New leader walks down the Runway

ENTREPRENEUR support organisation Runway has a new managing director in Linda Wong.

Having worked as the not-for-profit’s chief entrepreneur in recent years, Ms Wong has developed and presented initiatives for enterprises and start-ups, co-designed a master of business administration course alongside Federation University, and even travelled to Singapore to lead sessions encouraging innovation.

A passionate horse-lover, Ms Wong is the co-founder of regional charity Hands of Change, facilitating practical and social learning opportunities through the Equihands and Nurturing Young Minds for their Future programs. She is also co-founder of the Meredith Sharing Shed.

Starting her new role last Tuesday, Ms Wong has been looking forward to tackling the fresh challenge.

“We have seen what COVID-19 has done to our businesses and economy over the last year, and Runway itself needed to adapt to this rapidly changing environment,” she said.

“I plan to draw on my breadth of experience spanning across top tier strategic consultancy, various executive roles within industry, and the establishment and operations of my own businesses, to lead Runway through its next evolution.”

Runway chair Nick Stanley said Ms Wong has a “rare” entrepreneurial view, and her approach is “measured and analytical.”

“She is a proven and seasoned operator. As a not-for-profit, Runway exists to help entrepreneurs transform themselves, and the world, for good.

“Linda’s track record as the chief entrepreneur has transformed the organisation into a vehicle of impact, and cemented the organisations legacy in its founders.”

Runway has Geelong and Ballarat offices, and is involved in statewide business development projects. The group had contributed more than $145 million into the Victorian economy as of 2020.