Startups are full of tech bros aren’t they?
That’s what the media usually focuses on, but the Southstart community is something different.
A tightknit crew – who are also very welcoming. We generously support each other and celebrate each other’s wins. The theme this year was A Space to Breathe. This week was my fifth year in a row.
All areas of the startup and innovation ecosystem are at Southstart… founders, investors, leaders, changemakers – ranging from people just getting started through to those of us who’ve been at it for decades.
It’s not all startup hype though. It’s also a place where we focus on being purpose-driven, contributing to positive systemic change, and looking after our wellbeing. A place where it’s safe to be vulnerable about the challenges, scars, and possibilities of being on this journey… while having a lot of fun.
A fun few days of learning and sharing, hanging out with old friends and making a lot of new friends too. A day at Lot 14, an eve in The Garden of Unearthly Delights, and a day at Serafino Winery in McLaren Vale. I love that so much of Southstart is outdoors in perfect Adelaide weather.
Awesome to hang out with some mates for drinks and tales on Monday before things got started… thanks Steve Taitoko, Jamie Pride, and Dickie Currer!
Day 1: Tuesday, 4 March
Tuesday was a full one at Lot 14. Kicking off with a great Welcome to Country. I love being on Kaurna Country. It’s a beautiful place in the world.
There were plenty of adventures to be had, but the adventure I chose mostly focused on listening to a bunch of friends share their experience. Great to hear from:
- Julie Demsey, Nicole Dyson, Dave McManus on looking after our mental health
- Jamie Pride on launching faster and smarter and doing a live demo using genAI to test your thinking on your ideal customer and market
- Dan Levy and Muen Chen with an interactive session on building collaborative workflows with agentic AI
- Dickie Currer on building brands and media
5:30pm and it was time for drinks and chats in The Garden of Unearthly Delights. A crew of us then headed off for some more drinks with dinner and some Adelaide Fringe comedy action.
Day 2: Wednesday, 5 March
Day two was at Serafino in McLaren Vale. A few of us kicked off with crumpets, chai, and good chats sponsored by Remote. The day was full of talks, guided meditation, a drum circle… and then drinks with plenty more awesome conversations. Southstart isn’t something I can describe… it’s something you need to experience.
I normally hang around for the after party and extra days, but this time I had to get back to Sydney to see Digable Planets at the Metro. Music trumps all.
A massive thanks to Dani Seymour, Craig Swann, Jason Neave, Base Yates, Tiff Bond, Amy Marshall, and the rest of Team Human. You did your magic again and it’s always fun hanging out with you all!
Great to hear from a bunch of friends presenting and sharing their experience… and everyone else I had great conversations with. Thanks for all the fun Sarah Jane Pell, Mike Kelly, Alan Jones, Kath O’Shea, Leesa Chesser, Arianna Watson, Sarah McLachlan, Simon Thomsen, Julie Trell, Moira Were AM, Jess Dudley, Tim O’Brien, Rachel Kidwell, Gracie Smith, Liz Kaelin, Amy Orange, Erin Faehrmann, Nathan Jones, Matt Bowie, Mick Liubinskas, Klaas Raaijmakers, Paz Pisarski, Alan Crabbe, Liz van Zyl, Zach Zocher, Kevin Jochelson, Dan Levy, Julie Demsey, Nicole Dyson, Dave McManus… and so many others.
See you there next year 😃
