Colette Grgic is no stranger to startups. She is the Head of Startup Ecosystem in Australia & New Zealand for Amazon Web Services. In this role, Colette is responsible for the growth of the startup ecosystem at AWS and leads an excellent team who support startups with commercial and technical advice. She also serves as a Director of Heads Over Heels. Prior to her role at AWS, Colette was Chief Innovation Officer at BlueChilli. Colette also founded her own travel tech startup, Arribaa, and managed Autogenie, an internal startup for ASX-listed Smartgroup.
In this chat with Ian, Colette shares...
What is was like growing up in South Africa and Canada
How she developed a passion for innovation and startups
The story of founding her startup Arribaa ("the Airbnb of experiences")
The highs and lows of her 6-year journey with BlueChilli
Her favourite parts of her role at AWS
Where the magic happens between corporates and startups
How the AWS Activate program can help startups scale
Quickfire RecommendationsBook: The AlchemistPodcast: Masters of ScaleNews source: AFRFavorite tech CEO: Silvia Pfeiffer of CoviuApp: PictureThis (plant identification app)Ted talk topic: How do you change people's minds about the environment?
If you're looking to scale your startup, apply to the AWS Activate program to receive AWS credits, AWS support plan credits and training to help grow your business: https://aws.amazon.com/activate/
__________________
Innovation Bay is holding AI and health tech-focused pitch events this May for Horizon, our community of experienced angel investors. If you are the founder of an AI or health tech startup looking to network with angels who can offer advice, connections and capital, apply to pitch here: https://bit.ly/PitchHorizonMay
Women-led startups in Victoria, apply to connect with Horizon: https://bit.ly/VictorianFemaleFounders

<div>Colette Grgic is no stranger to startups. She is the Head of Startup Ecosystem in Australia &amp; New Zealand for Amazon Web Services. In this role, Colette is responsible for the growth of the startup ecosystem at AWS and leads an excellent team who support startups with commercial and technical advice. She also serves as a Director of Heads Over Heels. Prior to her role at AWS, Colette was Chief Innovation Officer at BlueChilli. Colette also founded her own travel tech startup, Arribaa, and managed Autogenie, an internal startup for ASX-listed Smartgroup.</div><div><br></div><div>In this chat with Ian, Colette shares...</div><ul><li>What is was like growing up in South Africa and Canada</li><li>How she developed a passion for innovation and startups</li><li>The story of founding her startup Arribaa ("the Airbnb of experiences")</li><li>The highs and lows of her 6-year journey with BlueChilli</li><li>Her favourite parts of her role at AWS</li><li>Where the magic happens between corporates and startups</li><li>How the AWS Activate program can help startups scale</li></ul><div><br></div><div>Quickfire Recommendations</div><div>Book: <a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/ALCHEMIST-25TH-ANNIVERSARY-PAULO-COELHO/dp/0062315005/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&amp;keywords=the+alchemist&amp;qid=1613690917&amp;sr=8-1" target="_blank">The Alchemist</a></div><div>Podcast: <a href="https://mastersofscale.com/" target="_blank">Masters of Scale</a></div><div>News source: <a href="https://www.afr.com/" target="_blank">AFR</a></div><div>Favorite tech CEO: Silvia Pfeiffer of Coviu</div><div>App: PictureThis (plant identification app)</div><div>Ted talk topic: How do you change people's minds about the environment?</div><div><br></div><div>If you're looking to scale your startup, apply to the AWS Activate program to receive AWS credits, AWS support plan credits and training to help grow your business: <a href="https://aws.amazon.com/activate/" target="_blank">https://aws.amazon.com/activate/</a></div><div><br></div><div>__________________</div><div><br></div><div>Innovation Bay is holding AI and health tech-focused pitch events this May for Horizon, our community of experienced angel investors. If you are the founder of an AI or health tech startup looking to network with angels who can offer advice, connections and capital, apply to pitch here: <a href="https://bit.ly/PitchHorizonMay" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/PitchHorizonMay</a></div><div><br></div><div>Women-led startups in Victoria, apply to connect with Horizon: <a href="https://bit.ly/VictorianFemaleFounders" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/VictorianFemaleFounders</a></div>

There is a lot of activity in the Australian startup ecosystem. Ideas, talent, and money are all flowing into this sector at an unprecedented rate. 

