Forward Thinking is a Coast and Commerce Podcast special series of eight episodes featuring live interviews from Forward Fest 2025. Episode 1 highlights two innovative businesses: Aqua Ubique and Moyai. Aqua Ubique focuses on generating drinking water from air, addressing the issue of water scarcity in Australia. The founder, Shannon Lemanski, shares how FWD Fest has been pivotal in his entrepreneurial journey, providing networking opportunities and community support. Moyai, founded by Ilana Morrow, aims to create an inclusive world for people with disabilities by connecting them with businesses and government resources. The conversation emphasises the importance of community, innovation, and social impact in driving business success.

Takeaways

• Aqua Ubique generates drinking water from air, addressing water scarcity.
• Over 2 million Australians lack access to safe drinking water.
• Community support is crucial for entrepreneurial success.
• Moai connects people with disabilities to businesses and government.
• The importance of networking and collaboration in startups.
• Aqua Ubique's mission is to provide 300 million litres of water by 2032.
• Moyai evolved from an index to a solution-focused business.
• Accessibility is a key focus for businesses to attract more customers.
• The entrepreneurial ecosystem on the Sunshine Coast fosters innovation.
• Both businesses highlight the impact of local initiatives on global challenges.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Forward Thinking podcast series

00:54 Aqua Ubique: Water from Air

06:00 The Impact of Business Community and Collaboration

11:30 Motivation for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

13:34 Introduction to Moyai: Building for All Bodies

18:01 The Evolution of Moyai

22:19 Future Plans for Moyai

Visit to know more - https://innovatemedia.com.au/FWD25-01

NEW COAST & COMMERCE PODCAST special series drops weekly from this Tues 1 Sept... Hosted by Ben Amos and produced by Craig Josic

INTRODUCING:

>>> FWD Thinking: Innovation Stories from FWD Fest 2025, featuring Sunshine Coast Businesses Making a Global Impact.

Subscribe and follow us to catch all 8 episodes on your preferred podcast player.

In Episode 8, the last of Coast and Commerce Season 4, Ben Amos chats with Brad Chesham, founder of Bundle of Rays, about the transformative potential of immersive learning technologies of XR, AR, and VR in healthcare education. Brad shares his journey from nursing to entrepreneurship, the challenges of innovating in a conservative industry, dealing with entrepreneurial sacrifices and the importance of building a community of early adopters to champion emerging technologies. He emphasises the need for a shift in how medical education is delivered and the role of disruptive innovators in driving change within Australian healthcare systems.

Takeaways

• Immersive learning can revolutionize medical education.
• The transition from traditional teaching to XR is challenging but necessary.
• Healthcare innovation faces significant institutional inertia.
• Building a sustainable business model is crucial for startups.
• Mental health and work-life balance are critical for entrepreneurs.
• Community support is vital for startup success.
• The future of nursing education will involve objective skill assessments.
• Disruptors play a key role in challenging the status quo.
• Collaboration between academia and industry is essential for innovation.
• Adopters of new technologies can help drive change in healthcare.

Chapters

00:00 The Power of Immersive Learning

05:59 Transforming Medical Education

12:02 Challenges in Healthcare Innovation

17:48 The Journey of a Startup Founder

24:02 Scaling Up: New Opportunities and Challenges

30:00 The Future of XR in Healthcare

36:02 Disruption and Institutional Inertia

41:12 Building a Community of Practice

Click here for more https://innovatemedia.com.au/S4-8

On episode S4-7 Ben Amos speaks with Craig Josic, an entrepreneur and philanthropist, about the importance of collaboration in business, the evolution of the Sunshine Coast's business ecosystem, and the role of FWD›››FEST in driving business community engagement and entrepreneurial growth. They discuss pivotal moments in the region's development, the concept of Silicon Coast, the region's recognition from Google, and explore the future vision for the Sunshine Coast as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Takeaways

• Collaboration is essential for success in today's competitive landscape.
• The Sunshine Coast offers a unique lifestyle and business opportunities.
• Building relationships is crucial for entrepreneurial success.
• Recognition from Google E-Town Award was a pivotal moment for the Sunshine Coast.
• Community support is vital for entrepreneurs facing challenges.
• The ecosystem thrives on collaboration, not competition.
• The future of the Sunshine Coast is bright with innovation.
• Identifying and filling gaps in the ecosystem is necessary for growth.
• FWD>>>Fest serves as a catalyst for community connections and engagement.
• Entrepreneurship can provide pathways for youth and future generations.

