Blue Poppy Ventures

03/11/2026

Brisbane 2032 isn't just about stadiums and venues.

Where will all the workers come from? How will existing businesses keep their people? What skills need to be developed now, and how do regional communities benefit long after the Games are over?

My new article looks at the opportunities across construction, infrastructure, tourism, hospitality, technology and regional businesses, and the practical work that needs to happen between now and 2032.

Read more: https://workforceblueprint.com.au/brisbane-2032-every-region-games-ready-people-business-and-technology/

Involved in Queensland's regional development, workforce, education or Games preparations? I'd welcome a conversation.

A once-in-a-generation opportunity for every region Brisbane 2032 is Queensland’s Games. Events will run from Cairns to the Gold Coast […]

03/11/2026

Who says making new friends and having adventures is just for the kids? 🎶

Lou Jayleigh and I are hosting Meet, Mingle & Musical Bingo on Wednesday 11 November, 5.30–8.30pm. Drinks and nibbles at the Brickmakers Arms, Brompton, then Musical Bingo at Plant 4 Bowden.

Designed for people 40+ who'd like to get out more, meet new faces and have a laugh. No awkward networking, no dating pressure. Come solo or bring a friend!

Book your spot: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/meet-mingle-musical-bingo-at-brickmakers-arms-plant-4-bowden-tickets-2002369037694

Know someone who could do with a fun night out? Please pass it on.

Start the evening with drinks and nibbles at The Brickmakers Arms from 5.30 pm, where there’ll be plenty of time to meet the group.

02/11/2026

What can LinkedIn's Jobs on the Rise tell us about where careers are heading in 2026 and beyond?

Job titles can change surprisingly quickly, but understanding the capabilities behind emerging roles is often more valuable than focusing on the titles themselves.

For employers, educators and workforce planners, these trends can help identify where demand is developing and which skills people may need to build. For individuals, they can provide useful clues about career opportunities, transferable capabilities and possible next steps.

I've explored what the 2026 list tells us, including some of the implications for Australia.

Read more: https://careerblueprint.com.au/linkedins-2026-jobs-on-the-rise-what-the-list-tells-us-about-where-careers-are-heading/

Are you seeing new roles or skills emerging in your industry?

01/11/2026

I'm heading to Hangzhou, China, in November to explore developments in AI, robotics, digital transformation and international business collaboration, and I'd love to take some questions from my Australian and international networks.

I'm particularly interested in how businesses are applying emerging technologies, what this means for jobs and skills, and how organisations can create commercial opportunities across different markets.

Another important part of the visit will be sharing insights on pitching to Australian audiences, including how businesses can communicate their value, understand expectations and build relationships.

Rather than simply reporting on what I see, I'd like to explore the questions that matter to people working across business, industry, education and innovation.

Read more: https://wendyperry.com.au/2026/10/03/from-adelaide-to-hangzhou-what-chinas-ai-and-robotics-leaders-can-teach-us/

What would you like to know about AI, robotics or doing business with China? Are there particular technologies, organisations or questions you'd like me to explore?

Please add your questions in the comments or send me a message.

29/10/2026

After spending 20 or 30 years developing expertise in an industry, how do you make sure that experience continues to create opportunities?

It's a question I've been exploring through Workforce Architects, particularly when speaking with experienced professionals who are considering consultancy, portfolio careers, international projects or opportunities to collaborate with others.

There is an enormous amount of valuable knowledge across our industries and communities, but connecting the right expertise with the right opportunities isn't always straightforward.

Workforce Architects is developing a network of practical experts who can contribute to projects, share their capabilities and connect with others working across Australia and internationally.

If you're an experienced consultant, educator, industry specialist or business leader, I'd encourage you to explore the network and consider where your expertise might fit.

Practical Experts: https://workforcearchitects.com.au/practical-experts/

Community: https://workforcearchitects.com.au/community/

What kinds of opportunities would you like to explore next?

28/10/2026

Sometimes the best business conversations start with a question, a half-formed idea or a few notes scribbled on the back of a napkin.

