The posts in this category will appear in the Focus area on the homepage

Announcement: The Swedish Australian Innovation Technology and Design Summit Returns in 2025!

We are pleased to announce that the Swedish Australian Innovation Technology and Design Summit is set to take place 17-18 September 2025 in Melbourne, providing a platform to explore Swedish-Australian collaboration in innovation, technology and design.

In collaboration with universities, industry and Team Sweden partners, including the Embassy of Sweden and Business Sweden the SACC Innovation Summit serves as an important platform to:

  • Showcase Swedish-Australian innovation, technology and design together with partner companies.
  • Present successful cooperation, knowledge exchange and creative business development between our two nations.
  • Foster long-term partnerships between industry and academia while inspiring new initiatives in sustainability, digitalisation, AI and emerging technologies.

A key focus of the Innovation Summit is university collaboration, which plays a crucial role in bridging academic research and industry application. For the 2025 Innovation Summit the SACC is in discussions with the University of Melbourne as a main partner, with plans to engage other Melbourne based universities. Collaboration with universities ensure access to cutting-edge research, support knowledge exchange and nurture the next generation of innovators and leaders. By strengthening ties between academia, industry and government, we can collectively address sustainability challenges while driving impactful, research-backed solutions.

Building on the success of the 2022 Swedish Australian Innovation Technology and Design Summit held at the University of Technology Sydney, the 2025 event offers exciting opportunities for universities, companies and organisations to showcase their innovation highlights, engage with students and business leaders and lead thought-provoking discussions to inspire collaboration.

Mark your calendar: 17-18 September 2025, Melbourne and stay tuned for more information, including registration details, speaker announcements and event highlights. 

Please find details about the 2022 Innovation Summit here.

Contact the SACC for further information here sacc@swedishchamber.com.au.

Sustainability Committee drives sustainability thought leadership and advocacy

2024 was a very successful year for the Committee, delivering on the members’ priorities of creating awareness and influencing policy makers for sustainable business practices and private-public sector collaboration.

Committee Chair Flavia Vaz driving fresh outlook and direction with focus on:

  • Advocating for more sustainable business practices in Australia
  • Share knowledge and put in context advancement of sustainability initiatives in Australia according to companies sustainability strategies and the SDG’s benchmark.
  • Proactively drive the agenda through engagement in the market with various groups and collaboration amongst other industries.
  • Reach out to Australian businesses about opportunities and possibilities, for further interest and engagement with local/national activities.

Highlights in 2024 included a significant focus and advocacy for circularity as Australia is recognizing the importance in the context of resource efficiency and climate targets. As a result, the country is moving towards a national framework similar to European countries, with the Sustainability Committee positively influencing with a number of key activities:

Welcoming new committee members:

Knowledge sharing:

Andrew Petersen CEO Business Council for Sustainable Development Australia on important global developments COP 29 and COP 16

Linda Nordin, Circular Economy Specialist at SMEC on the Fossil Free Sweden conference in October in Stockholm

 

What’s coming for 2025

With Net Zero 2030 interim targets only a few years away, the energy transition is gathering pace in Australia. There is an opportunity to create awareness for pathways, collaborations and partnerships building on the diverse and inspiring leadership of our member companies.

2025 events to engage businesses, policy makers and communities and influence for a more sustainable future

  • Focus on energy transition with webinar series for thought leadership
  • Continues momentum for circularity with Circular Economy workshop in Melbourne
  • Leverage sustainability with the Swedish Australian Innovation, Technology and Design Summit in Melbourne in September 2025

Opportunities for collaboration

Being aligned with member priorities is vital, there will be an online survey to gauge input on 2025 focus areas, activities and areas for collaboration.

The SACC Sustainability Committee meets quarterly and welcomes active participation from members of the SACC – both from sustainability focused functions and other representatives. The Committee also has a core committee, which meets more regularly and is seeking expressions of interest from member companies & individuals to get involved.

A big thank you to our members, partners, and supporters for making this year a success. We’re excited to continue the journey in 2025 with more initiatives, events, and opportunities to create lasting impact.

Stay tuned and stay inspired — sustainability is a team effort, and we’re just getting started!

