Kath Blackham, managing director of digital communications and innovation consultancy Deepend, has been appointed to the board of directors for SoDA, a digital society giving entrepreneurs a voice.
Blackham has been appointed to the position as one of only nine board members, with her position lasting for the next three year term.
As part of the board of director’s, Blackham’s responsibilities will include addressing the strategy and direction of the organisation to maintain SoDA’s mission as leaders in the digital space. Her personal remit will cover member value, ensuring that existing Australian SoDA members are engaging with the numerous features and benefits SoDA provides.
Blackham will play a crucial role in promulgating the message of SoDA in Australia. Her goal is to ensure the wealth of global information SoDA provides is being leveraged in Australia as much as it is in the US, and will be working to communicate the enormous value that SoDA can bring to Australian businesses.
Blackham will also be working to drive Australia’s contribution the digital industry on a global scale. Australians are some of the earliest adopters of technology of anywhere in the world and have the second highest smartphone utilisation in the world. Her aim is to broaden the horizons for the country’s digital growth and influence.
Within her role on the board of directors, Blackham plans to spearhead a new overseas exchange program. She is passionate about nurturing the learning and progression of future generations of digital workers across a global platform.
As part of its commitment to education, SoDA already creates content, conducts research, structures educational activities and organizes events for member companies (as well as the broader industry). With this global network of high calibré experts within its member base, Blackham believes the physical exchanging of top talent is a great way to teach young staff an array of new techniques, cultures and forward thinking to ensure they are truly innovating as future leaders within the industry.
Blackham’s first activity as a member of the board was to attend the South by South West (SXSW) conference in Austin, Texas, where SoDA hosted an exclusive invite-only event titled ‘Adapting to Human Behaviour in the Connected Age’.
Blackham said of her appointment: “I am extremely honoured to be appointed to the board of directors for such a prestigious organisation. It’s a true honour to contribute to expanding the reach of SoDA in Australia. Some of the recent work that has come from our shores demonstrates Australia is at the forefront of digital development and leading innovation within the global industry. I am extremely excited to ensure there is a strong representation of Australian digital talent within the SoDA board, and thrilled to contribute to ensuring that the Australia’s Digital Industry, greatly benefits from my appointment. I am delighted that my personal set of skills and expertise will be brought to the table and will help to shape the future of such a pioneering company.”