Chapters

00:00 The Power of Collaboration

01:03 Introducing Craig Josic: Entrepreneur and Philanthropist

02:51 Finding Opportunity on the Sunshine Coast

05:40 Building Relationships in Business

09:24 Catalysts for Change: The Google E-Town Award

12:12 Recognizing the Sunshine Coast on a Global Stage

14:57 The Importance of Community and Shared Experiences

16:51 Ecosystem Dynamics: Collaboration vs. Competition

18:14 The Evolution of the Sunshine Coast's Innovation Landscape

21:08 Identifying Gaps in the Ecosystem

24:50 The Role of Forward Fest in Driving Innovation

30:00 What to Expect at Forward Fest 2025

37:39 Vision for the Future: The Next 10 Years

Click here for more https://innovatemedia.com.au/S4-7

Welcome to episode S3-6 of the Coast and Commerce Podcast. In this conversation, Ben Amos and Colin Graham from Causeway Innovation discuss the evolving business landscape of the Sunshine Coast, focusing on the importance of innovation and the potential for growth within the region. They explore the concept of economic gardening, emphasising the need to nurture existing businesses rather than solely attracting new ones. The discussion highlights the barriers to innovation, such as time constraints, and the necessity for businesses to look beyond their immediate operations to foster a more innovative and collaborative environment. Ben and Colin discuss the importance of identifying and supporting the 'missing middle' of businesses on the Sunshine Coast. They explore the need for a structured support system for second-stage growth companies, the role of government and business leaders in fostering growth, and practical steps for business owners to innovate and thrive. The discussion emphasises the potential for economic development through collaboration, networking, and strategic thinking.

Takeaways

• The Sunshine Coast has strong connections to major cities but needs to enhance its business ecosystem.
• Innovation is crucial for business growth and regional development.
• Local universities play a significant role in fostering talent and innovation.
• Infrastructure improvements are essential for attracting and retaining businesses.
• COVID-19 has accelerated the influx of entrepreneurial talent to the Sunshine Coast.
• Economic gardening focuses on nurturing existing businesses for growth.
• Peer-to-peer learning can significantly enhance business innovation.
• Time constraints are a major barrier to implementing innovative practices.
• Successful companies can serve as models for others in the region.
• Government support should empower industry groups to drive innovation. We need to support these second-stage growth businesses.
• There's a vital 6% of companies with potential.
• Identifying the missing middle is crucial for growth.
• It's time-consuming but eminently possible to identify growth companies.
• A credible business-like group is essential for support.
• Government needs to step back and let businesses lead.
• We need to think big about our ambitions for growth.
• The Sunshine Coast could become an export industry for innovation.
• Extracting success stories can enhance the region's image.
• Business owners should take time to think bigger about their strategies.

Chapters

00:00 The Sunshine Coast's Business Landscape

06:53 Innovation and Growth in the Sunshine Coast

12:09 The Importance of Innovation for Local Businesses

16:01 Economic Gardening vs. Economic Hunting

23:10 Overcoming Barriers to Innovation

26:37 Evaluating Brand Impact and the Missing Middle

29:26 Identifying and Supporting Growth Businesses

33:19 The Role of Government and Business in Growth

38:11 Imagining a Support System for Growth Companies

46:51 Practical Steps for Business Owners to Innovate

Additional Links:

Ambrose from S3-8

Country Chef from S3-7

Click here for more - https://innovatemedia.com.au/S4-6

In today's episode of the Coast and Commerce podcast, Ben Amos interviews James Blevin, CEO of Youturn, a not-for-profit organisation focused on supporting youth in the Sunshine Coast region. They discuss the complexities of running an NFP, the evolution of Youturn over the years, and the importance of community engagement and philanthropy. James emphasises the symbiotic relationship between businesses and communities, advocating for business owners and the community at large to adopt a long-term vision in helping to address social issues. The conversation highlights the significance of storytelling in philanthropy and how businesses can actively participate in community initiatives.

