Melissa Firth

Little did I know I was coming down with something, and so all the warm, reassuring things I meant to say at the start of my talk about if I, as an arts and communications grad, a former maths-despiser, and UX-type, could get my head around commercial concepts, then so can you… Well, that part just fell out of my head. What’s left are some (I think) pretty useful tools and concepts for product people who want to try to lift their financial awareness. Don’t let perfectionism get in your way! #productmanagement #value #viability

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Miriam Bell, The Post, good read. Another angle to this is leverage in property accelerates wealth building. That allows downsizing and later-life investing in Kiwisaver and Managed funds. We forget, at age 60, we have 30 years left of investing to spread our money out to age 90. Cashing out, or de-risking at retirement age is old-thinking and frankly, madness. It’s these second-season older investors that will contribute to funds such as Simplicity and a percentage of their money will cycle into the likes of Simplicity Living - as Sam Stubbs says, with a goal to build 10,000 rentals over 10 years. We can’t under-estimate the power of the downsizer-investor, in contributing to the shape of the property market.

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The Federal Budget headlines are here, but what truly matters to mid-sized businesses? Our latest MYOB Bi-Annual Business Monitor sheds light on their priorities, surveying 500 mid-market decision-makers (20-500 FTEs, $5m+ revenue) for the first time 👀. Key Findings: - Operational Efficiency is Paramount: Mid-market businesses are laser-focused 🔍 on overcoming cost pressures. Fuel prices (49%), utilities (43%), and interest rates (43%) are their top concerns. - Innovation for Growth: While cautiously optimistic (63% believe the economy will improve📈), they seek measures that support digitization (36%) and national security (37%). - Red Tape Reduction is Crucial: Cutting red tape (36%) is a major priority, allowing them to scale and adapt more effectively🚀. What the Mid-Market Needs: - Streamlining Operations: Incentives to tackle rising fuel and utility costs, along with support for efficient business processes👌. - Investing in Innovation: Funding for digitisation initiatives and policies that foster growth in green technologies and national security sectors💡. - Less Bureaucracy, More Growth: A streamlined regulatory environment to free up resources and unlock their full potential🔓. Read more here - https://lnkd.in/dpsVuKEd

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Brendan Wong has set a few of us on here an assignment to give our tips for growing a career. Having recently transitioned from the security of being a FTE at a company to be out in the wilds of consultancy - I thought I'd share that journey! Given this is your new living (!) you need to find ways to make an earn. Unlike a normal job, I've found you make little bits of money in lots of different ways. Check the second slide on the presentation below for all the ways so far. You need to be aware that LinkedIn is your new primary place of business. Go look at your profile and make sure that it is what you want presented to the world. As my Mom would always say - you only get one chance to make a first impression. (Hint: Be sure to check in both mobile and deskop too!) Most of all you need to spend a lot of time adding value to other people's lives. You have to do that for free and without expectation that each interaction you have in that process automatically will lead to work from the person you help. It won't. You'll go crazy if that is your expecation. What you need to believe in is that by helping a lot of people - your reputation for strong knowledge and helpfulness will bring you clients. You need to get comfortable with creating content. Lots of it. I think podcasting is the biggest superpower out there. Those who may otherwise never respond to you will be interested in chatting on a podcast - helping you build important connections plus it is then the easiest piece of content to then unbundle into lots of other content you need - like short snippets of video, articles and posts. I've included my tech stack in the final post but you can also read the full playbook (all for free) here: https://lnkd.in/gqBZUU-R What else would you like to know? AMA! #linkedinnewsaustralia

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Recently, Catalyz has been asked by a number of our clients to help design and facilitate quarterly leadership offsites/quarterly strategic planning workshops. One of the templates we've been using is this clear and simple adaptation of the "OKR (Objectives + Key Results) framework. Each manager fills this out then presents live at the offsite, with time for clarifying questions from the rest of the leadership team. This is also a great opportunity for leaders to practice focusing on the most high level goals and activities, rather than getting stuck in the weeds. A team of 5 should be able to get through these in around 75 minutes, with 15 minutes per person to share and take questions. Welcome thoughts- is anything missing? Has your team used a template like this? #Leadership #Offsites #StrategicPlanning #Facilitation

