Brand Strategy Sydney

Data Driven or Data Distracted!

Our CCX Sydney October event features a very lively and topical panel discussion entitled Data Driven or Data Distracted We will be applying a $10.00 cover charge to cover Food and drinks and on this occasion will be kindly hosted by the ONSET https://theonset.com.au The Onset is a specialist recruitment business deeply connected to Australia’s design and technology ecosystem. They work with ambitious companies, brilliant industry experts and a wider group of specialists across data, AI, design and transformation through The Omnia Collective. About the session **How Product, Design & Engineering actually use evidence to make decisions** How much data do we really need to make better product decisions? And when does being “data-driven” start getting in the way of good product thinking? For this CCX Sydney session, we’re bringing together four practitioners from different corners of the product ecosystem — analytics, strategy and service design, UX/CX, and engineering — to explore the role data and evidence actually play in product development and delivery. Each speaker will have **15 minutes to make their own case** for — or against — being **DATA-DRIVEN OR DATA-DISTRACTED**. Rather than presenting a single view, they’ll challenge us to look at how research, analytics, customer insight, AI, product requirements engineering and data can influence the decisions we make — from defining the problem and creating the PRD through to designing, building and releasing the product. Our speakers bring four very different perspectives: **Olga Pasikova\, Senior Analytics Director; Rob Tot\, Strategy & Service Design Lead; Thomas Shillingford\, UX \| CX \| Strategy \| AI and Author; and David Berigny\, Forward Deployed Engineer\.** Each panel member will bring their own experience, provocations and examples to the question: **when does data help us make better decisions — and when does it simply give us more information to react to?** Then we turn up the heat. Following the four presentations, **Sophie Greenfield, Senior Product & AI Designer at CBA**, will lead a lively panel discussion, bringing the speakers together to challenge each other's perspectives and explore the tensions between data, evidence, intuition, customer understanding and design judgement. Because being data-driven sounds simple. **Knowing what data to trust, what it actually means, and when to ignore it is where things get interesting.** **About our Panel:** ### Olga Pasikova **Senior Analytics Director** Olga Pasikova is a Senior Analytics Director and experienced digital analytics specialist with more than a decade working across data, analytics and digital measurement. She brings a strong ability to translate complex analytics challenges into clear strategic direction, helping teams use data to understand behaviour, measure outcomes and make better-informed decisions. Olga is also an active member of Sydney’s data and analytics community. ### Rob Tot **Strategy & Service Design Lead** Rob Tot is a Strategy and Service Design Lead who works at the intersection of customer needs, business strategy and service innovation. His work brings together strategic thinking and human-centred design to help organisations navigate complex problems, uncover opportunities and turn insight into meaningful product and service outcomes. ### Thomas Shillingford **UX \| CX \| Strategy \| AI \| Author** Thomas Shillingford is a UX and CX strategist, designer, author and speaker with extensive experience across digital products and customer experiences. His career has included work spanning research, customer journeys, interaction design, usability, design strategy and large-scale digital transformation. More recently, Thomas has been exploring the impact of AI on design practice, including how AI is changing design systems, strategy and the role of human judgement. ### David Berigny **Forward Deployed Engineer** David Berigny is a Forward Deployed Engineer working at the intersection of technology, product development and real-world customer problems. His role brings engineering directly into the product development process — translating customer and business needs into practical technical solutions, testing ideas in the field and using evidence from real-world implementation to inform what gets built and how it evolves. ### Sophie Greenfield FACILITATOR **Senior Product Designer & Facilitator** Sophie Greenfield is a Senior Product Designer at Commonwealth Bank with more than 20 years’ experience across UX, product design, research and digital strategy. Her career has spanned product strategy, customer research and experience design across organisations including CommBank, Westpac and ING Direct. Sophie has a particular interest in the intersection of **data, customer insight, product strategy and AI-enabled design**. She has been exploring and teaching AI-enabled design practices, from research synthesis and hypothesis validation to rapid prototyping and new ways of working for designers. For **DATA-DRIVEN OR DATA-DISTRACTED?**, Sophie will facilitate the conversation between our four speakers, challenging their perspectives and helping unpack the bigger question: **when does evidence genuinely improve product decisions — and when can data become a distraction from understanding the customer?** We are so excited to be wrapping up the year with this awesome panel discussion hosted by new friends of CCX Sydney, the ONSET. [https://theonset.com.au/](https://theonset.com.au/) Lastly make sure you Join us for sponsored drinks post the event at a nearby bar more details to follow. Regards Kevin, Lydia, Sylvia, James and Carolina.