For SACC members who wish to join the Sustainability Committee, please contact Flavia Vaz or Camilla Jennings.

sacc@swedishchamber.com.au

Strengthening Ties: SACC Reignites Collaboration with New Zealand Scandinavian Business Association

We are thrilled to announce the renewed collaboration between the Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce (SACC) and the New Zealand Scandinavian Business Association (NZSBA).

This partnership aims to deepen connections between the Swedish business communities in Australia and New Zealand, creating new opportunities for growth, networking and knowledge sharing.

By working together, SACC and NZSBA will co-host events, support cross-border business initiatives and provide members with enhanced access to resources and professional networks. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to fostering strong regional ties and promoting Swedish business interests in the Australasian market.

Stay tuned for exciting joint initiatives and events as we embark on this renewed journey of collaboration with NZSBA!

 

ABOUT THE NEW ZEALAND SCANDINAVIA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

The New Zealand Scandinavia Business Association (NZSBA)’s vision is: To create value for members by promoting partnerships between individuals and organisations in New Zealand and Scandinavia for the benefit of bilateral trade and goodwill. Founded in 1991 as the New Zealand Sweden Business Association, NZSBA’s focus expanded to Scandinavia / the Nordics in 1993.

NZSBA is a great platform to profile/promote Nordic NZ business, establish warm, valued relationships – and have fun.  We have a growing, vibrant membership, and a wide group of supportive stakeholders (including the Nordic Ambassadors, NZ’s Ambassador to Scandinavia, the EU Delegation in NZ, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the New Zealand Europe Business Council, the Auckland Business Chamber, and the Nordic Honorary Consuls, amongst others) – which means we have a strong network effect.

We aim to hold at least four Business Forums a year and two Nordic Networking events. Our most recent Business Forums have been distinctively Swedish in flavour:

  • Prof. Udo Zander from the Stockholm School of Economics, global business thought leader, speaking on Innovation and Change;
  • Swedish global healthcare and hygiene group, Essity, speaking on its de-carbonisation project at its Kawerau tissue mill – a Sweden / NZ collaboration and commitment to sustainability, delivering a global first through using geo-thermal steam in the paper making process.

The Nordic Ambassadors and New Zealand’s Ambassador to Scandinavia are our Patrons, and actively engage with us and present to our members, as their diplomatic commitments across Australia, New Zealand and Scandinavia permit. Ambassador David Taylor in Stockholm provides ongoing briefings from Stockholm for members.

NZSBA is excited to collaborate with the Swedish Australia Chamber of Commerce in 2025 (and beyond) – thank you Camilla and Jan for reaching out. We look forward to opportunities to work closely together and create value for members – the launch of IKEA’s first store in New Zealand in 2025 is the perfect platform for collaboration!

 

Best wishes

Chris Linton, President NZBA

https://www.nzsba.nz/

 

Introduction of Nils Hedberg Grimlund, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Sweden Canberra

 

Dear all,

I arrived at the Swedish Embassy in Canberra in August as the new Head of Mission. One of our main tasks is to keep close contact with the Swedish business community, and to offer various kind of support and do promotion activities together with our Team Sweden partners: the SACC and Business Sweden.

For me, this is great. I spent the first ten years of my career in the private sector, and as a diplomat, I have worked with trade policy (in Stockholm) and business promotion (in Brazil and Poland). Mining has been a common theme in many of these past capacities, and here in Australia, I strongly look forward to engaging with this industry with all its rapid changes and enormous impact from leading Swedish companies. Australia’s green transition is another focus area for the Embassy (and me personally), where Swedish companies have much to offer.

But the Swedish impact is much broader and as a newcomer, I’m eager to learn about the local market, the business climate and how we can engage. Feel free to reach out (contacts below) if you need help from the Embassy, if there is a promotion activity we could do jointly, or if you are passing by Canberra and would have time for coffee.

Nils Hedberg Grimlund

Nils.hedberg.grimlund@gov.se

+61 417 841 367

SACC YP BUSINESS MENTORSHIP PROGRAM – Relaunching for 2025

BE A PART OF A REWARDING PROFESSIONAL PARTNERSHIP

We invite SACC and YP members to participate in our Business Mentorship Program — a unique opportunity to grow and connect as either a mentor or mentee. This program bridges generations of business leaders with young professionals in the Swedish-Australian business community, fostering meaningful relationships and career development. 

