I was asked to be one of the few ambassadors for the latest National SABA #SABASTYLED campaign, which I'm totally privileged and humbled at the same time. They asked me to get infront of the camera which somewhat came of a surprise ... The SABA community is one built on makers, creators and doers. From art to architecture, music to dance, nature to technology, SABA is inspired by these creative minds. #SABASTYLED celebrates their individual style and stories. Behind every portrait is a story of a remarkable human possessing heart and passion, creativity and compassion. Where inspiration can be found in the imperfection of handmade paper or the perfection of a flower; in the heart of a dancer or the soul of a doctor. INTRODUCING THE CREATIVE MINDS OF OUR NATION, CHAMPIONS OF THE LIFE LESS ORDINARY...
Here's what they had to say about me ... BART JAWIEN CREATIVE TECHNOLOGIST & Digital Communications Manager, AIME Helping educate Indigenous children Bart wears the Cotton Cashmere Crew "You can't get better at your craft if you don't immerse yourself in opportunities." The first thing one might think upon making Bart Jawien's acquaintance is what, do tell, is a creative technologist? "It means you think strategy and think technology," he explains. "What I love doing is walking into companies and working with them to grow online. I understand how to bring all online touchpoints together and work very closely with creative directors." While online advantage is the holy grail of any self-respecting multinational, Jawien choses to engage his skills for AIME, a charity that seeks to annually support 10,000 Indigenous kids through school and into university, employment or further education. Working with 16 Australian universities at over 40 locations nationally, AIME isn't hoping to simply educate, they "strive for a culture where for every step you take forward in life, you throw your hand back and bring someone with you". "They're doing some really cool stuff," Jawien says. It's the kind of break-the-cycle thinking that is having a real impact on Indigenous disadvantage; in 2012, the year 9 to university progression rate for AIME students was 22.1 percent - nearly six times the national Indigenous average of 3.8 percent and approaching the national non-Indigenous average of 36.8 percent. "This year we're connecting about 3,500 kids with 1,250 university mentors in all mainland states and the ACT. It's giving these kids an opportunity to engage with someone not much older than themselves; someone who's done it before and who makes university familiar and friendly." AIME, Jawien feels, has the potential to build the Indigenous talent pipeline for employers to lead Australia into the future. And with his immense enthusiasm, no ambition seems impossible. "I am never scared to push boundaries," he says. Because doing so, he's discovered, invites opportunity. "Never be scared to just say 'yes'." BEING BART JAWIEN My idea of happiness... great weather, good waves, friends, surfing and the water keeps me grounded and in a good place which makes me want to be a good human. What I most value about my work... sharing my knowledge with a whole bunch of legends, nearly 100 staff doing the best things ever. My greatest extravagance... chartering a 72-foot, three-storey catamaran around North Sumatra for a few weeks surfing some amazing untouched spots with mates. The quality I most value in myself... staying super energised, positive and open at all times. It helps with overcoming any tough challenges. The quality I most value in others... honesty and openness when egos are left out. My wardrobe is incomplete without... I love rocking a sports jacket. Not to mention a bit of a sneaker collection and a few good pairs of old-school leather shoes. The person who most influenced my career... I can truly say I'm blessed and influenced by some super smart creative thinkers who are now mates. If I wasn't me, I'd be... a pro surfer. However my mother envisioned me wearing a suit as a lawyer. My style in three words... sharp, edgy, creative. My favourite journey... a late Friday evening flight to Melbourne, driving to a hut in the Mornington Peninsula with wine tasting and a good lunch. My motto... healthy body = healthy heart = healthy mind. To connect with AIME, head to www.aimementoring.com
