Transformation is the business zeitgeist. Adapting to change is a practice that is relevant to every organisation. It always has been, but it’s even more relevant in today’s rapidly-evolving landscape.
In today’s climate, organisations need to be ready, willing and able to tackle new business models, policy interventions and constantly shifting economic circumstances.
One South Australian organisation at the forefront of change in recent years is Cara, one of the state’s leading disability service providers. Cara has recently undergone dramatic transformation to improve and maintain business performance and be well-positioned for the roll-out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Cara has grown to support more than 750 children and adults with disability and employs close to 1000 staff with an annual turnover of more than $65 million.
Drawing on this experience, Cara is powering “Finding Possible: Business in Transformation” – a two-day conference designed to engage, educate, challenge and inspire people in industries of change.
Cara chief executive Liz Cohen said the conference, to be held at the Adelaide Convention Centre on Tuesday, September 18, and Wednesday, September 19, would feature thought leaders and international experts who will encourage business leaders to be inspired, connected and ready for change.
“We’ve assembled a program of some of Australia’s leading change-makers who are ready to inspire delegates to lead positive change in their organisations and businesses,” Ms Cohen said.
Key speakers include entrepreneur and change agent, Holly Ransom. Recently, Holly was named in Smart Company’s Smart 30 under 30, she has delivered a Peace Charter to the Dalai Lama, she’s the Chair of the United Nations Global Coalition of Young Women Entrepreneurs and presents a weekly podcast called Coffee Pods.
Holly Ransom, Emergent.
A director of the Port Adelaide Football Club, Holly is the youngest ever woman appointed to the board of an AFL club. She was also on the advisory board for the launch of the AFL Women’s League.
Editor and owner of The Constant Investor, Alan Kohler will share inspiration from his 46 years as a financial journalist to present a thought-provoking session about ‘understanding your market’.
Alan Kohler, The Constant Investor.
With vision and leadership beyond her years, 2012 Young Australian of the Year Marita Cheng is dedicated to encouraging young women to become interested in a career in engineering, a cause that she has championed through the establishment of a business Robogals Global. She is the founder of robotics company aubot, and at “Finding Possible: Business in Transformation”, she will share her journey in building ‘robots that care’.
An idea founded in a Brisbane garage by best friends Nic Marchesi and Lucas Patchett led to the creation of Orange Sky Australia – the world’s first free mobile laundry service for people experiencing homelessness. Now facilitated by more than 1000 volunteers, Orange Sky has expanded to 20 services across Australia and generates over six tonnes of laundry every week. Nic and Lucas will tell their story and present a session on the ‘power of a conversation’.
Ms Cohen said the conference theme applied to people working in a number of sectors.
Nic Marchesi and Lucas Patchett, Orange Sky Australia.
“The disability sector is undergoing the most significant social reform in its history with the introduction of the NDIS. Organisations must transform to meet the expectations of its customers so they can achieve their goals,” she said.
“This transformation of our organisation, the sector as a whole and the lives of our customers inspired the inception of this conference, which Cara is proud to present.
“Whilst our transformational experience comes from being a disability organisation, transformation is happening in almost every sector across Australia. Ultimately, we are defined by how well we adapt.”
The full program for “Finding Possible: Business in Transformation” is available at www.findingpossible.com.au. Earlybird registrations are available until June 22.
To find out more about Cara and its services and programs that help empower people with disabilities towards greater independence, visit www.cara.org.au.