HOW IT WORKS

The SACC and YP Committees oversee the matching process, ensuring the best possible mentor-mentee alignment. Once matched, mentors and mentees meet for 6-10 one-on-one sessions (in person or online) over the 12-month program. To support continuous growth, participants will have access to check-in events, including a mid-year evaluation, offering a chance to review progress and make any adjustments.

PARTICIPATION CRITERIA

  • To join as a mentee or mentor, you must be a member of SACC or YP
  • Both mentors and mentees are expected to attend the program launch and commit to 6-10 meetings over the course of the year.

APPLICATION AND MATCHING PROCESS

Mentees and mentors will be asked to complete a short application form detailing areas of interest, skills and expectations. This information allows us to create thoughtful and effective matches, ensuring a positive and valuable experience for both parties.

We seek mentors with business management and leadership experience across companies of all sizes — from large enterprises to SMEs. Ideal mentors bring expertise in areas such as management, finance, fin-tech, technology, law, marketing and communication.

We are looking for mentors with business management and leadership experience from large to small and medium-sized companies, with expertise in different areas such as management, finance, fin-tech, technology, law, marketing and communication.

Why Become a Mentor?
Becoming a mentor offers a chance to:

  • Expand your perspective through exposure to new ideas and fresh thinking.
  • Enhance your leadership skills by guiding and supporting future leaders.
  • Experience the fulfillment of giving back to the next generation of professionals.
  • Build meaningful relationships that can have a lasting impact on your career and personal growth.

Why Become a Mentee?
Becoming a mentee offers an opportunity to:

  • Gain invaluable guidance from experienced industry leaders.
  • Accelerate your professional development by learning from those who have already navigated your career path.
  • Access new perspectives that help you build confidence, develop new skills, and set achievable goals.
  • Expand your professional network by connecting with influential figures in the Swedish-Australian business community.
  • Receive tailored support to overcome career challenges, seek feedback, and identify growth opportunities.

Here is what a mentee said about the SACC YP Mentorship Program:

“I gained a whole lot from the relationship with my mentor! Not only did my mentor help guide me in my career path, but also acted as a coach and helped me grow on an individual level as well as on a professional. My mentor’s personality, extensive work experience and knowledge was exactly what I needed in a mentor at that point in time. It was a great match. My main goal with the mentorship program was to establish the next steps in my career path, which we did. Not only did I enjoy the progress we made from our monthly meetings which helped me in my career, but I also really enjoyed speaking with my mentor about his life journey. I would definitely recommend the program to others.”

Feedback from one of the mentors:

”Being a Mentor gave me a great sense of “value”. I was able to share my business and life experience gained from various positions during a lifelong career and apply this to the challenges of the Mentee. I think we achieved a lot together by identifying the key areas and specific actions which would support my Mentee’s development. I would absolutely recommend this program and will be partaking in the upcoming program.”

Whether you’re looking to share your experience as a mentor or gain valuable guidance as a mentee, this mentorship program offers a chance to grow, connect, and contribute. Join us in shaping the future of the Swedish-Australian business community.

APPLICATIONS CLOSES 14 February 2025

Application form for Mentors

Application form for Mentees

Contact us if you would like to find out more about the program.

Circularity Conference 2024, 26-27 Nov in Sydney – Summary and Key Takeaways

SACC Honorary Board Member, Dr Nicole Garofano, opens the conference with Planet Ark Deputy CEO, Adam Culley.

The Circularity Conference 2024, held 26-27 November at the Doltone House in Sydney, gathered nearly 300 experts from government, industry, education, and research to advance Australia’s circular economy. The SACC together with the Embassy of Sweden were delighted to attend the conference which was filled with interesting presentations, talks and panel discussions that highlighted the urgent need for Australia to transition to a circular economy through collaboration, innovation, and practical action across sectors like waste, energy, and the built environment. Over two days, experts showcased actionable solutions, from policy frameworks to groundbreaking technologies, emphasizing the potential for circular practices to drive sustainability and economic growth.

