The Power of Connection: How a Chance Meeting at a WNA Event Forged a Powerful Tech Alliance
For more than a decade, I’ve been a regular attendee at Women’s Network Australia (WNA) events. There’s a unique energy at these gatherings – a powerful blend of inspiration, support, and genuine connection. I’ve always walked away with new insights, thanks to the high calibre of speakers, and a renewed sense of purpose from meeting so many successful and inspiring women from such a diverse range of industries. It’s these connections that have proven to be one of the most valuable aspects of my WNA membership.
A month ago, at a WNA luncheon, I found myself seated next to Rhiza Lahoylahoy. As we began to chat, I learned she was the CFO of OfficeMaps and Sentrian, and had brought her team along to the event. It didn’t take long for us to discover our shared background in the technology sector. While our companies, Orcoda and OfficeMaps, operate in different spheres, we quickly realised we weren’t competitors. In fact, our target markets were remarkably similar.
That initial conversation, sparked by the simple act of sitting next to each other at a WNA event, was the beginning of something exciting. We decided to meet again, this time to seriously discuss the potential for collaboration.
Fast forward to today, and I’m thrilled to announce that Orcoda and OfficeMaps have formalised an alliance agreement. This partnership will see us cross-selling and promoting each other’s innovative technology. Orcoda’s advanced carpooling and fleet management solutions, including our Orcoda Connect and KEAZ platforms, are a perfect complement to OfficeMaps’ intuitive workplace mapping and resource management software.
This collaboration is a testament to our shared vision of creating smarter, more efficient workplaces. By integrating our services, we can offer a seamless experience for our clients. Imagine an employee effortlessly booking a car from the company pool using Orcoda’s platform, and then, with the same ease, reserving a hot desk or meeting room through OfficeMaps. This not only optimises resource allocation but also significantly enhances the employee experience.
For both Orcoda and OfficeMaps, this alliance is about more than just business growth. It’s about providing comprehensive, data-driven solutions that help modern organisations thrive. We are both trusted by a range of clients, including government bodies and large corporations, and this partnership will only strengthen the value we can deliver.
I’m incredibly grateful for the role that Women’s Network Australia played in making this happen. It was within the supportive and encouraging environment that WNA fosters that this powerful connection was made. My story is a testament to the work WNA does in bringing like-minded, supportive women together, creating opportunities for both personal and professional growth. It truly demonstrates the power of connection and the incredible things that can happen when women in business support each other.
By Susan Dobell, Marketing and Communications Manager, Orcoda