This weekly podcast brings in-depth interviews with the best people making the biggest difference.

It's brought to you by Ian Gardiner and Phaedon Stough, technology entrepreneurs helping to grow the startup sector in Australia and New Zealand. Ian and Phaedon co-founded Innovation Bay with a clear mission to help technology entrepreneurs succeed.

A weekly deep dive into Australia's tech and startup ecosystem. Brought to you by Innovation Bay

Open the Pod Bay Doors

The Australian and New Zealand startup ecosystem is burgeoning, exciting and filled with some of the most fascinating minds on the planet, all driven by a passion to make a positive and lasting impact. Open The Pod Bay Doors invites some of the brightest minds in the industry for deep conversations and awe-inspiring insights from their captivating journeys. Lend us your ears to gain some fresh knowledge and broaden your insights. Brought to you weekly by Innovation Bay. 

<p>The Australian and New Zealand startup ecosystem is burgeoning, exciting and filled with some of the most fascinating minds on the planet, all driven by a passion to make a positive and lasting impact. Open The Pod Bay Doors invites some of the brightest minds in the industry for deep conversations and awe-inspiring insights from their captivating journeys. Lend us your ears to gain some fresh knowledge and broaden your insights. Brought to you weekly by Innovation Bay. </p>

Colette Grgic is no stranger to startups. She is the Head of Startup Ecosystem in Australia & New Zealand for Amazon Web Services....

E109 - Colette Grgic, AWS

Our guest for episode 176 is Clive Burcham, a highly influential, philanthropic and impact driven individual. Clive is one of the founding partners of Global Citizen, $46bn New York based juggernaut whose mission is to end extreme poverty. He is also the founder of what he terms a “side hustle” called Compadres, where he works with founders and CEOs to help them achieve "a better life, a better business, a better you". 



From growing up in a beef and dairy farming family in regional West Australia, to jumping into TV at 15 and becoming a media executive at the age of 25, to moving to New York to run the Search for a Supermodel television show and working with leading advertising, design and branding agencies. Clive's life has been varied and rich with experiences. 



Armed with a whole lot of technical knowledge from his time in NY, Clive moved back to Australia to undercut the local advertising industry to create better quality creative and content for clients. Taking his company from zero to hero in just 3 years, Clive sold a large stake to leading advertising holding company WPP, later buying it back to rebuild it. 



With a penchant for giving, a captivating and wise mind, a values-led existence, and a heart of gold, Clive has founded and aligned himself with organisations that aim to make better and illuminate the human experience. “We’re put on this earth to make a difference to other people and to live in a community and be connected,” he says. 



Tune in to learn of Clive’s fascinating journey, one we could all take a leaf from! 



Quickfire Round: 

Book: ‘Who Not How’, Dan Sullivan 

Podcast: Your Move with Andy Stanley 

News Source: Reuters 

Productivity Tool: Calendar 

CEO: Dan White, Luke Harris, Steven Marks  

App: Instagram 

TV Show: WeCrashed 

TEDTalk Topic: How do we use our power to influence good  





Get in touch with Clive at https://wearecompadres.com | and follow along on Instagram @wearecompadres



This episode is brought to you by Vanta. 

