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Anna Neklesa: Living Cotton —
When Anna Neklesa left behind her successful interior design business in Russia to study at London’s prestigious Royal College of Art (RCA), she had one thing in mind: to open up new ideas around material design. And, in particular, to see if she could bring textiles to life. Inspired by the works of the ‘grow your own clothes’ fashion designer, Suzanne Lee, material manipulator, Bart Hess, and the inventor of Spray-on fabric, Dr Manel Torres, Neklesa studied alchemy looking for ways to create a
Vincent Stanley: Director of Philosophy, Patagonia —
For smaller companies who want to be more responsible but can’t cover the cost, what’s the one thing they can do to be more socially and environmentally responsible?
I think that everybody can do something. Even if you’re not making any money you can do something. People ask me when they should become a member of 1% for the Planet [an international organization whose members contribute at least one percent of their annual sales to environmental causes], and I tell them to join right at the begi
I think that everybody can do something. Even if you’re not making any money you can do something. People ask me when they should become a member of 1% for the Planet [an international organization whose members contribute at least one percent of their annual sales to environmental causes], and I tell them to join right at the begi
Meeting a Death Doula — Matters Journal
Death. I could take it or leave it, really, but I’m pretty sure it’s not for me. Do I want to talk about it? Nope. Think about it? Not really, unless it’s 3am and then, yes, thank you, I do that all the time. Yet, death is coming for me and, I’m sorry to say, it’s coming for you, too. It’s the one bond we all share and I bet, like me, you’re doing everything you can to avoid thinking or talking about it. Yet the story goes that it’s this refusal to talk about it that’s causing all the angst, whi
Client stories: One Small Step: Behaviour Change at Scale
One Small Step is an app helping people build green habits, cut their carbon footprint and reduce their environmental impact through small behavioural changes.
Harvey loves the work Lily and her team are doing and worked with her on branding for One Small Step, previously known as The Neighbourhood Effect, the brand’s marketing strategy, digital marketing and strategy.
We so admire Lily’s passion and drive for change that when we were pulling together our panel for Pause Fest, she was at the t
Harvey loves the work Lily and her team are doing and worked with her on branding for One Small Step, previously known as The Neighbourhood Effect, the brand’s marketing strategy, digital marketing and strategy.
We so admire Lily’s passion and drive for change that when we were pulling together our panel for Pause Fest, she was at the t
Our learning journey: Patagonia: Ethical Outerwear
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be catching up with our Pause Fest panellists – Patagonia, Jaunt, ATEC and One Small Step and delving a little deeper into how their businesses thrive while looking after the planet at the same time.
We’ll also be asking them for advice on how business owners can lead the way when it comes to environmental change.
If ever there was a poster child for ethical business it would have to be Patagonia. A company as famous for taking the planet into consideration w
We’ll also be asking them for advice on how business owners can lead the way when it comes to environmental change.
If ever there was a poster child for ethical business it would have to be Patagonia. A company as famous for taking the planet into consideration w
Supply chain resilience: Building a sustainable future
As part of our ‘Friday Connect’ series, we caught up with Sam Jones, founder of New Zealand-based uniform company Little Yellow Bird, Justin Cudmore, a partner at Marque Lawyers and co-chair of the Australian Fashion Council, and James Bartle, founder of Outland Denim.
Could things be shifting in the fashion industry? Socially-conscious consumers are already using their dollars to support ethical fashion, but it looks like luxury brands could finally be catching up.
Gucci’s Creative Director,
Could things be shifting in the fashion industry? Socially-conscious consumers are already using their dollars to support ethical fashion, but it looks like luxury brands could finally be catching up.
Gucci’s Creative Director,
Australia’s first eating disorder recovery facility set to open on the Sunshine Coast
Australia’s first eating disorder recovery facility set to open on the Sunshine Coast
The Butterfly Foundation is opening the doors to Wandi Nerida, a purpose-built treatment facility for Australians living with an eating disorder
The Butterfly Foundation is opening the doors to Wandi Nerida, a purpose-built treatment facility for Australians living with an eating disorder
Client stories: Jaunt: Converting Land Rovers to Electric
We caught up with Dave Budge, co-founder of Jaunt and talked to him about all things EV and why Australia should be getting on board.
How does someone with a background in design, filmmaking and storytelling end up up-cycling cars?
My career has always been about the application of emerging technology whether that’s been through interaction design, digital storytelling, apps or websites. I’ve always loved the challenge of humanising emerging technology and making it approachable and user-frien
How does someone with a background in design, filmmaking and storytelling end up up-cycling cars?
