Jayne Blake

Did you know that small and medium businesses (SMBs) make up 98% of Australian businesses? They’re the backbone of our economy and in the same fight for talent as big business—but providing attractive hybrid working conditions isn’t as easy for them. Whether you're a medical practice looking to give admin staff the option to work from home or a retailer juggling multiple shops and an online store, enabling seamless communication between team members in different locations while maintaining excellent customer service can be tricky. Commander is passionate about helping SMBs succeed. Today, we’re launching Business Connect, a cloud-based communication solution integrated with Microsoft Teams. It’s the key tool a business needs to make hybrid work possible anywhere. That means inbound and outbound calls to mobiles and landlines, video and chat collaboration, and advanced tools like incoming call queues that can be accessed in the office, across multiple sites and remotely. What sets Business Connect apart is its flexible pricing, designed to help SMBs keep costs down while still accessing powerful features that drive productivity and efficiency. We've built Business Connect with the specific needs of SMBs in mind, and we couldn't be prouder of our team at Commander for delivering a solution that will help so many businesses succeed. For more information, Contact us today on 07 4589 1943. #UCAAS #UC #UnifiedCommunication #SMB #CommanderBusinessConnect

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Did you know that 1 in 3 senior leaders lack an external professional network in Australia? But for those that do – the value is enormous. Our Return on Connection report found that leaders who connect and collaborate on the big challenges they face, lead to new or innovative ideas. It's something we intuitively all know, and great to see it confirmed by the research!   At Telstra, connection isn’t just our core business—it’s something we deeply believe in. We see the power of connection as vital for Australian industry, business and the economy.    The insights are in, are you ready to find out the Return on Connection? https://lnkd.in/g8JpJDEM #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #Connection #DiversityAndInclusion

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👋 Farewell 3G, hello enhanced connectivity 🌐   Did you know that in the past five years, demand on Telstra’s network has increased 3.5 times? 🚀   As we continue to improve and future-proof our network, it’s time to say goodbye to 3G 👋 We’re committed to providing a faster and more reliable service that can keep pace with Aussie’s insatiable demand for connectivity – which is growing 20% per year 📈   We can do this by switching off older mobile network technology and repurposing the spectrum that is used to carry data and voice calls to expand our 4G and 5G networks. 5G provides 5x the spectrum capabilities of 3G, and has around 20x more capacity 🌟    The 3G network was launched in 2006, and served us well for calls, texting, and basic online access 📶 More recently, 3G has accounted for less than 1% of mobile traffic on our network.   We’ve done a lot of work over the past 5 years, completing coverage upgrades, ensuring coverage equivalency and communicating to customers. Now we’re ready to upgrade our technology to a network that’s fit for the future, and provide a superior experience for our customers 🚀   Read more here 👉 https://lnkd.in/g5PHx7mk   #5G #3G #Connectivity Shailin Sehgal Sri Sriharan Gaya Byrne

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With the release of Joe Astons’ book on Qantas, and the recent ructions at WiseTech, there will no doubt be a new round of governance discussions on how boards can better deal with a "dominant" CEO.   Many of these ideas will be around more distance between management and board, and greater independence by directors.   I am about to make a suggestion (and it will run counter to convention) – that instead we should examine having more non-independent directors.   In a recent Harvard Business Review, leading Canadian academic Bryce Tingle, KC sets out the many benefits of having non-independent directors https://lnkd.in/guFnmbys   Having more insiders on the board, like senior executives (be it the CFO, COO or business unit heads), seems completely at odds with corporate governance. Yet, rather than entrenching CEO power, insider directors do the opposite. Tingle says: “In their capacity as directors, insiders become the CEO’s boss. They have unfettered and confidential access to the rest of the board. This actually makes them a rival power centre inside an organisation that the CEO must respect”.   Companies with insiders on the board are much less likely to be dominated by a powerful CEO personality, and they are much more likely to have the views of a wide range of groups in the company, represented in board discussions.   Inside directors bring advantages that are tough to find elsewhere. They are not dependent on the CEO for their information about the company and have a deep understanding of the company.   As I read Tingle’s research, I could not help but think of the strapline of Dr Strangelove - how I learned to stop worrying and love non-independence.

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Last week I was privileged to take part in a discussion with Joe Longo of ASIC, Michele Bullock of the Reserve Bank of Australia, and Raphael Arndt of the Future Fund about challenges including inflation, housing, and productivity.   I don’t pretend to have all the answers, but one thing I am sure of is that there is no version of Australia’s future that does not rely on technology, in some form, and it will all need to be connected.   Connectivity tends to be invisible until it breaks, but it is foundational to helping unlock productivity growth and prosperity. Better connections into regional Australia can also help give people more options about where they choose to live and work. That’s why we’re investing in infrastructure like our intercity fibre network, and it’s critical that the telco industry can keep investing sustainably to enable a more digitised future.   It was a fascinating discussion with some incredibly bright minds. Thank you to the ASIC Annual Forum team for the invitation.

