2024 is the 10th anniversary for CBRIN and the innovative ecosystem. To celebrate, we sat down with Catherine Carter, Founder of Salon Canberra and CEO of DJAS Architecture and asked about her journey, where she is now, challenges she’s overcome and all the wins along the way.
What are your big wins/challenges since we last spoke?
Since our last conversation, Salon Canberra has continued to grow and shape discussions about Canberra’s future in meaningful ways. We’ve tackled everything from remapping the city to support future population growth to identifying the critical ingredients needed to create vibrant, inclusive precincts. One of our strengths has been bringing creative thinkers, including academics, artists, and innovators, into these conversations to explore how cultural and artistic perspectives can inform the built environment. We’ve also addressed the challenges of integrating digital technologies with urban design to meet the needs of a digital citizenry. A personal highlight was facilitating the connection between a climate change scientist and a supply chain expert, resulting in the launch of a new sustainable timber business using cutting-edge technology to innovate in construction.
The pandemic presented new opportunities to deliver events in creative ways. While in-person events remain central to what we do, we’ve been able to harness new communication methods, including the use of robots (thank you, Megan Gilmour @ Robots4Good), to engage with our audience. One of the biggest wins has been Salon Canberra’s ability to attract new corporate support, with companies approaching us to see how they can be part of what we do. It’s exciting to see that our work has captured people’s imaginations, leading to companies wanting to support and be part of facilitating these conversations.
What are you currently working on/towards?
Right now, I’m focused on growing and evolving Salon Canberra further and ensuring that younger people have a voice in the conversations that shape the future of our city. With Canberra’s population projected to reach 1 million within the next 40 years, we’re in the early stages of planning a different kind of conference that brings together a broad range of stakeholders from across the community. The aim is to create a forum where we can have a meaningful discussion about where this city is headed and how we can make deliberate decisions to create the Canberra we collectively want.
Additionally, I’ve been asked numerous times over the past few years to bring Salon Canberra-style conversations to other cities. I’m excited to explore this possibility, and Brisbane may well be the first place we expand to.
Salon Canberra is a values-led business, built on relationships, not transactions. This is what sets us apart from typical industry or business groups, and it’s something I’m deeply committed to preserving as we continue to grow.
Who would have ever thought I’d have robots at a Salon Canberra dinner? But there you are! Being part of the CBRIN innovation community has opened up so many new ways of thinking, connecting with people, and tackling challenges. It’s all about bringing diverse minds together to find creative solutions to complex problems. CBRIN is a brilliant platform for this, and something I’ve noticed is that certain terms we commonly use in the property industry (my background), like ‘design thinking,’ can take on slightly different meanings in the innovation space. Exploring these nuances has provided me with fresh perspectives, new approaches to problem-solving, and opportunities I might not have encountered otherwise.
What advice would you give to yourself 5 years ago?
Back yourself and find your own voice. Five years ago I was much more concerned with playing it safe and getting things right, but I’ve learned that growth comes from pushing boundaries and embracing uncertainty. I’d also remind myself that success doesn’t have an age limit—the data shows that many of the most successful entrepreneurs don’t hit their peak until their 40s or 50s. So, I’d say, don’t feel rushed. Focus on building meaningful relationships and continue learning from every experience. And most of all remember that failure is part of the process—don’t fear it, learn from it. Lastly, take the time to reflect, rest, and pace yourself—this journey is a marathon, not a sprint.
What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned??
One thing I’ve learned is that success isn’t just about achieving your goals—it’s about staying true to your values and enjoying the ride along the way. When you’ve found your passion, you’ll enjoy the process as much as the outcome. For me, Salon Canberra has always been about building relationships, not transactions, and I’m committed to staying true to that as we continue to grow. It’s also important to ensure that diverse voices, especially younger generations, are part of the conversations shaping our future. Their perspectives are key to creating the inclusive, innovative communities we want. Lastly, I’d encourage everyone to keep pushing boundaries, but don’t forget to have fun while doing it. You never know where a bold idea or a new connection might take you.
Thank you Catherine for being part of the community and for sharing your journey. Continue celebrating at the 2024 Innovation Showcase! Meet and connect with other female business, entrepreneurs and innovators.
