Tagged: EO Queensland

How EO@INSEAD 2024 Helped 50 EO Members Discover the Leader Within

29 March, 2024

EO@INSEAD is one of EO’s six Executive Education programs that empowers members to amplify leadership skills, build culture, and drive change through four days of intensive learning. Hosted at INSEAD’s Asian campus in Singapore, the annual event is the newest in EO’s Executive Education suite, and one that brings together EO peers from across the globe. Its unique purpose? To help EO members learn how to create a thriving culture from the inside out with inspirational leadership and influence beyond authority.

“The EO@INSEAD program challenged me to refine my strategy and execution skills, enhance my leadership and influence beyond authority, and foster creativity in business,” said Redi Basha, a member of EO Europe Bridge chapter. “One of the most compelling aspects was learning how to lead change effectively in today’s fast-paced world.”

We asked attendees of EO@INSEAD 2024 about their experience. Here’s what they shared:

What did you learn during EO@INSEAD that changed your business?

“I’m not typically a note-taker; I prefer to absorb it all by actively listening, jotting down important themes or key learnings. I have seven full A4 pages of these ‘quick’ notes, which sums up the volume of learning from EO@INSEAD for me. It culminated in a 25-page presentation to my leadership team, full of implementable ideas and changes.”

—Lindsay Rogers, EO Queensland, co-founder of Chello

“My focus was on enhancing my leadership skills. A significant takeaway was the rekindling of certain knowledge from my subconscious to my conscious mind. The Change Management module was particularly enlightening, especially as we’ve been integrating several acquisitions over the past 18 months and need to adeptly manage these changes.”

—Torsten Oppermann, EO Barcelona and EO Hamburg, co-founder, MSM Digital and 1SP Agency

How did the program format enhance your takeaways?

“One of my most significant takeaways was the realization that effective leadership and business success are deeply influenced by the ability to listen, adapt, and incorporate diverse perspectives. The other attendees were instrumental in this learning, demonstrating the power of collective wisdom.”

—Redi Basha, EO Europe Bridge chapter, CEO, Abkons

“There was lots of theory-based learning from professors with many years of research and niche topic expertise, but the magic for me was in the application of these theories, in team-based physical simulations and activities. In our day-to-day businesses, we lead teams we pay, which can change the dynamic of input. At EO@INSEAD, we worked alongside peers who have different ways of working, thinking, and expressing themselves—a whole different leadership skillset. My biggest takeaway was how the statistics show, and the activities reinforced, that diversity and inclusion enhance ideas, to make them stronger.”

—Lindsay Rogers

“The course was meticulously designed to not only provide knowledge but to ensure its practical application. Through interactive sessions, real-world case studies, and engaging discussions, I gained valuable leadership knowledge and skills.”

—Redi Basha

Tell us how the other attendees impacted your journey with EO@INSEAD.

“There were no more than two people representing each nationality, so the cultural melting pot of ideas and ways of working added depth, which is hard to recreate in any other environment. Being an EO-only cohort, the immediate unspoken understanding, camaraderie, and confidential sharing of experiences led to a great depth from day one.

—Lindsay Rogers

“Interacting with 49 like-minded individuals from 20 different countries was as enriching as the academic learning. The warm hospitality extended by the EO Singapore community during their Forum party, which we jovially gatecrashed, is a fond memory I cherish.”

—Torsten Oppermann

“EO@INSEAD was not just an educational experience; it was a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and ambitions that profoundly impacted my journey. Each attendee brought a unique perspective, shaped by their distinct backgrounds and experiences. Their insights enriched our discussions, allowing us to explore the multifaceted nature of leadership and business from angles I had not considered before. We were not just students but teachers for one another.”

—Redi Basha

What was the most unexpected thing you learned?

“I have never stopped to consider how diversity and inclusion are two distinct ideas, which are not readily interchangeable. You can have a breadth of diversity without providing the frameworks for inclusion. And you can have an inclusive environment without fostering diversity of not just gender, sex, or age, but background and experiences.”

—Lindsay Rogers

“A surprising insight was learning about influencing both the actual team and management simultaneously during change processes.”

