Our episode this week features a woman who has one of the most unique backgrounds and skill sets we’ve come across. Elizabeth Eastland is a full time artist these days, however her career prior to the last few years centred around leadership roles in global corporates and academia focussed on technology,  innovation and entrepreneurship. 

Liz is a Canadian Australian now based in Sydney, however her career has taken her from North America to Australia and Paris and back to Sydney. She’s been a CEO of a telco startup, held a global role at telco giant Alcatel, and she’s headed up innovation and entrepreneurship programs for two universities, the University of Wollongong and the University of NSW.  

What’s so fascinating about Liz is that right from the start she embraced and studied two disciplines: art (initially creative writing) and science, and she’s continued this duality right throughout her executive career. It’s not surprising to learn her father was a rocket scientist and her mother an artist and designer. Plus Liz herself has at least 3 degrees. 

In this intriguing conversation you’ll hear: 

• Liz’s reaction when she was transferred to Australia at age 28
• How Liz’s multi disciplinary background has given her unique perspectives on what it takes to be truly innovative
• How a planned nine month, mid career break turned into a four year voyage sailing around the Mediterranean
• How Liz was effectively responsible for the innovation strategy of a whole nation in one of her roles; and 
• Liz’s surprising, yet super refreshing, definition of success for herself. 

Enjoy this fascinating conversation with the creative and uber-disciplined Elizabeth Eastland. 

 

 

Useful Links:

Elizabeth Eastland website (including details of her May 2024 art exhibition)