My career has always been about the application of emerging technology whether that’s been through interaction design, digital storytelling, apps or websites. I’ve always loved the challenge of humanising emerging technology and making it approachable and user-frien
Mushrooms: A Natural Alternative to Cement? —
Nikki Stefanoff: Tell us a little bit about what you’re getting up to at Monash Uni.
Chloe Badger: I’m studying biomedical science and materials engineering as a double degree – I’m in my final year. Because my engineering degree has built in honors, we spend the last year working on a final individual project and mine is on mycelium ‘concrete’.
For the layperson (me!) what exactly is mycelium?
Think about it as if the mushroom is like the apple and the mycelium is like the tree. The mycelium
Chloe Badger: I’m studying biomedical science and materials engineering as a double degree – I’m in my final year. Because my engineering degree has built in honors, we spend the last year working on a final individual project and mine is on mycelium ‘concrete’.
For the layperson (me!) what exactly is mycelium?
Think about it as if the mushroom is like the apple and the mycelium is like the tree. The mycelium
Meditation for time poor beginners
Here’s a little secret for ya — setting yourself up for a good night’s sleep doesn’t start the moment you get into bed. In fact, it starts with a sleep schedule and a good sleep environment as well as your mindset and thought processes throughout the day.
If you’re thinking ‘uh-oh, they’re going to talk to me about meditation,’ you’re right we are but WAIT…we promise we’re not just going to tell you to sit still for 20 minutes every day with your eyes closed.
Instead we’re going to talk about
If you’re thinking ‘uh-oh, they’re going to talk to me about meditation,’ you’re right we are but WAIT…we promise we’re not just going to tell you to sit still for 20 minutes every day with your eyes closed.
Instead we’re going to talk about
Friday Connect: Beyond Bank and Latrobe Valley Bus Lines
Every Friday during lockdown, we brought together members of the B Corp community to share their stories and experiences of running a business in the time of coronavirus.
This Friday Connect conversation was with Nick May, General Manager Customer Experience at Beyond Bank and Anna Tyben, General Manager of Latrobe Valley Bus Lines.
The chat gave us a behind-the-scenes look at how essential services adapted to the challenges of a pandemic and their role in the community during times of crisis.
This Friday Connect conversation was with Nick May, General Manager Customer Experience at Beyond Bank and Anna Tyben, General Manager of Latrobe Valley Bus Lines.
The chat gave us a behind-the-scenes look at how essential services adapted to the challenges of a pandemic and their role in the community during times of crisis.
Why Kester Black Became a B Corp — Matters Journal
Do you think that being a B Corp has made a difference to your business?
No, I don’t think that anybody really knows what a B Corp is and I don’t think that too many people care – something I think is changing. I don’t know any young person at the moment that isn’t interested in the social side of a business.
So, was your decision more of a personal one.
Yes, it was at the start. And, you know, it’s not great for us, profit wise, because there are restrictions in place which mean that we can’
No, I don’t think that anybody really knows what a B Corp is and I don’t think that too many people care – something I think is changing. I don’t know any young person at the moment that isn’t interested in the social side of a business.
So, was your decision more of a personal one.
Yes, it was at the start. And, you know, it’s not great for us, profit wise, because there are restrictions in place which mean that we can’
Perimenopause and sleep: why your sleep suffers and what to do about it.
For women in their 40s and 50s, perimenopause (when your body starts to shift into menopause) and menopause (when you stop having periods) is a topic often discussed among friends.
Remember the ‘menopause’ episode in And Just Like That? Well, if Carrie, Charlotte and Miranda are happy to talk, albeit briefly, about one of the most obvious shifts in a woman’s life, then we are, too.
In fact, let’s get into it.
What used to be referred to as ‘the change’ is now better known as midlife. And inst
Remember the ‘menopause’ episode in And Just Like That? Well, if Carrie, Charlotte and Miranda are happy to talk, albeit briefly, about one of the most obvious shifts in a woman’s life, then we are, too.
In fact, let’s get into it.
What used to be referred to as ‘the change’ is now better known as midlife. And inst
Better Business: The Power of B Corps —
Matters Journal: ‘Financial institution’ and ‘ethical business’ aren’t words you expect to see in the same sentence. Can you tell me a little about how the idea was formed?
Allyson Lowbridge: Yes, that’s probably true! But we really are very different. Australian Ethical was created in 1986 to advocate for a better financial system, where financial outcomes are achieved while being conscious of their impact on the world around us. Our belief is that you can have both a positive financial outcom
Allyson Lowbridge: Yes, that’s probably true! But we really are very different. Australian Ethical was created in 1986 to advocate for a better financial system, where financial outcomes are achieved while being conscious of their impact on the world around us. Our belief is that you can have both a positive financial outcom
How to manage your sleep as a shift worker
As night falls and nocturnal animals start to slowly emerge there’s another, often forgotten, creature of the night heading out into the dark just as the rest of us begin our nightly wind-downs — the hardworking shift worker.
