Hey there!
Kay here from StartUp Creative. It’s been a busy start to the year as I’ve been preparing for upcoming events, kicking off our Business Coaching Academy and doing my best to stick to my New Years resolutions to write, exercise and meditate consistently.
I’ve complied a list of things that have inspired me of late and some news about what’s been happening behind the scene. Enjoy the read and I would love to hear what you’ve been up to.
Watching—
A Murder at the End of the World —this series is amazing! From the creators of The OA, a drama series that in my opinion speaks to current day society in regards to tech billionaires, AI and climate change. Truly thrilling and I love Emma Corrin, they’ve inspired me to grow my hair out and dye it pink.
Cooking—
To celebrate the Lunar New Year and the year of the Dragon (my year) and I made these dumplings—they were delicious. The recipe is from Kylie Kwong, an Australian television chef, author, television presenter and restaurateur, approached me after an event that I was speaking at recently and complimented me on my panel hosting skills. It was definitely a fan girl moment for me as her work and professional career in presenting is an inspiration to me.
Reading—
Phosphorescence: On Awe, Wonder And Things That Sustain You When The World Goes Dark by Julia Baird my mum lent me her copy of this book on a recent trip home back to Queensland and it’s come at a perfect time. I’ve just started but lots of people have told me that they love and it’s been on my reading list for a while. So far I’ve been reminded to be more present in my day (less screen/scrolling) and notice the simple beauty around me in the everyday things that inspires the feeling of awe.
Working on—
2024 Business Coaching Academy is underway and we and have an amazing group of entrepreneurs from all around the world working through the content together. It’s been such a joy to create the program, share the lessons and learn from each of our members. Get in touch for future classes or 1:1 coaching, I’d love to work with you.
Visiting—
Famelia Wine Bar has been a summer favourite of mine. Based in Newtown, Sydney and founded by Amelia, who champions female wine producers and is so passionate about what she does. The space is beautiful, the snacks are great and if you walk in and tell her what you like in a wine she’ll do the selecting for you. You’ll never be disappointed.
Event—
Jan 26th I was honoured to host the ‘Blak Excellence and Power’ panel for We Are Warriors Blak Powerhouse takeover at the Powerhouse Museum. I loved curating this panel of excellence featuring Emmy Award Winning Producer Aaliyah Bradbury, TV Host and Actor Matty Mills, TV Host and Entrepreneur Bianca Hunt and founder of We Are Warriors and Triple J Host, Nooky.
Awarded—
I was recently awarded a place in the AIDC Leading Lights Program and will be attending their 2024 conference in Melbourne in March, travelling down with the cohort from Screen NSW. This is an exciting new chapter/challenge for me in my career as I learn the art of documentary making. I’ve always loved story telling and have been lucky enough to feature some incredible stories on my blog, podcast and magazine over the years. It feels like starting all over again but I’m excited to expand my skillsets in the world of screen and television this year, stay tuned for more on this.
Studying—
I’ve been revisiting the First Aid Kit For Your Business resource that I made a couple of years ago. It wasn’t long after the publication of my book that I launched myself into this project to collate the advice, activities and resources that I’ve developed over my 10 years of business coaching. I wanted to make something that would enable people to coach themselves in a way. So many of us have the answers and know what we need to do but don’t know where to start.
The idea was to guide the reader through the process that I take my long term coaching clients on over 6-months so that they can work ‘on their business’ at their own pace. I’ve personally been using it to set goals for the year, concept new marketing strategies and refine my website and customer service experience to automate leads and sales. Grab a copy
Featured On—
I loved chatting to Joan on her Side Hustle Podcast, see below. She is based in the USA and found me by searching ‘side hustle’ on Amazon and came across my book. She reached out on Instagram and booked in the chat. I love hearing how people find my work and it’s a good reminder to keep showing up, you never know who is watching and what cool people you can meet when you just start/ask.
Latest Hobby—
Last year I became obsessed with puzzling. It was an activity that I grew up doing with my nan when we would stay with her over the school holidays and I managed to convince my fiancé to get into it with me. I love that it gets me off my phone and uses my brain in a non-work related way. I found this one at The White Rabbit Gallery in Chippendale and decided to give it a crack. It was super challenging at first but if you’ve ever puzzled before you’ll know about what I call ‘puzzle vision.’ When your eyes/subconscious starts filling in the pieces, it’s fascinating and I’ve started writing a blog on it.
Work—
I’ve been a member of The Commons for almost a year now and love the co-working spaces they have but mostly the community. Last week they had a Ping Pong Championships just for fun plus there’s coffee and beer on tap. I’ll be co-hosting their International Women’s Day panel in March and we’re working on a ‘How to Start a Side Hustle’ lunch and learn as well as some in person events open to the wider public later this year, stay tuned. View from the terrace at their George Street location in Sydney.
That’s all from me, for now.
Get in touch for business coaching, podcast chats, speaking gigs or send me your recommendation Of Late.
K
www.startupcreative.com.au