In this spotlight series we are introducing the courageous, clever and powerful women in our Startmate Collective community.
To better understand the journeys of our Startmate Collective community, we reached out to hear their reflections on pivotal moments, their unique strengths, and the goals that drive them forward.
So, let us introduce Zoe Keck! Zoe is a Corporate Accountant at Canva!
Tell us a little bit about your career so far…
I have always had a passion for creativity — I studied design alongside accounting at uni and have been operating a freelance photography business for the past five years. I started my accounting career in public practice where I empowered small business owners to understand and take control of their finances. Last year I landed a job in the Finance team at Canva, where I have the opportunity to seamlessly fuse my creative and analytical skillsets while giving back to the community.
What is your #1 professional superpower?
People are often surprised to hear I am a creative and an accountant. You can do both! A unique skillset will set you apart, which is fundamental to building a strong personal brand.
What is the #1 area you'd like to grow in professionally?
I love the challenges and learnings that come with working in a high growth startup environment. The fast paced nature continually pushes me to adapt and innovate. I’m currently focused on refining my craft to elevate my impact and share this knowledge so I can empower those around me.
What’s a quote you live by?
Paint the back of the fence.
Outside of work, what do you love to do?
Photography, yoga, sunshine, ocean swims, dogs and infrared saunas.
Why did you join Startmate Collective?
I joined Startmate Collective to surround myself with likeminded women that uplift and empower each other to thrive in their careers. The community values align with my passions for women’s advocacy and personal growth, so it was a no brainer. It’s a place where I can connect with leading women in tech, expand my network and gain access to resources that help me grow both personally and professionally. It also puts me in a privileged position to give back and help break down barriers women face in the industry.
What's been your favourite part of Startmate Collective thus far?
My favourite aspect of Startmate Collective is by far the community. It is a safe space for us to be raw and vulnerable and it is heartwarming to see how close we have all become in such a short period of time. I’m excited to observe how these connections continue to blossom over the next year and beyond.
What does "Startmate Collective" mean to you?
I am a firm believer that there is room for everyone to succeed. Startmate Collective truly embodies this notion — it’s an invaluable source of inspiration and empowerment. Everyone in this community wants to see each other win. Startmate Collective enables us to push boundaries and champion one another to reach new heights. It’s like having your own personal cheer squad!
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We’re overhauling gender diversity in startups because it’s about damn time.
Come join Startmate Collective, a community of courageous, clever and powerful women who are hungry to tackle the world’s greatest challenges and are roaring to get started.
🐞 Startmate Collective is a curated membership helping women upskill, connect, and grow in their career alongside other rising stars in the ANZ startup ecosystem. It’s a highly-vetted membership where women connect and grow.
👉 Learning for more about Startmate Collective https://bit.ly/3VMxOUi
🦋 Startmate Collective - Leaders unleashes the next generation of women leaders in the ANZ startup ecosystem, accelerating professional development through exec coaching, peer-to-peer mentorship, exclusive workshops and a powerful women-led community.
👉 Learn more about Startmate Collective - Leaders https://bit.ly/4bbhVvp
Itching for more? Read more https://www.startmate.com/writing