On Tuesday 24 November, we're hosting another Back of the Napkin Lunch at the Wheatsheaf Hotel in Allendale North, bringing together aspiring entrepreneurs and existing business owners for practical advice and the opportunity to make progress on something that matters to their business.

From 12.00–2.00 pm, we'll be exploring questions about marketing, sales, pricing, cash flow, social media, AI and business planning, with experienced people available to help.

This is a free working lunch through Sea to Valley Startups, with places limited and eligibility conditions applying.

Find out more about the lunch and available business support: https://seatovalleystartups.com.au/back-of-the-napkin-lunch-at-the-wheatsheaf-allendale-north-plus-where-to-find-small-business-support-grants-and-funding/

Reserve your place: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/back-of-the-napkin-lunch-practical-advice-for-your-business-tickets-2003453017908

If you know someone across the Mid North, Clare Valley or surrounding areas who could benefit, please pass this on.

28/10/2026

You don't necessarily need an expensive course or qualification to start building your AI capability, and there are now some excellent free and low-cost options available.

One of the questions I regularly hear from people across business, education and industry is where to start, particularly when there are so many courses, platforms and tools competing for attention.

Career BluePrint has brought together 60 free and low-cost AI courses worth exploring in 2026, with options for different experience levels and interests.

Whether you're looking to understand AI fundamentals, use it more effectively in your business or develop capabilities for your next career opportunity, there should be something worth investigating.

Explore the list: https://careerblueprint.com.au/60-free-and-low-cost-ai-courses-worth-exploring-in-2026/

Please share with someone who would benefit from accessible AI learning opportunities.

26/10/2026

Could Bhutan be an interesting place to explore your next international opportunity?

Plans are taking shape for a delegation to Bhutan from 21–27 March 2027, incorporating the Bhutan Innovation Forum and opportunities to connect with people working across innovation, sustainability, investment, entrepreneurship, education and international development.

Bhutan's ambitions, including developments associated with Gelephu Mindfulness City, raise some interesting possibilities for collaboration across AI, clean technology, workforce development, TVET and business innovation.

I'm particularly keen to connect with Australian organisations and experienced professionals who have practical expertise to contribute, as well as an interest in learning from Bhutan's approach.

Find out more about the proposed programme: https://bluepoppyventures.com.au/2026/10/18/a-week-in-bhutan-the-delegation-program-for-the-bhutan-innovation-festival-2027/

Who else might be interested in joining the delegation or exploring opportunities in Bhutan?

25/10/2026

Have you been thinking about starting a business, turning a side hustle into something more substantial or finding a different way to earn an income?

Through Sea to Valley Startups, Abbie Allen, Scott Perry and I are supporting people across the Barossa, Clare Valley, Yorke Peninsula and Mid North to explore self-employment and develop practical business plans.

Between us, we bring more than 80 years of experience across entrepreneurship, business ownership, coaching, mentoring and workforce development, and we understand that people don't always have everything worked out when they first ask for advice.

Sometimes the most useful starting point is a conversation about what you're considering, who your customers might be, what the numbers look like and which steps are worth taking first.

Free support is available for eligible participants through the Australian Government's Self-Employment Assistance program.

Book a free initial conversation: https://seatovalleystartups.com.au/services/initial-15-minute-phone-chat/

Or watch this short video: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/BofGtPEa4w8

Please share with someone who might be considering self-employment.

22/10/2026

What can Australian entrepreneurs and business ecosystem leaders learn from their counterparts across the Mekong region?

One of the highlights of recent weeks was facilitating the Mekong Australia Partnership SME Development Program in Laos, working with participants from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.

We explored business models, customer engagement, digital capability, entrepreneurship and the challenges of supporting micro, small and medium enterprises, with some particularly valuable conversations about how different countries and organisations are building their entrepreneurial ecosystems.

What stood out was the willingness to share experiences, challenge assumptions and learn from one another, particularly when the discussion moved from broad concepts to practical business challenges.

There are lessons here for regional Australian communities too, especially around collaboration, capability building and helping entrepreneurs connect with the right people and opportunities.

Read more: https://workforceblueprint.com.au/five-countries-across-the-mekong-region-turning-sme-ideas-into-action/

What examples of small business ecosystem development have you seen working particularly well?