—Torsten Oppermann

“The course challenged me to reflect deeply on my leadership style, strengths, and areas for improvement. It equipped me with valuable tools and frameworks to lead with greater confidence, empathy, and effectiveness. The hands-on sessions were particularly impactful, offering real-world scenarios that tested our ability to apply what we learned in a dynamic and complex environment.”

—Redi Basha

What would you share with EO members who are considering registering for EO@INSEAD?

“I would like to share my experience on six reasons why the EO@INSEAD executive education program is an opportunity not to be missed:

1. Unparalleled learning experience

EO@INSEAD is not just about acquiring new skills; it’s about deep diving into the intricacies of global business challenges and emerging with a broader, more strategic view of running your business. The curriculum is meticulously designed to cater to the unique needs and challenges we face as entrepreneurs.

2. Diverse network of global leaders

One of the program’s greatest assets is the opportunity to connect with a diverse group of leaders from around the world. The insights and perspectives I gained from my peers have been invaluable, providing me with a global network of support and collaboration opportunities.

3. World-class faculty

INSEAD’s faculty are not just academics; they are seasoned practitioners and thought leaders in their respective fields. Some of the professors made a huge impact on me. Learning from them offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical wisdom.

4. Tailored to EO members

The EO@INSEAD program is specifically tailored to address the needs and challenges of EO members. This focus ensures that every session, case study, and discussion is relevant and immediately applicable to our businesses.

5. Personal and professional growth

Beyond business acumen, the program emphasizes personal growth and leadership development. It challenges you to reflect, question, and evolve in ways that significantly impact your approach to leadership and life.

6. A commitment to your own excellence

Participating in EO@INSEAD is a commitment to your own excellence. It’s an investment in becoming the best version of yourself and, by extension, elevating your business.”

—Redi Basha

EO@INSEAD brings EO members together to learn in an intensive environment that will help you build a high-performance company culture that unlocks your people’s greater potential. This is where servant leaders expand their ability to nurture talent and create capacity for other leaders to shine.

“Taking a week away to learn new concepts and think about how you can embed them into your business can’t be a bad thing,” Lindsay said. “Doing it alongside 49 other EOers whom you know you’ll stay in contact with and see at other global events is priceless!”

Are you interested in the next EO@INSEAD Executive Education program, which will take place 3-7 February 2025? Sign up for the interest list to get updates on the application process.

For more insights and inspiration from today’s leading entrepreneurs, check out EO on Inc. and more articles from the EO blog.

Categories: international LEADERSHIP Lessons Learned members

Tags: entrepreneurs' organization EO Barcelona EO Europe Bridge EO Hamburg EO Queensland EO@INSEAD executive education Lindsay Rogers Redi Basha Torsten Oppermann

5 EO Australia Women Share How To Make Entrepreneurship More Inclusive

8 December, 2023

Over the past three years, there has been a marked increase in the number of women pursuing entrepreneurship, with an estimated 40 percent of new businesses in the United States started by women. In Australia, we’ve seen similar growth, with the number of businesses owned by women increasing to over 35 percent in 2022.

There are many reasons that we are seeing more women show interest in owning their own business. Widespread layoffs during the pandemic contributed to an initial rise in female entrepreneurship in 2020, along with the need for flexibility. Being able to pursue their passions and charge what they’re worth are other key drivers for women looking to be their own boss.

However, despite the marked increase in women’s engagement in entrepreneurial activity, there are still far more male than female entrepreneurs in most countries, and there is also a need for greater support and funding for women looking to start and scale their businesses.

Below, five women EO members share their thoughts on what it’s like to own their own business and how entrepreneurship can become a more inclusive space for women.

Empower Girls To Reach Their Full Potential

Entrepreneurship is a vital driver of innovation, job creation, and economic growth. However, it has long suffered from a lack of inclusivity, with certain groups being underrepresented and facing significant barriers. As an example, only 3 percent of venture capital funding went to all-female-founded startups in 2022.

Franc.World aims to change this narrative by opening the doors to conversations about self-discovery and future career paths at a younger age through their multimedia offering that includes books, documentaries and podcasts.

