Mick Mullins, Director of Earth Commodities Pty Ltd - EO Brisbane member since January 1996
Why did you join the Entrepreneurs' Organisation?
I felt that I was all alone in business, and joining EO allowed me to get in touch with other like minded people who were building their own businesses. All of a sudden I didn’t feel so alone any more.
Do you have a favourite "EO moment" that stands out from all the rest?
I was in a cab full of EOers from Australia going on the bridge from Hong Kong to Kowloon. I was in the middle in the front towering over the small Chinese taxi driver. In fact there was no seat in the middle in the front, I was almost on his lap. In front of me on the dashboard was his radio microphone. There was a great deal of chatter on the two way and I successfully silenced the whole system when I took the mic, and said, “VKC to Matlock, are you there Shirl?” The guys with me just erupted. After about five seconds Chinese discussions resumed over the two way system. Did I mention meeting Jack Welsh from GE, or parting at the Playboy Mansion?
What have you learned through your EO experiences so far?
Entrepreneurs should be proud of their approach to life and not be compared with the Australian ruthless cowboys of the 1980’s who were a bunch of crooks. A great sense of calm came over me when I finally embraced life as an entrepreneur and started even using that as my job title. When you start sharing with others from EO the magic just happens, put yourself out there and even greater things happen.
Mike O'Hagan, Founder, Owner and Chairman of MiniMovers - EO Brisbane member since July 2007
Why did you join the Entrepreneurs' Organisation?
I don’t know, what I don’t know, BUT I do know, that I’ll probably learn it from a fellow Entrepreneur.
Do you have a favourite "EO moment" that stands out from all the rest?
At an EO event at a Members home, in New Delhi, India when I realised the magnificent home we were in, was “her day house”. I then realised, I was still aiming too low.
What have you learned through your EO experiences so far?
Too much to detail. It’s been like drinking from a fire hydrant. You keep swallowing while 100 times as much comes at you.
Peter Nuttall, Managing Director of RUD Chains Pty Ltd - EO Brisbane member since June 2005
Why did you join the Entrepreneurs' Organisation?
To learn from my peers and utilise the experience to further my business and grow personally and professionally.
Do you have a favourite "EO moment" that stands out from all the rest?
All the Forum retreats.
What have you learned through your EO experiences so far?
Hey I’m not the only one experiencing the stuff that happens when growing a business. It’s a comforting thought to know we are all experiencing the same things and can learn and grow from sharing our challenges and successes.
Shane Ridley, Managing Director of PARK Consulting Group - EO Brisbane member since November 2006
Why did you join the Entrepreneurs' Organisation?
To be around people who had similar drive and ambition as me, but also the discipline to have a go and role the dice. People in EO get what being a fast growth business owner is all about.
Do you have a favourite "EO moment" that stands out from all the rest?
The Global Leadership Conference in Dubai. EOers from all over the world got together in a city built on little more than a vision. Fantastic
What have you learned through your EO experiences so far?
I'm not alone!! Every other EOer in the room has gone through, is going through or will go through the challenges I am and have faced. Its great to be in an organisation with so much support.
Ivanka Menken, Executive Director of The Art of Service Pty Ltd - EO Brisbane member since September 2006
Why did you join the Entrepreneurs' Organisation?
To have a sounding board - a network of likeminded entrepreneurs, people to learn from and to be able to pick their brains. By having this network of people I don’t fall into the trap as much to discuss too much with staff members.
Do you have a favourite "EO moment" that stands out from all the rest?
Delhi University – feeling connected to all these amazing people and learning so much from simply listening to the conversations that were going on. It was very liberating as I was alone (without my husband, who runs the business with me) and for the first time people looked at me as the business owner / entrepreneur. Very cool!
What have you learned through your EO experiences so far?
When you look under the hood of any business you will get dirty. It isn’t always as shiny as the outside seems... and that is a good thing! When things are tough, there is always somebody out there who is going through / or has been going through a similar thing. Don’t be afraid to ask for other people’s experiences, as you will be amazed at what you get in return.
Warwick Parer, Managing Director of Robins Kitchens - EO Brisbane member since June 2008
Why did you join the Entrepreneurs' Organisation?
To see a wider vision of business and share experiences.
Do you have a favourite "EO moment" that stands out from all the rest?
Not yet.
What have you learned through your EO experiences so far?
We are not alone.