A shift-worker is someone who tends to play outside the 9-5 working rules and so has to get their sleep, generally, when we’re all awake. It’s a lot. And as we all know, getting enough sleep is a struggle for the majority of us but if you’re a shift-worker then a deep slee
A shift-worker is someone who tends to play outside the 9-5 working rules and so has to get their sleep, generally, when we’re all awake. It’s a lot. And as we all know, getting enough sleep is a struggle for the majority of us but if you’re a shift-worker then a deep slee
5 dreamy places where you can sleep under the stars
As the clocks get ready to ‘spring’ forward and the nights begin to warm up there’s no better time to start planning a weekend experience of sleeping under the stars. And we’re not talking about sleeping under a leaky canva, either — we’re talking full blown lux.
Because it turns out that sleeping in nature is not only an incredibly grounding experience but it's also good for your sleep health. A scientific study found that a couple of nights under the stars is the ideal antidote to our modern
Because it turns out that sleeping in nature is not only an incredibly grounding experience but it's also good for your sleep health. A scientific study found that a couple of nights under the stars is the ideal antidote to our modern
Gwen Gordan: The Future of Work is…play —
Nikki Stefanoff: I’m fascinated by the work you did with Sesame Street. What did designing and building muppets teach you about the importance of play?
Gwen Gordon: The whole workshop was bursting with creativity and just sheer wackiness. Finally I wasn’t the wackiest person in the room anymore. While that raised my game and made whole new levels of creativity possible, it also helped me to see where my own blocks to play and creativity were. I discovered how I could turn a dream job into a str
Gwen Gordon: The whole workshop was bursting with creativity and just sheer wackiness. Finally I wasn’t the wackiest person in the room anymore. While that raised my game and made whole new levels of creativity possible, it also helped me to see where my own blocks to play and creativity were. I discovered how I could turn a dream job into a str
Biomimicry for the Modern World: Lee Djumas —
The way Djumas looked to combine materials was bio-inspired, particularly through the natural form of nacre. “Nacre is part of the mollusc shell and made almost entirely of calcium carbonate [chalk], so it should be very brittle,” he says. “But it also has a bit of bio-polymer in there, which is really just glue. The way in which all this is arranged makes the shell tougher than it should be, making it a beautiful example of nature’s architecture.”
People have been trying to understand nacre fo
People have been trying to understand nacre fo
100 Story Building: Early Harvest —
The story behind Melbourne’s 100 Story Building, a centre for young writers, begins back in 2009 and over 12,500 km away on the streets of San Francisco.
Jenna Williams and Lachlann Carter had headed overseas to complete internships with 826 Valencia, best-selling author Dave Eggers’ not for profit writing centre in San Fran’s Mission District. After returning to Australia and, inspired by their time with Eggers and his team of volunteers, they founded their own not-for-profit creative writing
Jenna Williams and Lachlann Carter had headed overseas to complete internships with 826 Valencia, best-selling author Dave Eggers’ not for profit writing centre in San Fran’s Mission District. After returning to Australia and, inspired by their time with Eggers and his team of volunteers, they founded their own not-for-profit creative writing
Tomás Saraceno's Floating Cities — Matters Journal
Argentinian artist Tomás Saraceno has an interdisciplinary approach to his gravity-defying structures, which makes a lot of sense when you hear that he’s a trained architect.
His work In Orbit (2013) is the perfect example of this passion for mixing art with form and structure and saw him suspending floating spheres 20 meters above the ground of the K21 Ständehaus, a public arts space in Düsseldorf, Germany. Here Saraceno combined his famous spider web structures with his vision for an ongoing
His work In Orbit (2013) is the perfect example of this passion for mixing art with form and structure and saw him suspending floating spheres 20 meters above the ground of the K21 Ständehaus, a public arts space in Düsseldorf, Germany. Here Saraceno combined his famous spider web structures with his vision for an ongoing
News reporting: B Corps & the social sector
A business that gives a sheet
A new online linen subscription service, Sheetly, has launched in Brisbane in partnership with White Box Enterprises.
The story behind the Social Enterprise World Forum's branding
The story behind the Social Enterprise World Forum's branding
We get a sneak look at the new logo for this year’s Social Enterprise World Forum and hear the story behind its creation.
We get a sneak look at the new logo for this year’s Social Enterprise World Forum and hear the story behind its creation.
Why I became a B Corp: Marnie Hawson
One-person B Corps are few and far between, which is why we were so keen to sit down with photographer, and recently certified B Corp, Marnie Hawson.
