Women in Innovation: Davina Mansfield, COO Viden

We interview women in our community about innovation and what drives them to make a difference in their industries. This week we spoke to Davina Mansfield, COO of Viden.

Tell us a bit about Viden.

Viden is an Australian-based and sovereign owned, professional services and cyber security company. Headquartered in Canberra, but with team members located across Brisbane and Melbourne, Viden works alongside its Government clients to deliver or support some of Australia’s most critical and cutting edge capabilities, projects and programs. As a veteran centric company, our team of 100% security cleared personnel, have extensive operational experience across the land, air, maritime, space and cyber domains. Currently, Viden operates two distinct business units: Viden Consulting (Professional Project Delivery Services); and Viden Labs (Information Technology Assurance and Evaluation Services)

 Why is innovation important to you?

Innovation is crucial for businesses for a variety of reasons, and it plays a central role in their success and sustainability. Innovation personally or individually is equally important.
Competitive advantage, efficiency, growth, stakeholder engagement, problem solving, risk, environment and social responsibilities, compliance and regulations. Innovation is essential for businesses because it drives growth, enhances competitiveness, and ensures adaptability in a dynamic and evolving business environment. Successful companies embrace innovation as a core part of their strategy and culture to thrive and prosper.

What drives you to make a difference?

Ultimately, what drives me to make a difference is a highly personal and individual matter. It may be a combination of several of these factors or something entirely unique to my own experiences and convictions.
Passion, personal experience, empathy, values and beliefs, responsibility, sense of impact, personal growth, inspiration, satisfaction and fulfilment.

Do you have any advice for getting more women into innovation and entrepreneurship?

My top 10!
Believe in yourself, keep on learning / education, networking, mentorship, start small, business plan, test and adjust, residence, resilience, team (who you surround yourself with!)

What are you proud of right now?

Recently a finalist in the Canberra Women in Business – what a room to be included in!

Thanks for chatting Davina! Davina and CEO of Viden, Anthony ,will be pitching at the 2023 Innovation Showcase on Wednesday 6 December. Make sure you register and watch them pitch! 

If you would like to hear from more inspirational women in innovation, come along to our Female Founders events.