My personal philosophy

I remember being told by an education leader when I said that I wanted to give Emirati children in Abu Dhabi the opportunity to experience educational robotics, that they were not capable. I knew that this person was wrong. When given the opportunity, these children rose to the occasion. It wasn’t for everyone and nor should it be, but these kids were able to finally do something they were proud of and found rewarding. Many teachers noted significant changes in student behaviour. These kids had found a purpose for their learning.

All individuals need to be given the opportunity to show others what they are capable of. Demonstrating personal accomplishments is hugely rewarding and satisfying and having a real life purpose for it is even better. Giving kids an alternative learning pathways and opportunities to learn through experience how to communicate, be collaborative, innovative and entrepreneurial only benefits them and the communities and countries they are from.

Now that I am back in Australia, I want to give Australian kids and other individuals the same opportunities and experience. To help facilitate this I have worked with partners to establish a number of companies, including a not-for-profit and are working to establish the likes of innovation spaces and focused science and technology centres. We need to establish and leverage close links between education, industry and government to establish our future workforce in the global community. I want to work to create a foundation for Australia’s STEM-based and entrepreneurial future and highlight the role that industry and entrepreneurs have in education.