Monthly Bulletin - February 2021

Tuesday, 2 February 2021

ILFSN Christmas Breakup Function at Axiom Manufacturing - 7 December 2020

In This Bulletin 

1.   Geoff Vogt's summary

2.   Quiz Competition 

3.   Coming ILFSN Events -

      Friday 5 February 2021:
      Media Training with Ron Kandelaars

      Wednesday 10 March 2021:
      Machine Learning Breakfast

      Monday 29 March 2021:
      Cocktail Function and tour of SA Mushrooms

4.   Recap on Christmas Breakup Party, including tour of
      Axiom Precision Manufacturing

5.   Recap on Exercise Executive Stretch 
       by Sarah Hibbard (ILF2019)

6.   Implications of COVID19 for Fraud Risk and Directors and 
      Officers Risk   
 
7.   The meaning of Artificial Intelligence simplified

8.   Scholars in Focus - David Hart (ILF2014)
      David is the new incoming ILFSN Committee Chairman    

9.   Scholars in the News

10. Promote your product or service to other Scholars

11. Skilled People available recommended by Scholars

1.  Geoff Vogt's summary 

Welcome back to 2021. I hope you managed a good break and are ready for whatever challenges the new year has to throw at us.

This bulletin details more functions than ever before to help you prepare and some tips and information about developments we should all know about.

In the Offers for Scholars section you can get great value wines, enrol in a webinar about how to get teams working better together. If you need some marketing expertise we have details of two skilled executives who know how to achieve strong results in a high pressure environment, get a free health check on your IT systems, update your sanitiser dispensers, get a no obligation air conditioning assessment, receive a discount on small quantity custom printed packaging and coffee cups, or get a free health check on your accounting department. 

The Scholars Committee next meets on Monday 8 February.
At the meeting
~ Darren Turner's term as Chairman comes to an end. He has been an excellent Chairman and we thank him for his insightful and tireless contribution.
~ David Hart will commence his two year term as Chairman at the end of the meeting. Congratulations go to David and we are confident, based on his performance as Treasurer, that his contribution will be strong and helpful.
~ Also joining the committee we welcome Chantale Millard and Tania Jolley and welcome back Kelly Keates.

2.  Winner of previous quiz competitions

NO WINNER

The question was: Will the 2021 Grand Prix be confirmed to be held at the Bend by 31 January 2021? 
The answer is No.

All entries indicated the Grand Prix would be confirmed as being at the Bend. 

3.  ILFSN COMING EVENTS: 

Half Day Media Training Seminar

Grant Thornton
Level 3, 170 Frome Street, ADELAIDE
Friday 5 February 2021
12.30 pm to 6.00 pm
Includes lunch and networking drinks
Trainer – Ron Kandelaars

THIS EVENT FILLED UP IN THE FIRST DAY WITH A SHORT WAIT LIST.
 WE HAVE HAD SOME LATE CANCELLATIONS AND NOW HAVE TWO SPOTS AVAILABLE 
PLEASE EMAIL SUZI IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ATTEND

Sponsored by

Machine Learning Breakfast

Novita Conference Facility
341 Port Road,
Hindmarsh 5007

Wednesday 10 March 2021

7.00 am to 9.00 am
Includes a light breakfast.  

hosted by

The Smart Industries Alliance

Exclusively for ILF Scholars

Invites will be sent out via GreenVelope shortly

Why attend?

Machine learning is generating worldwide undreamed of efficiencies in businesses ranging from traditional to modern manufacturers and the full  range of service industries. It is rapidly evolving and ready for you. If you do not understand the implications, you are at risk of being overtaken and made irrelevant by competitors. If you do understand you need to keep up to date in this rapidly evolving field.

This session will break any mystery, update your knowledge, explain the benefits, and provide a way forward for your business to assess the value and consider commencing or furthering implementation.