Our mission is to create a world where entrepreneurship knows no bounds and where everyone can thrive and contribute to a better future. We want to empower every Australian girl to reach her full potential to help eliminate career-based gender stereotypes and to create a truly equitable, inclusive and prosperous society for all.

By fostering early exposure and education about entrepreneurship and other career paths, Franc.World is paving the way for an inclusive landscape where everyone has equal opportunities to succeed. After all, you can only be what you can see.

— Annika Launay, EO Queensland, CEO of Franc.World

Equal Representation At The Top

Seeing more women on boards of top organizations and in political leadership roles would have a significant impact on entrepreneurship for women. Setting the tone from the top that women belong in leadership roles and having women’s voices championed in decision making for business is an important starting point.

Having women on the boards of organizations for entrepreneurs specifically is also essential and is something EO has been committed to improving, offering equal representation where it matters.

— Jenifer Clift, EO Melbourne, Director of Otto

Stronger Female Networks

Mentoring opportunities are less often afforded to women. Building a strong and successful business often relies on having a strong network, though women are significantly disadvantaged in this regard. Research from LinkedIn found that the “Gender Network Gap,” where women were 14-38% less likely to have a strong and diverse network, held true across almost every country they looked at.

This may be due to existing male-dominated networks that operate on dated values and non-welcoming environments, family commitments coinciding with networking opportunities or socialization and the tendency for women to put their hand up less or ask for support less. Further, there are fewer women at the top, which means you are less likely to be able to find and connect with one, find a female mentor in your field, or one who can truly support you.

Either way, technology is slowly making it easy for women to find supportive female networks, when and where it suits them, and groups like EO are committed to running initiatives that connect women entrepreneurs with successful mentors who have achieved what they hope to. If your network is your net worth, fortunately the opportunities for women are changing in this regard, and more initiatives and groups are emerging to support women’s entrepreneurship.

— Liberte Guthrie, EO Queensland, Founder of Liberte Property

Encourage Women Across a Broader Range of Industries

Greater support for female entrepreneurs in the early stages of their careers is essential to fostering a more gender-inclusive entrepreneurial environment. Women need equal access to education, training and business opportunities.

An OECD report on women’s entrepreneurship issues and policies states: “Not only have women lower participation rates in entrepreneurship than men but they also generally choose to start and manage firms in different industries than men tend to do. The industries (primarily retail, education and other service industries) chosen by women are often perceived as being less important to economic development and growth than high technology and manufacturing.”

This not only reinforces gender stereotypes but also limits the potential for innovation and growth in these industries. By encouraging women to continue their education across a broader range of industries, we can create a more diverse and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

This increased diversity will lead to fresh perspectives, new ideas, and a greater variety of products and services, ultimately driving economic expansion. When we can create equal opportunities for education and training, we can see greater equality for women in business.

— Emilya Colliver, EO Sydney, Director of Art Pharmacy and Sugar Glider Digital

Embed DEI Initiatives into Workplace Culture

To improve gender equality in entrepreneurship, it is important for workplaces to be more transparent about their diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. When organizations openly support these initiatives and provide clear information about their implementation, it helps promote a more diverse and inclusive work environment.

However, simply hiring for diversity is not enough. Workplaces need to go beyond that and embed these initiatives into their culture. This can include measures like supporting women with families, respecting different religious and cultural holidays, and creating an environment where equal treatment is the norm.

To create a more equal playing field for women entrepreneurs, actions must be taken at various stages, starting from providing quality education and support and extending to ensuring representation of women on boards, particularly in organizations that can help bridge the funding gap for women’s businesses. The potential of women entrepreneurs is largely untapped and governments and businesses should make more efforts to support and harness this economic opportunity.

— Clare Sheng, EO Queensland, Director of The Fitting Room on Edward and The Modern Gentry

This article originally posted on Women’s Agenda and is reprinted here with permission.

For more insights and inspiration from today’s leading entrepreneurs, check out EO on Inc. and more articles from the EO blog.