Takeaways

• Running a large NFP is similar to running a large business.
• Youturn has evolved significantly over 30 years to support youth.
• Community engagement is crucial for business success.
• Philanthropy can start small and grow into impactful initiatives.
• Measuring impact is essential for effective philanthropy.
• Storytelling enhances the connection between charities and donors.
• Public-private partnerships can drive community change.
• A strong community can lead to a stronger business environment.
• Long-term vision is necessary for sustainable community health.
• Business leaders should engage in policy discussions for systemic change.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating the NFP Landscape

02:57 The Evolution of U-Turn

05:49 Service Delivery and Community Impact

09:02 The Symbiosis of Business and Community

11:50 Philanthropy: Beyond Sponsorship

15:12 Measuring Impact in Philanthropy

18:05 The Power of Storytelling

20:56 Engaging the Business Community

24:00 Long-Term Vision for Community Health

26:58 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

Click here for more https://innovatemedia.com.au/S4-5

In S4-4 of Coast & Commerce, Ben Amos chats with Lachie Smart, a Generations Keynote Speaker to explore the themes of generational differences, empathy, and personal growth through the lens of a young pilot's journey to break stereotypes about millennials. They discuss the importance of understanding the context of individual experiences to bridge gaps between generations and the role of mentorship in fostering creativity and resilience in the workplace. In this conversation, Lockie Smart discusses the importance of balancing creativity and discipline in leadership, particularly in the context of generational differences in the workplace. He emphasises the need for leaders to allow creative freedom while also providing support when necessary. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced in maintaining multi-gnerational team cohesion and avoiding an 'us versus them' mentality. Locky shares insights into the evolving landscape of manufacturing in Australia, highlighting the benefits of local supply chains and innovation. Finally, he talks about his commitment to empowering future leaders through workshops and mentorship.

Takeaways

• The context of our experiences shapes our worldview.
• Empathy is essential for understanding generational differences.
• Young people can redefine stereotypes through their actions.
• Preparation for challenges can lead to significant personal growth.
• Resilience is built through overcoming difficult experiences.
• Generational clashes often stem from differing contexts of experience.
• Mentorship can enhance creativity and problem-solving in young people.
• Entitlement can have positive aspects if managed correctly.
• Finding common ground is crucial for effective communication.
• Understanding the motivations of younger generations is key for leaders. 
• Creative freedom is essential for fostering innovation.
• Generational differences can lead to misunderstandings in the workplace.
• Leadership requires a balance of discipline and support.
• COVID-19 highlighted the importance of adaptability in leadership.
• Empathy is crucial for effective communication and understanding.
• Manufacturing in Australia is evolving with local supply chains.
• Future leaders need frameworks to develop their skills.
• Collaboration between generations can enhance workplace culture.
• Understanding underlying issues can improve team dynamics.
• Growth and innovation are key to business success.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Generational Clashes Through Empathy

03:47 The Journey of a Young Pilot: Breaking Stereotypes

08:02 Personal Growth Through Adventure

11:59 Empathy: A Tool for Bridging Generational Gaps

15:56 Navigating Generational Differences in the Workplace

20:21 Balancing Creativity and Discipline in Leadership

24:29 Navigating Generational Friction in the Workplace

27:40 Leadership Challenges During COVID-19

33:40 The Future of Manufacturing in Australia

38:47 Empowering Future Leaders

Click here for more - https://innovatemedia.com.au/S4-4

Additional Links:

• Tara from Groei’s episode of C&C - https://innovatemedia.com.au/S4-2
• Dave Neil from EigthMile's episode of C&C - https://innovatemedia.com.au/S3-3
• Tim Kelly from Manufacturers Excellence Forum episode of C&C - https://innovatemedia.com.au/S2-5

In episode S4-3 of the Coast and Commerce podcast, our host Ben Amos interviews Dave Biggar, CTO of Zone Manufacturing, discussing his journey from boat building to the RV industry, the establishment of Zone RV, and the challenges faced in manufacturing. They explore the importance of innovation, the advantages of being based on the Sunshine Coast, and the future vision for Zone Manufacturing, which includes exciting projects in aerospace and rail. Dave emphasises the significance of understanding staff capacities, looking sideways for business opportunities, and the role of digital transformation in business growth.