Cocktail Function at SA Mushrooms

SA Mushrooms
153 Tozer Road, Waterloo Corner
Monday 29 March 2021
5.30 pm to 8.00 pm
Includes networking drinks, canapes and a tour of SA Mushrooms

Invites will be sent out via GreenVelope soon

Sponsored by William Buck

Recap of ILFSN Christmas Breakup Party - Monday 7 December 2020

This event, held at Axiom Precision Manufacturing, and sponsored by Grant Thornton was testament to what sound foresight and a well thought out risk management strategy combined in to a clear concise strategy implemented by a well structured hard working team can achieve. Jim Grose's talk inspired us all and the size of his plant and the variety of products amazed.

Add to this, pleasant weather, great food, excellent Scholar's wine and local beer and the side show attraction, the front half of a 1960's jet fighter, plus high quality networking and we had the perfect evening.

Great feedback was received from all Scholars.
 

5. Recap of Exercise Executive Stretch by Sarah Hibbard 

The ILFSN often provides us with unique opportunities to grow through new experiences, learn from industry leaders and visit workplaces that are usually difficult to access. In the ILFSN August Bulletin was an invitation to attend Exercise Executive Stretch — a three-day, live-in leadership experience held at RAAF Base Edinburgh.

Having previously worked as a Human Factors Consultant at Defence Science Technology (DST), I was eager to learn how the research I had previously supported was being implemented by the Defence Force. I was also grateful that my employer, Consilium Technology, was supportive of my attendance. Without hesitation, I signed up to the program.

Exercise Executive Stretch (EES) took place on 15-17 October 2020. We received some instructions before the program, such as what to pack and when to arrive. However, the events and activities that we would be undertaking over the three days remained a mystery.

6. Implications of COVID19 for Fraud Risk and Directors and Officers Risk

The first weekly Newsletter for 2021 from Willis, the largest insurance broker in the world, contained a link to an article which highlights risks, many of which may not be obvious but which should be managed carefully. Your insurers are likely to ask questions at renewal time and increase premiums if you are caught short. In any case prevention is better than relying on an insurance claim; insurance policies might cover the direct losses but not the reputational risk and loss of management time if these risks eventuate.

7. The meaning of Artificial Intelligence simplified

With the words ‘artificial intelligence’ often conjuring mental visions of dramatic '80s movies, not everyone will be happy to embrace AI. However, the idea that AI is dangerous, or that it could be a replacement for human creativity, just isn’t correct. AI will also only work on the specific problem that it's been asked to solve – so Skynet (from the movie The Terminator) is always going to remain a work of fiction.

Meanwhile, artificial intelligence will never be able to replace human creativity because it relies solely on humans inputting data. Without this feed of information, AI would be essentially useless. Even with AI gathering its data from humans, it’s unable to understand, comprehend or learn from its surroundings in the same way as a real person. This means that the sanctity of human creativity remains untouched...

While artificial intelligence is a complex technology, the term is frequently used incorrectly. Too often, it is used as a throwaway marketing buzzword, to add a sense of perceived value without being useful... 

8.  Scholars in Focus - David Hart, Dematec Automation

Introduction:

David Hart is the CEO of Dematec Automation, a South Australian engineering organisation that assists businesses in the water, defence, manufacturing, and agribusiness sectors get the optimum performance from their industrial assets.

David received an Industry Leaders Fund grant in 2014 and has been a member of the Industry Leaders Fund Scholars Network committee since late 2016, serving as Treasurer since 2019, and accepting the role as Chair from February (taking over from Darren Turner).

Evolution of Dematec:

Dematec is a 30 year South Australian business, founded by Mark Stevens (who now serves as Dematec’s chairman) in 1990.

Dematec's services range from specification and conceptual design at the outset of a project, through to design, manufacturing, installation, commissioning, and on-going support of production and process equipment.

