From Identity to Influence: Building Inclusive Innovation Across Cultures

From Identity to Influence explores how cultural identity and lived experience are not just personal assets but powerful drivers of innovation, resilience, and leadership in today’s business landscape. Drawing on Deepa’s journey as a South Asian-Australian entrepreneur, this session will unpack the tools and strategies that transform cultural perspective into entrepreneurial and organisational strength.

Through real-world examples across creative industries, tech entrepreneurship, and grassroots leadership, participants will gain insight into building trust, navigating diverse teams, and leading with purpose. This session invites founders, leaders, allies, and policymakers to rethink inclusion — not as a buzzword, but as a foundational principle for innovation.

Key Takeaways:
- Understand the potential of cultural identity and how to integrate lived experiences into brand building and leadership.
- Recognise systemic challenges faced by migrant and underrepresented founders and identify ways to support them through inclusive ecosystems.
- Develop practical cross-cultural fluency — including how to navigate different communication styles, expectations, and values within teams and organisations.
- Apply principles of inclusive leadership and allyship to create safe, empowering environments for diverse professionals and entrepreneurs.