Leanne Kemp: Innovation key to bright future

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Innovation starts with you! Queensland's Chief Entrepreneur Leanne Kemp in Bundaberg today.
Innovation starts with you! Queensland's Chief Entrepreneur Leanne Kemp in Bundaberg today.

How can we shape our future and grow the region?

That was one of the questions Queensland's Chief Entrepreneur discussed today at an event that brought the community together to talk about the power of innovation.

Leanne Kemp, Founder and CEO of Everledger, travelled to the region for the Hinkler Innovation Series and delivered an engaging discussion at the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre.

“I am in Bundaberg connecting with innovators, start-ups, scale-ups and universities,” she said.

“In fact, everyone who is thinking about innovation, anyone that has it in their lungs and in their veins and that want to make a change.”

Why should we focus on innovation?

Leanne said talking about innovation was important for the community and for the future.

“For me, innovation means that you are solving a real problem; challenges that exist either in the world, in your world or the world around you,” she said.

The Hinkler Innovation Series with Leanne Kemp

“It's important for regional Australians but it is also important for everyone here on this planet.”

As part of her visit, Leanne met with 30 local businesses and founders at a round-table discussion to educate and inspire those looking towards the future.

“It was a great opportunity to connect with local people and to chat about what tomorrow looks like,” she said.

“Having a thriving ecosystem of innovation is one thing but connection with the community is equally as important.

“It helps people move forward with aspirations.”

What makes a great entrepreneur or innovator?

Leanne said the power of innovation and entrepreneurship meant striving forward in times of uncertainty.

“There are certainly a number of challenges being faced in the world today,” she said.

“Uncertainty in the future of jobs and work, what climate change means for us; does it affect me or will it affect my family?”

She said being an innovator or entrepreneur meant being able to be certain in times of uncertainty.

“What's not possible is a thought that often paralyses people,” she said.

“For founders and innovators, they dissociate themselves from challenges and fears in order to move forward and make change.”

Hinkler Innovation Series

Leanne Kemp's visit is part of Bundaberg Regional Council and CQUniversity's Hinkler Innovation Series.

The series launched in 2018 and has featured guest speakers including Bernard Salt AM and Professor Ed Blakely.

The aim of the series is to bring well-known thought-leaders from across Australia and the globe to drive discussion on matters relevant to the Bundaberg Region.