As part of an exciting start to 2021, Dematec has been selected by BAE Systems to participate in the first innovation challenge (based at Line Zero at the Tonsley Innovation District) to support the Hunter Class Frigate Program (see image below from recent Line Zero launch – photo credit: BAE Systems Maritime Australia).

David Hart background:

David originally studied Electrical Engineering before commencing his career with a special purpose machine builder for the manufacturing industry, followed by twenty years in automation companies in roles progressing from system engineering and design, through to project management, and more recently in business management.

David joined Dematec in 2005, becoming a director of the company in 2006, and CEO in 2013.

9.  Scholars in the media – Forging ahead in a challenging environment

The following articles are also available on the ILF website. Please send us your news for inclusion in the bulletin – copies of news, articles published in papers or magazines or MP3 recording of live interviews preferred.

Angove Family Winemakers

Victoria Angove (ILF2015) and Richard Angove (ILF2020)

Support wineries in China trade war. 
The Advertiser 9/12/2020

Dr Greg Miller (ILF2020)

Greg named SA’s best dentist in an Advertiser poll. 
The Advertiser 11/12/2020

Maggie Beer Products

Chantale Millard (ILF2017)

Australian’s in lockdown have been cooking more, Maggie Beer online site recording a 167 per cent increase.
The Advertiser 20/1/21

10.  Promote your product or service to other Scholars

In the interests of supporting fellow South Australian businesses, Scholars are encouraged to promote their products to fellow Scholars in the Bulletin.

New entries will need to be lodged by 5 pm Wednesday 25 February and should be no more than 50 words. The entry can be repeated upon request for one further month at a time without modification. Links to your website can be included. Special offers for Scholars only are encouraged.  

Please email Suzi@industryleaders.com.au

SPECIAL OFFERS FOR SCHOLARS

Wirra Wirra

Andrew Kay (ILF2014)

Iconic McLaren Vale winery, Wirra Wirra is offering scholars a 20% discount off the price of its famous wines throughout the month of February.

Simply head to their online shop at https://wirrawirra.com  and use the promotional code ILFSN20 at the checkout.

Ben Smit (ILF2019)

Free Webinar: How to get teams working better together

When: Wed, 10th Feb, 1:30PM (AEDT)

Registration link: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/9216117242784/WN_xzJpz0VQQCShO-OxdyBkwA

Invited Speaker: Julia Steel, an award-winning business and personal transformation speaker, coach and author. After 20 years leading transformation in organisations such as Telstra, Qantas, and AXA, Julia now works with organisations, teams and individuals to shape their future. She is the author of two books Buy-in: How to Lead Change, Build Commitment and Inspire People, and Unite.

About the webinar:

In 1965 psychologist Bruce Tuckman coined “forming, storming, norming and performing.” Chances are you’ve used it to refer to your own team or a project you’ve been part of, especially when things get ugly.

These days teams are more fluid, the rise of matrixed organisations and agile ways of working, means that teams can change daily. We bring different people, mindsets and skills together and expect them to be high performing, but often they’re not.

Join Teamgage and Julia Steel in this session to find out what we can do to get the most out of our teams and keep them engaged too.

Seeley International

Michael Hamilton (ILF2016)
Jon Seeley (ILF2014)

Seeley International are Australia’s largest air conditioning manufacturer and a global leader in the development of ingenious, energy efficient heating and cooling products
for residential, commercial and industrial markets. We would be pleased to offer scholars a non-obligation assessment for any residential or commercial air conditioning requirements.

Contact Michael Hamilton General Manager – Commercial Sales  & South Africa
Mobile     +61 416 222 460
Phone      +61 8 8328 3201
Fax          +61 8 8328 3966

Address   112 O’Sullivan Beach Road, Lonsdale SA 5160 Australia
Email       mhamilton@seeleyinternational.com
Web         www.seeleyinternational.com      www.climatewizard.com

Detmold Group 

Zoe Detmold (ILF2016)
 

Cup & Carry

Small Quantity Custom Printed Packaging

At Cup and Carry we specialise in bespoke, fully recyclable paper cups, carry bags, wine cartons and tissue paper printed to your requirements in small (or large!) volumes…FAST.