Australia Business Investment Network Monthly Meet Up

Welcome to our meet up, where we unite, share and chat about day-to-day life, goals and plans, strategies, work life balance, business and investment opportunities. Smart casual attire. Belroy Hotel, Upstairs near terrace. Please look for "Meet Up" sign on Table Agenda Session 1: Introduction Session 2: Five-minute introductory presentation by participants Session 3: Networking Session Session 4: Closing Remarks ** Join our Asia Wealth Connect (AWC) community for support, opportunities and collaboration at [https://www.asiawealthconnect.com.au](https://www.asiawealthconnect.com.au) Hope to see you there. Please be on time and note the event can finish earlier depending on numbers

Sydney Singles Relational Lab — Facilitated Connection Experience

# Tired of dating apps culture and surface-level? This is different. And people often leave surprised by how quickly strangers can feel human, warm, honest, and real again. Free to RSVP, 👉 $59 to confirm your spot [https://consciousconnectionsclub.com/join](https://consciousconnectionsclub.com/join) Relational Labs is a guided connection experience for singles who want more honest, playful, emotionally intelligent interaction — without performance, pressure, or endless small talk. This is not speed dating. Not networking. Not “pitch yourself to strangers.” It’s a facilitated relational container rooted in psychology, emotional intelligence, attachment work, social dynamics, nervous system awareness, and real-world human connection — made practical enough that you can actually live it instead of reading another 50 books about it. ## What happens • A 2-hour guided online relational experience • Real-time connection exercises designed to create authentic interaction • A format that adapts in real time to whoever is present • Optional participant-led in-person continuation afterward • WhatsApp connection thread after the session ## This may be for you if: • You’re tired of shallow or repetitive social spaces • You want deeper connection without forced intimacy • You enjoy personal growth, psychology, communication, or relational work • You’re open to meeting people in a more intentional way ## Important This experience runs with whoever is present and takes its own shape each time. Sometimes expansive. Sometimes intimate. Both are the real thing.

Free Esperanto Beginner Course

Click below to see the entire Flyer!! [https://canva.link/97tuf8wao3ht5yi](https://canva.link/97tuf8wao3ht5yi) **WHY ESPERANTO?** * Enjoy an easy and logical international language * Travel the world with Esperanto * Become part of a friendly and intelligent global community * Enjoy the world of Esperanto literature and the rich culture **FREE BEGINNER COURSE** 7 Saturdays Starting 17 Oct. 2026, 2:00-5:30pm Venue: Esperanto House 143 Lawson St, Redfern, NSW 2016 **Esperanto NSW** sponsors your learning, so it is FREE for you **Joanne Cho** \- an experienced national/international teacher of Esperanto for over 30 years\. She will bring excitement to your learning\. **TO REGISTER** Call/Text Joanne 0413 087 340 joannecho95@gmail.com

