Australia has a long and successful history of immigrant entrepreneurship. One such success story is Elena Gosse, CEO of leading water disinfection company, Australian Innovative Systems (AIS).
Elena was invited as guest speaker of Access Community Services’ inaugural Queensland Migrant Small Business Expo held in Brisbane on 4 September 2014. Elena was asked to address the topic of ‘Doing Business in Australia’.
Elena shared with delegates her experience as a Russian immigrant arriving in Australia and the challenges associated with learning a new language, embarking on further tertiary education, establishing a new career and finally rising to the top role of CEO in her highly respected and innovative company, AIS.
“I hope that by sharing my story it provides other immigrants with inspiration, hope and also some practical skills regarding how to face the challenges of being a new immigrant in Australia, Elena said.
“My own journey certainly hasn’t been easy but I am living proof that if you have the determination and will to never give up, you can adopt a new and successful career in a new country,” Elena said.
“I am proud of my Russian heritage but am now an Australian citizen and love the opportunities this country has provided to me. The chance to speak at the Expo and share my story with other immigrants and delegates was a great privilege.”
The Expo was attended by special guests Gail Ker, CEO Access Community Services Limited; The Honourable Jann Stuckey, Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games; The Honourable Glen Elmes, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs; The Honourable John Mickel; Mrs Freya Ostapovitch, Member for Stretton; Mr Cameron Dick, Labor Candidate for Woodridge; Ms Leila Abukar, LNP Candidate for Yeerongpilly; and, Glenda Stanley, Principal Cultural Diversity Officer, Cultural Diversity Queensland.
