NEWSROOM
Cultivating an entrepreneurial appetite: Polo’s journey
4 October 2023
Polo Umali’s hunger for entrepreneurship was sparked at school and his appetite for learning and growing his entrepreneurial skills and mindset is still ravenous. To feed his ambition and curiosity Polo researched what the University of Auckland could offer during his time studying for a conjoint degree in design and business. He soon came across the Business School’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) and saw the Summer Lab programme as the perfect opportunity to help fuel his desire to pursue his entrepreneurial passion. Polo’s journey may only be in its early stages, but as he juggles his first year of university and managing his own business, he is adamant that entrepreneurship will be part of his future.
During his mid-teens, Polo had set his sights on becoming a software engineer, but that all changed following a tech conference when someone he met recommended the Openground incubator programme that was starting at Westlake Boys High School in year 13. It took some encouragement from his Dad to apply but Polo has not looked back. “Openground helped me find my true passion for innovation and entrepreneurship, and also helped me find my direction and what I want to achieve in life through business.”
Entrepreneur Bill Smale QSM is a key driver of the Openground initiative that aims to bridge the gap between academic theory and the practical reality of running a business. Polo took to the incubator programme like a duck to water and went on to win an achievement award for his business, Yourdate, which he developed as part of the programme. The award recognised the effort Polo put in throughout the year to create and build a viable business. “In business, you get what you put in, so I worked my ass off the whole year.”
Wanting to keep the entrepreneurial momentum going, Polo enthusiastically committed to CIE’s four-week Summer Lab programme before Semester One of his university journey even began. Polo soaked up everything he could during the experiential learning experience. Summer Lab is an internationally award-winning programme, free for all students enrolled at the University of Auckland. By focusing on the United Nations Sustainability Goals and real-world problems that need to be solved, Summer Lab helped Polo develop a mindset of entrepreneurship as a form of problem-solving. “I now ask myself, what is the problem I am trying to solve?”
According to Polo, one of the problems his business, Yourdate, is trying to solve is that couples can get stuck in the rut of everyday life and forget to prioritise memorable date nights. “Couples might get caught up talking about bills and kids and neglect intentional conversation.” Yourdate hopes to solve this by taking away the complication of arranging a great date with packages that include a dinner reservation, a special menu and drinks and a box that includes fun and engaging questions, keepsake activities and games. Many people questioned why Polo provides a physical box and not simply an app, but Polo believes that “people need to put away their phones on a date and truly connect”. Polo has continued to build his Yourdate box offering and recently launched his website. www.yourdate.co.nz
One of the biggest challenges Polo felt running a start-up business was the need for him to fill every role in the company. “The most difficult thing is you have to be everything: accountant, marketer, sales, and this really stretches you, but equally, it is a great way to learn.” Polo also recognised that time is your most valuable resource, something he has felt keenly as he juggles his studies and running a business.
Building a strong network of connections and learning through the experience of others is a key piece of advice Polo would give to any entrepreneur. “I really believe that a lot of the hard work has already been done, and you should stand on the shoulders of giants. I think talking and connecting with as many people as possible is a really great way to fast-track your learning.”
CIE recognises the value of mentorship and offers students and staff at the University of Auckland access to free mentor sessions. Find out more about CIE mentors
Polo Umali (left) at Summer Lab
A Yourdate box – memorable made easy
Polo Umali (left) at Summer Lab
4 October 2023
Polo Umali’s hunger for entrepreneurship was sparked at school and his appetite for learning and growing his entrepreneurial skills and mindset is still ravenous. To feed his ambition and curiosity Polo researched what the University of Auckland could offer during his time studying for a conjoint degree in design and business. He soon came across the Business School’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) and saw the Summer Lab programme as the perfect opportunity to help fuel his desire to pursue his entrepreneurial passion. Polo’s journey may only be in its early stages, but as he juggles his first year of university and managing his own business, he is adamant that entrepreneurship will be part of his future.
During his mid-teens, Polo had set his sights on becoming a software engineer, but that all changed following a tech conference when someone he met recommended the Openground incubator programme that was starting at Westlake Boys High School in year 13. It took some encouragement from his Dad to apply but Polo has not looked back. “Openground helped me find my true passion for innovation and entrepreneurship, and also helped me find my direction and what I want to achieve in life through business.”
Entrepreneur Bill Smale QSM is a key driver of the Openground initiative that aims to bridge the gap between academic theory and the practical reality of running a business. Polo took to the incubator programme like a duck to water and went on to win an achievement award for his business, Yourdate, which he developed as part of the programme. The award recognised the effort Polo put in throughout the year to create and build a viable business. “In business, you get what you put in, so I worked my ass off the whole year.”
Wanting to keep the entrepreneurial momentum going, Polo enthusiastically committed to CIE’s four-week Summer Lab programme before Semester One of his university journey even began. Polo soaked up everything he could during the experiential learning experience. Summer Lab is an internationally award-winning programme, free for all students enrolled at the University of Auckland. By focusing on the United Nations Sustainability Goals and real-world problems that need to be solved, Summer Lab helped Polo develop a mindset of entrepreneurship as a form of problem-solving. “I now ask myself, what is the problem I am trying to solve?”
According to Polo, one of the problems his business, Yourdate, is trying to solve is that couples can get stuck in the rut of everyday life and forget to prioritise memorable date nights. “Couples might get caught up talking about bills and kids and neglect intentional conversation.” Yourdate hopes to solve this by taking away the complication of arranging a great date with packages that include a dinner reservation, a special menu and drinks and a box that includes fun and engaging questions, keepsake activities and games. Many people questioned why Polo provides a physical box and not simply an app, but Polo believes that “people need to put away their phones on a date and truly connect”. Polo has continued to build his Yourdate box offering and recently launched his website. www.yourdate.co.nz
One of the biggest challenges Polo felt running a start-up business was the need for him to fill every role in the company. “The most difficult thing is you have to be everything: accountant, marketer, sales, and this really stretches you, but equally, it is a great way to learn.” Polo also recognised that time is your most valuable resource, something he has felt keenly as he juggles his studies and running a business.
Building a strong network of connections and learning through the experience of others is a key piece of advice Polo would give to any entrepreneur. “I really believe that a lot of the hard work has already been done, and you should stand on the shoulders of giants. I think talking and connecting with as many people as possible is a really great way to fast-track your learning.”
CIE recognises the value of mentorship and offers students and staff at the University of Auckland access to free mentor sessions. Find out more about CIE mentors
A Yourdate box – memorable made easy
EMAIL
CIE@AUCKLAND.AC.NZ
POSTAL ADDRESS
THE UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND BUSINESS SCHOOL
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