UWA and me
My time at UWA is pivotal in my success as an entrepreneur. The most significant benefit factor was making like-minded friends and connections during my degree. In fact, Alyka was established with a fellow UWA friend – Zion Ong. A significant number of ex-students became great friends and have some sort of a business relationship with us.
The other significant benefit of UWA is the idea of autonomous learning and self-dependence. This is the foundation of any entrepreneur – the ability to be independent, mature and focused on success without hand holding.
Running an ethical business
My passion is to run an ethical business successfully not just with strong profit numbers, but a company that also focuses on its people (staff) and the community. This is the ‘triple-bottom line’ approach to business, and if this is achieved nationally, I believe that Australia will be an economic powerhouse whilst looking after the people and the environment. Alyka is currently achieving this goal by attaining great profit numbers, whilst having a great culture and with a percentage of profits going to pro-bono philanthropic activities annually. The end game is to allow this business be an example for other businesses to follow.
Solving complex problems
Solving complex and the most difficult problems excites me most - whether it is a complex website solution with multiple integration components or successfully commercialising a startup business pushing blockchain and exciting new technologies. The truth of the matter is, in my line of business, anything is possible as we deal with all industries and many levels of complexities. Due to the above, the future is exciting, but it is important to be focused on our strengths and not to diversify unnecessarily.
Words of wisdom
Do not put off for tomorrow what can be achieved today.
About Bernard
In 2008, Bernie founded Alyka, an agency specialising in digital marketing and web development. In just a few years, he transformed the business from a small start-up to an industry-leading firm with 45+ digital experts and an international presence.
As Managing Director, he brings more than 20 years’ experience to the business, and is widely regarded as a thought leader in digital strategy and technical innovation.
In 2014, Alyka was the only Western Australian digital marketing company to be listed in the BRW Fast 100 acknowledging the company’s average growth of 81% for each of the past five years. Bernie won a 40Under40 award in the same year, recognising his entrepreneurial skills and business success. Alyka continues to win awards for 2016 and 2017 – Business News Professional Services Rising Stars Award and AFR Fast 100 respectively.
Bernie holds a Bachelor of Engineering, majoring in Information Technology from the University of Western Australia.
Barnard's recommended links