Panellist on MIT Bootcamps Graduate Panel

Early morning today, at 1 AM in fact, I stayed awake to take part in the MIT Bootcamps Graduate Panel as a panellist. I spoke on the topic of “How to make the most of the Bootcamp community”. The full agenda was:

10 – 10:10 am ET → Introductions led by MIT Bootcamps team

 10:10 - 10:25 am ET → Helena Franco, MMSc-GHD candidate at Harvard Medical School: how to adopt lessons learnt from the Bootcamp into your professional and personal life

 10:25 - 10:40 am ET → Sharmin (Tinni) Choudhury, CTO of Kyco Australia: how to make the most of the Bootcamp community

10:40 - 10:55 am ET → Gareth Hewlett, Digital, Data & Network Convergence Director, Consumer CTIO at BT: how to think like a start-up for people used to working in a corporate environment

10:55 - 11:10 am ET → Giannina Gambini, Growth Manager Country at Tuxpas - Workplace from Facebook Partner: how to work with people from very different from yourself – whether it’s background, culture or personality

11:10 – 11:30 am ET → General Q&A (moderated by Bootcamps team)

I wasn’t as fluid with my speaking as I wanted to be and I feel I went for a bit too long. But I did cover the ground I wanted and encouraged the new MIT Bootcamp graduates to continue to say yes to opportunities to interact and participate with MIT Bootcamp community activities.

I truly believe that the power of “yes” is the way to get the most out of the MIT Bootcamp community. Whether that means saying yes to events, panels like the one this morning or just yes to organising something yourself, thus putting yourself out there and opening yourself to interaction and opportunities is the way to get the maximum benefit from the Bootcamp community.

To be fair, that’s the way to get the most out of any community but especially true of startup and research land I feel just because networking is so much more important within both. So go say yes to good, interesting opportunities from trusted sources. I have to qualify because I don’t want people to be so open that their brains fall out. There are way too many scams out there for me to encourage people to say yes without adding a word of caution. But still, do not doubt the power of yes!

StartMIT & MIT Fuse: Plus mini MIT Bootcamp Reunion

In my last post, I mentioned that I was glad to have said yes in 2019 to the MIT Bootcamp. I couldn’t remember at the time if MIT Bootcamp took place in some form in 2020. Last week, I was reminded that the MIT Bootcamp was not slated to come to Brisbane in 2020 nor 2021. Instead, the QUT and MIT collaboration is now taking place through StartMIT & MIT Fuse - two other MIT programs.

My understanding is that StartMIT is a lighter introduction to entrepreneurship then MIT Bootcamp. While MIT Fuse is for established startups looking for a more tailored framework through which to analysis and contextualise their experience and journey. They both have their own niche and place but I think the in-person Bootcamp was probably the best for me. So while I could have done something had I said no in 2019 to the Bootcamp, I am still glad I said yes when I did.

Of course, a perk of being a Bootcamp alumnus is that I was invited by Professor Rowena Barrett to a meet and mingle with this year’s participants of the StartMIT and MIT Fuse programs. The event took place last Wednesday. I got to meet some new nodes in the MIT network. As well as reconnect with some old ones like my Bootcamp mate Justin George, along with Bootcampers from other years, so a good way to February!

Interview with the Founder's Voyage

Last month, I had the pleasure of speaking with the Founder’s Voyage podcast. The Founder’s Voyage was set up by Nancy Nash and Spencer Walker-Fooks. Every Saturday they sit down and chat with MIT Bootcamp alumni. The live interview time isn’t always great for Australians, but all episodes are available on JustCast.com. I highly recommend listening.

1st Anniversary of Start with Tinni

Last year, 2nd of November was a Friday, so I took the opportunity to formally announce the launch of Start with Tinni at the RCL Pitch Night. My pitch got me one connection at least and launched and eventful year of Start with Tinni!

It’s been a packed year,

1. Start with Tinni completed the NEIS program

2. I completed the MIT Bootcamp

3. I finished Impact Boom Elevate+ with Abide

4. I attended the Launch Festival on the back of Abide

5. I got to participate in the QUT CEA Collider Bootcamp Day with Josari

6. I successfully project managed the launch of the Josari MVP, also the Abide MVP, and the first Your Happy Place MVP

7. Finally, I helped Birnam Wood navigate a crucial phase in their existence

But it’s also been a year of lows; my grandfather was still alive on the 2nd of November 2018. I am not celebrating much today because my grandmother is very sick. I might lose her before the year ends. Still, I am grateful for everybody who has been on the journey with me. Here’s to year 2 of Start with Tinni!

My MIT Bootcamp Testimonial

We had the opportunity to record a 2-3 minute video testimonial for the MIT Bootcamp. This was my video!