The world’s biggest beauty B Corps come together to improve the industry
The world’s biggest beauty B Corps come together to improve the industry
“We concluded that our respective solo efforts to enable positive change can be enhanced through a partnership of mutual commitment.”
“We concluded that our respective solo efforts to enable positive change can be enhanced through a partnership of mutual commitment.”
Why we became a B Corp: ecostore
Why we became a B Corp: ecostore
Since launching in the early 90s, ecostore has gone from being a mail-order company to a brand stocked in all major supermarkets. We sat down with Romain Mereau, ecostore’s sustainability project manager, to ask him why becoming a B Corp certification was the next logical step.
Since launching in the early 90s, ecostore has gone from being a mail-order company to a brand stocked in all major supermarkets. We sat down with Romain Mereau, ecostore’s sustainability project manager, to ask him why becoming a B Corp certification was the next logical step.
Compostable cling wrap that breaks down faster than orange peel
Compostable cling wrap that breaks down faster than orange peel
When Great Wrap founders Julia and Jordy Kay couldn’t find a compostable cling wrap they were 100 per cent happy with, they decided they’d quit their jobs, start a business and manufacture their own.
When Great Wrap founders Julia and Jordy Kay couldn’t find a compostable cling wrap they were 100 per cent happy with, they decided they’d quit their jobs, start a business and manufacture their own.
The Body Shop and Launch Housing partner to employ marginalised Australians
The Body Shop and Launch Housing partner to employ marginalised Australians
“I’ve worked in partnerships for almost 11 years and when we were talking to The Body Shop I was in tears. This to me feels like one of the most impactful things I’ve ever worked on.”
“I’ve worked in partnerships for almost 11 years and when we were talking to The Body Shop I was in tears. This to me feels like one of the most impactful things I’ve ever worked on.”
Launch of new governance model for B Lab Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand
Launch of new governance model for B Lab Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand
As the B Corp movement continues to grow, we sat down with Andrew Davies, CEO of B Lab Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, to hear about the impact the region’s new governance model will have on the movement.
As the B Corp movement continues to grow, we sat down with Andrew Davies, CEO of B Lab Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, to hear about the impact the region’s new governance model will have on the movement.
Why we became a B Corp: T2
Why we became a B Corp: T2
Over the past few years, T2 has committed to creating a business that puts people and planet first – including recently becoming a B Corp. We sat down for a chat with Kathryn Goodwin, T2’s sustainability manager, to talk about why B Corp accreditation was so important.
Over the past few years, T2 has committed to creating a business that puts people and planet first – including recently becoming a B Corp. We sat down for a chat with Kathryn Goodwin, T2’s sustainability manager, to talk about why B Corp accreditation was so important.
B Corp Kester Black hits $2.1 million in equity raise
From almost losing it all to raising over $2 million in less than a year, it’s been a tumultuous time for Anna Ross of Kester Black. Nikki Stefanoff sat down with her for a chat about the rollercoaster ride of the past 18 months.
First Nations non-alcoholic craft beer company in $1 million equity raise
"We chose to go the equity crowdfunding route because it’s accessible to everybody. My hope was that it would draw more First Nations people into wanting to be part of the journey.”
Australia’s emerging seaweed industry could be worth $1.5 billion by 2040
Australia’s emerging seaweed industry could be worth $1.5 billion by 2040
To ensure Australia’s seaweed industry reaches its full potential, key players have joined forces to create the Australian Sustainable Seaweed Alliance — the industry’s first peak body.
To ensure Australia’s seaweed industry reaches its full potential, key players have joined forces to create the Australian Sustainable Seaweed Alliance — the industry’s first peak body.
Coffee, COVID and why Jasper puts price before profit
Coffee, COVID and why Jasper puts price before profit
“From my experience of dealing with so many growers, they are, to me, the best environmentalists. They look after the soil and the world for us just so we have good coffee.”
“From my experience of dealing with so many growers, they are, to me, the best environmentalists. They look after the soil and the world for us just so we have good coffee.”
How TACSI’s social R&D paper was inspired by biscuits
How TACSI’s social R&D paper was inspired by biscuits
“People invest in new phones because there’s a market for new things that are seen to be better. I don’t think there’s the same appetite when it comes to social progress.”
“People invest in new phones because there’s a market for new things that are seen to be better. I don’t think there’s the same appetite when it comes to social progress.”
Kicking off a year of social enterprise with (Re)Purpose
Kicking off a year of social enterprise with (Re)Purpose
In the run-up to the Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF) in September, the sector is looking to generate some social enterprise excitement with its (Re)Purpose event.
In the run-up to the Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF) in September, the sector is looking to generate some social enterprise excitement with its (Re)Purpose event.