<p>Our guest for episode 176 is Clive Burcham, a highly influential, philanthropic and impact driven individual. Clive is one of the founding partners of Global Citizen, $46bn New York based juggernaut whose mission is to end extreme poverty. He is also the founder of what he terms a “side hustle” called Compadres, where he works with founders and CEOs to help them achieve "a better life, a better business, a better you". </p>
<p> </p>
<p>From growing up in a beef and dairy farming family in regional West Australia, to jumping into TV at 15 and becoming a media executive at the age of 25, to moving to New York to run the Search for a Supermodel television show and working with leading advertising, design and branding agencies. Clive's life has been varied and rich with experiences. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Armed with a whole lot of technical knowledge from his time in NY, Clive moved back to Australia to undercut the local advertising industry to create better quality creative and content for clients. Taking his company from zero to hero in just 3 years, Clive sold a large stake to leading advertising holding company WPP, later buying it back to rebuild it. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>With a penchant for giving, a captivating and wise mind, a values-led existence, and a heart of gold, Clive has founded and aligned himself with organisations that aim to make better and illuminate the human experience. “We’re put on this earth to make a difference to other people and to live in a community and be connected,” he says. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Tune in to learn of Clive’s fascinating journey, one we could all take a leaf from! </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Quickfire Round: </strong></p>
<p>Book: ‘Who Not How’, Dan Sullivan </p>
<p>Podcast: Your Move with Andy Stanley </p>
<p>News Source: Reuters </p>
<p>Productivity Tool: Calendar </p>
<p>CEO: Dan White, Luke Harris, Steven Marks  </p>
<p>App: Instagram </p>
<p>TV Show: WeCrashed </p>
<p>TEDTalk Topic: How do we use our power to influence good  </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Get in touch with Clive at <a href="https://wearecompadres.com/">https://wearecompadres.com</a> | and follow along on Instagram <a href="https://d2nt8r04.na1.hs-sales-engage.com/Ctc/5G+23284/d2Nt8R04/JkM2-6qcW6N1vHY6lZ3ppW2Nsm3h2JNZ6ZW6-KP2s8LdKscVJRGvx18-JKJW3Fh8tj55g-8HVXT06m30pjqzW5lPg8T7fQ8M7N2f51SgQK6zyW5F-j-34qfZX1W76kRdt3sg9FgN2DFMH6_sZjvW20PjR48l7bXhN50vzrWtkb8gW3dnt0n1yvDRkW2Xx7258SHHtjW5CLTMg2rW-wPW2F7FzR8lMhfRN5lp2R2ttDyKN7prrsshC4hKN31qyy2HtyJZN8jQLwdnJ2ZCW7TRs4m1L5_hrV4ZrfS6dL268f2v8mRR04">@wearecompadres</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>This episode is brought to you by Vanta. </p>

E176 - Clive Burcham, Founder Compadres, Founding Partner, Global Citizen

Our guest this week is Leah Kaplan, APAC Sustainability Business Lead at Google Cloud. Leah’s passion for sustainability stems from her deep love of nature. Leah held a number of consulting technology roles before her dream job came up at Google Cloud - where she now sits at the nexus of technology and sustainability. 



Sustainability has been a core value at Google for 25 years who are looking to minimise their impact on the planet while helping others to do the same. In 2007, Google became the first major company to become carbon neutral. In 2017 Google was the first company to achieve a 100% renewable energy match - this means purchasing renewable energy that covers all energy usage for all of Google which they’ve done every year since. Google has data centres running 24/7 solely on carbon free energy. One of their key goals by 2030 is to have every data centre around the world run on carbon free energy. Google is forecast to spend $10B on renewable energy this year alone! 



As  the whole world struggles with climate change, how do businesses begin to understand the impact climate change is going to have on them in the future? Leah’s role as Sustainability Business Lead for APAC at Google is fascinating and impactful, with an emphasis on encouraging and helping corporate customers to achieve their sustainability goals via the Google Cloud platform. There are myriad sustainability areas to focus on - not just gas emissions. These include water stewardship, waste reduction, circulatory in products, optimisation - all areas that technology can help with - particularly AI. 



One of the pressures Leah observes with the customers she engages with is that many of those in younger generations are willing to pay more for products that are sustainably sourced and will show loyalty to brands that have a sustainability mission. Leah helps companies tackle these challenges by working with them to assess a measurement framework and benchmark, help them to become compliant against regulation, assist companies to make data-driven critical business decisions, guide them in optimising with what they do have, and help to seek out aligned sustainability growth opportunities. She also emphasises that companies with strong sustainability initiatives attract top talent.



This hugely educational and fascinating discussion cover so much more... take a listen.



Interested in learning more about how Google Cloud can assist you to reach sustainability goals? Head to Google Cloud’s website, sign up for free and receive $300 in credit, or reach out to your Google rep or Innovation Bay who will put you in touch.  



