KJR Co-op 2025: A Celebration of Growth, Connection, and Community
Over two inspiring days on the Gold Coast in late August, more than 70 members of our Collective came together from Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns to share knowledge, celebrate achievements, explore innovation, and strengthen the ties that make KJR unique.
KJR Co-op is more than an event, it is a living reminder of what makes our community special: the balance of ambitious business achievements with genuine human connection.
Setting the Stage
We started with a warm greeting from our Co-op hosts, Adrian Ugray and Tracey Nguyen (KJR Consultants), followed by a Welcome to Country from Uncle John Graham, Traditional Custodian of the Gold Coast region, presented by the Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre. This moving start grounded us in respect for Country and set the tone for the days ahead.
Building on this powerful beginning, the Co-op launched into a series of insightful updates delivered by KJR’s leadership team. These sessions not only highlighted the collective momentum driving our organisation forward but also celebrated the remarkable achievements of the financial year 24-25. Attendees were inspired by stories of collaboration, innovation, and resilience, each illustrating how our shared values and vision continue to shape KJR’s success.
Community, Culture, and Connection
Equally important to us is how we grow as people and as a community.
A standout session was KJR Founder Dr Kelvin Ross interview with Evan Shellshear, Principal in AI at BCG X, published author & data science veteran, and Beau Tydd, Board Advisor & Executive, exploring why data science projects fail and what it takes to succeed. Drawing on over 1,000 peer-reviewed articles, 100+ industry blogs, and dozens of leader interviews, Evan revealed sobering statistics: more than 80% of projects fail, and the main reason isn’t technical – it’s the processes and our abilities to work collectively and lead projects. His insights, combined with his new book, Why Data Science Projects Fail (gifted to several members), sparked thoughtful discussions across the Co-op.
Following was a soft skills workshop that gave us a chance to reflect inwardly. With Evan’s input, the session challenged us to think about responsibility, communication, and engagement. Small breakout groups shared personal stories of failure and resilience, building a stronger sense of openness across our teams.
The afternoon saw the Collective dive into our Tech Expo, where we explored the groundbreaking products and services of our partners: Goondoi Aboriginal Coorporation, Refactor, Smart AI Connect, Salty Monkey, Jarramali Rock Art Tours, and the Indigenous Australian Datathon. This event effectively highlighted the potential that emerges when technological innovation intersects with creative collaboration.
And of course, no Co-op would be complete without some fun. From trivia rounds to the Night Spy–themed evening, there were plenty of laughs and moments to remember. We also celebrated Yaala, a female-led beverage company rooted in Wiradjuri heritage, by sharing their sparkling waters infused with native botanicals. This collaboration not only satisfied our needs but also showcased the importance of backing Indigenous business owners.
Recognising Our People
Our people are at the heart of everything we do. At Co-op 2025, we paused to celebrate:
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Work milestones, including 5, 10, and 15 years of dedication within the Collective.
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Kudos Awards, our peer-to-peer recognition program that honours those who live out KJR’s values; Human, Explorers, Champions, and Truth-tellers.
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Customer Excellence Awards, spotlighting the incredible work our consultants delivered to our clients.
These recognitions are more than awards; they’re a reminder that our strength lies in the everyday actions of our people.
Closing Day: Innovation, Teamwork, and Fun
On the final day, we shifted from conference rooms to the KJR Gold Coast office. The morning began with an exhibition of cutting-edge drones, paired with coffee and breakfast to fuel the day.
The highlight, though, was the team-building challenge: solving puzzles and unlocking secret cases together. It was challenging, exciting, and above all, a lot of fun. As we worked side by side, the activities reinforced the power of collaboration and creative problem-solving, exactly what drives our success in the field.
After a shared lunch, we officially wrapped up Co-op 2025, closing the event on a high note of energy, connection, and pride.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 KJR Co-op was more than an event, it was a celebration of who we are and where we’re going. We left inspired by our business growth, grounded in our culture, and connected more deeply as a community. As we step into the next chapter, we carry forward the lessons, laughter, and momentum of these two days.