Griffith Business School celebrated its industry partners and connected with their community through their inaugural Better Business Dinner on Friday November 4 at Sofitel Brisbane.
The School’s industry showcase event saw more than 400 business and academic leaders, students and alumni come together to network and celebrate under this year’s theme: Success in the new economy.
“We are all here tonight to celebrate our strong partnerships and shared success so that we continue to work towards a future that we can shape for the better,” Professor Caitlin Byrne, Pro Vice Chancellor (Business) said. “We look forward to shaping the next generation of business leaders ready to take on the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.”
The event opened with an In Conversation segment with Professor Byrne, entrepreneur and 2021 Griffith University Outstanding Alumnus Dr Elise Stephenson, and 2022 Griffith Business School International Alumnus of the Year Troy Yue.
Ideally positioned to be this year’s keynote speaker was Simon Griffiths, CEO of Who Gives a Crap. His thriving toilet paper business was created to make a difference, with 50 per cent of their profits being used to help build toilets and improve sanitation in the developing world. It’s a strategy that perfectly aligns with Griffith’s values of responsible leadership and sustainable business.
Simon shared the inspirational journey of Who Gives a Crap–which has donated over $10 million–and the importance of doing good being good business. “Purpose becomes this north star that keeps us sailing straight when the sailing is good, and when the sailing gets rough, our purpose becomes this anchor that grounds us and keeps us steady in these rough seas,” he said.
As part of the event, Griffith Business School took the opportunity to announce their Industry Partner of the Year Award: Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ).
During their partnership with the School, TIQ has facilitated many student internship opportunities across multiple key locations in the Asia—Pacific region, and between 2018 to 2020, a total of 117 Business School students have been key beneficiaries of the Griffith Asia Business Internship program.
Their work is closely aligned to Griffith Business School’s mission to engage with and have impact in the communities we serve, paying particular attention to our enduring relationships with Asian and Pacific countries alongside our goal of creating global students.
“Griffith Business School plays a vital role in building Queensland’s business leaders of the future, and it’s been our pleasure to support them in any way possible,” Acting CEO Richard Watson said as he accepted the award.
“At Trade and Investment Queensland we take our partnership very seriously, and we are committed to driving the growth of young people and enabling good outcomes for our clients. It’s our privilege to share our local and international insights, experience, and connections as we continue to grow regional awareness and build greater relationships for Queensland between the business communities of Australia, Asia and beyond.”
Griffith industry partners Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) and UniSuper and were proud to be the Silver Sponsors of this inaugural event.
“Griffith’s core principles of excellence, ethics, and engagement resonate strongly with our own values and we are a proud sponsor of the Better Business Dinner,” a spokesperson on behalf of CBA said. “There is strong and positive collaboration with Griffith University across a diverse range of projects ranging from sustainability, student engagement, and the recently announced partnership of the development of the Academy of Excellence in Financial Crime Investigations and Compliance.”
UniSuper’s Chief Marketing and Growth Officer Dani Murrie expressed their pride in the Griffith sponsorship. “UniSuper is proud to be a long-term partner of Griffith Business School, and Griffith University’s super fund of choice,” she said.
“As the fund for Australia’s thinkers, creators and investigators, we are pleased to support Griffith Business School in their mission to nurture and shape the future of business and future generations of great thinkers. We know that anything is possible when great minds come together, and Griffith’s Business School delivers on that promise.”
Professor Byrne closed the evening calling on guests to continue to join the school in creating better business for a better world.
If you would like to join the mail list for the 2023 Better Business Dinner or find out about sponsorship opportunities, please contact us.
