Rona Conn, founder of Otherdots, is transforming Pacific agriculture and trade by connecting Indigenous producers to global markets.
Rona’s story is deeply personal. She comes from a legacy of agricultural and community empowerment in Papua New Guinea, and she’s carried that forward—building sustainable businesses, focusing on trade-led economic growth over traditional aid.
She’s bridging food security and economic gaps, joined by alliance partners creating a win-win for all, which means community-driven solutions to empower thousands of families. A solution that can be scaled which is the next step. She built all this with no investment, no debt and almost no tech.
Live episode on youtube
Contact Rhona:
Rhona on Linkedin
Otherdots website
Maria
Linkedin: https://go.ggutt.com/maria-linkedinTikTok: go.ggutt.com/tiktokYouTube: http://go.ggutt.com/videos
Takeaways:
* Rhona Conn's journey is rooted in her legacy of agriculture and community empowerment.
* Milne Bay Organics was created to utilize unused fertile land in Papua New Guinea.
* The importance of educating farmers about the value of their resources.
* Community collaboration is essential for economic growth and sustainability.
* The shift from aid to trade requires a change in mindset among local communities.
* Building alliances among local producers can lead to shared success.
* Technology can play a crucial role in enhancing agricultural practices.
* The need for traceability in food production to ensure fair pricing.
* Rhona's approach emphasizes the importance of community trust and relationships.
* The journey of transforming local economies is a long-term commitment. Cultural understanding is crucial for business success.
* Growth can lead to bottlenecks that need addressing.
* Connecting markets to farmers is essential for sustainability.
* Technology can bridge gaps in supply chains.
* There is significant demand for agricultural products globally.
* Infrastructure challenges hinder supply chain efficiency.
* Empowering local communities leads to better outcomes.
* Building trust takes time and effort.
* The journey of establishing a business is often fraught with challenges.
* External partnerships are necessary for scaling operations. Creating strong alliances is crucial for overcoming competition.
* Evolving towards a profitable business model ensures sustainability.
* Data collection is essential for guiding development efforts.
* Local knowledge is vital for effective policy-making.
* Quality control is key to maintaining market trust.
* Balancing profit and purpose is necessary for long-term success.
* Experience in the field leads to better business decisions.
* Economic opportunities can significantly reduce crime rates.
* Empowering local communities fosters independence and self-sufficiency.
* Technology can enhance supply chain efficiency and scalability.
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