The nexus of workforce development, the visitor economy, economic development, and community development is a powerful one. They aren’t isolated efforts but interconnected pillars that support thriving communities and robust economies. And, if we really want to support thriving communities and economies, we need to stop working in silos. But why does Australia and the organisations and budgets that support these sectors still work in silos? Why aren’t we working all hands together?

The formalisation of data and algorithms has recently been the purview of computer science. And of course, the application of data and algorithms, in particular from the tech sector, has become essential to how we solve problems in our daily lives. We use data and algorithms to help us decide what movie to watch, or how to get directions in an unfamiliar city. But are there limits to the problems we can solve and decisions we can make by simply throwing an algorithm at a bunch of data? Sparrowly Group’s Ben Lever explores this.

In a world that thrives with human connection, why do we design our houses to live at the back of them? As we look towards optimising the natural assets of our towns and cities and building better public spaces to connect for residents and visitors, how can we take that same energy and better connect the streets we live in? Sparrowly Group’s Giovanna Lever provides solutions to connecting communities closer to home.

According to The Salesforce State of Service Third Edition report, 47% of customers say they’ll stop buying from a company if they have a subpar experience. The number one reason customers leave or don’t return is that they feel undervalued. Sparrowly Group’s Avril Dunn explores this further.

How many people would compare the toilets that we experience in public spaces to the toilet we experience in our own homes? As Place Makers and destination creators, when extending our hospitality, we should definitely be considering the impression that our public toilets are communicating to our residents and visitors.Toilets are a big deal. More than ever before.

Giovanna Lever provides her insights as to why advocating for your team is integral in leadership for the business and the most importantly, the team.

“You don’t build it for yourself. You know what people want, and you build it for them.” – Walt Disney

This statement seems so obvious, yet it regularly doesn’t happen. Giovanna Lever believes that understanding your customer and being responsive to customer needs will be the difference between a business that fails (or just gets by) or thrives.

Why do so many adults struggle with knowing their why? What happens between seven and adult hood? Giovanna Lever taps into this through her recent experience.