EO Melbourne recently had the privilege of gaining invaluable insights into IPOs and capital raising from Maria Halasz, a seasoned expert in the field. Hosted by EO Member Samantha Dybac, the event provided attendees with a unique opportunity to delve into the intricacies of funding rounds and explore the dynamic world of investment.
EO Learning Day Navigates the Path to Prioritising People
Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) Melbourne recently hosted a dynamic Learning Day as part of its acclaimed Accelerator Program and Key Executive Program. Focused on the crucial theme of PEOPLE, the event aimed to equip participants with the insights and strategies needed to elevate their businesses by placing a premium on their human capital.
Damian Blumenkranc's Remarkable Journey: From Online Entrepreneurship to Business Transformation
In a recent episode of the EO Business podcast, Linh Podetti sat down with Damian Blumenkranc, a prominent member of EO Melbourne, to delve into the captivating story of Sunset Sleepers' acquisition and its subsequent transformation under Damian's visionary leadership since March 2021. Join us on a compelling journey as we explore the triumphs, challenges, and insights that have defined Damian's entrepreneurial career.
Igniting Success: EO Accelerator/Key Executive Learning Day on Strategy
In November, the dynamic energy reverberated through Creative Cubes South Melbourne's MicDrop Room, setting the stage for our eagerly awaited EO Accelerator/Key Executive Learning Day focused on Strategy. Entrepreneurs and business leaders converged to explore the nuances of profit strategies, navigate emerging trends, and gain profound insights into genuine customer needs.
Diversity and Inclusion: Empowering Entrepreneurs to Challenge Unconscious Bias
In a world where diversity and inclusion have become paramount, organisations are recognising the vital role these principles play in creating an accepting and integrated workplace. EO Melbourne acknowledges the significance of Diversity and Inclusion not only within its own ranks but also in the businesses of its members. As a testament to this commitment, EO Melbourne recently hosted an enlightening event titled "Empowering Entrepreneurs: Understanding Unconscious Bias," a Diversity & Inclusion Lunch and Learn featuring the esteemed Hana Assafiri.
Member Focus Series: Samantha Dybac
Samantha Dybac is the CEO and founder of The PR Hub, an award-winning strategic public relations and corporate communications firm she founded in 2013 that now represents some of Australia’s most successful entrepreneurs, business leaders, and high-growth, technology brands.
Steve McGown talks on “Freedom is an Attitude” at the EO Melbourne learning event
"5 years & 8 months is a long time. I believe that I'm like any other person. I’m no different. We all have problems, and we shouldn’t judge one another, as we have different coping mechanisms and breaking points. I do, however, believe that our attitude separates us and determines how we cope. Some people give up too easily."
"If they are not going to kill me then I might as well use this time to go home a better person."
- Stephen "Steve" McGown
The Power of Gratitude in Business
“Thank you” are two powerful words that can uplift someone, build bridges and strengthen relationships. It is a significant aspect of life, even in business and in the workplace.
Gratitude and appreciation are types of affirmation that something is good, magnifying positivity and encouraging people to perform better. With this, entrepreneurs and business owners see the value of thanking their staff members, partners, and clients and putting effort into expressing it in various ways.
Mentorship is having someone walk with you on your entrepreneurial journey
Much has been said about the entrepreneurial journey being a lonesome path, but not when you’re surrounded by like-minded individuals, such as being part of a group like EO and having someone to walk with you, such as a mentor, for instance.
This is how EO Melbourne Member and mentee Nyree Hibberd, CEO at Koh Living, and mentor Conor O’Malley, a known Executive Coach who calls himself “The CEO’s caddy”, described their mentorship experience.
The beauty in diversity: a mentorship experience
Learning comes from various things and in many ways, and oftentimes, how we differ from each other helps us widen our knowledge and understanding of the space we live in and move around. Such can be said for mentor Emma Duffy, Learning Director at ProActive Training, and mentee Hayden Brass, Founder and Managing Director of Zea.
Dealing with rejection in business
How Melbourne Business Owners find opportunities in difficult situations
“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.” — Maya Angelou
Successful entrepreneurs get to where they are now because of their determination to reach their goals, which includes braving the odds and overcoming hurdles. The recent global scenarios in the past two to three years have been very challenging. Many business leaders have looked into finding opportunities under tough situations. But how do you do it?
How to deliver engaging and impactful presentations
Futurist Sarah Owen talked about “Future Forecast 2024” to EO Melbourne
Trend forecaster and futurist Sarah Owen, Co-founder & Global Futures Director at SOON Future Studies, recently shared how SOON Future Studies has uncovered “the global drivers of change as well as 30 emerging trends that will help drive business decisions over the next few years.”
SOON is a futures think tank focused on human insights.Hosted at The Taboo Group, office of EO Melbourne Member Andrew Mackinnon, the "Future Forecast 2024" EO x SOON Event with Sarah Owen was attended by EO Melbourne Members, Strategic Alliance Partners and members of the SLP Forum.
How to keep your team inspired at work
The lockdowns imposed during the pandemic have pushed many businesses to manage their teams remotely. Now that restrictions are easing up and things are having a semblance of normalcy, some have embraced the “new normal” with people going back to face-to-face activities but with certain safety protocols imposed. Others still work from home, while there are others that adapt hybrid work arrangements.
Data vs gut-feel in decision-making
Mentorship: it’s a two-way learning
It was a first-time for both mentee Laiken Kerr Clarke, Director at Medisound, and mentor Catherine Duncan, COO at Matthews Steer Accountants & Advisers, to take part in EO Melbourne’s Mentorship Program and both found it enjoyable. Plus, they found the program nicely structured, which allowed them to go through their objectives for this mentorship journey.
Strengthening your 2iC as a way of strengthening your business
One of the long-term goals of many business owners is for them to, later on, be more focused ON the business rather than be IN the business. This means that they evolve from doing job execution and daily operations to heavily leaning towards setting strategic directions and vision achievement of the company. To do so, entrepreneurs have to free certain space on their plate so that they can concentrate on growing their business. This is where having an effective 2iC becomes helpful.
The beauty of mentorship: having someone focused on your growth
The EO Mentorship Program runs for 12 months where mentors and mentees have regular monthly catch-ups, which usually last for only an hour or more. But for mentees like Jeni Clift, Owner and Co-founder of Otto, those regular conversations with her mentor, Anthony Closter, Director at Urban Land Developments, were precious to her.
Managing conflicts within your business
Disagreements, miscommunications and misunderstandings are never absent in any organisation, even in business teams. There will always be varying opinions and work styles because each individual is different and you cannot always control how they respond to certain situations. But when all these arise into a conflict, how do you handle them so that the entire team is not affected and work will not be jeopardised?