Finding leadership in times of need: the rewards and challenges of working as a full-time volunteer

"It’s easy to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, but it's leadership to be in the wrong place at the right time," says Alison Thompson. When Hurricane Sandy slammed into the East Coast of America last November, Alison knew it would have a major impact and that the people there would need assistance. Once a nurse, a math teacher, an investment banker, and film director, twelve years ago, Alison gave it away to became a full-time humanitarian volunteer. Since then, she hasn’t received an income, and has dedicated her work to helping others in times of need. Advance talks to Alison about some of the most rewarding and challenging aspects of her new role. Read More

The pros and cons of doing business in Singapore

Based in Singapore, Advance member Chris Gawan-Taylor is the managing director of Spinnaker Run, an international strategy consultancy focused on enabling market entry and business growth. Also an AustCham board member, we spoke to Chris about his journey from Australia to Asia and some of the pros and cons of doing business there. Read More

FIVE DAYS left to apply for Awards Mentoring Program

Looking for an edge in your final year of uni? There is less than a week left to apply for the Advance Global Australian Awards Mentoring Program. Our Advance Global Australian Award winning mentors are some of our best and brightest Australians living and working overseas. If you are an undergraduate or postgraduate student studying at an Australian university, don't miss your last chance to apply.

Aussie start-up guys

Phil Morle and Mick Liubinskas are the ultimate serial entrepreneurs. They haven’t just founded one digital start-up, they’ve helped to get around 30 off the ground. Through their Sydney-based incubator, Pollenizer, they have launched, worked on, or funded web-based companies providing services ranging from staff recruitment and recognition to online retailing and Twitter-based money transfers. Read More

Aussie creative duo share a different side of global athletes

Set to release their latest project Ryokou, Advance talks to Matty Roberts, half of creative duo Projucer about  their unique take on global Aussie athletes. Ryokou - a six-part series that follows the journey of Aussie Cyclist Shane Perkins from his home in Adelaide to Japan's Keirin competition - is set to be released in early 2013. Read More