EmpowerTech x WiT Ep 8: Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Regional Impact
In this episode of EmpowerTech, Iyari Cevallos speaks with Professor Rowena Barrett, 2025 Women in Technology Raising the Regions Award winner and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Entrepreneurship and Regional Innovation) at QUT.
Rowena shares perspectives from her career in innovation and entrepreneurship, reflecting on how her path has evolved through different opportunities, experiences, and areas of work.
She discusses how ideas develop over time, the importance of understanding the problems you are trying to solve, and the role of curiosity in shaping both careers and innovation.
The conversation also explores leadership, collaboration, and the ways universities and organisations can support people as they explore new ideas and pathways.
In this episode, Rowena shares:
What drives her interest in innovation and entrepreneurship
How her career has evolved over time
The importance of asking questions and exploring opportunities
Perspectives on developing ideas and understanding problems
The role of persistence and learning
Reflections on leadership and collaboration
Advice for people exploring career pathways
Links
EmpowerTech Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
Follow Iyari Cevallos on LinkedIn
Follow Rowena Barrett on LinkedIn