Categories: Entrepreneurial Journey members WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

Tags: Annika Launay Clare Sheng Emilya Colliver entrepreneurs' organization EO Australia eo melbourne EO Queensland eo sydney Jenifer Clift Liberte Guthrie

Unconventional Wisdom from Indra Nooyi: EO Powerhouse Speaker

1 December, 2023

EO members share a collective Thirst for Learning — in fact, it’s one of EO’s core values. That thirst keeps entrepreneurs curious and open to new ways of operating that can improve both your personal and professional life.

EO’s Powerhouse Speakers Series is designed to give entrepreneurs exclusive access to inspiring thought-leaders and change-makers across a wide swath of industries. Powerhouse Speaker Sessions are free and open to the public. Recently, EO Queensland member Shivani Gupta led a Powerhouse Speaker interview with Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo. The session provided incredible insights into Ms. Nooyi’s groundbreaking career and life.

In 2006, Indra Nooyi became the first woman and immigrant to run a Fortune 50 company, holding the top position in PepsiCo for 12 years and growing net revenue by more than 80% under her leadership. A renowned champion for diversity and inclusivity in the workplace, Indra Nooyi is the author of New York Times bestseller, My Life in Full: Work, Family and Our Future. The memoir offers insight and a call-to-action on how society can balance work and family in the 21st century while advancing women in the future. During EO’s exclusive Powerhouse session, Nooyi shared insights into her fascinating journey and the valuable lessons she acquired along the way.

Here are 6 takeaways from the Powerhouse Speakers session featuring Indra Nooyi:

1. Unconventional productivity hacks.

Nooyi self-describes as “insatiably curious”. Also, she doesn’t sleep much. While she wouldn’t wish that on anyone, she uses the extra hours in her day to advantage. At PepsiCo, she could work 19 or 20 hours a day, and now has the time to read long-form stories on issues that interest her rather than forming opinions from social media headlines. “For every issue I’m confronted with, I zoom in and understand the details down to very, very granular levels, then zoom out to see the big picture that this issue fits into,” she explains. “I zoom in and zoom out constantly, to really understand what levers to pull to make an impact.” She is not addicted to social media and advises that “If you cut down on viewing fun, senseless videos, you will save an hour or two a day. You’ll be amazed how you can go into depth on many, many issues with that time.”

2. Commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Nooyi’s tenure at PepsiCo brought a notable commitment to diversity. Her approach was to focus on hiring the best and brightest from the entire talent pool, resulting in a workforce that mirrored the diversity of their consumer base. “When you take off your blinders and look at the whole talent pool, you’ll end up hiring quite a diverse makeup of people,” she shares. “PepsiCo is such a great talent academy because we assess talent for the sake of talent, not based on background or gender or ethnicity.” That mindset contributed to the percentage of women in executive roles at PepsiCo reaching 39 percent during her tenure.

3. Revolutionizing women’s return to the workforce.

Nooyi’s passion for empowering women in the workforce is evident in her research on getting women back to work after having kids. “There’s an incredible talent pool who’s dying to contribute. But a lot of women drop out of the workforce because they also want to have kids.” As part of the solution, Nooyi advocates for paid leave, workplace flexibility, and accessible childcare. “You need childcare support, in some way, shape or form,” she insists. “Universal, quality, affordable childcare is very, very important for the competitive advantage of communities, cities, states and governments.”

Nooyi draws a thought-provoking analogy between childcare facilities and gyms: “When men wanted gyms in offices, gyms were put into every office building. I think the time has come to look at childcare facilities like gyms,” she says. “Whether it’s in the office or within communities, just as we all race to the best gyms with the best trainers, the next race is to build the best childcare facilities with the best childcare workers so that we develop the next generation of young people in a profoundly positive way.”

4. The role of mentorship.

“I’m a product of fantastic mentoring through my entire life. I didn’t pick anybody to be my mentor. They picked me,” Nooyi says. “Good mentors pick you because they see something in you that they want to mentor. Good mentors are very secure, because their mentees could take their job.” Nooyi’s gratitude toward her mentors — all men in a male-dominated corporate environment — showcases the positive impact of mentorship in her successful career. “Mentoring is big. Finding people that believe in us, even though sometimes we don’t believe in ourselves,” she said. “The men who mentored me, every one of them is gold. Unselfish gold!”

