In this captivating episode of the "Women Count" podcast, host Jane Alexander sits down with the multifaceted Dr Chloe Lim. Dr Lim, an award-winning entrepreneur, scientist, STEM coach, storyteller, and balloon artist, shares her unique journey from the world of molecular biology to the colourful and creative field of balloon artistry.

Key Highlights

Award Recognition

Dr Lim was honoured with the 2023 Canberra Women in Business Award for the Micro-Business Woman of the Year. She discusses the significance of this award and the application process that highlighted her business acumen and community contributions.

Entrepreneurial Journey

Explore Dr Lim's transition from molecular biology to founding her businesses, Giggly Wiggly Balloons and Twistific. She reveals the inspirations and challenges she faced in establishing a niche in the balloon artistry industry.

Balloon Artistry

Learn about the services provided by Giggly Wiggly Balloons, including on-demand balloon twisting, storytelling shows, and workshops. Dr Lim's creative approach to balloon art has delighted clients ranging from children's birthday parties to corporate events.

Television Appearance

Dr Lim shares her experience as a finalist on Channel 7's "Blow Up" TV show, a reality competition showcasing Australia's top balloon artists. She describes the various challenges and the joy of working with world-class peers.

STEM Advocacy

Passionate about STEM education, Dr Lim discusses her efforts to empower women in STEM through mentoring, her "CALD Voices in STEM" podcast, and her children's book, "What Makes You Unique."

Academic Background

Delve into Dr Lim's academic journey, including her Bachelor's and PhD in medical science. She explains her research in epigenetics and its impact on understanding gene regulation.

Community Engagement

Dr Lim is committed to giving back to the community. She mentors women in STEM and advises on initiatives like STEM Sisters and GoTara, emphasising the importance of visibility and representation by empowering women to step into their potential.

Future Aspirations

Dr Lim talks about her plans to focus on her science education company, Twistyfic, aiming to inspire the next generation through engaging and fun science storytelling shows.

Join us as we explore the remarkable career and contributions of the fabulous Dr Chloe Lim.

Links and Resources:

• Website: https://drchloelim.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drchloelim/
• Giggly Wiggly Balloons
• Twistyfic
• Voices in STEM Podcast

Books by Dr Chloe Lim:

On Amazon and Library for All App

• What Makes You Unique
• Undefeated

Social Media:

• LinkedIn
• Instagram

Tune in to this inspiring episode to learn more about Dr Chloe Lim's journey and her impactful work in science, entrepreneurship, and community engagement.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the "Women Count" podcast, we're delighted to bring you a conversation with Permenthri Pillay, an inspirational leader and the recent recipient of the Women in ICT's Wicked Woman of the Year award.

As a partner lead at EY, supporting some of the largest federal government agencies in Australia, Permenthri's story of determination and transformation crosses continents and industries, reflecting her commitment to both digital innovation and social justice.

Born and raised in a small town in South Africa, Permenthri's journey is marked by activism and a relentless pursuit of community betterment. Her extensive work in digital transformation within Australian government agencies showcases her unique blend of technology prowess and a deep-rooted drive to improve lives.

Throughout the episode, Permenthri opens up about her experiences growing up during the apartheid era in South Africa, her move to Australia, and her thoughts on mentorship, leadership, and the importance of continual transformation in the face of a rapidly evolving digital landscape. She shares insights into the significance of having a philosophical approach to change that is inclusive and community-focused.

Listeners will find Permenthri's reflections on the challenges of driving process and business transformation in government sectors particularly enlightening, as she emphasises the human element at the centre of all technological advancement.

For those aspiring to make a difference in the tech industry, Permenthri's story is a testament to the power of conviction and the importance of staying true to one's values. Her work is a resounding call for

more inclusion and diversity in the tech space and serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for women worldwide.

Tune in to this powerful episode to understand the broad impact that one woman can have in tech and society at large, and let's celebrate the incredible achievements of Permenthri Pillay.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/permenthri-pillay-57199384/

Women in ICT: https://wic.org.au/

EY Australia: https://www.ey.com/en_au

Listen to the full episode: https://shows.acast.com/women-count/episodes/permenthri-pillay-wicked-woman-of-the-year

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the latest Women Count podcast episode, host Jane Alexander introduces the remarkable Dr Pru Gordon, who has a distinguished career in academia, diplomacy, and trade. She's notably recognised for her role in establishing the Australian Council for International Trade and Investment (ACITI), where she currently serves as the Executive Director.

Throughout the episode, Dr Gordon discusses the under-appreciated complexity of international trade and its impact on our everyday lives, from the abundance of goods and services to the importance of community involvement and protecting wildlife. The conversation also delves into the balance of national security and open markets, the role of various stakeholders in trade, and the swift, significant geopolitical shifts affecting global economics.

Dr Gordon further shares insights from her extensive experience, including her academic tenure and her diplomatic work in Washington, shedding light on the intricacies of international trade negotiations. The podcast touches on her advisory role to trade ministers and her advocacy for farmers, emphasising the need for public debate on trade issues.

Moreover, the episode acknowledges the National Farmers Federation's efforts in gender equity, highlighting their initiative to train and empower women leaders in agriculture.

Listeners can expect to gain a deeper understanding of the intersection between trade policies and the fabric of our daily existence, along with the critical need for informed public discourse in shaping a better future for international trade and investment.

Website: https://aciti.org.au/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.