2025 Luminosity Youth Summit 24 Teresa Truda Hey, I’m TT. Human - Geek - Entrepreneur Well, it’s been a ride. Quite a few, actually — on surfboards, motorbikes, and the wild rollercoaster of tech and entrepreneurship. I’m Teresa Truda, but you can call me Tez, Tezlet, T, Tersi, TT — your pick. Just don’t call me Tes. My career kicked off in digital strategy, advertising, and production, working with some of the biggest brands. Then, in a plot twist, I packed three oversized suitcases and moved to China. Didn’t speak a word of Mandarin, had never set foot in Asia — minor details. There, I cofounded chozun, an AI and blockchain-powered travel ecosystem that landed in 22 cities across APAC and became one of China’s top five travel apps. The journey earned me a GBC award for Female Entrepreneurship and a nod as one of the world’s top 10 crypto experts. After exiting chozun, I came back to Australia, wondering, “Who am I without being ‘The Founder’?” Turns out, I’m a builder — of businesses, brands, and gamechanging strategies. With over 20 years in tech, I’ve learned a thing or two (sometimes the hard way). Now, I get to impart those lessons — on teams, peers, and students — so they can move faster, fail smarter, and innovate better. These days, I work at the intersection of emerging technology, AI, and automation, helping companies create impact and purpose-driven solutions. I consult on Digital transformation, CX, and product strategy, and I’m a board member and advisor to a couple of awesome tech-led companies. I also lecture and mentor at Melbourne’s leading universities. I’ve recently also started working with Surf the Spectrum, a social enterprise using surfing as therapy for neurodiverse kids. It’s rewarding to bring years of business experience to something with purpose and impact. If I’m not in the tech world, I’m probably in the ocean, seeking the sun like a lizard — or on a bike, chasing the next adventure. Felt like you don’t fit the mould? Same. A real talk for anyone who’s ever felt different, out of place, or unsure of their next move. Through stories of risk, reinvention, and resilience, you’ll walk away with lessons to help you back yourself, find your people, and shape a future that’s truly yours. Human | Geek | Entrepreneur Day One Keynote Presentation Speaker Profile Break the Mould: Lessons for anyone who’s ever felt different Bio
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