“First impressions are lasting, so make sure every touch point of your business sparkles!”
Trading her corporate suit and stilettos for snow boots, Liz Courtney of Unboxed Media left behind her career in brand strategy and marketing communications to follow her passion for sustainability and environmentalism. After setting up her own production company, Liz set out across the globe to direct documentary series.
She has since directed over 51 documentaries, including the highly awarded Tipping Points which has been played in over 40 countries. More recently, she helped direct and produce two new documentaries, Climate Impact Asia and Changing Ocean Asia, in collaboration with scientists from the Earth Observatory of Singapore.
As an international speaker and educator, Liz has also been awarded personally. In 2019, she was appointed to the Earth Observatory of Singapore as their Artist in Residence – the first woman to hold this position.
Liz first joined the HerBusiness Network for networking opportunities, but has now found it to be a hub of ideas on personal growth and leadership. As she works towards becoming an International Climate Communications Expert, Liz hopes to continue bringing awareness to environmental sustainability so that future generations have a beautiful world to live in.
Who’s your favourite entrepreneur and why?
Dr Sylvia Earle who was awarded TIME magazine First Hero for the planet. At 85 she shows no sign of stopping and has a vision to create HOPE spots for ocean health globally. Sylvia narrated my recent series Changing Ocean Asia and has the capacity with her wisdom to bring your busy mind to attention to consider what each one of us will say we have done to be part of positive change for future generations. She is a living Legend.
Why did you start your business and what gave you the idea?
I traded stilettos and the corporate business attire for snow boots over 10 years ago and embarked on a journey of self education on climate change and all things that matter for humanity’s future. Along the way I set-up a production company, lived in the Amazon Rainforest, Dogsled across the arctic and took the first two indigenous people to Antarctica. I have now made 51 documentaries, including the award winning Tipping Points and was appointed to the Earth Observatory of Singapore in 2019 as Their Artist in Residence – the first female to hold this position.
Over the last two years I have made two series:
- Climate Impact Asia
- Changing Oceans Asia
This year I am embarking on three new series and writing my first children’s series on Climate Change – Baby Bunnies Big Adventure!
What do you enjoy most about running your own business?
The joy it gives me everyday to be doing something I am passionate about and engages me in problem-solutions for a positive future for humanity. I see we can all play a small role and together when you join the dots that becomes a big massive wave of hope.
What three pieces of advice do you wish you’d been given when you started?
- Be passionate about your business idea/category
- Set goals and be flexible to achieving them
- Take time out to reflect and consistently trim your sails
What advice would YOU give someone thinking about starting a business?
- Do your ground work
- Develop a three-year business plan
- Gather some mentors around you
- First impressions are lasting, so make sure every touch point of your business sparkles!
- Set up realistic goals
- Not everything is shiny and true, so ensure you have a good inbuilt filter system
- Learn to identify people who waste time vs achievers
- Exercise routines, positive vision board, surround yourself with positive messages, vision, sound, make your new business environment encouraging for growth and prosperity.
Knowing the right time to step off the current train you are on is also important, so ensure your financials are in order to support you in the first six months minimum.
What skills and knowledge areas would you recommend those starting out in business get acquainted with quickly?
- Setting up a business/accounting and tax requirements
- Get a good bookkeeper, worth their weight in gold
- Influencer/social media to start to share your business/products and build a following
- Find reputable online business lectures in your category to attend and stimulate your vision/skills
- For e-commerce, make sure your website is well set-up for managing stock and has excellent reporting systems linked to Xero
What does your IDEAL business look like? Even if you’re not there yet, what would it look like if your business was ideal?
International Climate Communications Expert – consultant to key global influencers.
What problem does being a Member of the HerBusiness Network solve for you and your business? And, how?
- Networking opportunities
- Leadership vision
- New ideas and innovations for personal growth
