Kick Start 2026
In Partnership with Local and Independent News Association (LINA), Other Labs has 6 spaces for newsrooms to do a quick-round reset with mentor advice. This is a limited opportunity to get a helicopter view of your organisation, informed by industry knowledge, to help identify the most effective ways to spend your time in the year ahead.
Laser-focus your priorities for 2026 with an industry mentor.
What's Included
The total time commitment is 6 hours, flexible to your schedule, offered at a subsidised rate of $600 + GST for LINA members.
SWOT Analysis with Other Labs
A 3-hour business lab to ensure you're focused on the right priorities. We look at your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats to give you a clear picture of where you are and what to focus on next.
3 x Mentoring Sessions
Following the SWOT analysis, 3 x 1-hour sessions with your matched industry mentor to work through priorities and build a plan.
Industry Expert Mentors
Each newsroom is matched with a leading industry mentor with relevant experience to your challenges.
A Cohort of Like-Minded Folk
We facilitate collaboration to provide new perspectives and support from peers going through similar challenges.
Kick Start Mentors
The mentors available for this program.
Jenni Ryall
Director & Founder, Other LabsA recognised leader in content, product and innovation with an unrivalled network across the new media industry. Previously held strategic leadership roles at Meta, Mashable and TEGNA. As a principal consultant has led AI programs for Google, transformation and digital strategy for leading media organisations.
Belle Kwan
Growth & CommunityStrategic lead at Australian Jewish News, with a successful career growing audiences and building communities. Passion for community news.
Olivia McDonnell
Commercial & GrowthFormer Managing Director at Private Media and SmartCompany. Builds sustainable, reader-first strategies.
Nicolette Logue
Product & ContentEditorial, product and strategic leader. Formerly Director at LinkedIn News, with a background at The Huffington Post, 9 News and The Australian.