Our revolutionary printers and super speedy team mean we can print high-quality photographic images with no artwork or set-up charges with a 5 day production time.

We would love to extend a 15% discount on our entire range to the ILF community, simply enter the code ILF15 at checkout to redeem.

www.cupandcarry.com.au
hello@cupandcarry.com.au
1800 497 134
Lachlan Peter
Sales & Marketing Specialist

Better Business Basics

Annie Flannagan (ILF2017)

At Better Business Basics, we were designed to help SMEs get their financial records organised and systemised, using data from what’s happened in the past to assist them to survive and thrive in the long term.

Exclusive to ILF Scholars, receive a complimentary Financial Healthcheck, valued at $495, for a complete review of the People, Process, and Programs of your finance department.

Contact Annie to find out more: annie@betterbusinessbasics.com.au or 1300 991 059.

OTHER SCHOLAR BUSINESS INFORMATION

11. Skilled People available recommended by Scholars.

This is a new column which might help you recruit as your business grows.

If you know someone who is an outstanding performer and would like their details listed in the bulletin please provide a short summary, similar to those below. They should have worked for or with you and you should be willing to re-employ them if your business had a suitable position.

If you are seeking more details on any person listed, please contact Suzi who can put you in touch with the author.

This is a service provided free of charge. The ILF does not necessarily know the people. You should make your own enquiries and not rely upon any information contained in this column.      

Hitendra Bisht

Hitendra Bisht (Bisht) worked for Peregrine Corporation for the last 3 years until the end of 2020. As the Head of Customer Offer he sat on the Executive, and was broadly responsible for the product offerings available to a customer inside an OTR.

Bisht is one of the best retailers the referring Scholar says he has come across and would suit any organisation where he can bring his skills in merchandising, product range, pricing, promotions, supply chain, marketing, procurement, and overall presentation of a customer offer to a customer. He has broad leadership skills.

He was specifically sought out from by the organisation to improve the OTR offering. He came direct from Dubai, where he was a senior executive of ENOC (Emirates National Oil Company), running a network of sites bigger than OTR, but similar in that they have a large product range and fast food offerings.

It is understood ENOC has continued to try and get Bisht to return to Dubai. However he and his family wish to continue living in Adelaide. They are permanent residents of Australia.  Whilst he is financially independent, he is relatively young (early 40’s) and wants to continue a career. His work ethic is unparalleled -  he is one of the hardest working people the referring Scholar has had the privilege of working alongside and is very driven.

Had Bisht not decided to depart Peregrine, the referring Scholar says he would have nominated Bisht for an ILF grant as he is precisely the kind of person they attracted to work in a head office in SA and would wish to retain here.

Becci Gregory

Becci Gregory is a marketing professional who worked for Peregrine and particularly OTR for several years before leaving for an opportunity in the hospitality industry which like many others, suffered COVID related setbacks. her LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/becci-gregory/

As a marketer, Becci worked directly for the referring Scholar who can vouch for her work ethic and capability. She looked after the marketing for several of the fast food brands (e.g. Oporto, GYG, Subway etc.). She is eager to learn and grow professionally and someone that takes pride in her work.

Driven by her desire to succeed, she thrives in an environment that requires her to work quickly and under pressure. Able to follow the lead of others when necessary, Becci also has the ability to be innovative and creative in developing and seeing campaigns through from identifying opportunities and strategically planning to execution and final analysis. She is self-motivated and always ensures she is producing quality work with high attention to detail that she is proud to show to stakeholders and to publish. Her positive energy and flexible attitude result in great working relationships and outcomes where all stakeholders are pleased with the results.

The Industry Leaders Fund Scholars Network thanks our Sponsors:

The Industry Leaders Fund Scholars Network thanks our Supporters: