Before participating in a HEX program, Zara had heard about the concept of innovation, but never experienced it for herself. Fueled with a desire to travel and see what the world had to offer, Zara took part in HEX 2.1 to Tel Aviv, Israel which introduced her to core skills that she now applies in her role as a Relationship Officer for the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

Since graduating university, Zara has needed to show courage by moving on from roles in the past where she was no longer learning and growing as a professional,

“It’s important for me to keep chasing a challenge and to keep developing as much as possible.”

While the ATO may not be the first place you think about when you think of ‘innovation’, Zara believes that’s exactly why it’s so important to embed new ways of thinking into traditional organisations.

One of the things Zara has embraced from the innovation ecosystem is the concept of network building and ‘paying it forward’, which has helped her build relationships with senior people in her organisation and open up opportunities she may have never considered

“There have been a handful of people who have really championed and encouraged me to step into new opportunities within the organisation, I’m extremely grateful for that,”

at the ATO where she has transitioned from a Service Delivery Officer based in the contact centre to a Relationship Officer working on major corporate projects.

“It helps having people that actively believe in me, it definitely builds up my confidence.”

Zara was seeking a fresh challenge when she came across HEX. Throughout her HeX experience, she broadened her understanding of what it means to pursue entrepreneurship as a career.

Zara was seeking a fresh challenge when she came across HEX. Throughout her HEX experience, she broadened her understanding of what it means to pursue entrepreneurship as a career.

“I never knew it could be a job. I really enjoyed meeting people and understanding what entrepreneurship is from a minimal risk perspective.”

Zara didn’t spend a lot of time around entrepreneurial people growing up, so the opportunity to learn about  alternate career pathways through starting your own business was an eye opener.

“The more I learn, the more I think I could launch something myself, but overall I am learning a lot in my current role and I think that learning about entrepreneurship has helped me along the way.”

When it comes to thinking about her future, Zara can see herself in a few different scenarios.

“I’m glad I have been exposed to startups because I think it is something I can keep being involved in on the side, at least for now. I am enjoying learning about how business works from my professional career.”

Ultimately, Zara’s main goal is to develop a reputation as a trusted, proactive and innovative professional so she can make an impact wherever she ends up in her career.

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