B Corp Flora and Fauna is acquired for more than $26 million
B Corp Flora and Fauna is acquired for more than $26 million
We caught up with the ethical online store’s founder and CEO, Julie Mathers, to find out how she approached a purpose-led acquisition and what it means for the brand
We caught up with the ethical online store’s founder and CEO, Julie Mathers, to find out how she approached a purpose-led acquisition and what it means for the brand
A B Corp collaboration to make your mouth water
Ben & Jerry’s and 4 Pines join forces to create an ice cream inspired beer to support renewable energy
A six-pillar approach to protecting nature to protect investments
“Biodiversity really needs its own Paris agreement.”
Decolonising data
"I think it’s something we need to really understand – holders of data hold the power, they make the decisions and they reinforce their own privilege."
The future of ethical AI
Pro Bono News sits down with artificial intelligence researcher Thao Phan to discuss the issues of ethics of race and gender in AI
The Social Enterprise Formula
A masterclass on how to rethink social enterprise is set to run at this year’s Melbourne Knowledge Week
How governments can work with B Corps to drive global change
How governments can work with B Corps to drive global change
A new whitepaper is making the case for governments to extend positive, social and environmental outcomes through procurement by using B Corp certified businesses.
A new whitepaper is making the case for governments to extend positive, social and environmental outcomes through procurement by using B Corp certified businesses.
Technology
The future of ethical AI
Pro Bono News sits down with artificial intelligence researcher Thao Phan to discuss the issues of ethics of race and gender in AI
5 no-code tools to help create a membership site
In a previous post, we talked about why, as a founder, you don’t need a technical co-founder to launch your startup. Now, we’re taking that message one step further and exploring the best no-code tools to use if you’re looking to create a membership site.
Whether you’ve got a large social media following, a connected network of experts or you’re looking to share your expertise, a membership site can support you in reaching the right audience.
Membership sites are often based on access to exper
Whether you’ve got a large social media following, a connected network of experts or you’re looking to share your expertise, a membership site can support you in reaching the right audience.
Membership sites are often based on access to exper
The Benefits of Female-Founder Accelerators
While the message that ‘the future is female’ is one displayed proudly on t-shirts all over the world, it’s still one that hasn’t quite made it into the global boardrooms and offices of big tech companies. So, sick of waiting for the patriarchy to welcome them in with open arms, more and more female entrepreneurs and first-time founders are making the decision to get out there and do it for themselves. 🙌
The rise of the female-led startup has been a steadily-increasing phenomenon over the last
The rise of the female-led startup has been a steadily-increasing phenomenon over the last
Who Do We Trust Online? — Matters Journal
I’m fascinated by the question ‘Who can we trust?’. I started off thinking that this was just a personal question I had relating to being online but then as I branched out with my thinking I realised that, actually, the majority of social media is about presenting an ‘untruthful’ version of ourselves to our peers as well as our followers. If we can’t trust institutions, banks, the church, Facebook, our media sources and, really, each other – who can we trust?
It’s a really good question. Can we
It’s a really good question. Can we
Artificial Intelligence Helping Us Work Smarter — Matters Journal
“The problem lies in the fact that a face has distinct features, which are arranged in a fairly distinct pattern that for the most part don’t change. If you were asked to draw a face you would have eyes, nose and a mouth because, well, a face is a face. Corrosion, however, has this problem where it doesn’t share that many features and under different conditions, different light for example, it will look different. It has a distinctive colour, but even the texture can change depending on how long
The Future of 3D Printing Is Clear — Matters Journal
Darren Feenstra is a long way from home. The co-owner of 3D glass printing company, Maple Glass, and PhD candidate at Melbourne’s Monash University grew up on a small farm just south of Toronto. “I’m from a hard-working family. My dad was a landscaper and my mum cleaned houses until they had a mid-life crisis, quit their jobs and started a perennial farm,” he says. “They are true entrepreneurs.”
While studying his Masters of Applied Sciences at McMaster University, Feenstra started conducting r
While studying his Masters of Applied Sciences at McMaster University, Feenstra started conducting r
Travel
Discover the Kimberley, Australia’s wild, wild west
Ah, Australia. The Lucky Country. Home to Sydney’s iconic Opera House; Melbourne’s famous food culture; Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef; and a world-renowned surf scene. Plus, more deadly flora and fauna per square metre than in any other part of the globe. Yet there’s a part of this sunburnt country that few people visit. A vast and beautiful landscape of red dirt as ancient as the country’s Aboriginal history and as far away from the Aussie stereotypical cork hat, laid-back attitude, and stubb
48 hours in Melbourne
Author: Nikki Stefanoff is a Melbourne-based journalist, editor and contributor to A&K’s biannual Sundowner magazine
It may seem contrary to arrive in Melbourne and then immediately leave the city, but there’s just so much to see and do in the surrounding areas, starting with a trip to the Yarra Valley. Whether you’re travelling with children or sans enfants, time spent at Healesville Sanctuary is never wasted. Home to every Australian native animal you can imagine, it’s the place to go if you
It may seem contrary to arrive in Melbourne and then immediately leave the city, but there’s just so much to see and do in the surrounding areas, starting with a trip to the Yarra Valley. Whether you’re travelling with children or sans enfants, time spent at Healesville Sanctuary is never wasted. Home to every Australian native animal you can imagine, it’s the place to go if you
An intrepid new plan to decarbonise travel
An intrepid new plan to decarbonise travel
Intrepid Travel has announced new low-carbon alternative tours but what does this mean for Aussie travellers still wanting to head overseas?