5. Navigating gender biases.

As an immigrant, person of color and woman, Nooyi faced multiple biases in her corporate journey. She joined PepsiCo in 1994, and was named CEO in 2006. In those years, the workplace was not as diverse as it is today, and she experienced bias as a regular occurrence. “When people talked over me, rolled their eyes, or didn’t include me in discussions, I would figure out how to be even more valuable so they couldn’t do without me,” she recalls. “I did a lot more through the power of my work than anything else.” By making herself unforgettable and invaluable, she earned respect and recognition.

6. Legacy beyond corporate success.

Nooyi’s legacy extends beyond her corporate success, as evident in the pioneering concept of “Performance with Purpose” at PepsiCo. Her commitment to linking purpose with performance left an indelible mark on the business world. In her post-PepsiCo life, she gives back around the issues that inspire her. “I’m deeply driven by purpose. I give back to young people, students, helping them build confidence and come into their own,” she says. She teaches at universities, sits on various boards including Memorial Sloan Kettering and the National Gallery of Art, and remains a solid advocate for paid leave and childcare in her sought-after lectures. “I’m busier now than I was even in PepsiCo, but I’m loving it.”

Want more of Indra Nooyi’s lessons on leadership, resilience, and the holistic definition of success? EO members can log in to the EO Learning Platform to view the entire Powerhouse Speaker Session through 8 February 2024.

For more insights and inspiration from today’s leading entrepreneurs, check out EO on Inc. and more articles from the EO blog.

Categories: Entrepreneurial Journey Inspirational

Tags: entrepreneurs' organization EO powerhouse EO Queensland Indra Nooyi PepsiCo powerhouse series Powerhouse speaker Shivani Gupta

Sisterhood of Success: Female Founders Share Insights on Thriving Together

8 September, 2023

We asked six members of EO to share the number one thing they’ve learned from another inspiring woman in business. Here’s what they said.

Stop multitasking, stop comparing and stop being quiet.

Stop multitasking. Many people think multitasking is a skill that women are naturally good at, but eventually working as an entrepreneur at a million miles an hour will take its toll. Stop multitasking and instead, do one thing. Be more present. Enjoy each activity.

Stop comparing. When we compare ourselves to other people, whether it is physically or how big one’s business is, it never leaves us with a feeling of being enough. Be aware that you are on your own journey. Honor that journey and be happy for others more successful than you. Help them celebrate.

Stop being quiet. Make noise about things that matter to you. When your values are challenged, do something about it. Don’t just shut up. Think about it. Express your view in a calm and professional way. The other person may or may not get it, but do the part that is within your circle of influence.

— Shivani Gupta, EO Queensland, multi-business founder, author, speaker and coach

Profit from profit

My big learning from EO Malaysia member Fong Leng Wong is: Profit from profit. As business owners, we often have a huge amount of wealth tied up within our businesses, but don’t form the habit of creating other income streams and forms of wealth, such as investments outside our businesses.

As female entrepreneurs, we are independent-minded and innovative, and this advice is critical for securing our future and the future of our families. When women have more money, not only is there gender equality and economic growth, but there’s also stronger and healthier communities for our children and generations to come. This advice inspires me every day.”

— Sarah Bartholomeusz, EO Adelaide, principal at You Legal

Find female mentors and community

Without the guidance of other female mentors, Be Fit Food would not be where it is today. My first female mentor was the incredible Janine Allis, founder of Boost Juice. She provided me with so much advice on business strategy, business channels and HR. The best advice she ever gave me, though, was to join the EO to build my leadership skills and my support network. Through the EO, I have met so many incredible female entrepreneurs, including the former female president in EO, founder of Cupcake Central and League of Extraordinary Women, Sheryl Thai.

EO empowers me to share my business journey with other like-minded entrepreneurs and get their experience when I’m seeking solutions in my business.

— Kate Save, EO Melbourne, Founder of Be Fit Food

It’s OK to take up space

I’m a single mum and started my business at the same time I separated from the father of my three children after 14 years. I knew nothing about running a business and had no management experience. My overwhelming subconscious desire to forget about the reality of my personal life breaking down, combined with my ability to learn very quickly and the need to financially provide for all my kids, helped me to propel my business into what it is today. I have never worked so hard in all my life, but the rewards and personal growth have been worth every bit.

