Published Tuesday, 15 January, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry
The Honourable Desley Boyle
High-tech women attend entrepreneurial guru’s master class in Brisbane
Four Queensland women have been sponsored by the State Government to attend a Global Sales Strategies for High Tech Entrepreneurs workshop in Brisbane.
The workshop, on 11 and 12 January at The Hilton Brisbane, was led by Ken Morse, Managing Director of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Entrepreneurship Centre and known worldwide for his expertise in global sales strategies.
It is aimed at our future industry leaders in high tech sectors, including information and communication technology (ICT) and biotech.
Regional Development and Industry Desley Boyle said the places were provided to encourage more women to take up the opportunity to tap into advice on developing and sustaining a business.
“Less than 18 per cent of all ICT sector employees are women and alarmingly, this number is falling,” Ms Boyle said.
“This is not just an Australian trend either. Mr Morse has expressed concerned about the low number of women participating in entrepreneurial programs or workshops which are designed to give them the skills for success.
“Network development and mentor support are vital ingredients for a business to survive and this workshop focuses on those areas.
“Mr Morse has a particular flair for mentoring high tech start-up companies. He has 25 years experience in the industry and prior to setting up the MIT Entrepreneurship Center, he co-founded six high tech companies, including the 3Com Corporation and Aspen Technology.
“As well as featuring case studies, lectures, discussions and presentations, the workshop included ‘hands-on’ exercises and the opportunity to practice ‘elevator pitches’ with potential customers.”
Ms Boyle said the recipients of the scholarships were:
• Louise Brockman, Managing Director of HR Coach
• Sue Wickenden, CEO of Smartype 88 Pty ltd/iSmart Software
• Rhiannon Phillips, Business Development Manager, Wildfire Studios Pty Ltd
• Kim Parascos, CEO of IVolve Pty Ltd
“These four women are all highly successful and wonderful role models,” Ms Boyle said.
“A critical issue for the ICT industry is attracting suitable skilled employees so it’s important to promote and reward success.
“Mr Morse has previously run similar workshops to great success around the world, including in Denmark, Northern Ireland, New Zealand and Quebec.”
Ends
Media contact: 3224 2007 or 3225 1005
15 January 2008
The workshop, on 11 and 12 January at The Hilton Brisbane, was led by Ken Morse, Managing Director of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Entrepreneurship Centre and known worldwide for his expertise in global sales strategies.
It is aimed at our future industry leaders in high tech sectors, including information and communication technology (ICT) and biotech.
Regional Development and Industry Desley Boyle said the places were provided to encourage more women to take up the opportunity to tap into advice on developing and sustaining a business.
“Less than 18 per cent of all ICT sector employees are women and alarmingly, this number is falling,” Ms Boyle said.
“This is not just an Australian trend either. Mr Morse has expressed concerned about the low number of women participating in entrepreneurial programs or workshops which are designed to give them the skills for success.
“Network development and mentor support are vital ingredients for a business to survive and this workshop focuses on those areas.
“Mr Morse has a particular flair for mentoring high tech start-up companies. He has 25 years experience in the industry and prior to setting up the MIT Entrepreneurship Center, he co-founded six high tech companies, including the 3Com Corporation and Aspen Technology.
“As well as featuring case studies, lectures, discussions and presentations, the workshop included ‘hands-on’ exercises and the opportunity to practice ‘elevator pitches’ with potential customers.”
Ms Boyle said the recipients of the scholarships were:
• Louise Brockman, Managing Director of HR Coach
• Sue Wickenden, CEO of Smartype 88 Pty ltd/iSmart Software
• Rhiannon Phillips, Business Development Manager, Wildfire Studios Pty Ltd
• Kim Parascos, CEO of IVolve Pty Ltd
“These four women are all highly successful and wonderful role models,” Ms Boyle said.
“A critical issue for the ICT industry is attracting suitable skilled employees so it’s important to promote and reward success.
“Mr Morse has previously run similar workshops to great success around the world, including in Denmark, Northern Ireland, New Zealand and Quebec.”
Ends
Media contact: 3224 2007 or 3225 1005
15 January 2008