Takeaways

• Dave Biggar's journey began with boat building and evolved into RV manufacturing.
• Zone RV was established to innovate within the caravan industry using composite materials.
• The transition from custom boat building to mass production in RVs presented significant challenges.
• Understanding team capacity is crucial for sustainable growth in business.
• Innovation doesn't always mean creating something new; it can involve improving existing processes.
• The Sunshine Coast offers a unique environment for business growth and innovation.
• Zone Manufacturing aims to diversify and scale across multiple industries.
• Digital transformation is key to enhancing operational efficiency and product development.
• Collaboration and building a strong team are essential for overcoming manufacturing challenges.
• Exciting projects in aerospace and rail are on the horizon for Zone Manufacturing.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Acknowledgment

00:56 Dave Biggar's Journey to Zone Manufacturing

04:49 Transition from Boat Building to RV Manufacturing

09:58 Establishing Zone RV and Early Challenges

11:49 Current State of Zone RV

13:46 Expansion into Zone Manufacturing

18:49 Innovation and Digital Transformation

23:51 The Sunshine Coast Advantage

27:09 Future Vision for Zone Manufacturing

29:57 Advice for Entrepreneurs

35:05 Exciting Projects on the Horizon

Click here for more https://innovatemedia.com.au/S4-3

In this conversation, Ben Amos and Tara Jacobson from Groei Education discuss the urgent need for educational reform to better align with the rapidly changing demands of the workforce. They explore the disconnect between what traditional education provides and the skills that industries require, particularly in the context of advancing technologies like AI. Tara shares her journey in innovating education through Groie Education, focusing on creating programs that equip young people with both technical and soft skills. They also delve into the challenges businesses face in adapting their recruitment processes to attract and retain younger generations, particularly Generation Z, who seek flexibility and meaningful work. The discussion highlights local initiatives aimed at fostering talent and creating pathways for employment on the Sunshine Coast.

Takeaways

• Education is not providing the real-time skills needed for the workplace.
• There is a disconnect between industry needs and what education provides.
• Innovative education solutions are necessary for regional small businesses.
• Micro-credentials and stackable skills are the future of education.
• Businesses need to rethink their recruitment and onboarding processes.
• Young people are looking for flexibility and opportunities to explore.
• Emotional intelligence and soft skills are critical for the workforce.
• Creating 'purple people' combines both technical and soft skills.
• Local initiatives are essential for talent retention and pathways to employment.
• Collaboration between education and industry is key to addressing workforce challenges.

Chapters

00:00 The Disconnect Between Education and Industry Needs

06:08 Innovating Education for Future Skills

12:00 Rethinking Recruitment and Onboarding

18:44 Creating 'Purple People' for the Workforce

25:38 Adapting to Generation Z's Workforce Expectations

35:23 Local Initiatives for Education and Employment

Click here for more https://innovatemedia.com.au/S4-2

In the first episode of Season 4 of the Coast and Commerce podcast, Ben Amos speaks with Stella Romagnoli, coordinator of the Diverse Queensland Workforce Program. They discuss the importance of a culturally diverse workforce, the challenges faced by migrants in finding employment, and the benefits that hiring migrants can bring to businesses on the Sunshine Coast. Stella shares her personal experiences as a migrant and the mission of the program to connect skilled migrants with local employers. The conversation highlights the need for cultural diversity in the workplace and the support available for both migrants and employers.

Takeaways

• A diverse workforce enhances problem-solving and team connectivity.
• The Diverse Queensland Workforce Program aims to match migrants with local employment.
• Many migrants face barriers in the job market due to lack of recognition of their skills.
• Employers often have misconceptions about the complexity of hiring migrants.
• The program provides free services to both employers and migrants.
• Cultural diversity in the workplace fosters better connections among staff.
• Employers can benefit from the long term loyalty of migrant employees.
• The Sunshine Coast has potential for greater multiculturalism.
• Support services are available for migrants facing challenges in employment.
• Employers are encouraged to reach out for assistance in hiring migrants.

Chapters

00:00 The Value of a Diverse Workforce

04:57 Understanding the Diverse Queensland Workforce Program

10:44 Challenges and Misconceptions in Hiring Migrants

16:45 Connecting Employers with Migrant Talent

20:35 Cultural Benefits of a Diverse Workplace

24:47 Supporting Migrants in the Sunshine Coast

29:31 Final Thoughts for Employers

Click here for more https://innovatemedia.com.au/S4-1