About a year and a half after starting my business, I joined EO and was quickly invited onto the board of directors where I sat with a woman who is so unapologetically herself. She is assertive, asks questions and stands up for what she believes in. As women, we are often socialized to “shrink ourselves”. I have always liked people that go against the grain.

I have learned that it’s not just OK to take up space, it’s necessary in the path to believing that my voice is valid.

— Sian Williams, EO Adelaide, Founder and CEO of Here2Home

Expect the unexpected, and run with it

As a female entrepreneur, I’m constantly made aware that I’m part of a minority, but that’s not always a bad thing. I believe we are moving into a new era. I hope we keep pushing boundaries and moving forward to become a generation of empowered female leaders for the next generation — for our daughters.

Through Women of EO, I’ve met so many inspiring women and learned to be supportive, open, vulnerable and to constantly seek knowledge. I have come to see that female leaders carry so much more in their work, in addition to the many juggling home life and family relations.

From my mentor, Jane Bianchini, I’ve learnt so many things, both about business and about myself. I’ve learnt how to slice the equity pie for VC investors, and gained so much insight about the still male-dominated tech world from this successful tech business veteran. Male-dominated industries can feel like smoke and mirrors sometimes, so having an experienced female mentor with years, if not decades of knowledge ahead of you is truly vital.

— Emilya Colliver, EO Sydney, founder and managing director of Art Pharmacy and Sugar Glider Digital

Find community, even if it’s not in your industry

As a female business owner in a heavily male-dominated industry, I thought I had to “go it alone.” However, since joining EO Sydney in 2012, I’ve had the pleasure of being surrounded by inspirational women who have not only had my back, but supported me on the rollercoaster of entrepreneurship and inspired me to be “more”.

What I’ve learned from other women is that they’re community-oriented, values-based and brilliant at supporting each other in the good times and the bad. And that a network of empowered women is supportive and, in the challenging world of business, necessary.

Let’s keep our focus on the end goal, which is to get 50–50 equality in entrepreneurship and pave the way for our children and future generations of leaders. Women need to raise each other up, collaborate and support each other to make a difference. They need to realize that competing isn’t the answer and that we are most successful when surrounded with an army of strong, supportive women.

— Kim Liddell, EO Sydney, founder and managing director of Non Destructive Excavations Australia

Contributed to EO by Karen Farr, chapter manager for EO Adelaide, who is also the owner and director of Executive Office Limited, which provides admin support across all operations for membership organizations.

This post first appeared on CEO Magazine and is reposted here with permission from the author.

For more insights and inspiration from today’s leading entrepreneurs, check out EO on Inc. and more articles from the EO blog.

Categories: Best Practices WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

Tags: Emilya Colliver entrepreneurs' organization EO Adelaide eo melbourne EO Queensland eo sydney kate save Kim Liddell Sarah Bartholomeusz Shivani Gupta Sian Williams

Business Book Bonanza: 10 Must-Read Gems To Skyrocket Your Business

14 June, 2023

Are you looking for inspiration to take your business to the next level? Whether you’re a startup entrepreneur or a seasoned veteran, remember: Great leaders must be readers!

Look no further than these top business book recommendations from 10 successful Australian entrepreneurs who are all active members of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO).

From timeless classics to modern best-sellers, the following books have influenced the way these entrepreneurs think and operate their businesses. Get ready to add some must-read titles to your bookshelf and gain insights from the best in the business:

1. The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz

The subtitle of The Hard Thing About Hard Things is “Building a business when there are no easy answers”. It’s a short read (or eight hours on Audible) filled with practical advice on building and running a startup or established business. It’s filled with humor and insights that I still reflect on years later and use to guide day-to-day decisions.

Tips for leading even when you don’t know where you are going and how to fire a friend are not covered in traditional business books but are essential for business owners to know. For me, the most liberating concept was that there are “No Rules” and that as an entrepreneur I get to create the business I want as opposed to the one I thought I should be building.