Intrepid Travel has announced new low-carbon alternative tours but what does this mean for Aussie travellers still wanting to head overseas?
Interviews & Profiles
Why Nicole Haddow wrote The Ethical Investor
In her second book The Ethical Investor: How to Quit Toxic Companies and Grow Your Wealth, journalist Nicole Haddow takes us through how we can put our money where our ethics are.
How Australia Post brought its focus to sustainability
How Australia Post brought its focus to sustainability
We sat down for a conversation with Susan Mizrahi, Australia Post’s chief sustainability officer, about how one of Australia’s most trusted brands approaches sustainability.
We sat down for a conversation with Susan Mizrahi, Australia Post’s chief sustainability officer, about how one of Australia’s most trusted brands approaches sustainability.
The future of L’Oreal is sustainability
The future of L’Oreal is sustainability
We caught up with L’Oreal’s sustainability manager for Australia, Kiera Flynn, to talk about the brand's new sustainability agenda — L’Oreal for the Future.
We caught up with L’Oreal’s sustainability manager for Australia, Kiera Flynn, to talk about the brand's new sustainability agenda — L’Oreal for the Future.
How b.box for kids turned a single product into a global brand
Filer and Michaels first met in London in the early noughties. Both from Australia, and with mutual friends in common, they instantly hit it off. Filer was working in finance and Michaels in sales and marketing, so it wasn’t long before they started talking about working together. They just didn’t know what they would do. The duo looked into importing kids shoes but didn’t follow the idea through. “I’m so pleased we didn’t do that,” says Filer. “It was a good process to go through, however, beca
The 20-year overnight success: Adore Beauty’s Kate Morris
We caught up with Kate to talk about her journey from starting Adore Beauty in her garage to her recent IPO, which has gone down in the history books as being the largest Australian IPO by a female founder.
When you launched Adore Beauty in 1999, you were years ahead of the game. Do you think you realised that at the time?
Well, that’s one way of putting it! When I launched Adore Beauty it was because it just seemed like a no-brainer. I was a student and working on the Clarins counter and cou
When you launched Adore Beauty in 1999, you were years ahead of the game. Do you think you realised that at the time?
Well, that’s one way of putting it! When I launched Adore Beauty it was because it just seemed like a no-brainer. I was a student and working on the Clarins counter and cou
How to seal deals and raise money while working remotely
Both 2020 and 2021 have been full of surprises. As a country we’ve lived through the devastating bushfires and, of course, a global pandemic. However, something else came along that took everyone by surprise — the worldwide pivot to doing (and growing) business from our homes.
As the pandemic spread, founders, CEOs and SMEs moved their organisations online and sent their teams home and onto Zoom.
This pivot to remote working has become a case of business as usual (kind of) ever since.
We aske
As the pandemic spread, founders, CEOs and SMEs moved their organisations online and sent their teams home and onto Zoom.
This pivot to remote working has become a case of business as usual (kind of) ever since.
We aske
Bob Hall and Violet Yu, CEO and Managing Director of Sandstone Technology
People and Performance ,respectively, Bob and Violet have a global staff approaching 350, and have gone on to create digital banking solutions for every bank you can think of. However, back then it was just the two of them in a home office, fresh off the back of years of working for IBM. “Sandstone Technology is only my second ever job,” laughs Bob.
“I joined IBM as a sales engineer straight after completing my mathematics degree. Violet and I both worked at IBM servicing the banking industry,
“I joined IBM as a sales engineer straight after completing my mathematics degree. Violet and I both worked at IBM servicing the banking industry,
Meet the Founder: Adeline Yeak, Zove Beauty
Adeline Yeak (Atto Accelerator 2019) launched Zove Beauty with the mission statement - confidence breeds beauty. Ever since she left the accelerator program, Adeline’s Jade Rollers and Gua Sha tools have been relieving the stress and improving the skin of women all over Australia. It was good to catch-up with Adeline, find out what she’s been up to and hear more about Zove Beauty’s success.
