization’s culture, guiding principles that inform what is right and wrong and are critical for aligning professional and personal beliefs.

“Values are like your guiding principles in your life. They’re what tell each of us what guide each of us on what is right and what is wrong.”

Leadership as a Choice, Not a Title

Leadership transcends time, gender, race, and other attributes; it’s a choice to inspire and align people towards a common goal, essential for progress across all ages of humankind.

“Leadership is a choice. Leadership is not a position. It is not a title. Leadership has no gender, it has no race, it has no height, it has no weight, it has no ethnicity, it has no culture, it has no religion, it has no politics.”

Purpose Beyond the ‘What’

A compelling purpose statement focuses on the ‘why’ and ‘for whom,’ creating a more powerful connection with stakeholders than merely stating the ‘what’ of the business.

“Purpose is not about the what. Purpose is about the why and for whom.”

The Importance of Stakeholder Awareness

Leaders need to understand their stakeholder ecosystem and communicate how each stakeholder’s perspective on performance aligns with the organization’s purpose and values.

“As a leader, you have an obligation to make sure that your people understand your stakeholder ecosystems and how your purpose and values apply, and how each of these stakeholders that are important to you measure and view your performance.”

The Power of Human Connection

Human connection is the most powerful force in the world, essential for inclusive leadership and progress, and cannot be replaced by artificial intelligence.

“The one unifying thing across people, leadership, and culture… It’s the most powerful thing in the world. It is the power of human connection.”

Culture as a Competitive Advantage

The culture of an organization, reflected in its behavioural norms and values, forms the only sustainable competitive advantage, as it cannot be replicated like products or technologies.

“Culture is your only and ultimate competitive advantage. Culture is the behavioural norms of your organization.”

Self Management by RICHARD HALL

️ Clear Language for Personal Accountability

Using ‘I’ statements and clear language promotes ownership of one’s experience and prevents the projection of personal thoughts and feelings onto others, fostering more authentic and responsible communication.

“Clear language signals that you own your own experience.”

Self-Management and Self-Differentiation

Self-management is the ability to regulate behavior in the moment, and self-differentiation is a crucial component of this, involving the separation of oneself from one’s experiences to make conscious choices and not be swayed by emotions or external pressures.

“If we can’t differentiate ourselves from our experience, we can’t manage our experience. And if we can’t manage our experience, we can’t manage ourselves.”

️ The Experience Cube

The Experience Cube is a tool that helps individuals dissect and understand their current experience by examining observations, thoughts, feelings, and wants, leading to more informed and less reactive decision-making.

“Use the Cube to access what is going on in your experience in the moment.”

Avoiding Emotional Hijacking

A self-differentiated leader avoids being emotionally hijacked by others’ reactions, allowing them to make clear, considered decisions without being influenced by the emotional states of those around them.

“The self differentiated leader doesn’t get emotionally hijacked by the reactions and motions of others. Is genuinely interested in the experience of others, as I said before.”

The Role of Curiosity in Conflict

Maintaining a curious mindset in the face of conflict or resistance can lead to more constructive interactions, as it encourages a genuine interest in understanding others’ experiences without trying to change them.

“Able to stay curious in the face of conflict, resistance and criticism. If you’ve got someone who’s really coming at you hard with their emotional responses, get curious.”

The Power of Self-Reflection

Reflection on personal behavior and its impact on others, as demonstrated through the parking ticket story, highlights the importance of self-reflection in improving self-management and interpersonal relations.

“At that moment I slump physically and metaphorically. Right? A moment of clarity. Yep. I am that guy, that ugly member of the public, self-obsessed and complaining and whinging.”

Different Perspectives in Shared Experiences

While everyone in a shared event has different experiences, it’s important to acknowledge this diversity of perspectives and avoid the presumption that one’s own experience is the definitive truth.

“Everyone is having a different experience. Some of you are thinking, oh, this guy’s kind of interesting. Some of you, this guy’s walking around a lot. Some of you thinking, I wonder what’s for afternoon tea?”

The Importance of Descriptive Communication

Describing one’s experience clearly, especially when it involves others, can lead to better understanding and less defensiveness, as it focuses on one’s personal perspective rather than making accusatory judgments.

“Rather than passing your judgment on the other when you’re being descriptive of them, the trick here is to describe your experience of the other.”

