"Innovation is the offspring of science and business," says Dr Catherine Ball, Australia's "Dame of Drones".
However, people with a science background often don't know how to talk the language of business, she says.
Ball learned how to bridge that divide as she rose to prominence as an expert in remotely piloted aircraft systems (drones to you and me) and spatial mapping.
As well as running her consultancy business, Ball has written a book (Gumption Trigger), done podcasts, a TEDx talk and now has a burgeoning public speaking career.
The secret to her success, she says is a mix of mentors and sponsors.
"Mentors show you where you've gone wrong and give you advice but the people who lifted me up were my sponsors, they believed in me and gave me the key to unlock myself," she says.
Ball will be sharing her insights into navigating the innovation ecosystem and becoming a leader when she addresses the first 2017 BOSS Emerging Leaders event in Sydney on May 15.
The event series, which is a collaboration with the University of Sydney Business School, was born six years ago to help Australia's brightest young talent connect with some of the nation's most highly regarded leaders.
Joining Ball for a panel discussion on the night will be Dr Lisa O'Brien, chief executive of the Smith Family. Financial Review Chanticleer columnist Tony Boyd will moderate the conversation.
As well as events, the Emerging Leaders program is an opportunity to apply for an MBA scholarship worth more than $60,000 with the University of Sydney Business School.