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📡 David Coleman Critiques NBN's Decline Amid Starlink's Rise Shadow Communications Minister David Coleman has raised significant concerns about the state of Australia's National Broadband Network (NBN), highlighting how Elon Musk's Starlink is turning it into a "white elephant." In a recent interview, Coleman noted the alarming impact Starlink is having on NBN, stating, "The NBN is getting smashed by Elon Musk, and it's creating embarrassing headlines for the NBN." Coleman pointed out several key issues: ======================================= - The NBN's satellite business is rapidly declining. - The network has lost 80,000 customers from traditional homes. - In response, the NBN has stopped publishing a report that has been a decade-long standard. ----------------------------------------------------- "This from a government that was supposedly all about transparency and integrity is a disgrace," Coleman remarked, calling for the reinstatement of the report. As Australia's digital landscape evolves, the effectiveness and sustainability of the NBN are under intense scrutiny. The conversation around this issue is crucial for the future of connectivity in Australia. #NBN #Starlink #DavidColeman #ElonMusk #Broadband #Connectivity #Australia #DigitalTransformation #Transparency

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R&D ecosystems are generally undervalued. When you see something that works really well in a growing Australian SME with a global footprint, its natural to inquire further. Calix Limited is a template of how to build and operate an R&D ecosystem to deliver commercial advantage.... with 7 key insights

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$300 million and climbing! InnovationAus.com reports that the Department of Health and Aged Care's CRM project has ballooned from $116 million in just 18 months—a real ClustERPuck. Don't let your business become the next cautionary tale. Learn how to navigate ERP implementation by pre-ordering my book, "ClustERPuck: 21 Critical ERP Implementation Mistakes... and what to do instead." Turn potential pitfalls into success stories! https://lnkd.in/g_4Fznz5 Link to source in comments.

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🎉 $7,109 RAISED FOR DV SAFE PHONE THROUGH PHONECYCLE’S DEVICE RECYCLING PROGRAMS 🎉 We are thrilled to announce that a significant $7,109 has been raised for DV Safe Phone, a dedicated charity supporting those affected by domestic violence, through our Device Recycling Programs. A huge thank you to Vicinity Centres for their generosity who chose to donate the value of their 654 devices to this incremental charity, making a real difference to the lives of those experiencing domestic violence. Over the last 2 years, Vicinity has donated over an incredible $23,000 to DV Safe. DV Safe Phone is a charity dedicated to providing support and safety for those affected by domestic violence. DV Safe Phone provides mobile phones to domestic violence survivors. ▶️ Sustainability Impact: ◼️ 654 devices over the last 2 years diverted from landfill ◼️ Sustainability Achievements: ▪️ 2764 MJ of fossil fuels saved ▪️ 407 g C2 H4 Air pollutants avoided ▪️ 726 kg of CO2 emissions prevented ▪️ 1282 kg of mineral resources saved ▪️ 262g of particulate matter avoided Every contribution, no matter the size, plays a crucial role in our mission to reduce the tech carbon footprint and support vital community services. Interested in making a difference with your company's devices? Contact us today to find out more about how our device lifecycle programs are rewarding for businesses, charities, and the environment. It’s nothing but rewarding. #PhoneCycle #DVSafe #CorporateSocialResponsibility #CircularEconomy #Sustainability #TechForGood

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Some NZ first research into medium sized businesses. Find here what the challenges are, and follow for future insights as to how to overcome these predictable and solvable challenges.

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A massive week in the legal tech and practice management space with the ALPMA: Australasian Legal Practice Management Association Summit in Brisbane, Wednesday through Friday at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre. For those of you coming, drop in and say hello at the Lawganised booth (Stand #32) in the exhibition hall. We've got our usual cache of superior merch, and with a couple of surprises this year. Can't wait to see colleagues from far and wide, and an amazing array of speakers. See you there!! #altacon #alpma #legaltech #law #lawfirms #bestadvice

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Great news for mobile networks in the Wheatbelt 📱📡 Round 2 of the Federal Government’s Mobile Network Hardening Program (MNHP) has seen 92 WA based projects receive $6.04 million in funding. Even more exciting? 22 sites are in the Wheatbelt region! 🌾 This investment is not just about enhancing mobile networks; it's about bolstering resilience, improving digital connectivity, and ensuring communities stay connected, especially during emergencies. WDC is committed to identifying gaps and advocating for investment in telecommunications infrastructure to ensure businesses, communities, and industries have essential mobile connectivity for economic growth and community wellbeing. 🔗 Read the full ministerial media release here: https://lnkd.in/gspDH-ve #wheatbeltdevelopmentcommission #regionaldevelopment #digitalconnectivity #mobilenetworks

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In Tassie? I saw Loryan's presentation last week on the Gold Coast - this is worth attending if you are interested in Navigating your first few steps with Microsoft AI

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Do you use SMS or MMS in your business? If so, swap to Chatti® to get a better price and earn Qantas Rewards points at the same time. Loyalty should not be costing you more and rewarding you less! You can earn 2 QANTAS POINTS PER $1 SPENT ON SMS ongoing, plus with the current Qantas promotion you have the chance to share in 30 million Qantas Points. #chatti #bulksms #smsmarketing #sentbychatti

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A shoutout to the Key Business Network Brisbane North group for inviting me to present to their group on the topic of Building a Valuable Business using the concept of Value Building. This relatively well known but certainly misunderstood and under leveraged topic is one of the most powerful ways business owners can influence their financial success. Want to know more? Contact me for a confidential chat!

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Sharing my slides from today's keynote at the Innovate QLD Event hosted by the Public Sector Network. I covered: - how we are thinking about innovation all wrong - how to become a better innovator - Examples where Queensland Government is leading in digital innovation #digitalinnovation #digitalinclusion #digitaleconomy

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To drive higher living standards for Australians and better economy opportunities, we need to turn around our declining productivity growth. This means getting better at translating research into new tech and adopting that technology faster across all sectors. Achieving this requires higher tech investment in R&D and tech adoption. A new report from the Tech Council of Australia, From Research to Reality: Lifting Tech Investment in Australia, shows increasing tech investment will bring substantial benefits to our economy. We also set out a pathway for how we can get there. Over the next decade, lifting tech investment will require all parts of the Australian to work better, and work together. It’s important for us to be ambitious to support a more prosperous, productive economy for future generations. I look forward to engaging with our members and government as we work towards a shared goal of lifting tech investment Jared Lynch Susan Travis

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