Embracing the Unpredictability of Outcomes

Recognizing that outcomes are not always within one’s control and that self-worth should not be tied to success or failure enables a healthier approach to self-management and personal growth.

“I want to be able to get up the next day and have a better experience and grow and learn by being able to understand I’m not defined by my experience.”

The Four Dimensions of Experience

Our in-the-moment experience is composed of four dimensions: observations, thoughts, feelings, and wants. Recognizing and separating these elements can enhance self-awareness and lead to better self-management.

“There are four dimensions to our experience: observations, thoughts, feelings, and wants, and we’re having all four at the same time, whether we know it or not.”

 

Marketing by MARCUS COLLINS

In the “World Business Forum Sydney” session led by Marcus Collins, the focus was on the impactful role of culture in brand engagement and consumer behaviour. Collins emphasized the subjective nature of the world and the influence of perspective on our experiences and decisions. He used personal anecdotes, like his daughter’s reaction to being thrown in the pool, to illustrate how perception shapes reality. The session delved into the history of consumption, highlighting Queen Elizabeth’s use of consumption for social stratification and the subsequent economic effects leading to the Industrial Revolution.

Collins argued that consumption is driven more by psychological and sociological impulses than by product functionality. He referenced Clay Christensen’s “jobs to be done” framework, explaining that consumers hire solutions to fulfil functional, emotional, and social jobs. Identity, Collins asserted, is key to understanding consumer behaviour, as it encompasses the multiple, often contradictory, aspects that define a person. He critiqued the inadequacy of demographics in capturing the complexities of identity and the resulting poor marketing decisions.

Using the example of McDonald’s, Collins illustrated how understanding fan culture led to a successful rebranding strategy. McDonald’s leveraged the cultural production of its fans and embraced celebrity partnerships, resulting in significant growth and a transformation of its public image. He proposed a provocation around brands operating as identity marks and emphasized the need for brands to have a clear ideology that resonates with consumers’ self-perceptions.

Collins concluded with a “magic trick,” highlighting the power of engaging communities through shared ideologies to create network effects and drive behavioural adoption. He stressed the importance of targeting based on shared beliefs rather than demographics and using cultural understanding to connect with consumers on a human level. The session ended with a Q&A, discussing the application of these insights to B2B contexts and the role of AI and social media in branding efforts.

Takeaways

The Consumption Cycle and Economic Growth

The history of consumption reveals that economic growth is closely tied to the cycle of earning and spending, which underscores the importance of understanding consumer behaviour to drive business growth.

“For centuries, the global GDP was practically zero… until consumption As a means of aggrandizement, As a means of power. And as they spent more money, more companies made more money.”

From Awareness to Connection in Marketing

Moving beyond mere brand awareness to fostering connections based on shared cultural beliefs can create a ripple effect, leading to more authentic and sustained consumer engagement.

“We create fireworks that people can see because we need reach… But while you’re creating fireworks to get reach, make sure that you’re building campfires where you collect people who see the road the way you do.”

Network Effects in Consumer Behavior

When a brand resonates with a community’s ideology, it can trigger network effects where adoption and advocacy spread organically through social connections and shared beliefs.

“When a small group of people begin acting in concert, displaying similar visible symptoms, the epidemic can spread along social network ties via emotional contagion.”

The Ideological Power of Brands

Brands that operate on an ideological level, conveying a strong belief system or worldview, can form deeper connections with consumers and inspire greater loyalty.

“The soul of the brand offers an opening for consumers to invest themselves emotionally into mass-produced goods and services and thereby form the elusive connections that result in long-lasting loyalty.”

The Three Jobs of Products

Products are hired by consumers to perform functional, emotional, and social jobs, with the latter two being crucial in how products fit into consumers’ lives and identities.

“They hire solutions to get jobs done… There’s a functional Job, an emotional job, and a social job.”

️ The Limitations of Demographics

Reliance on demographics can lead to oversimplification and stereotypes that fail to capture the nuances of consumer identity, which can result in misguided marketing strategies.

“These tropes that we use to describe people are not accurate. And while they may be readily accessible, they don’t capture who we really are.”

Marketing as Cultural Engagement

Effective marketing is about engaging with consumers on the level of culture, where the products or services offered become part of the consumer’s cultural expression and identity.

“The job of marketing is to get people to adopt behaviour… culture is the biggest cheat code that none of us is using to the fidelity that we should.”

