Raising the Bar

"While pub trivia serves as a chance to show off knowledge, newer events represent the opposite: an opportunity to learn in a way that people rarely get as adults—from an expert, in an organized, directed fashion. For some, this might incite scary flashbacks to days at school. But there’s no test to take and no homework here: The only thing you need to remember to bring to class is some cash for beer." Thank you, Fortune Naomi Tomky for featuring us in this great article!

Check out our Raising the Bar podcast. This podcast gives you a front-row seat to our Raising the Bar talks that feature some of the top minds at the University of Auckland, discussing topics that are shaping the world as we know it. Listen here: https://lnkd.in/gncfbgEY

Amazing discussions at The Church Pub for Raising the Bar Christchurch tonight! Listening to Andrew Vonasch and James Mehigan talk has been eye opening. Highly recommend catching the podcasts when they are out!!! Thanks to the awesome volunteers Margaret Agnew and Elyse Thompson, MPH #rtbchch #ucalumni

"Which brands are sustainable?" ?? I get asked this question a lot! That’s why I was thrilled to be invited to speak at Raising the Bar Adelaide, where I discussed a subject close to my heart—navigating fashion amidst global warming and economic uncertainty. ?? One key point I shared: Every garment ever made has had some impact on the environment. Simply put, no brand is 100% sustainable. But we can navigate this complex topic and take control of our decisions to support positive impact. During the talk, I shared insights on how we can shop thoughtfully, aligning our fashion choices with our values—creating positive change while still enjoying self-expression. We explored how the industry’s evolution (from the rise of online shopping to excessive sales culture) has shaped our habits, and I encouraged the audience to rethink their relationship with fashion. Here’s what I asked them to consider: ?? ?? What are your driving values, and do your fashion choices reflect them? For me, I love supporting female-led, quality-driven businesses that celebrate craftsmanship and social responsibility ?? ?? How are you digesting fashion—does the media you consume align with your values? I follow influencers who re-wear and restyle their favourite pieces and promote style over constant consumption ???? ?? Are you thinking about the garment’s end-of-life cycle before you buy? I always ask myself: Will I keep forever and pass down, rent, sell, or dispose of this piece? Sometimes that moment of reflection is all I need to realign my decision ?? It’s about reclaiming control, being thoughtful, and enjoying the process. We don't need a handful of people shopping 100% responsibly—we need everyone shopping 50% better to make a real difference. ??

A big thanks to everyone who came out to Raising the Bar Auckland 2024. It was an amazing night across all 10 venues. Special thank you to all our speakers for preparing such insightful talks. Watch this space for 2025.