Tell me more about where the idea for Zove Beauty came from.
My family has been in the beauty industry
Tell me more about where the idea for Zove Beauty came from.
My family has been in the beauty industry
Steve Koekemoer, CEO of Open Country Dairy
Open Country Dairy is in the milk business, no question. It works in partnership with 1,000 New Zealand independent dairy farmers to turn two billion litres of milk annually into high quality products like cheese, whey powders and milk powders.
This makes Open Country Dairy the largest independent dairy processor in New Zealand. It is also the second largest whole milk powder exporter worldwide. CEO Steve Koekemoer is originally from South Africa and is a qualified mechanical and electrical eng
This makes Open Country Dairy the largest independent dairy processor in New Zealand. It is also the second largest whole milk powder exporter worldwide. CEO Steve Koekemoer is originally from South Africa and is a qualified mechanical and electrical eng
Gwen Gordan: The Future of Work is…play —
Nikki Stefanoff: I’m fascinated by the work you did with Sesame Street. What did designing and building muppets teach you about the importance of play?
Gwen Gordon: The whole workshop was bursting with creativity and just sheer wackiness. Finally I wasn’t the wackiest person in the room anymore. While that raised my game and made whole new levels of creativity possible, it also helped me to see where my own blocks to play and creativity were. I discovered how I could turn a dream job into a str
Gwen Gordon: The whole workshop was bursting with creativity and just sheer wackiness. Finally I wasn’t the wackiest person in the room anymore. While that raised my game and made whole new levels of creativity possible, it also helped me to see where my own blocks to play and creativity were. I discovered how I could turn a dream job into a str
Vincent Stanley: Director of Philosophy, Patagonia —
For smaller companies who want to be more responsible but can’t cover the cost, what’s the one thing they can do to be more socially and environmentally responsible?
I think that everybody can do something. Even if you’re not making any money you can do something. People ask me when they should become a member of 1% for the Planet [an international organization whose members contribute at least one percent of their annual sales to environmental causes], and I tell them to join right at the begi
I think that everybody can do something. Even if you’re not making any money you can do something. People ask me when they should become a member of 1% for the Planet [an international organization whose members contribute at least one percent of their annual sales to environmental causes], and I tell them to join right at the begi
Meet the Founders: Jenny Le and Pam Yip, Bubble Tea Club
Jenny Le and Pam Yip (Atto Accelerator 2020) launched Bubble Tea Club in 2020 as a way to give everyone access to store-bought quality bubble tea at home. We chatted to Jenny about where the idea came from and how it’s all going.
Where did the idea for Bubble Tea Club come from?
Pam and I wanted to make bubble tea at home but we also wanted it to taste as good as when you get it from the shops! We also wanted to make it accessible because we found that it’s really difficult to get every ingre
Where did the idea for Bubble Tea Club come from?
Pam and I wanted to make bubble tea at home but we also wanted it to taste as good as when you get it from the shops! We also wanted to make it accessible because we found that it’s really difficult to get every ingre
Simon Hupfeld, CEO of AMES Australasia
Simon Hupfeld’s career path to eventually become the CEO of AMES Australasia began when he was the part owner of Northcote Pottery, a business he ran alongside his wife Renae and Andrew and Jenni McMahon.
Over a period of 10 years, Simon and his fellow co-owners grew the business fivefold and at the end of 2013 made the decision to sell it to AMES, a part of Griffon Corporation. “Andrew and Jenni were the majority shareholders of Northcote Pottery and so they moved on to something new after the
Over a period of 10 years, Simon and his fellow co-owners grew the business fivefold and at the end of 2013 made the decision to sell it to AMES, a part of Griffon Corporation. “Andrew and Jenni were the majority shareholders of Northcote Pottery and so they moved on to something new after the
Meeting a Death Doula — Matters Journal
Death. I could take it or leave it, really, but I’m pretty sure it’s not for me. Do I want to talk about it? Nope. Think about it? Not really, unless it’s 3am and then, yes, thank you, I do that all the time. Yet, death is coming for me and, I’m sorry to say, it’s coming for you, too. It’s the one bond we all share and I bet, like me, you’re doing everything you can to avoid thinking or talking about it. Yet the story goes that it’s this refusal to talk about it that’s causing all the angst, whi
Marc Kenney and Matt Hoffman, Managing Director & Director New South Wales of Mettle
When Marc Kenney (pictured left) and Matt Hoffman (right) came together to lead Mettle into its new chapter, they didn’t realise just how quickly things would take off. Marc first got involved with the Brisbane-based construction business in 2014, when he acquired a shareholding in what would become Mettle, while Matt came on board in 2016.
