ABS at Central Coast Regional Innovation Leaders Program

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Two Avondale Business School academics (Lisa Barnes and David Wilson) along with about 20 Central Coast regional industry managers, leaders and owners attend the 1st of three sessions of the Innovation Leaders program held at the Business Hub, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah campus on Friday, August 23. The event was organized by the Australian Government, Department of Industry, Innovation and Science as part of their Business Entrepreneurs’ Program for 2019.

The theme of the program for the day was ‘Managing performance courageously’ and to bring out the best in individuals in the work place. Making difficult conversations, skills needed in making courageous performance conversations and managing feedback. The day’s proceedings were efficiently facilitated by Tim and Colleen with activities including group discussions, role play, debrief and group work. Sharing of fresh live in-the-work type experiences from industry and work related perspectives filled the room with awe during the sessions. Sharing in confidence were some of the highlights of the sessions.

As ABS academics the key take away for us from these sessions were the interactions made with industry based practitioners. Networking with some of the key regional industry participants and discussing on future collaborations for ABS students to get hands on work internship experience.  Participating in such programs opens a great way to engage with people who come from other work areas and industries within the local region.