— Dawn Piebenga, EO Sydney, founder of Interface Medico-Legal

2. The Entrepreneur Roller Coaster By Darren Hardy

The Entrepreneur Roller Coaster talks about the six most important skills of entrepreneurship:

Productivity
Sales
Marketing
Leadership
Recruitment
Mindset

I haven’t seen any other book go so detailed in discussing these things. It has played a really big role in my life.

This book alone helped us give a TEDx talk, make the 100 Fastest-Growing Companies (66th) list in Australia last year (AFR), and also helped us get featured on Forbes. I credit this book a lot for my success.

— Darshan Chavan, EO Queensland, co-founder of Getmycourse

3. The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber

The E-Myth Revisited is perfect for those early in the entrepreneurial journey to help understand the difference between being a great “technician” at what you do vs. running a successful business—which are two very different things.

— Tamara Haddow, EO Sydney. founder of Black Diamond Agency

4. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

Founding and growing a business means you spend a lot of mental energy analyzing the past (lessons learned, mistakes and successes) and planning for the future. That’s great. It’s necessary. However, “now” is the only moment we’ve ever had, or ever will (or could), experience. If you are not being present in the now, you are leaving a lot of value on the table, financially, emotionally and spiritually. That’s The Power of Now.

— David Kelly, EO Melbourne, founder of KHQ Lawyers

5. Atomic Habits by James Clear

Atomic Habits taught me the power of small, incremental changes in shaping the trajectory of all aspects of my life. For me, one of the hardest things about running a successful business is focus and time management. Not only at work, but ensuring all aspects of life are in good shape such as family, friends and health.

Through Atomic Habits, I learned that the secret to success lies in building a system of positive habits that compound over time, ultimately leading to dramatic improvements. In my business, I began to implement small, daily routines to streamline processes and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

The book also helped me understand how to break bad habits and replace them with good ones, allowing me to eliminate unproductive activities and create more efficient systems. A final key takeaway from the book is the importance of focusing on the process, not just the end goal, and how our environment influences our habits.

— Dylan Smith, EO Melbourne, founder of RUBIX

6. Uncommon Service by Frances Frei and Anne Morriss

The subtitle of Uncommon Service is “How to win by putting customers at the core of your business.” This book is essential reading for business owners who are looking for ways to differentiate themselves against the competition and to truly do less in order to deliver a service level that sets them apart.

The lessons in this book have helped me time and time again as we’ve grown the business— staying restrained in our offering and doing less so we can deliver more.

— Jacob Spencer EO Melbourne, owner of Mobile Skips

7. Traction by Gino Wickman

Traction helped us clarify our mission, vision and objectives and make it part of our everyday way of doing business, align all team members with the vision, and clearly define our target audience and key differentiators. Traction helps simplify the process of business and with a bit of work puts you in control of your business.

— Mark Vanzo, EO Melbourne, founder of Smart Business Insurance

8. The Dumbest Guy at the Table by David Shein

The Dumbest Guy at the Table is so simple and easy to read. The message is loud and clear. Only hire people smarter than yourself if you want to see your business succeed. Take the time to ask each of those people what they would do at every chance, and get a deeper understanding of their insights before making any decisions. People are your business; never underestimate the power they have to turn your business around.

— Kate Save, EO Melbourne, founder of Be Fit Food

9. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

I recommend Think and Grow Rich, because I am a strong believer in the power of a positive mental attitude to achieve success in life. Also the importance of following the simple process of setting clear goals, developing a plan to achieve those goals and taking action to achieve them. I owe my own success to these principles.

— Mike Larcher, EO Sydney, founder of Outsourced

10. The Alchemist by Paolo Cohelo

While on the surface, The Alchemist seems like it’s about everything except entrepreneurship, the deep themes and powerful messages around hope, love and the desire to chase one’s destiny is a really powerful parable to the journey of the business owner.

— Jahan Kalantar, EO Sydney, founder of Executive Law Group

This post first appeared on Dynamic Business and is reposted here with permission.

For more insights and inspiration from today’s leading entrepreneurs, check out EO on Inc. and more articles from the EO blog.

