Are you a creator or a finisher of ideas?

Most see innovation as generating ideas that can change the world. But few think of innovation as the practical implementation of ideas.

As a business, innovation is paramount if you want to thrive. But if you define innovation as simply having ideas, I’ve got bad news for you – ideas without execution are worthless.

So how do you know how to focus your energies and where?

If you want to build a business with the capacity to ideate great ideas and introduce new innovations into the market, here’s a helpful way to look at it.

April 23, 2025
|
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
TRACK:
Ideation & Getting Started
ALL SPEAKERS
Ilya Lobanov
Founder, Studeo

Working across two continents: Australia and Europe. 

Transforming brands into unicorns in a sea of sameness. Through brand strategy and design that elevated more than a hundred companies. From SaaS startups to twenty-five-year non-for-profit organisations.

In my past life, I managed web teams. They called me the translator.

With the uncanny ability to communicate the requirements from visuals to functionality and vice versa, when others failed.

Today, I use my multilingual skills in strategy, design, creativity, branding, and web to translate the passion and drive founders and business owners have into building something impactful, captivating and meaningful.

In my 20+ years as a branding professional I've worked with startups as well as large multinationals like Moore Stephens Australia (Accounting), QTAC (Education), Queensland Urban Utilities (Water supply), Brisbane City Council (Government), Thynne+Macartney (Law), Vision Australia (Accessibility), Ambrose Advisory (Financial), Console (Proptech), Truefitt & Hill (Lifestyle), Kids With Cancer Foundation (Non-for-profit), Seasons Living (Aged Care), just to name a few.

Branding done right isn't just about logos and colours. Solving brand strategy challenges is what helps businesses make a real impact. 

And that’s exactly what I specialise in.

MORE SESSIONS
Design a Career You Love — Without Losing Yourself
This is some text inside of a div block.

You know you’re meant for more, but figuring out how to make it happen without second-guessing every step? That’s the real challenge.

If you're ready to stop settling for a career that feels just fine and start building something that truly excites you—without quitting your job overnight—this session will give you the strategy, insights, and confidence to make it happen.

You’ll walk away with a clear roadmap to turn your expertise into income, build momentum without overwhelm, and create a future where you call the shots.

Shima Ghaheri
Founder and Unstoppable Coach, UnderlineU
See details
Personal Journeys
How to make your first $10K
This is some text inside of a div block.

Building a side hustle or business is challenging! I'll share the roadmap to your first customer and then all the way to your first $10K. We'll cover everything from pricing, branding, sales and marketing.

Anna Miller
Founder + Coach, Second Careers
See details
Growth & Monetization
Get off the starting block and build your first online business without the fluff
This is some text inside of a div block.

Taking all about taking the first steps to building, overcoming that fear of starting, how to not overthink and just focusing on doing.

Zlatko
Founder, 920Four
See details
Ideation & Getting Started
Being a Weirdo & Distilling Your Secret Sauce
This is some text inside of a div block.

Let’s be real—being a little weird is the best thing you can do for your brand. In a world full of sameness, it’s the memorable quirks, the unexpected twists, and the “wait, who are you?” moments that make people pay attention.

I’ve taken an unconventional path to get here (think: almost failing design school, living in a van in Australia, running a wedding company in China—yeah, it’s a story), and along the way, I realized that the magic in branding isn’t about fitting in. It’s about helping people own what makes them different and turning that into a brand that feels like them.

We’ll talk about:

  • Why your weirdness is your unfair advantage
  • How to help clients find their real brand essence (aka their secret sauce)
  • Creative confidence—showing up fully as yourself
  • The unexpected paths that lead to success

If you’ve ever felt like you don’t quite fit the mold—good. That’s exactly why you’re going to thrive. Let’s talk about it.

Maria Lobo
Founder & Principal Designer, Planet Lobo
See details
Personal Branding