UNSW's New Wave Breakthrough: Hear Sonia's Game-Changing Journey!
Execly founder and New Wave alum Sonia Kohlbacher
Our startups feature female founders at twice the industry average. New Wave made this possible! In 2023, UNSW's New Wave program supported dozens of women founders to launch their startups, addressing challenges from reducing household food waste to simplifying furniture shopping. We caught up with Execly founder and program alum Sonia Kohlbacher, who shares her New Wave experience, including embracing mindset shifts, overcoming stage fright, and the power of community building.
Tell us a bit about your background and what led you to apply for the UNSW Founders New Wave program.
I have extensive experience leading teams, advising executives, and communicating to help empower people. Previously a journalist in Australia and overseas, I am now studying for a double Master's at UNSW. My true passion lies in amplifying women's voices and empowering young women to become confident leaders, driving the charge toward gender equality.
New Wave offers UNSW students, staff, and alumni who identify as women, at the earlier stages of their journey, access to skills-building workshops, expert masterclasses, and industry-leading mentors to form, refine and test their startup ideas. New Wave will be back in 2024! Be the first to know by submitting your interest here.
Women's underrepresentation in executive and senior leadership roles is a persisting issue across Australian business. I had an idea for a platform to support more young women on their path to leadership by giving them access to a community of like-minded peers, mentors, premium content, and learning resources. I came across New Wave and thought it would be a great way to explore and take my idea forward.
New Wave was the first time you participated in an entrepreneurship program. How did you feel when you walked into the room on Orientation Day, and what were you expecting? Were your expectations met?
I get a kick out of meeting new people, so walking into the room on Orientation Day was exciting because entrepreneurship was a new space for me. It was also special because I approached the program as an opportunity to invest in myself and explore new possibilities, so while I didn't go into it with expectations, it was a valuable experience. We learn and grow the most when we push ourselves outside our comfort zone and try new challenges.
Were there any significant shifts in your mindset or new perspectives gained as you progressed through the program?
New Wave is a fast-paced program that offers insights, strategies, and education about all aspects of creating a startup. Initially, I felt overwhelmed, but the beauty of the program is that it meets you where you are and allows you to choose what learnings you take in. It taught me how to stay centered, focus on what information or advice serves me, and trust my instincts.
Across the two-week program, you had six days of workshops where UNSW Founders team members and guests from industry taught on various topics. Were there any standouts for you? If so, what were your key takeaways?
Paulina Larocca's workshop on problem-solving through a creative lens was profound because it was such a powerful reminder that sometimes our thinking can be the barrier to innovation. A key takeaway, and something I've thought a lot about since is that consciously adjusting our perspectives and enabling ourselves to be creative can lead to our biggest breakthroughs.
Outside of education and support to develop your startup idea, the New Wave Program offers opportunities for connection and community-building. How valuable was this aspect of the program for you?
I cannot underestimate how incredible it felt to be in the company of so many like-minded women preparing to disrupt for good. Connecting with early-stage and established founders and awesome businesspeople who shared their insights and support as mentors and coaches were highlights for me. I learned so much from sharing our ideas, perspectives, and experiences, made new friendships with women I genuinely admire, and am grateful for how we continue to support each other.
Sonia with her fellow New Wavers
From the 23 teams that participated in the program, you were among the top eight teams invited to pitch at the Showcase event. What was this experience like, from seeing the top team announcement to preparation and game day?
I checked my phone more times than I'm comfortable admitting on the day the announcement was due! I was over the moon to be selected as a top team.
I never imagined myself onstage and pitching a startup to a packed crowd, and on game day, I felt a mix of nerves and exhilaration. My top tips to prepare (and overcome stage fright) are practicing your key points, wearing something comfortable, and taking a few deep breaths. It's over before you know it, so take the opportunity to have fun once you're up there. Showcase night was a chance to try something new, cheer on my friends, and make new connections, and I now can't wait until the next time I get to speak publicly!
So, what's next for you and Execly?
I'm gearing up to start Execly's podcast, interviewing women in senior leadership and executive positions around the world. It's new territory for me, and I am so excited to get stuck in it. On the topic of women in leadership positions, I've just been appointed as a Director to the Board of a national non-profit, and I am looking forward to connecting with more people and sharing our experiences, insights, and strategies to support young women in pursuing their leadership ambitions.
Finally, for any woman considering applying for the New Wave program, is there anything you would say to them?
What are you waiting for? Go get it!
No matter where you’re at in your startup journey - from an initial spark of an idea to raising your Seed round, UNSW Founders has a program for you. Check out her website and take our quiz to see which program works best for you: https://unswfounders.com/