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Real systemic change is very hard to achieve and takes a true commitment to a well articulated purpose over a long period of time. In many areas, you also need a supportive, or at least benign, regulatory and government environment to have a chance of making the change stick in the long term. So imagine taking on the enormity of improving the quality of political discourse to deliver genuine advancement through better policies! Where would you even start? At a time when it feels like we are losing the ability to tolerate different opinions, perspectives and cultures, it has perhaps never been more important to help our elected representatives be better prepared and more effective at their jobs. So huge kudos to Sophie Oh and Grant Rule for starting the Susan McKinnon Foundation and Rod Glover, the recently appointed CEO of the McKinnon Institute for Political Leadership for already helping over 25% of the current Federal MPs undertake highly valuable training. I am keen to support this movement and change where I can. I'm also really hoping this helps bring Australia into an era of political leadership, debate and outcomes we can be proud of when it has felt like the opposite of this for a long time. Good article in the The Australian Financial Review by Tom McIlroy giving an overview of progress so far here: https://lnkd.in/eRcPnw2H

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A question for the Design Thinking crew Specifically probably those who are Design Thinking facilitators in corporate settings (but also please chime in from other contexts) Are there any programs/experiences/groups to keep sharpening the DT toolkit at this level? Ideally Australian based so I can get some face to face time But if the best thing is online/overseas so be it Most of the intensives seem to be focussed on Design Thinking foundations But as a forever learner I am looking for an immersive way to get better and better at one of my favourite things. If this doesn’t exist, does anyone want to start a club with me? Also, if you are in a professional services/corporate setting and are genuinely running full Design Sprints I am also very keen to talk to you about this. Ok LinkedIn, do your thing! #designthinking #facilitation #humancentereddesign

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Yesterday I came across this article on Mumbrella, which was showcasing some of the findings from The Good Study 2024 by the Leo Burnett team. While I love the research (such an interesting piece - check it out), one sentence kinda hit me like a thorn in the side (I know I've mixed that saying...) "And while 50% of Aussies would boycott a brand as aforementioned, only 39% believe brands should take a stance on social and political issues" 39%, while it's not majority, is still a strong result and one brands should really take note of, especially around a topic as important as a brands position on social and political issues. It looks like 39% was across all age segments, but when you read on, you see that it actually increases to 42% for Gen Z, which I am not at all surprised about. I would have pictured this result to be higher…. Now, Gen Z are one of the most powerful activism generations of our time, driven heavily by access to social media. Just look at what's happening in universities worldwide, or how they have used social media to promote the boycotts of certain brands who have then suffered significant financial impacts off the back of it. And it's not just the brands who have been directly linked to the world events, but ones who have remained silent. They are now being impacted for not having a position. Cancel culture is not just for personalities but for brands as well. So, while 42% of Gen Z’s might be seen by some as small result, it's an incredibly powerful 42% which needs to be monitored closely by all brands. It's super important to understand your consumers and their views, from a values perspective, of your brand. Consumers, in particular Gen Z are demanding more from their brands, and it’s really important that brands stay on top of this. Do you know what values are important to your consumers? Do you care? Interested to know!

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🌟 Exciting news in Australian tech! 🌟 Cyan and Collis Ta’eed, co-founders of Envato, have achieved a $375.2 million exit as Shutterstock acquires their company. Envato, a marketplace for creatives, was built from scratch without external funding, proving you can build a massive business and a fulfilling life. 🌐 Key Highlights: $375.2M exit with Shutterstock acquiring Envato. Co-founded by Cyan, a notable female entrepreneur. Bootstrapped success, no external funding. Continued focus on work-life balance and philanthropic efforts. Cyan and Collis remain directors, with Cyan continuing to inspire women in tech. This story highlights the power of innovation and dedication. 🚀👩‍💼 Inspire future women entrepreneurs with “When I’m an Entrepreneur” https://ow.ly/MF4Q50SmWaN Read more: https://ow.ly/ROAa50SmWaM #TechNews #FemaleFounders #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #Envato #Shutterstock