☕🍫 Coffee, Chocolate & New Friends (20s & 30s) – It's Back! 🎉

✨ **Follow us on Instagram for the latest events, updates & social adventures!** ✨: https://www.instagram.com/newfriends_sydney?igsi=cG1ybjM3ZWc0c2wz&utm_source=qr Love chocolate? Join us **weekly** for a relaxed midweek coffee catch-up with fellow chocolate lovers who enjoy good conversation, sweet treats, and a friendly vibe. 🍫🍰 This is a **casual, low-pressure weekly social**, perfect if you: ✅ Love chocolate (dark, milk, or white 🍫) ✅ Want something social but easy after work ✅ Are new to Meetup or just want familiar faces ✅ Prefer smaller, welcoming groups ✨ **What to expect** ✅ Midweek coffee catch-ups ✅ Buy your own coffee (and dessert if you like!) ✅ Friendly, relaxed chats — no forced icebreakers ✅ Come for 10 minutes or stay the whole time ✨ **Good to know** ✅ This is a **weekly recurring event** ✅ Limited spots to keep the group comfortable! ✅ New members always welcome 💰 **Membership Fee**: $10 one time only (Unlimited Events). Past attendees who have already paid are FREE to join again! Please send $10 via PayID to A MIU (0432847305) and send me a screenshot of your payment ***on the day before the event***. Thank you! If you’re a chocolate lover looking for a chill midweek reset and a regular social routine, this one’s for you ☕🍫 Stay tuned for any further updates! Alison - 0432847305 **Did you have fun?** 😄🎉 If you could please leave a quick review in the pop-up **“How did you find it?”** when the event has ended and share your thoughts. Your feedback will help us make the next one even better! 💬✨ 📝 **TERMS & DISCLAIMER:** ✅ If something has come up, please **Edit** your RSVP to ‘**Not Going**’ ASAP. This will allow others who are available to join. Thank you! 😊 ❌ **Late Cancellations** or **No Shows** will not be tolerated. You will forfeit the opportunity to join my future events!

Stranger Soccer's 6-a-side match @ Fairfield!

Hey mates! If you're looking for a 6-a-side kickoff, we have it happening at **Fairfield every Tuesday from 6-7 pm**! Joining us is easy! Just download the Stranger Soccer app and register for free. Use the code **WELCOME** to book your first game for free if you're playing with us for the first time. We hope to see you on the pitch!

Online Photography - The letter C

Improving Your Business with AI Agents (with Georges River Council)

**A free evening with Georges River Council, part of NSW Small Business Month** Join Georges River Council and Western Sydney Tech Innovators (WSTI) to see how AI agents can take on everyday tasks in your business. **You must reserve your spot** at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/improving-your-business-with-ai-agents-tickets-2002685750992 **On the night** * A panel on AI trends and how local businesses are using AI. * A live demonstration of AI agents and generative AI tools handling real business tasks. * Examples you can apply in your own business * Q&A with the panel * Time to meet other local business owners * Food and refreshments throughout the evening **Who it is for** Business owners and operators: whether you’ve been in business for years, are just getting started, or simply want to become better connected with the local business community, you’re welcome to join us. This session will help equip you with practical insights and real-world examples to help your business innovate and grow. **Getting there** See the details at the Eventbrite registration page. **Registration** Registration is through Georges River Council's Eventbrite page. More details and RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/improving-your-business-with-ai-agents-tickets-2002685750992

Coffee & New Friends - Café Social ☕ (20s & 30s)

Grab a coffee, meet new people and see where the conversation goes. Come solo or bring a friend - our host will welcome everyone and help the conversation flow. Food and drinks are purchased separately. Save your place: [https://www.keenout.com/meetups/saturday-cafe-meetup](https://www.keenout.com/meetups/saturday-cafe-meetup)

Fairfax Walk 🚶‍♀️ (North Head)- Human Hearted Sydney 🌻

**Event Summary:** Our monthly social event is going to be a walk around North head on the trail known as Fairfax walk. The plan is to gather there at 11:00 and then do the walk. Interested in meeting new people ? Or refreshing existing friendships with members of our human hearted Sydney community? Or curious about what it means to be [Human Hearted](https://areomagazine.com/2022/05/05/a-human-hearted-modernity/)? Then why not come along and join us. This month we're planning a gentle scenic walk around North Head following the Fairfax trail for our our social event. The total distance shouldn't be more than about three kilometres and we'll be going at a gentle pace. The walk will include some great harbour and ocean views. Our goal is to enjoy the walk and the view, and socialise as we walk. **Connecting to our values:** This event is part of living out Human Hearted Sydney's values of positive social connection and building community in Sydney. So lets meet and connect with those we already know, and those we haven't met before. All are welcome to socialise, meet new people, and build friendships. For more information about human heartedness and its values please see our [website](https://humanhearted.org/) or [skool community](https://www.skool.com/human-hearted-world-6839/about) **Meeting Point:** We'll meet at 11am on Sunday 25th of October at bus stop 209583 ( stop name: Fairfax Walk, North Head Scenic Dr. ) on bus route 161. This bus route goes up to North Head and back from Manly Wharf. After the walk we'll head back into Many and look for a place for lunch. People are welcome to do the walk only, or also join us for lunch.