Book: Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen and Ancillary Justice, Ann Leckie

Podcast: The Energy Gang and Stuff You Should Know 

News Source: The Guardian 

Productivity Tool: Calendar and Kanban Board 

CEO: Melanie Perkins, Canva 

App: Signal 

TV Show: The Wire 

TEDTalk Topic: Geospatial analytics and its impact on sustainability



This episode is brought to you by Vanta. 

<p>Our guest this week is Leah Kaplan, APAC Sustainability Business Lead at Google Cloud. Leah’s passion for sustainability stems from her deep love of nature. Leah held a number of consulting technology roles before her dream job came up at Google Cloud - where she now sits at the nexus of technology and sustainability. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Sustainability has been a core value at Google for 25 years who are looking to minimise their impact on the planet while helping others to do the same. In 2007, Google became the first major company to become carbon neutral. In 2017 Google was the first company to achieve a 100% renewable energy match - this means purchasing renewable energy that covers all energy usage for all of Google which they’ve done every year since. Google has data centres running 24/7 solely on carbon free energy. One of their key goals by 2030 is to have every data centre around the world run on carbon free energy. Google is forecast to spend $10B on renewable energy this year alone! </p>
<p> </p>
<p>As  the whole world struggles with climate change, how do businesses begin to understand the impact climate change is going to have on them in the future? Leah’s role as Sustainability Business Lead for APAC at Google is fascinating and impactful, with an emphasis on encouraging and helping corporate customers to achieve their sustainability goals via the Google Cloud platform. There are myriad sustainability areas to focus on - not just gas emissions. These include water stewardship, waste reduction, circulatory in products, optimisation - all areas that technology can help with - particularly AI. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>One of the pressures Leah observes with the customers she engages with is that many of those in younger generations are willing to pay more for products that are sustainably sourced and will show loyalty to brands that have a sustainability mission. Leah helps companies tackle these challenges by working with them to assess a measurement framework and benchmark, help them to become compliant against regulation, assist companies to make data-driven critical business decisions, guide them in optimising with what they do have, and help to seek out aligned sustainability growth opportunities. She also emphasises that companies with strong sustainability initiatives attract top talent.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>This hugely educational and fascinating discussion cover so much more... take a listen.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Interested in learning more about how Google Cloud can assist you to reach sustainability goals? Head to Google Cloud’s<a href="https://d2nt8r04.na1.hs-sales-engage.com/Ctc/5G+23284/d2Nt8R04/JjT59_bhW50kH_H6lZ3lnW1VSvw81J4gmkN71mJTZj6pzRW571yLd9jm3MrW41G9tv1jgcGCW3MrpnS7dwW77W4J0lxw3BVNrPW4cp8f46ZnDkwW2M87nY6LL18-W6FVXZw3K6sVWW4N-MpK59r-JwW8SgKmt7GwkJ7N6b5kjMZsQ5nW5ZhDBW87QdKYW7K-JG53qP5QXW1GrB_03GnVsvW2MZmjH6vnzzqW2NgGzP3Hg6rQVMRV2x5rc4T7W3KCqTh56NPRxW1gDMJT3LbZ5rVt5ZkW69hDKhW2Jg3v06BkWGlW1x6ZZt13fZ-cN2T9V0CFZ9yRW2rD7Sx46nTzQW1lNy701SptMsW8mN4CQ3X8s-QMVtHBQjpbByW36zg9n5l3wlwW9bNccG7pZsF_W8ldXrJ5xyYrxW6gV-BR94nJzjf6s9-xW04"> website</a>, sign up for free and receive $300 in credit, or reach out to your Google rep or Innovation Bay who will put you in touch.  </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Book: <em>Pride and Prejudice</em>, Jane Austen and <em>Ancillary Justice, </em>Ann Leckie</p>
<p>Podcast: <em>The Energy Gang </em>and <em>Stuff You Should Know </em></p>
<p>News Source: The Guardian </p>
<p>Productivity Tool: Calendar and Kanban Board </p>
<p>CEO: Melanie Perkins, Canva </p>
<p>App: Signal </p>
<p>TV Show: The Wire </p>
<p>TEDTalk Topic: Geospatial analytics and its impact on sustainability</p>
<p> </p>
<p>This episode is brought to you by Vanta. </p>

E175 - Leah Kaplan, APAC Sustainability Business Lead at Google Cloud

Our guest this week is Bernadette Olivier, CEO & Co-Founder of The Volte - a groundbreaking peer-to-peer fashion rental marketplace that's redefining the way we experience fashion globally. From its humble beginnings to its dazzling rise, The Volte seamlessly connects borrowers and lenders, while promoting a sustainable, circular economy.



