As Cicada's team continues to grow, we welcome our newest member Hela Zargouni to the team as Cicada's Deep Tech and Space Program Coordinator. This month we sat down with her to learn more about her multidimensional expertise in international startup ecosystems and how she aims to create fruitful program experiences for the community.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
Starting with the basics, I am from Tunisia - that highest little point in Africa. I am an engineer and a communication graduate - I was a Fulbright scholar at Oakland University in Michigan, USA. I like to think I am a changemaker, working all the ways I can to make this floating round mass called Earth a better place. After graduation, I started working in International Development at Open Startup Tunisia, a nonprofit organisation across the MEA region. It supports young entrepreneurs achieving their dreams - the world of entrepreneurship brought my passion, skills, and values together, and I hope I can bring as much fulfillment and joy as it brings me.
What excites you about joining Cicada?
When I knew I was moving to Australia, I started looking for organisations that would align with my career goals and my vision. I stumbled upon Cicada, and I was immediately drawn to the amazing work being done here. As a deep tech incubator, Cicada chooses to support innovations that truly and boldly challenge the status quo of our world, programs, projects, and startups that demonstrate a strong sense of purpose and real responsibility in using technology to spark positive outlasting change. Long story short, the position opened for a Deep Tech and Space Coordinator. I applied, and here I am (dreams do come true indeed).
With broad experience coordinating international startup programs and bridging gaps between different entrepreneurial ecosystems, how are you going to be helping our community?
Working with international entrepreneurship stakeholders, I have noticed that the entrepreneurial space tends to attract a certain type of people - ambitious and purpose-driven innovators who have a strong conviction for positive change. I hope to be an extension of that and be Cicada's gate to Africa and the Middle East, helping our amazing startups expand to global markets.
Tell us more about Space Fast Start. Who should register and why?
Space Fast Start was designed to be an optimised acceleration experience that recognises the individuality of each venture and the challenges it might be facing. It's a model that combines flexibility and adaptability with discipline and expert support. So, instead of pushing ventures into a universal mould of acceleration, Fast Start gives you the opportunity to focus on what YOU think is most important and pivotal to your business. So if you're a Space startup looking to have someone at your side to hold you accountable and open the doors to reach your goals and exercise your growth, Space Fast Start is the perfect place to be.
What are you currently reading, watching or listening to that you would recommend to our community?
I have been binge-listening to Diary of a CEO on YouTube - I love how different but similar all the guests are. My favourite so far is the last Simon Sinek appearance - his authenticity and a true drive to rethink his own prejudice are always inspiring.