Side Quest: Make a Plan, Find Your People, Get It Done

Meet people by what they're building, not where they work. Whether your side quest is a business, a creative project, a fitness goal, something you want to learn or a way you want to grow, bring it along, even if it's still just an idea. You'll turn it into a focused plan with a real deadline, then keep going with a hand-matched crew of like-minded people and finish it together. Limited to 20 people. ### **How it works** 1. **Come to the kickoff.** Saturday 24 October, 10 am. Meet the group, share your side quest, and see if it's for you. 2. **Fill in your matching card.** After you book, we'll send a short card: your goal in writing, your intensity, how often you'd like check-ins, and when you're free. 3. **Keep going with your crew.** Like it? Join the 3-month founding crew on the day, and we'll place you with 4 to 5 people at your pace. ### **What to expect** ***At the kickoff:*** Everyone shares what they're working towards, then talks it through 1-on-1 with a partner who asks the good questions. You'll swap partners, poke a few holes, and tighten the plan. ***With your crew:*** There's no awkward picking your own group, because we match you on your goal, check-in style and availability. You'll have a crew chat with check-ins daily, weekly or somewhere in between, monthly themed meetups in November and December built around where people get stuck, and a January finale to celebrate the wins, the flops and everything you learned. Meetup and finale dates are still to be confirmed. ### **Agenda** * **10:00 am to 10:15 am \| Meet the crew and grab a coffee** * **10:15 am to 10:20 am \| Walk together to the park** * **10:20 am to 10:45 am \| Share your side quest \|** Everyone says what they're building, or finally ready to begin. * **10:45 am to 11:20 am \| Plan it\, 1\-on\-1 \|** Shape your side quest into a focused plan with a real deadline, with a partner who asks the good questions. * **11:20 am to 11:45 am \| Swap partners and pressure\-test \|** Poke holes, then tighten the plan. * **11:45 am to 12:00 pm \| Commit \|** Say your deadline out loud, and hear how the 3-month crews work if you want to keep going. ### **Good to Know** $20 RSVP. Please be on time to make the most out of this event.

TechWalking - Sydney - Networking Event for Tech Professionals

**TechWalking is here to stay in Sydney!** 🌊🚶‍♂️A huge thank you to our co-hosts — Malathy, Pragnya, Xi, Felix, Sujata and Amee — for making it happen! Are you a tech professional looking to network beyond the screen? Join us for a refreshing **#TechWalking** event along the stunning Royal Botanic Garden! It’s the perfect chance to connect with industry peers while getting in some steps! Whether you're in software development, cybersecurity, data science, or any tech-related field, this is the perfect opportunity to expand your network in a relaxed setting. 🌅 **Meeting Point:** Archibald Memorial Fountain, Hyde Park 🏖 **Route:** 4 km walk through the Botanical Garden to the Sydney Opera House 🕙 **Start Time:** 10 AM sharp—don’t be late, or you might have to sprint to catch up! **Please note:** unfortunately, dogs aren’t allowed in the Botanical Gardens. A bit sad, we know 🐶💔 Looking forward to meeting you all in real life! **TechWalking is free, and always will be.** But keeping the community going takes time, effort, and a few ongoing costs. If you enjoy TechWalking and would like to help us keep it growing, any donation is greatly appreciated: [https://tech-walking.yanamartens.com/donate](https://tech-walking.yanamartens.com/donate) **TechWalking Community page: [https://tech-walking.yanamartens.com/](https://tech-walking.yanamartens.com/)** *** Join the TechWalking group on LinkedIn! [https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14477058/](https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14477058/) Just moved to Australia? Grab your FREE guide to landing your tech job! [https://yanamartens.com/first-tech-job-in-australia/](https://yanamartens.com/first-tech-job-in-australia/) Follow me on LinkedIn for more information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yana-martens/ Subscribe to YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ITCareerinAustralia