Summary of Day One

The first day of the conference emphasized collaboration and practical action to transition from a linear “take, make, dispose” model to a sustainable circular approach.

Discussions and focus

  1. Resource-Efficient Value Chains

    • Focus: Transforming resource extraction, production, and consumption to minimize waste and environmental impact.
    • Call for collaboration across supply chains and supportive legislative and economic conditions.

  2. Circular Economy Investment Fund

    • Announcement of the Circular Future Fund to accelerate Australia’s circular economy through investments in recycling, circular product design, and renewable resources.

  3. Global Resource Management

    • Keynote by Dr. Janez Potočnik emphasized decoupling economic growth from resource consumption and highlighted the circular economy as a major business opportunity.

  4. National Framework and Legislation

    • Insights from Australia’s Circular Economy Ministerial Advisory Group outlined the need for:
      • A national circular economy framework with ambitious targets.
      • Harmonized collaboration between federal and state governments.
      • Challenge-based funding and systems thinking to avoid unintended consequences.

  5. Collaboration and Legacy Mindsets

    • Fireside Chat highlighted the need to challenge entrenched norms and foster partnerships that respect unique contexts, embrace innovation, and create resilient systems.

  6. Circular Design

    • Designers discussed transparency, skills development, and the need for better briefs to prioritize sustainability and ensure products are long-lasting and recyclable.

  7. Role of Finance

    • Panels addressed:
      • Standardizing circular financing models.
      • Bridging gaps in funding for scaling solutions.
      • Recognizing investment in biodiversity as an economic opportunity.

  8. Behaviour Change and Capability Building

    • Launch of Monash Circular Economy Labs to support workforce development, transition ecosystems, and systemic changes through technology, innovation, and consumer behaviour insights.

Takeaways

  • The circular economy is still in its infancy and requires systemic change across all sectors.
  • Practical, systems-thinking action is urgent to avoid unintended negative outcomes.
  • Collaboration is critical at all levels to achieve a successful and just transition.

Conclusion

Day one set a strong foundation for Australia’s circular economy, emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and action to drive transformative change.

Read the full summary by Liam Taylor, PlanetArk here: https://acehub.org.au/news/insights-from-day-one-of-circularity-2024

Summary of Day Two

The focus of the Day:
The second and final day of Circularity 2024 shifted from exploring the potential of the circular economy to implementing it across various sectors through practical action, innovation, and collaboration.

1. Zero-waste and Decarbonisation

  • Keynote by Matt Kean (Chair of Climate Change Authority):
    • Highlighted the urgent need for Australia to decarbonize and transition to a circular economy to achieve climate goals.
    • Emphasized sectors like waste reduction, renewable energy, and the built environment as key areas for circular principles to drive emissions reductions and economic growth.

2. Innovation Pitch Fest

  • Featured groundbreaking projects driving the circular economy, such as:
    • Packamama: Sustainable wine bottles made from recycled PET.
    • Licella: Technology converting waste into biofuels and biomaterials.
    • PV Industries (Winner): Solar panel recycling solutions.
    • Utilitarian: Blockchain-based digital product passports.
    • Koor: Refillable containers to reduce single-use plastics.
  • Takeaway: Showcased tangible innovations with real-world applications.

3. Workshops on Circular Practices

  • Circular Business Design (CIRCO):
    • Explored strategies like modular design and product-as-a-service models to extend product lifecycles.
    • Encouraged collaboration and actionable design strategies for sustainable business models.
  • Circular Procurement:
    • Highlighted lifecycle thinking and innovative procurement strategies (e.g., Product-Service Systems) to align environmental, economic, and social goals.

4. Product Stewardship and Regulation

  • Panel discussed:
    • Lifecycle accountability through product stewardship.
    • Tailored approaches for sectors like packaging, mattresses, and tyres.
    • Emphasis on stronger regulations to complement voluntary initiatives.

5. Measuring Circularity

  • Explored metrics for circular economy progress:
    • Shift from volume-based to value-based metrics.
    • Examples from Denmark and Tesco showed the integration of circular goals into regulations and incentives.
    • Highlighted Australia’s 13% circularity rate and opportunities to improve through systemic changes.

