Rona Conn, founder of Otherdots, is transforming Pacific agriculture and trade by connecting Indigenous producers to global markets.

Rona’s story is deeply personal. She comes from a legacy of agricultural and community empowerment in Papua New Guinea, and she’s carried that forward—building sustainable businesses, focusing on trade-led economic growth over traditional aid.

She’s bridging food security and economic gaps, joined by alliance partners creating a win-win for all, which means community-driven solutions to empower thousands of families. A solution that can be scaled which is the next step. She built all this with no investment, no debt and almost no tech.

Live episode on youtube

Contact Rhona:

Rhona on Linkedin

Otherdots website

Maria

Linkedin: https://go.ggutt.com/maria-linkedinTikTok: go.ggutt.com/tiktokYouTube: http://go.ggutt.com/videos

Takeaways:

* Rhona Conn's journey is rooted in her legacy of agriculture and community empowerment.

* Milne Bay Organics was created to utilize unused fertile land in Papua New Guinea.

* The importance of educating farmers about the value of their resources.

* Community collaboration is essential for economic growth and sustainability.

* The shift from aid to trade requires a change in mindset among local communities.

* Building alliances among local producers can lead to shared success.

* Technology can play a crucial role in enhancing agricultural practices.

* The need for traceability in food production to ensure fair pricing.

* Rhona's approach emphasizes the importance of community trust and relationships.

* The journey of transforming local economies is a long-term commitment. Cultural understanding is crucial for business success.

* Growth can lead to bottlenecks that need addressing.

* Connecting markets to farmers is essential for sustainability.

* Technology can bridge gaps in supply chains.

* There is significant demand for agricultural products globally.

* Infrastructure challenges hinder supply chain efficiency.

* Empowering local communities leads to better outcomes.

* Building trust takes time and effort.

* The journey of establishing a business is often fraught with challenges.

* External partnerships are necessary for scaling operations. Creating strong alliances is crucial for overcoming competition.

* Evolving towards a profitable business model ensures sustainability.

* Data collection is essential for guiding development efforts.

* Local knowledge is vital for effective policy-making.

* Quality control is key to maintaining market trust.

* Balancing profit and purpose is necessary for long-term success.

* Experience in the field leads to better business decisions.

* Economic opportunities can significantly reduce crime rates.

* Empowering local communities fosters independence and self-sufficiency.

* Technology can enhance supply chain efficiency and scalability.