Why 100 Monkeys?
It’s a funny name for a business, but its origin speaks to our intent in undertaking the work we do. 100 Monkeys was established in 2002 with the aim of creating positive change and enhancing people’s enjoyment of life and potential. Our name has been drawn from this story about Japanese Snow Monkeys…
Naturalists had been observing a colony of these monkeys on a remote island for some time. A cultural innovation that began with one snow monkey, was gradually adopted by others until 100 monkeys had made the change. On that same day, naturalists observed that all the monkeys on that island had embraced the change, and remarkably, so too had the snow monkeys on neighbouring islands. This serves to demonstrate that when a certain number (or critical mass) achieves awareness, this becomes part of the collective consciousness of the group and then forms part of the culture.
This story serves as a metaphor for understanding human potential. It is the aim of 100 Monkeys to create positive change with individuals, businesses, organisations, families and our communities, to enhance the potential of people and to create widespread cultural change.
Monkey business: our mission and values
100 Monkeys is on a mission to bring innovative change to the challenges experienced within business, government, and the human service sector.
100 Monkeys values are ethical behaviour, innovation, personal growth, loyalty, making a difference, freedom, vision.
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Julie Woodrow
“The journey to becoming a ‘monkey’ has been an eventful, exciting and transformative experience for me. My background looks something like a Pro Hart painting: lots of things which on their own might seem ordinary, but when brought together in the right way, create real magic.
I began my career journey in the Gippsland dairy cattle industry before moving into analytical and research laboratories, until my early thirties. I then began working with vulnerable young people and decided that if I was to make a real difference, I needed become appropriately qualified. That commitment to learning has continued throughout my career.
My experience has included working with state wards, homeless youth, youth suicide prevention, crime victims’ support, women’s refuge and exit housing, health promotion, partnerships and community development. In 2004, together with the community, I was recognised through the NSW Premier’s Public Sector Award in Community Development.
I have enjoyed the opportunity to offer leadership at many levels including senior management. Along the way, I have also owned and operated a motel, an organic farm, become involved in conservation and maintained and expanded my passion for life, people and positive change.
100 Monkeys provides the environment for me to share my vision, energy, and commitment to growth and excellence. Every day is a new beginning and a new opportunity to explore just what is possible.”
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Heather Woodrow
“I love being a ‘Monkey’! 100 Monkeys was created after some deliberation on the age old question: ‘what do I want to do with my life?’
Having worked in many fields including private enterprise, retail, health and welfare, education and agriculture, the types of skills and knowledge I accumulated seemed to give me the ability to bring a diversity of thoughts and ideas to any given situation. Add being a parent, and my interest in personal development to the mix, then providing an outlet for my creativity was easy: ‘I’ll become a monkey!’
Being part of 100 Monkeys gives me opportunities to meet new people every day and the freedom to think and be innovative and creative in the work I do. At the same time I have the privilege of creating new beginnings and forward movement in my sphere of influence. Whilst our business has grown over the years, so too have I had the opportunity to grow, learn and adopt new skills to keep pace with the changing business and social environments.
The philosophy behind our business is to bring positive change to the people, businesses and communities that we work with, and I can’t imagine a better opportunity to do this than through 100 Monkeys.”