Brands as Identity Receipts

Consumers use brands to express their identities, making brands not just products but symbols that resonate with their self-conceptions, beliefs, and place within a social hierarchy.

“The brands and branded products that we consume have very little to do with their functionality and everything to do with the psychological and sociological impulses that drive us to move.”

Cultural Perspective Shapes Consumer Behavior

Understanding that the world is subjective and shaped by personal perspectives is crucial for marketers. Recognizing that consumer behaviour is driven more by psychological and sociological impulses than by product functionality can lead to more effective marketing strategies.

“Things aren’t the way they are. They are the way that we are. And if we change the way we see the world, then the world will change.”

The Power of Identity in Marketing

Marketers need to move beyond demographics and understand the complexities of consumer identities, which encompass various self-identifying markers that drive their decisions and preferences.

“Our identity is the amalgamation of all these monikers that we use to self identify or to project our personhood to the world.”

Generative AI by RADHIKA DIRKS

In the “World Business Forum Sydney” session on “Generative AI by RADHIKA DIRKS,” Radhika Dirks, an AI expert, delved into the transformative power of artificial intelligence in various industries. She emphasized the unpredicted rapid adoption of AI technologies like ChatGPT and the shift from predictive to generative AI, which has impacted productivity and innovation within teams. Dirks highlighted the essentiality of AI in revolutionizing business strategies and enhancing human skills through practical methods and safeguards.

She presented case studies illustrating AI’s ability to predict geopolitical events, like the rise of ISIS, and its application in fields such as healthcare and architecture, showcasing AI-generated concepts for futuristic hospitals. Dirks also discussed the ethical considerations and biases within AI, underscoring the importance of inclusive and diverse development teams to mitigate these issues. She addressed the challenges of AI hallucinations (false information generation) and the necessity for businesses to implement AI mindfully, with an awareness of its limitations and potential security risks, such as fraud and copyright infringement.

The session concluded with a Q&A, where Dirks answered queries on fostering collaboration between AI and human judgment, encouraging female participation in AI development, and metrics for measuring AI initiative success. She advocated for a proactive approach, with leaders shaping the integration of AI in their organizations, and stressed that while AI can be a powerful tool for innovation, it is unlikely to ever be flawless, highlighting the need for continuous human oversight and ethical responsibility.

Takeaways

Predictive to Generative: AI’s Evolution

AI has evolved from predictive analytics, which could forecast events like the rise of ISIS, to generative models that can create content and interact using natural language.

“My company, Seldon, had just predicted the rise of ISIS… This was the world of predictive AI.”

Generative AI’s Global Impact and Market Growth

Generative AI is not only a rapidly growing market, projected to reach trillions, but also a technology that is reshaping industries and everyday interactions across the world.

“The total AI market this year is $184 billion… Bloomberg projects it to be a $1.3 trillion market by 2032.”

Democratizing Creativity with AI

AI is enabling people without specialized skills to create complex works like digital art and web design, significantly lowering the barrier to creative expression.

“AI in this wave is democratizing creativity and expertise. Anyone from anywhere… can create without any formal education.”

Integrating AI into Professional Practices

Real-world applications of AI in professional settings, such as architecture, are saving significant time and resources while also transforming business processes and innovation mindsets.

“We saved over 180 man hours in the first two months… It completely changed the innovation mindset for the team.”

The Onset of AI Hallucinations and Bias

AI’s tendency to ‘hallucinate’ or create biased content based on its training data is a significant challenge that necessitates careful oversight and ethical considerations.

“Generative AI is biased because 85% of GPT3’s data and above come from the Internet. 85%. And if the Internet is known for one thing, it’s not accuracy.”

Generative AI: The Fastest Growing Technology

Generative AI has transformed the technological landscape by growing at an unprecedented rate, reaching a vast user base and being integrated into various applications globally.

“ChatGPT went to 5 million users in five days. It’s the fastest growing technology of anything known to humans.”

The Imperative of Agility and Intuition in AI

To successfully navigate the AI landscape, organizations must be agile in their approach and rely on human intuition to recognize and address the technology’s limitations.

“The core skills you need at a moment like this is agility… And the second thing is trust your intuition, train your gut, and train your morals.”

