Live from West Tech Fest - the biggest startup and innovation focused festival in Western Australia.

This episode we are joined by Cheryl Mack, CEO of Aussie Angels to discuss democratising angel investing and the investment landscape for startups in Australia. Cheryl arrived in Australia in 2015 and pretty quickly became what The Australian newspaper described as "a force to be reckoned with in the local start up scene".

As CEO of StartCon, she ran the largest start up conference in Australia, as well as creating the Pitch for $1M competition, which saw founders from the Asia-Pacific region and beyond pitching their startups to compete for a total of $1 million in investment. Cheryl is an active angel investor with over 32 startup investments, she leads an angel syndicate with over 450 investors, and she co-runs 361 Angel Club which has more than 500 investors.

We also have some fun little bonus interviews with attendees at WestTechFest!

If you are interested in getting started in angel investing - get in touch with Cheryl on Linkedin here or check out Aussie Angels on their website.

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This episode touches on some difficult topics including family and domestic violence and coercive control, burnout, and children experiencing trauma. If you or someone you know is struggling with difficult conversations or situations, please check out the resources below.

With a passion for connecting people, ideas and opportunities with purpose, Rebecca Beardsley is a creative and strategic thinker with over 25 years' experience in business development, marketing & communications. Having taken the leap from the corporate landscape, Bec is the founder of Untitled & Co, providing coaching to unstoppable female professionals, corporates and B2B organisations and paving the way for them to thrive, flourish and grow one conversation at a time.

In this episode, Bec bravely shares her story of leaving an abusive relationship and moving states; caring for her children who experienced deep trauma; and starting her own business.

Bec would love to connect with female professionals, corporates and B2B organisations who need a little nudge to reach their unstoppable potential. Connect with Bec on LinkedIn!

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1800RESPECT

1800RESPECT is available for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence.

24/7 Confidential information, counselling and support help line - 1800 737 732

Website for resources, text or video chat - 1800respect.org.au

Support Groups

If you are experiencing (or supporting someone experiencing) trauma, know that you are not alone. Consider reaching out to a support group near you.

ConnectGroups Support Group Directory (Western Australia) - connectgroups.org.au/directory

Mental Health Foundation Australia Directory (Australia-wide) - supportgroup.mhfa.org.au/groups

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This episode touches on some difficult topics including challenges impacting the queer community, and youth suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with difficult conversations or mental health, please check out the resources below.

Ashara Wills is the visionary force behind Let’s Queer The Air—a transformative business that fosters understanding and inclusion through authentic dialogue and engagement. A multicultural queer woman and a passionate advocate for environments where everyone can thrive, Ashara brings over a decade of experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion across multiple sectors.

Ashara's influence extends beyond boardrooms—she has also made waves in Australian Rules Football (AFL). As a driving force behind the West Coast Eagles' AFLW team and the club’s first registered female coach, she has broken barriers in a traditionally male-dominated arena, leaving an indelible mark on the sport and inspiring future generations.

Ashara would love to connect with businesses and organisations who are passionate about improving DEI within their workforce. If you or someone you know is looking for fun, engaging and compelling educational programs that go beyond just 'box ticking', check out Let's Queer the Air.

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Lifeline Australia

Providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24-hour crisis support.

24/7 Crisis Support Line - 13 11 14

Website for resources or text chat - www.lifeline.org.au/

QLife

QLife provides anonymous LGBTIQ+ peer support and referral for people wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.

National Helpline (3PM to midnight, every day) - 1800 184 527

Website for resources or text chat - https://qlife.org.au/

Got feedback? Send us a message!