by Gabrielle Browne
I believe that the best entrepreneurs aren’t defined by where they started, but by how far they’re willing to go. My own journey has taught me that success comes from being unafraid to take the scenic route. I didn’t follow the traditional path, and that’s what has empowered me to break barriers in industries most wouldn’t expect. Moving from the creative world of fashion to the analytical and forward-thinking field of animal health technology, I’ve experienced how blending creative intuition with technical nous can empower the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Being a small-town girl from rural NSW and building a career that spans fashion, animal health technology, and now mentoring the next generation of business leaders, I use the lessons from my tech background to help entrepreneurs find their footing in a fast-moving world. I’m passionate about giving the next generation of leaders the tools they need to dream big, take risks, and redefine what’s possible. A strong foundation in tech has become one of the most critical elements for success – in any business.
A Journey Rooted in Adaptability
My entrepreneurial path has been anything but linear, but I’ve been challenged yet thrived on the ability to adapt and transition between industries. I call it the “transferrable creative skillset” and it’s been my key to solving problems in innovative ways. Whether I’m working with a startup in tech or advising a small business owner, my background helps me connect creative thinking with practical application, and that’s become a cornerstone of how I empower others.
Startups and entrepreneurs often face challenges that demand rapid-fire pivots and adaptability, and embracing new opportunities, can set the stage for success. When I co-founded the animal health technology company, the shift was challenging but rewarding. It gave me an understanding of the power of bringing design thinking into new fields. Through my consultancy, I channel that same adaptability into helping others push boundaries, to break the status quo, and think beyond their own industries, business plans, and even expertise.
Harnessing Creativity for Technical Solutions
Blending creativity and analytical thinking has been an empowering aspect for my career. Fashion design offered me a deep understanding of user experience and aesthetics, and when I transitioned into technology, that creative mindset allowed me to think outside the box and approach technical challenges unconventionally.
Whether it’s crafting an innovative product design or developing a disruptive business model, creativity is a powerful tool that can transform tech solutions into impactful, marketable products. As technology continues to evolve, I believe the entrepreneurs who succeed will be those who can think creatively while grounding their ideas in solid research and market understanding.
Empowering Entrepreneurs through Mentorship
Mentorship cannot be underestimated; it unlocks potential, and provides wisdom, support and unbiased perspective to navigate hurdles, identify opportunities, and accelerate growth that just isn’t possible alone. Having incredible mentors throughout my career, across various industries, is the reason I do what I do now. Dynamic Unicorns is about business advisory, but I’m also involved with advisory and mentoring through Service NSW-Business Connect, Rare Birds 0 Business Boost Program, and women’s program, Mentor Walks. I love to share my experiences, as well as encourage business owners to trust their instincts, and I’m inspired and passionate about empowering others.
But, you can’t be great at everything. Being ‘on the ground’ as an entrepreneur, can mean you’re too close to see the bigger picture, and you can miss opportunities where additional insight could make the difference. That’s where mentorship becomes invaluable—it offers a fresh perspective, helping you step back, reflect, and approach challenges from angles you hadn’t considered.
I don’t see my role as a mentor as telling business owners what to do, it’s about equipping them with the right tools, strategies, and confidence to take their ideas to the next level, and that can involve strategic business partnerships and networking. By connecting the dots, and bringing a unique perspective that blends creativity, technology, and business acumen, I want to expand my clients thinking, to develop innovative solutions that might have otherwise been overlooked, and to think beyond conventional solutions. It’s about unlocking potential and guiding the next generation of leaders to shape the future in bold, exciting ways.
Practical Solutions for Complex Challenges
One of the biggest challenges entrepreneurs face is navigating the complexity of product development and commercialisation. Opportunities seem endless, and it’s easy to get caught up in the big ideas, without considering how to make them viable. At Dynamic Unicorns, we work closely with startups to identify their unique obstacles, and then craft strategies that are not only innovative but also achievable within the market context.
Whether it’s talking about MVP (Minimal Viable Products) development or market entry strategies, the focus is always on creating a pathway that leads to real, sustainable success that aligns with the needs of the business, and the realities of the market.
Fearlessness in the Face of the Unknown
One of the other greatest lessons I’ve learnt on the entrepreneurial ride that is filled with unknowns, is the importance of being fearless. I took risks in fashion, an industry known for its volatility. Then I applied that same fearless approach to entering the highly technical and regulated field of animal health technology.
There needs to be a willingness to dive into uncharted territory, ask difficult questions, and keep learning along the way. Success is about exploring the unknown, and trusting that with the right research, mindset and dogged determination, solutions will come.
For tech-driven entrepreneurs, fearlessness is essential in the rapidly evolving market. A mentor’s role is to help encourage the confidence to face challenges head-on, and to embrace uncertainty as an opportunity for growth.
Embracing Lifelong Learning
Finally, there needs to be a commitment to lifelong learning. Technology never stands still, and to succeed at any level, it’s about keeping pace with new advancements and emerging trends. I’ve continually invested in my own education—whether through formal research, hands-on experimentation, or collaboration with industry experts.
Dedication to growth has enabled me to stay ahead of the curve, it drives me, and it’s something I encourage in the entrepreneurs I work with. Building a successful business is not a one-time event; it’s an adventure of learning, adapting, and evolving. By fostering the culture of curiosity and innovation, entrepreneurs not only survive in a competitive market but also thrive and push the boundaries of what’s possible.
The principals of my journey have been adaptability, curiosity, creativity and continuous learning, and they are at the heart of the work I do with clients through Dynamic Unicorns. It’s a privilege, and it’s exciting to support the next generation of entrepreneurs as they bring their ideas to life and disrupt the business landscape, to create impactful businesses. Those qualities coupled with a strong foundation in technology, are the qualities that empower entrepreneurs and the business leaders of tomorrow to succeed.