They had worked together previously and had remained friends, so when Marc recognised a growing need for an office in New South Wales, Matt was the first pe
They had worked together previously and had remained friends, so when Marc recognised a growing need for an office in New South Wales, Matt was the first pe
Tom Walley, Director of Hunter Medical Research Institute
Few would argue the importance of funding medical research, but if there ever was a year to prove its worth, 2020 would be it. As the world focuses on handwashing and social distancing, research teams from all corners of the globe are working hard to find a COVID-19 vaccine, or successful treatment – Tom Walley and his colleagues at Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) are one of those teams.
“We have researchers looking at mechanisms of drug delivery in COVID-19, and because HMRI has a ver
“We have researchers looking at mechanisms of drug delivery in COVID-19, and because HMRI has a ver
Ross Higgins, CEO of Futurity
Much like a large proportion of financial services executives, Ross Higgins started his career as a lawyer, spending 12 years working for IOOF as corporate counsel. His role with IOOF was varied and he discovered that he was not only a dab hand at creating financial products but that he also really loved the work.
He moved on to become IOOF’s product development leading hand before leaving in 1998. A spell with Australian Unity came next, followed by 18 years as CEO of Austock Life, which under
He moved on to become IOOF’s product development leading hand before leaving in 1998. A spell with Australian Unity came next, followed by 18 years as CEO of Austock Life, which under
Karl Brown, CEO of Instyle Solar
For the past three years, Karl Brown has cleaned up during Brisbane’s business awards season. His solar panel business, Instyle Solar, has been named retailer of the year for three years in a row, while a second business he runs, Rokkit Performance Marketing, won the startup of the year award in 2019.
That same year, he took out the crown for Brisbane Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Not bad for a guy who jokes that he only went to the ceremony to have a few drinks. “I entered the awards back in
That same year, he took out the crown for Brisbane Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Not bad for a guy who jokes that he only went to the ceremony to have a few drinks. “I entered the awards back in
Gary Denton, Managing Director of Marble Group
Gary Denton’s successful career in recruitment wasn’t so much driven by a burning desire to work in the industry but more as a reaction to personal loss. “When I was in my final year at university I lost my father, and the time I took off from my studies meant that I missed the boat when it came to applying for jobs,” Gary explains.
“When I finally finished my degree, I found myself in a position where I needed some money. So, I took a sales job on a commission-only basis selling people acciden
“When I finally finished my degree, I found myself in a position where I needed some money. So, I took a sales job on a commission-only basis selling people acciden
Len Fiori, CEO of St John Ambulance
Over a period of more than 50 years, St John Ambulance’s Len Fiori has gone from being a St John cadet to the CEO. Albeit, with a few stops along the way. “I started as a cadet back in the 1960s and have stayed involved with the organisation throughout my adult life.
“St John Ambulance has definitely played a huge part in shaping my career; I would go so far as to say that being part of the organisation was the reason I decided to go into nursing. I started out as a young person looking for som
“St John Ambulance has definitely played a huge part in shaping my career; I would go so far as to say that being part of the organisation was the reason I decided to go into nursing. I started out as a young person looking for som
Bill Beament Executive Chairman of Northern Star Resources
The role of Northern Star Resources’ Executive Chair was always part of Bill Beament’s plan, but he’s the first to admit that it took a few people by surprise.
“I wasn’t the smartest kid in the class at university and when I graduated, with honours, there were a lot of people who were thinking, ‘How the hell did he do that?’” he laughs. “But I’ve got common sense, a great work ethic and a practical way of thinking that always wins out. There’s no doubt that I’ve encountered forks in the road al
“I wasn’t the smartest kid in the class at university and when I graduated, with honours, there were a lot of people who were thinking, ‘How the hell did he do that?’” he laughs. “But I’ve got common sense, a great work ethic and a practical way of thinking that always wins out. There’s no doubt that I’ve encountered forks in the road al
Kees Weel, CEO of PWR
Maybe it’s because he’s one of 11 kids or perhaps it’s his Dutch heritage and pure Aussie spirit, but nothing seems to faze Kees Weel, a self-described “kid from Warrnambool”.
“I didn’t finish school; it wasn’t working for me. One day, I walked into a car dealership just outside Timboon, Victoria, and asked for an apprenticeship. Luckily, I got it,” Kees explains.
“From there, I went to Papua New Guinea to earn some money and learn about a different culture. One day, after I got back, I was lo
“I didn’t finish school; it wasn’t working for me. One day, I walked into a car dealership just outside Timboon, Victoria, and asked for an apprenticeship. Luckily, I got it,” Kees explains.
“From there, I went to Papua New Guinea to earn some money and learn about a different culture. One day, after I got back, I was lo