6. Industry and Sector Focus

  • Aluminium Industry: Challenges in recycling infrastructure and global collaboration opportunities to reduce emissions and increase circularity.
  • Built Environment: Circular urban planning to reduce emissions, with innovations like modular housing and retrofitting.
  • Fashion Industry: Progress through circular design guidelines and voluntary stewardship programs like Seamless.

Takeaways

  1. Action-Oriented Transition: Practical implementation of circular economy principles is critical, with innovations and collaborations driving real-world impact.
  2. Collaboration is Key: Effective partnerships across sectors and borders are essential to overcoming challenges and scaling solutions.
  3. Tangible Pathways: Workshops and case studies offered actionable tools and strategies for businesses, policymakers, and stakeholders to adopt circular practices.

Conclusion

Circularity 2024 concluded with a strong call to embed circular principles across society, emphasizing urgency and opportunity. While challenges remain, the conference highlighted clear pathways and innovative solutions for driving Australia’s transition to a sustainable, circular future.

Read the full summary by Liam Taylor, PlanetArk here: https://acehub.org.au/news/insights-from-day-one-of-circularity-2024

 

Special thank you to Dr Nicole Garofano, CEO PlanetArk for inviting us to take part in this conference.

 

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.”

Find out more about WOBI here:

World Business Forum Sydney 2025 Landing Page

 

info.au@wobi.com

Sweden at the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) 2024, 29-31 Oct

The SACC was invited to attend the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) 2024, 29-31 Oct.

It was impressive to see all the Swedish companies Epiroc, ABB, Hexagon Mining, Sandvik, IFS and Nord-Lock Group showcasing the latest innovation and technology in sustainable mining.

sustainablemining miningtechnology mininginnovation Sweden Australia

2024 Nobel Prize Dialogue Sydney, October 24

On October 24, the 2024 Nobel Prize Dialogue Sydney brought together minds from science and beyond, all gathered to discuss and explore the future of decision-making.

This is an important subject to tackle. It is a big year for elections world wide. But democracy is in decline, geopolitical tensions are rising, and artificial intelligence is likely to affect decision making in profound ways. How do we improve how we make collective decisions across cultures, geographies, and generations?

To discuss these matters we invited a number of Nobel Prize laureates together with other regional and international experts. 2011 physics laureate Brian Schmidt started off the dialogue with a lecture on climate change and how we can combat climate change in the best way; ”If there is something that should unify the people of the planet it is to live sustainably on Earth.”

That was followed up by two interesting panel discussions. In the first one, we met peace activist and 2011 peace laureate Tawakkol Karman who spoke about how democracy is in decline and how we all should value democracy much more. The second panel discussion with 2011 physics laureate Saul Perlmutter and writer Tim Minchin focused on truth and fiction.

Nobel Prize Dialogue was organised by Nobel Prize Outreach and the University of New South Wales Sydney, with the support of Nobel International Partners 3M, ABB, EQT, Stegra and Scania.

Watch the full dialogue here: https://www.youtube.com/live/fuh0353vk78?si=9GbgklsN8J-Mb5XC

Photography by: Maria Boyadgis © Nobel Prize Outreach.

Swedish School in Sydney – Swedish as an elective HSC subject information session 15 May, 19.30 AEST

Do you have a teenager in year 10 keen to develop their Swedish language further? Now is the time to take up the opportunity to choose Swedish as an elective subject for the HSC!

Take part in the Swedish school’s (Zoom) information meeting on May 15th, at 19:30, about Swedish as an elective HSC subject.

The meeting is primarily aimed at parents and students in year 10. Parents and students in year 9 who want to inform themselves about Swedish as an elective HSC subject and the possibility of university studies in Sweden are also welcome.

HSC teacher Cecilia Smith will talk about the course structure and a graduate HSC student will share their experience of studying Swedish as an elective subject in HSC. Eva Gabrielson, HSC coordinator, will also answer questions regarding the NSW Education Standards Authority, NESA, and their curriculum. The session will also include information about university studies in Sweden.

The Swedish HSC course begins in term 3, 2024. The final exam takes place in term 4, 2025.

Get ready by your computer with a Swedish Fika on 15 May for more information. Register NOW! https://events.humanitix.com/svenska-som-hsc-aemne