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Annie Dean and Dominic Price usually share data (Annie) and feelings (Dom) on what is working at Atlassian when it comes to distributed work, workplaces, and people. And then CEO just cuts to a foundational principle that increases the probability of success dramatically. Don't Hire Idiots ---------- Cannon-Brookes’ secret to WFH: ‘Don’t hire idiots, The Australian https://lnkd.in/gMGdD-zK Lessons learned: 1,000 days of distributed at Atlassian, The Distributed Work Report by Annie Dean https://lnkd.in/gpcCQ_V6 A modern work manifesto for distributed teams by Dominic Price https://lnkd.in/grmyx67K #work #workplace #culture #distributed #digital #remote #hybrid #atlassian Atlassian #donthireidiots #cxo #leadership #trust #modernworkmanifesto #distributedworkreport #fow

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In New Zealand, we’re at a critical juncture. The conversation around productivity is crucial, but talk alone won’t cut it. It’s time to shift gears. Here are some ways business leaders can do this: Methodical Approach: Develop a plan—prioritise quick wins or tackle long-term projects. Create a sustainable framework for positive change. Continuous Mindset: Embrace continuous improvement. Be open to new ideas and revise processes for efficiency gains. Metrics and KPIs: Set clear metrics—ROI, cost-benefit analysis, and productivity data. Regular measurement allows timely course corrections. Strategic Motives: Understand why you’re adopting ways of working. Whether it’s cost reduction, efficiency, or future-proofing, tailor your approach accordingly. Together, let’s drive action and propel NZ forward! #Productivity #ActionNotTalk #BetterBusiness

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While I was back home in NZ 🥝, Ryan, Fiona & Jordan hosted a breakfast alongside Remy & Ed. I was sad to miss the breakfast; mostly because of all the smart people in the room but also partly because it was at Ozone Coffee Ryan, always the conscientious one, kindly shared his hot takes from the whole thing: 💰 Budget constraints are driving a shift in priorities towards profitability over growth. 👩🏼‍🔬 Strategic experimentation is essential. 🦸🏼‍♂️ Leverage your super users. Get more detail on how product teams can still experiment despite shrinking budgets in Ryan’s article ⤵️

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While AI and machine learning are widely recognised for their impact on finance, advertising, healthcare, and retail, their transformative power in agriculture is often overlooked. The Australian agriculture industry makes up a critical part of the economy and employs over 300,000 people. However, it has traditionally been viewed as labour-intensive and dominated by a rural workforce with lifelong on-farm experience.  The advent of agtech is rapidly working to update this image. By harnessing AI and machine learning to improve efficiency, productivity and sustainability in farming, agriculture is drawing new talent from diversified backgrounds to the sector. This evolution not only enhances the attractiveness of agricultural pursuits but also fosters a more dynamic workforce, paving the way for further innovation and growth.

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Reframe failure into learnings. Nicole Williams' message at Product Aotearoa Conference '23. What if telling your stakeholders you were wrong was met with applause? The cost of learning you were wrong could be hours or days, not months! Trade Me's journey to celebrate learning fast and cheaply is an inspiration. As a #Product professional, you can maximize your highest leverage point before any code is written. Get tips on how product people could learn fast, focus on customers, and be praised for disproving hypotheses. Learn how product managers can shift leadership to share a common language and appetite for risk and learning. Watch the video for more insights. https://lnkd.in/gQe6vaSs #ProductManagement #ProductLeadership #PAConf

