As a mixed-race individual—half Chinese, half Korean—who moved to Australia after high school, I’ve often struggled with identity. Am I Chinese? Korean? Australian? For years, I found comfort in defining myself through my work.
Later, I became a wife, and my identity shifted again.
This year, I stepped into yet another role: founder. It’s been exciting, humbling, and, at times, terrifying. Leading a small team while navigating uncertainties has forced me to confront a question I’ve avoided for years: Who am I really, and what if we fail?
I’ve realized something that might resonate with others in similar situations: Like so many first-generation migrants, founders, and women, I’ve spent much of my life trying to meet expectations—whether cultural, societal, or self-imposed.
But as 2024 ends, I’ve learned that it’s okay to embrace the unknown. I don’t have all the answers, but I know this:
- I am a migrant who want to challenge the status quo.
- I am learning to become a good innovator and a founder, willing to risk failure to create something meaningful.
-I am a woman learning to embrace vulnerability, resilience, and growth.
To my fellow founders, migrants, and women: It’s not easy. There are dark days, self-doubt, and sacrifices. But there’s also strength in knowing we’re not alone. Programs like SBE Australia program reminds us we are not alone on this path.
Here’s to being brave, open, and ready—for failure, success, setbacks, and breakthroughs. Let’s keep moving forward together.
What a program! The 2024 Evolve program has come to a close but it is only the beginning for these amazing founders.
A huge thank you to long time SBE Ambassador and our facilitator Noga Edelstein, our program partners City of Sydney, Phillips Ormonde Fitzpatrick, LIFTwomen® Group, Hamilton Locke, our platinum sponsors BDO in Australia, LaunchVic and IR Department and all of our guest experts who donated their time.
Welcome to the newest SBE portfolio companies Anna Nedbaylova of FundBase Group, Danielle Johansen of Threadicated, Greta Menzies of My Databoss, Lucy Kough of @TaptheGap, Krish Waje of Lunaire, Olivia Mangan of Goodbyes, Zoe Taylor and Carly Nowell of Audrey & Alfie, Kate Osaze of Reswitch , Rachel Zhao of Woofya and program observer, Philippa Abbott of Pelagic.
You are all outstanding!
Kerri Lee Sinclair, Jim Cassidy, Bill Trestrail