Breakthrough Insights, Strategies, Creativity and Culture for now

From redefining how we traverse space to harnessing creativity and brand authenticity, the 2024 Breakthrough Sessions featured a powerhouse lineup of industry leaders sharing their expertise.

Moderated by George Hedon, Founder of Pause Awards, the sessions featured experts such as NASA’s AR technology developers, brand strategist Sergio Brodsky, and entrepreneur Kristina Karlsson. Their collective wisdom offers valuable guidance for navigating the complexities of modern enterprises.

Augmented Reality: NASA’s Vision for Space Exploration

NASA’s Human Systems Engineer, Sarosh Nandwani, and Mechanical and Software Engineer, Matt Noyes, discussed the integration of augmented reality (AR) in space missions. Their presentation, “Joint AR: Discover New Extravehicular Activities,” highlighted how AR is transforming astronaut navigation and decision-making during extravehicular activities (EVAs). Nandwani explained, “AR will give astronauts live, real-time information overlaid onto their field of view, allowing them to make decisions on the fly, without having to constantly check maps or data on a handheld device.” This technology aims to reduce the cognitive load on astronauts, enabling more efficient and safer operations in the challenging environments of the Moon and Mars.

Unlocking Brand Equity: The Four Pillars

Sergio Brodsky, Chief Strategy Officer at Surge, emphasised the critical role of brand equity in mergers and acquisitions (M&As). He identified four pillars essential to building strong brand equity: understanding, reputation, utility and uniqueness. Brodsky noted, “Brand is often the most valuable piece of real estate—it’s the corner of someone’s mind.” He cited a study by PwC indicating that companies adopting a brand-led approach outperform others by 82%. By focusing on these pillars, businesses can enhance their market position and drive long-term success.

Cultivating Authentic Workplace Culture

The session on workplace culture featured Deepak Singh, Senior People and Culture Manager at Uber Car Share; Kate Thompson, Group Strategy Director at Hardie Grant Media; and Ryan McMurray, Chief Experience Officer at Reach Foundation. They discussed strategies for maintaining a cohesive culture amid growth and generational diversity. Singh shared insights from integrating Car Next Door into Uber, highlighting the importance of balancing existing values with new corporate structures. Thompson emphasised the need for clear communication and inclusivity to engage Gen Z employees, stating, “We try to create a culture where everyone feels seen and heard, no matter their age or background.” McMurray addressed building resilience among young employees, advocating for environments that encourage risk-taking and personal growth.

Balancing Business Growth with Personal Wealth

Entrepreneurs Adrian Stone, Founder of AngelCube; Aprill Enright, Co-Founder and CEO of Tractor Ventures; and Victoria Beal, Founder of Submarine, explored the intersection of business expansion and personal financial health. Stone advised founders to pay themselves a living wage and diversify income sources, sharing his experience of investing in real estate to secure financial stability. Enright discussed funding options, emphasising the importance of understanding the implications of equity and debt financing. Beal highlighted the necessity of transparency in personal finances to foster a supportive workplace culture, stating, “It’s about showing vulnerability, and it helps bring the team along on the journey.”

Dreaming Big: Insights from Kristina Karlsson

Kristina Karlsson, Founder of Kikki K and Dream Life, led a workshop encouraging participants to articulate and pursue their dreams. She shared her journey of transforming written aspirations into a global brand, emphasising the power of committing goals to paper. Karlsson advised, “Dream big, even if you don’t know how to make it happen,” and provided a framework for turning dreams into actionable steps, including reflecting on successes and challenges, and establishing habits that align with one’s aspirations.

Authentic Brand Storytelling: The Role of Gatekeepers

Samantha Finnegan, Founder of Madebox; Sonia Clarke, Principal of Clever Manka; and Jocelin Abbey, Head of Audience Development at Mamamia, discussed the importance of authenticity in brand storytelling. Finnegan highlighted the emotional connection achieved by sharing the stories of small-batch makers, stating, “We hope people connect with them on an emotional level.” Clarke emphasised the need for transparency and relatability, cautioning against self-serving narratives. Abbey discussed adapting stories across multiple platforms while maintaining their essence, noting, “It’s the story that creates the emotional connection, but it’s how and where you tell it that ensures its reach.”

Creativity and Imagination: Keys to Global Solutions

Rose Herceg, President of WPP Australia and New Zealand, explored the role of creativity in addressing global challenges. She defined creativity as “the world’s greatest tool for solving problems” and stressed the importance of originality and discomfort in fostering innovation. Herceg argued that creativity drives business performance, citing companies like Apple and Amazon as examples where imaginative thinking led to financial success. She also addressed the impact of hybrid work models on creative collaboration, advocating for in-person interactions to maintain high-quality outputs.

The 2024 Breakthrough Sessions underscored the necessity of integrating innovation, authenticity, and strategic thinking in today’s dynamic environment. From leveraging AR technology in space exploration to cultivating authentic workplace cultures and embracing creativity as a problem-solving tool, the insights shared by industry leaders provide a roadmap for individuals and organisations striving for excellence and resilience in the face of change.