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Are you embracing the AI Revolution? Over the last few years, I've witnessed first-hand the seismic shifts in our industry. The rapid adoption of AI technology is no longer a distant future; it’s our present reality. According to the State of AI in PR 2024 report by MuckRack, 64% of PR professionals are now leveraging generative AI tools. This statistic alone underscores the urgency for deeper insights into how AI influences brand perception and engagement. Enter GAIO.tech, Hotwire's pioneering AI tool designed to revolutionise how brands are perceived by AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Perplexity. This isn't just another tech gadget; it's a game-changer for our industry. How so? 1. AI-Powered Brand Insights: GAIO.tech uses advanced technology to offer invaluable insights into how brands are perceived by AI chatbots. In a world where AI-driven conversations are becoming the norm, understanding this perception is crucial. Traditional SEO focuses on keywords and backlinks, but GAIO.tech takes it a step further by optimising for generative AI, providing a clearer picture of brand visibility in AI chatbot responses. 2. Enhancing Brand Visibility and Strategy: We know that staying ahead of the competition is key. GAIO.tech enables you to see how brand and product mentions are prioritised in AI chatbot responses. It identifies the most frequently cited products, sources, and influencers, offering a strategic edge in crafting informed PR and marketing strategies. This tool helps brands not just to be seen, but to be prioritised in the digital conversations that matter most. 3. Addressing the Rapid Adoption of AI: The significant increase in the use of generative AI tools among PR professionals highlights a pressing need for tools like GAIO.tech. As AI continues to reshape our industry, understanding its impact on engaging target audiences and stakeholders becomes paramount. GAIO.tech equips PR professionals with the insights needed to navigate this new landscape effectively. In a nutshell, GAIO.tech is not just about keeping up with technological advancements; it’s about harnessing them to build stronger reputations and relationships that boost customer retention and revenues. This tool is a testament to how Hotwire is leading the charge in responsible AI innovation, providing our clients with the competitive edge needed in today’s fast-paced digital world. So, as we embrace this AI-driven future, tools like GAIO.tech will become indispensable in the PR and marketing toolkit. They provide the critical insights needed to craft strategies that influence AI chatbot answers, enhance message delivery, and improve overall brand perception. GAIO.tech is just the beginning, and it's available today to all Hotwire Australia clients! Book a demo today  https://lnkd.in/g7wtwSPi #PRInnovation #BrandStorytelling #Hotwire #GAIOtech #MarketingInsights

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Sharing a handy tool for low-cost market research that could be handy - especially if you're developing digital products and curious about exploring outside of New Zealand. Often as a solo or small business person without startup funding the pricing level for paid research can be out of reach, so I was excited to find this and have a play with the different audience settings. The tool offers a bunch of filters and options for surveys, preference testing, prototypes & card sorting. (Also, if you're wanting to fine tune your research objectives, check out the prototype in my bio! 😎) NZ Entrepreneur Magazine Startup Aotearoa https://lnkd.in/gU76HmuT

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"I believe [portfolios] have so much more to offer than traditional assessment types, like exams and quizzes and even essays." - Shari Bowker, MEd, Learning Designer (ePortfolios) at The University of Queensland. In our latest podcast episode, learn about why she thinks this and the benefits of using portfolios: https://lnkd.in/g8hvZMUH #EduTech #LearningAndDevelopment #Elearning #LearningTechnology

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"𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘆. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘀𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘆." There's a reason Kairos works with Start-Ups! There's even more of that same reason, that got me building Aussie Founders Club. And while I think a lot of the time, Elon is a knob, he's articulated it here. I've worked with large enterprise, I've spoken to many big business hiring managers, I have placed 100s of candidates into mature businesses. 𝐍𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐢𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭-𝐔𝐩 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 & 𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬. And we need smaller companies to lead the way! Because, as perfectly said by Elon, what is the constraint for innovation? Its not money, money is not a scarce commodity - the world is awash with money. The scarce commodity is the ability and willingness to take risks. Which leads me to think: 1) 𝐇𝐎𝐖 𝐁𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐃𝐘 𝐂𝐎𝐎𝐋 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓-𝐔𝐏𝐒 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒋𝒐𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒔𝒆 𝒃𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒔 2) Start-Ups are important and we need to be supporting them

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