Aoife O'Connell, Founder of Yarnly
Aoife O'Connell is the Founder of Yarnly a Chatbot Development Agency - "I'm Irish, and have called Sydney home for over 10 years now!" she says.
"I'm a feminist, a mother, an ouchy kisser, a snack logistic director, a tech-head, an art lover, a finder of all lost socks and an empath - I feel everything". ⠀
She believes that women and men alike, when encouraged with opportunity can unlock wonder in this world. Looking back prior to being a mother and startup founder, she felt like she was photocopying her life, and as a digital professional, Aoife worked in corporate for 10 years.
"Last year, I took time out to really get real with myself and understanding what my unapologetic values are. I deeply believe there has to be a better way. A better way to run a company. A better way to deliver to customers. A better way to serve our communities. A better way to give back - an EQUAL way." she says.
"Yarnly.ai was born (YESSSS) to change current business practices and for my daughter to be encouraged that opportunity doesn't make appointments. If you're willing to work for it, you can get whatever your 'it' is."
Who do you most admire in business?
Witney Wolf founder of Bumble - Their SuperBowl commercial turned around in six weeks, created by a team almost entirely of women, empowering women to take charge of their careers and dating. They are recreating the female dialogue #MakeTheFirstMove #PressForProgress
What companies or brands do you like or do you think are getting it right?
Bumble, Thinx, The Wing and Rent The Runway
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Opportunity doesn't take appointments. Only you can make your goals a reality.
What drives or motivates you each day?
86% of Australian companies are chaired by men, 83% of Australian companies have a male CEO, 74% of organizations have a male-only team of key management personnel.
There is a 14.5% gender pay gap, Australia has had only one female prime minister 70% of the federal lower house MPs are male with 60% of Senators in the upper house male.
Be the change you want to see - Use your god darn VOICE, take up ROOM, be HEARD. Back yourself unapologetically. Do not, under any circumstance, take NO for an answer.
What are your thoughts on the future of social media?
The future of social media is a private 1:1 environment in a group setting, not a public domain - it will also incorporate VR and digital voice experiences.
How do you network?
Offline and Online. If I see someone with the same values, I reach out and connect.
How did you get into this line of work and What advice would you have for someone looking to get into the same line of work?
I worked in digital for 15 years, and when I was on maternity, I upskilled on chat marketing and developing chatbots. Commit to continuous learning and back yourself.
What do you wish you had known when you started out?
Start building and nurturing your network to build an even better community before you start.
What's the most common reason for people failing or giving up?
Lack of constancy, anything worth having takes work, you need to commit to emotional fitness - to create a life of confident opportunities to train for a state of readiness - so when it happens, you are prepared.
What are you most proud of in your life?
Building my AI agency and making a child.
How do you define success?
Being unapologetic of your values and the ability to use your voice to make a positive impact on the world.
What do you think your unique skill(s) is that has helped you become successful?
I dunno about unique, however, I was once told I have a spirit in the form of an Inka man following me around that protects and gives me strength (so maybe that, HA!)
Attributes - Resilience, awareness of the market, wanting to understand human behaviour and commit to continuous learning.
What valuable lessons have you learned so far that you could share with our audience?
Leave any form of ego at the door, there is a generation of very capable, switched on youth entering into the workforce. If you do not a partner and learn from them, they will disrupt you.
Is there anything new you are working on that you would like to share?
We are in the business of chatbots and moving into voice in 2020.
Where's your favourite place?
With family, friends, food and wine.
What is your hobby?
Painting
Best holiday of choice?
America
What are you not very good at and What are you good at?
I'm not good at taking no for an answer. Good at Connecting and supporting my network.
Which words do you overuse?
Excited and Awesome
Your social media platform of choice?
Facebook Messenger
When are you happiest?
With my daughter
Your favourite movie or TV show, and books or authors?
Netflix - Unbelievable
Pretty much any Seth Godin book and Disrupt-Her by Miki Agrawal
What living person do you most admire?
Greta Thunberg
A positive quote you like to share with people.
Your perception is your reality.