Bernadette takes us through the evolution of The Volte, from its early days catering to fashionistas to its transformation into a platform embraced by mainstream consumers. She reflects on the complexities of remote work, the importance and challenges of strategic partnerships, and the challenges faced during the tumultuous times of COVID-19. The Volte not only weathered the COVID storm, but has since experienced remarkable growth in orders and active users. 



She candidly reflects on the importance of trust, dedication, and alignment within a startup team, where she shares co-founder duties with four other women - Genevieve Hohnen, Kym Atkins and Jade Hirniak. From bootstrap beginnings to securing funding from Angels and VCs including eBay Ventures,The Volte defied the odds to become a trailblazer in the fashion rental industry.



Bernadette shares the uniqueness of The Volte's model - which is focused on occasion-based rentals rather than traditional subscriptions - as well as insights into the company's distinctive unit economics. From leveraging strategic investments, harnessing the power of AI for personalised customer experiences, and visions of international expansion into Europe, Bernadette paints a compelling picture for The Volte's future.



Quickfire Round 

Book: 'Atonement' by Ian McEwan, 'Burn Book' by Kara Swisher

Podcast: Hard Fork, The Business of Fashion 

News Source: New York Times 

Productivity App: ClickUp 

CEO: Anthony Eisen (Afterpay) 

Favourite App: Calm 

TV Show:  'Vanderpump Rules' and 'The Morning Show'

Movie: ‘Barbie’, ‘Oppenheimer’ 

TED Talk Topic: Changing consumption habits - moving from disposable, one-off usage to reusing, safekeeping and passing onto the next owner. 



This episode is brought to you by Vanta. 

<p>Our guest this week is Bernadette Olivier, CEO &amp; Co-Founder of The Volte - a groundbreaking peer-to-peer fashion rental marketplace that's redefining the way we experience fashion globally. From its humble beginnings to its dazzling rise, The Volte seamlessly connects borrowers and lenders, while promoting a sustainable, circular economy.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Bernadette takes us through the evolution of The Volte, from its early days catering to fashionistas to its transformation into a platform embraced by mainstream consumers. She reflects on the complexities of remote work, the importance and challenges of strategic partnerships, and the challenges faced during the tumultuous times of COVID-19. The Volte not only weathered the COVID storm, but has since experienced remarkable growth in orders and active users. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>She candidly reflects on the importance of trust, dedication, and alignment within a startup team, where she shares co-founder duties with four other women - Genevieve Hohnen, Kym Atkins and Jade Hirniak. From bootstrap beginnings to securing funding from Angels and VCs including eBay Ventures,The Volte defied the odds to become a trailblazer in the fashion rental industry.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Bernadette shares the uniqueness of The Volte's model - which is focused on occasion-based rentals rather than traditional subscriptions - as well as insights into the company's distinctive unit economics. From leveraging strategic investments, harnessing the power of AI for personalised customer experiences, and visions of international expansion into Europe, Bernadette paints a compelling picture for The Volte's future.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Quickfire Round </strong></p>
<p>Book: 'Atonement' by Ian McEwan, 'Burn Book' by Kara Swisher</p>
<p>Podcast: Hard Fork, The Business of Fashion </p>
<p>News Source: New York Times </p>
<p>Productivity App: ClickUp </p>
<p>CEO: Anthony Eisen (Afterpay) </p>
<p>Favourite App: Calm </p>
<p>TV Show:  'Vanderpump Rules' and 'The Morning Show'</p>
<p>Movie: ‘Barbie’, ‘Oppenheimer’ </p>
<p>TED Talk Topic: Changing consumption habits - moving from disposable, one-off usage to reusing, safekeeping and passing onto the next owner. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>This episode is brought to you by Vanta. </p>

E109 - Colette Grgic, AWS

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