Interview Highlights with William Trewlynn, Ray Alam, and Fiona Johnston of YarnUp
Introduction
YarnUp, co-founded by William Trewlynn and Ray Alam, is focused on enhancing cultural capability within organizations, emphasizing its significance as a foundational skill rather than a soft add-on.
Key Insights from William Trewlynn
- Scaling Beyond Founders: Trewlynn noted that one key realization was the inefficiencies when he and Alam took leave. Their aim was to create a business that flourishes independently.
- Personal Challenges: Trewlynn confronted personal doubts about his abilities, highlighting that the real work was acknowledging and overcoming those fears.
- Cultural Integration: He emphasized the importance of blending First Nations philosophies with behavioral science and commercial strategies. This blend facilitates lasting change.
- First Nations Knowledge: He identified a lack of understanding and curiosity as barriers to integrating First Nations knowledge, advocating for self-understanding as a precursor to understanding others.
- Cultural Capability: Trewlynn reframed cultural capability as fundamental to professional success, asserting that organizations must recognize its true value.
Perspectives from Ray Alam
- Scaling Responsibly: Alam pointed out that as businesses scale, the first compromise is often the proximity to clients. He stressed the importance of maintaining strong relationships while expanding operational foundations.
- Commercial Viability: Alam articulated that cultural capability is essential for workforce performance and directly correlates to retention and productivity. This argument resonates with CFOs, emphasizing it isn’t merely a values statement but a sound investment.
Fiona Johnston’s Vision
- Joining YarnUp: Johnston was motivated by the purpose-driven vision of Trewlynn and Alam and aims to bring her expertise to ensure high-valued craft work while positively impacting First Nations initiatives.
- Top Priorities: In her initial year, Johnston prioritizes ensuring that the team’s work is recognized and valued, and that clients are guided through the complexities of recognition and reconciliation with integrity.
Conclusion
YarnUp seeks to meld cultural intelligence with commercial strategy to foster genuine understanding and create pathways for First Nations people in the workforce, driving both economic and cultural growth. Their approach recognizes that sustainable change is not a one-off event but a continuous effort that requires ongoing relationships and check-ins.
