Tony Ryan

Had a fantastic couple of days recently, MC-ing an Innovation Forum in Brisbane. Organised by Independent Schools Qld. In total, six different speakers from all over the world, who offered six varying perspectives on innovative practice. Loved every one of them, partly because I’m finding myself becoming more and more obsessed with this tenuous concept of ‘innovation’. My gut feeling is that those who most emphatically embrace whatever the heck innovation means will be those who best cope (and even thrive) through the Second Decade. And it’s hardly as though I’m alone with this belief.

For those who weren’t lucky enough to be at this Forum, here are some links and bits of info:

DAY ONE:

* Canadian Michael Furdyk (pictured) was deeply impressive. He’s a Gen Y, and has accomplished more than many others who are significantly more advanced in years. Why is it that certain gifted individuals manage to achieve in this way?? More on Michael here at http://www.furdyk.com/ For me, his most impressive work has been with Taking IT Global. Possibly the most advanced social justice site on the planet. At http://www.tigweb.org/

* For a scientist (and specifically a nanotechnologist) Dr Kristin Alford explored some alluring and insightful concepts. One was that of the Presencing Institute, and Otto Scharmer’s U-Theory concept. If you’re easily inspired by near-future human possibilities, it’s worth having a look at http://www.presencing.com/

* Greg Gebhart is an excellent speaker. First met him at the U-Learn conference in Christchurch in 08. He was third up on Day 1 of this B’bane session, and is the lead consultant with the Aussie Govt’s CyberSafe program.  Have a look at http://www.cybersmart.gov.au/ Greg placed some of his conference material at http://www.itvision.net.au/isq.htm Lots of great resources.

DAY TWO.

* Aucklander Graham Hart was a magic example of someone who lives in the creative spirit. His contribution to the Lonely Dog concept just captivated the audience. Ponder this for a moment. With his colleagues, he has developed a book worth $60,000. And they’ve sold 70 of them! I lingered through the example that he had brought with him; and I must admit, it was a deeply impressive work of art!

* Next up was the principal of Crescent Girls School in Singapore. Eugenia Lim is quite obviously a high achiever, and has contributed a significant degree to her country’s advancement in recent times. I worked in Singapore last November, and was fascinated by the country’s perspective on creativity. Very logical-sequential, and yet highly effective.

* Sydney-sider Nigel Collin was your classic end-of-conference high energy keynoter. I actually referred to him as Mr Berocca. Download some of his articles, and you’ll see that he has some upfront ideas about creative practice. The short video that was developed by his young son was priceless, and demonstrated that creative capacity can begin at a very early stage.