WHEN the first flint tools were discovered to create fire the concept of innovation was probably as understood as well as it is today. Fire enabled survival, improved quality of life and was the foundation of emerging Stone Age industries. From this time more than 200,000 years ago humans explored and embedded new processes and concepts. They innovated.
The march of innovation has since shifted from a stroll to brisk walk to a jog. We are now in a phase where the race to innovate isn't a sprint to a finish line instead it's about the commitment to lasting the distance.
While it may seem the latest catchphrase of the day, innovation is in fact a critical component to our survival across our personal lives, within our professions and in the development of our businesses.
On Thursday September 22 The Hastings Business Women's Network will launch its Professional Development foray into innovation. As business women across the Mid North Coast what does innovation really mean for you not only in keeping your business afloat, but in retaining your own professional employment edge and in making the most of life overall?
Join us for a special lunch at Rydges to hear some of our region's leading innovation experts speak about what innovation means in our day to day lives.
The event will feature a 40 minutes panel discussion focused on the elements of innovation and why innovation is more than just the catchcry of the moment it is about building sustainable competitive advantage as a business community, a region and as individual professionals.
Panel members include: Emeritus Professor Ross Chambersformer CSU Head of Campus Port Macquarie
During his employment with CSU over more than 30 years, Professor Chambers held a range of positions including lecturer, Head of School, Dean and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic). Prior to these appointments he taught Russian history and the history of political and social thought. In his leadership roles at CSU Professor Chambers oversaw CSU's strategies for regional engagement and campus development, its flexible learning programs and Indigenous Education Strategy. Professor Chambers led the planning for the development of CSU's campus at Port Macquarie and, following his retirement, was asked by CSU to take up a part-time role overseeing the development of the campus. Professor Chambers is based in Port Macquarie and has a long family connection with the Mid-North Coast region. Julie O'SheaManager of Transformation People and Change with Essential Energy
Julie has more than 15 years' transformational leadership experience including across organisational Change Management, organisational design and communications expertise. Prior to joining Essential Energy (and relocating with her family to Port Macquarie) in August this year she has held roles with national organisations including Toll Group, NAB, Hewlett-Packard, Australia Post, Telstra, Shell and BHP Billiton. Malcolm Neale Principal of Fuel for Business
Malcolm specialises in supporting individuals and businesses who are seeking to grow and evolve. An executive and business coach who also holds qualifications across Neuro Linguistic Programming, Malcolm is also chairman of Bravehearts Mid North Coast. Tanya SimmonsBennett's Steel
From hairdresser to restaurateur to the co-owner of Bennett's Steel, Tanya is well versed in evolving both her career and her business. Bennett's Steel has consistently won recognition across the region for its approach to innovation and growth.
Panel discussions will focus on:
- Key elements of innovation (internal and external);
- Why innovation is more than products and services (processes, business improvements etc);
- The value of agility and continued evolution;
- The importance of continuing skills development.
Don't miss this exciting event. | Venue: | Rydges | | Venue Address: | 1 Hay Street Port Macqaurie | | Starting: | 5:42 PM | | Wednesday 21st September 2016 | | Ending: | 6:00 PM | | Phone Enquiries: | 0417175022 |
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