Categories: BUSINESS GROWTH Coaching Entrepreneurial Journey LEADERSHIP OPERATIONS

Tags: Atomic Habits Darshan Chavan David Kelly Dawn Piebenga Dylan Smith entrepreneurs' organization eo melbourne EO Queensland Gino Wickman Jacob Spencer Jahan Kalantar kate save Mark Vanzo Mike Larcher Paolo Cohelo Tamara Haddow The Alchemist

EO Australia Members Give a Helping Hand

7 October, 2022

Contributed to EO by Peta Strachan, Operations Manager at Free 3D Hands, a mission-based charity in Australia that designs and 3D-prints prosthetic hands and assistive devices for free.

Earlier this year, EO members from all around Australia attended EO Ignite – Reignite Your Passion, a regional event at stunning Hamilton Island, located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Mat Bowtell, the founder and CEO of Free 3D Hands, was invited to deliver the keynote presentation at EO Ignite.

At Free 3D Hands, we design, manufacture and provide quality hands and assistive devices to people all around the world for free—we even pay the postage! We use 3D printing technology and advanced CAD design software to produce quality, functional designs for children and adults who often have no commercially available option. We freely share our designs under an open-source license, so that others can make their own devices and as a way to encourage further innovation in the field.

Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that over 35 million people require prosthetics or orthotics, but only 10 percent of people can access or afford these life-changing products. The goal of Free 3D Hands is to significantly bring down the cost of assistive technology to help those who currently cannot access or afford it. We are developing a low-cost, multi-grip Bionic Arm, and we are making exciting progress with the latest prototype. Our goal is to make the equivalent of an AUD $60,000 Bionic Arm—for under $60 in parts!

Mat Bowtell was honoured to deliver the first keynote presentation of the EO Ignite event and received an absolutely overwhelming response from EO members after his talk. Mat, a former senior engineer at Toyota, was made redundant during the closure of the automotive industry in Australia in 2017. He turned down lucrative consulting jobs and international offers to pursue his passion for making hands for kids, and he wanted to do it for free. Using his redundancy payout, he worked for two years as a volunteer before formally establishing Free 3D Hands as a charity supported by public speaking, donations and corporate sponsorship.

We were incredibly moved by the emotion and support from EO members, many of whom were in tears after hearing Mat speak about his journey to help others. A number of EO members got together and, after consulting with the group, got on stage to announce that collectively, the EO members in attendance were able to pledge nearly AUS$50,000 to our charity! Every cent has been received and will help support our global design hub to continue to release free designs and collaborate with volunteer groups in developing countries to establish 3D printing clinics and make low-cost assistive devices available to those truly in need.

Shivani Gupta, an EO Queensland member and Engagement Expert for APAC, shared her response to Mat’s presentation:

“Mat’s presentation on his WHY and dedicating his work and love to a greater good had me in tears. The stories he shares and the passion he exudes are what every entrepreneur needs to hear.
I was moved by his presentation and got up to ask anyone else who was moved whether they would like to join me and make a tax-deductible donation—over 50 people said YES. That made the conference for me!
I would encourage other EO chapters and members to hire Mat as a speaker, be inspired by him, implement his ways into your business, and if you can donate or link him to others who can—do it!”
Shivani Gupta, EO Queensland

Mat and I stayed on for the next few days, and we were wholeheartedly embraced by the EO community during our visit. We absolutely loved getting to know everyone, hearing about their individual business journeys, and discovering what EO is all about. Since our talk, we have had members from around Australia come and visit our Design Centre and continue to offer support.

We just want to say a huge “Thank You” to the EO members who welcomed us, cared and truly understood the ethos of Free 3D Hands and will continue to help us grow and support others. We hope to have the opportunity to meet some international EO members in the future!

For more insights and inspiration from today’s leading entrepreneurs, check out EO on Inc. and more articles from the EO blog.

Categories: Entrepreneurial Journey Inspirational Make a Mark members

Tags: entrepreneurs' organization EO Australia EO Ignite EO Queensland Free 3D Hands Mat Bowtell Peta Strachan Shivani Gupta

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Tagged: EO Queensland

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