- 6 June 2022
- Posted by: Canberra Innovation Network
- Category: Women in Innovation
We interview women in our community about innovation and what drives them to make a difference in their industries. This week we spoke to Belinda Kendall, CEO of Curijo.
What are you working on?
I work for Curijo Pty Ltd, a majority owned and controlled Aboriginal professional services company. We aim to increase self-determination, equity and prosperity for Aboriginal Peoples and all Australians through connections, leadership, truth telling and education. We do this through our operating model consisting of several specialist teams in Research, Monitoring and Evaluation, Assurance, Consulting and Operations (which includes Child and Family and Adult Education). We work on varied Aboriginal and non-Indigenous projects to support organisations to meet their aims and objectives through real and tailored solutions.
Why is innovation important to you?
Innovation is extremely important to me, as an Aboriginal woman I feel that innovation is needed within the western world for positive change for all. Our people have been innovators for tens of thousands of years and we continue to carry this forward.
We must continue to innovate within business to meet our purpose and aim, meet our customers needs and make positive change within society. I believe that weaving our cultural values and perspectives through innovation is where we are leading for change and better outcomes for all Australians.
What drives you to make a difference?
As an Aboriginal woman, it is in my DNA to make a difference. Seeing the needs of people and organisations and being innovative to meet the needs is what drives me. I feel that we must continue to work towards a better society for all and this is what gets me out of bed everyday. I also believe that supporting others to be the best version of themselves and follow their dreams is a driver for me.
Do you have any advice for getting more women into the innovation ecosystem?
I truly believe that women and especially Aboriginal woman are the ingredient to a brighter future for all. I hear about awesome ideas from women regularly and encourage all to take their dreams and ideas further and make it a reality. I believe that if you surround yourself with other supportive women we all lift one another up for success. Take a risk and give it a go!
What are you proud of right now?
I am very proud of Curijo winning the ACT Telstra Business Award 2022 for Indigenous Excellence, it is great to be acknowledged for hard work. I am also very proud of being a part of the Canberra Indigenous Business Network supporting other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business owners as well as running the Lighting the Spark program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in the ACT and surrounding region. Our young people are our future and must be supported to reach for the stars in business.