️ AI and Human Perception: The New Reality

Generative AI’s ability to create realistic content challenges our perception of reality, as demonstrated by the emotionally impactful example of non-existent puppies.

“These puppies do not at all exist anywhere out there. It’s a new world we’re stepping into.”

️ The Non-Negotiables of AI Adoption

When adopting AI, it is crucial to maintain security, understand the technology’s capabilities, and leverage it to innovate while being mindful of its impact.

“The three top questions I get asked repeatedly even today is one, is this technology as powerful as they make it seem? Two, how can I adopt this while keeping my technology, data and pipeline secure?”

The Critical Role of Security in AI Deployment

Organizations must prioritize security in their AI strategies, addressing issues like fraud, AI worms, and data privacy to protect their operations and customers.

“Security in AI takes on many different faces. The first is fraud. The second is actual AI security. The third is copyright. IP and data privacy can come at you from many different angles.”

 

Talent by LISA MACCALLUM

In the World Business Forum Sydney session led by Lisa MacCallum, the focus was on the evolving corporate environment, emphasizing the need for businesses to adapt to new generations, engage employees, and gain a competitive edge. MacCallum highlighted the importance of companies standing for ideas beyond their products, fostering innovation, and meeting the higher expectations of stakeholders, now referred to as the new CEOs—customers, employees, and outsiders. She used the European Super League controversy as an example of public opinion’s power and the swift backlash from fans and stakeholders that led to its cancellation. MacCallum also discussed the Amazon employee protests in Seattle, demonstrating the visible and impactful role employees play in shaping company policies and public perception. She underscored the shift from a shareholder to a stakeholder economy, where internal voices like employees can significantly affect a company’s reputation and relationships. MacCallum cited examples like DWS Group’s sustainability misrepresentation and Qantas’ brand challenges during COVID to illustrate the consequences of a disconnect between a company’s statements and actions. She proposed that companies can thrive by aligning with three key desires of the new CEOs: standing for something more than profit, delivering authentically, and ensuring profits are made responsibly. Drawing from her experience at Nike, MacCallum shared how a clear, inspired purpose can drive employee engagement, innovation, and market success, as seen in Nike’s growth and brand resilience. She also referenced Google’s purpose-driven expansion and diverse offerings as a testament to the power of a clear and authentic purpose. MacCallum concluded by stressing the need for consistency, courage, and conviction in business leadership, with the potential for companies like Qantas to regain trust and succeed once again by leading from the inside out.
Takeaways

Authenticity Over Token Gestures

Authentic actions that align with company values are essential; disingenuous or superficial efforts are easily spotted and can damage trust and reputation.

“They are, however, much, much better at spotting our fake reviews. So yeah, we should stop doing that in the corporate sector.”

Consistent Delivery on Values

Living by strong, consistent values can set a company apart in the marketplace, creating distinction and building a competitive edge.

“If you manage to deliver on your values consistently, it’s actually incredible how much you can set yourself apart in the marketplace to create distinction.”

Purpose Leads to Employee Engagement

A clear and inspiring purpose is a catalyst for employee engagement, driving them to contribute enthusiastically and innovatively to the company’s mission.

“When employees are inspired, clear and confident that leadership will back them to deliver on a purpose, a whole new level of courage and inspiration starts to emerge from the inside of that company.”

Courageous Purposeful Campaigns

Daring to publicly challenge industry norms and engage in purposeful campaigns can amplify a company’s message and drive significant change.

“So doing this took an enormous amount of clarity of what they were solving for as a company and what they really valued.”

Resilience Through Brand Authenticity

A brand’s resilience and ability to bounce back from challenges are often rooted in the authentic delivery of a purpose that goes beyond mere profit-making.

“Nike’s brand resilience, global following and ability to bounce back after inevitable mistakes…was always rooted in the authentic delivery of an inspired purpose.”

Embrace a Stakeholder Economy

Businesses must adapt to a stakeholder economy where customers, employees, and the broader public hold significant power and can rapidly influence corporate success or failure.

“The marketplace has shifted quite abruptly from a shareholder economy to a stakeholder economy where ordinary people now can make or break companies faster than ever.”

Higher Purpose Drives Success

Companies that stand for ideas larger than their products and work earnestly to fulfil those ideals are positioned to own the future of business.

“The future belongs to companies that stand for ideas bigger than what they sell, and then they work really, really hard to keep doing it.”

Transparency and Employee Trust

Employees are the most trusted source of information about a company, and their public endorsements or criticisms can greatly impact the company’s reputation and stakeholder relationships.

“Our employees, have emerged as the most trusted source of information about our companies and they can say whatever they want, whenever they want on any number of social media platforms.”

Profit and Purpose Can Coexist

Purpose-driven companies can achieve significant financial success by aligning their operations with a meaningful mission that resonates with stakeholders.

“Dove has proven every single day for 20 years that purpose is not inconsistent with profit. It actually accelerates profit.”

Second Chances from the Inside Out

Even companies that have stumbled can earn a second chance by re-aligning with their core values and purpose, often driven by the dedication of their employees.

“Companies who have done the work in the past get a second chance to stand for ideas bigger than what they sell. And that second chance typically comes from the inside out.”

 

High Performance by ANDRE AGASSI

In the “World Business Forum Sydney” session with Andre Agassi titled “From Talent to High Performance: Strategies for Sustained Success,” Agassi shared his journey from a childhood dominated by the fear of failure, instilled by his father, to becoming a world-renowned tennis player. He discussed the impact of mental strength, team dynamics, and dealing with setbacks. Agassi also touched on the importance of authenticity and giving back, which led him to establish his own school for underprivileged children, reflecting on the transformation from leveraging tennis as a means to an end, to finding a way to connect with and enjoy the sport. He highlighted the role of his coach, Gil Reyes, in his personal and professional growth, emphasizing the significance of self-awareness, vulnerability, and the ability to forgive oneself. Agassi concluded by addressing the balance between expectations and allowing children to make their own choices, underscoring the value of being fully present and continuously growing.
Takeaways

Connecting Success with Identity

Agassi highlights the dangers of tying one’s identity to performance, reflecting on his own struggle with this disconnect and the internal conflict it created throughout his tennis career.

“When a child’s identity comes from performance, there’s an intensity to that.”

The Journey to Self-Acceptance

Achieving the world’s number one ranking brought Agassi to a realization that external success did not equate to internal fulfilment, leading him on a path of self-discovery and acceptance.

“The greatest controversy in my book came on page one, where I hate tennis with a dark and secret passion.”

The Paradox of Hating Tennis

Agassi discusses the contradiction of hating the sport that defined him, revealing the complexity of his relationship with tennis and his struggle for personal identity.

“The greatest controversy in my book came on page one, where I hate tennis with a dark and secret passion.”

Early Independence and Rebellion

Sent away to a tennis academy at 13, Agassi faced abandonment and developed a sense of rebellion, which became a powerful motivator in his quest for success.

“Growing up with no adult supervision, tennis deciding your identity from an early age, teenagers raising each other like Lord of the Flies with forehands and backhands.”

The Cycle of Performance-Based Identity

Agassi’s identity, initially tied to his performance on the tennis court, evolved over time as he learned to separate his worth from his athletic achievements.

“When a child’s identity comes from performance, there’s an intensity to that.”

The Interplay of Fear and Love in Shaping Drive

Andre Agassi’s early life was heavily influenced by the dual forces of fear and love, which propelled him towards success in tennis, driven by the weight of his father’s expectations and the fear of failure.

“I think if we peel back any decision that we make in life, it’s always sort of motivated by one or two forces, either fear or love.”

Maintaining Standards Against Any Opponent

Agassi speaks about the discipline required to maintain high standards of performance, regardless of the level of competition, as a key to sustained success.

“One of the hardest things to do is to play this good against somebody that’s here.”

The Epiphany of Choosing One’s Life

Agassi describes a pivotal moment of realizing that while he may not have chosen his life’s path, he had the power to take ownership of it and find his reason for being.

“Maybe I can choose to choose the life I didn’t choose. Is that even possible?”

Forgiveness and Self-Reconciliation

Forgiving oneself is a complex but necessary step towards healing and growth, as Agassi discusses the process of making peace with his past.

“Forgiveness is for the person that was violated… learning to forgive yourself is complicated because you’re the victim and you’re the perpetrator.”

Education as a Catalyst for Change

Agassi’s commitment to building a charter school for underprivileged children was driven by his desire to provide choices and opportunities he never had.

“I took out a $40 million mortgage, a personal $40 million mortgage to build my own charter school in the most economically challenged area of Las Vegas.”