James Greig

Griffith Sciences' 2022 Outstanding Young Alumnus

Bachelor of Information Technology with Advanced Studies

Entrepreneur James Greig has successfully turned his passion projects into successful businesses, using the IT skills he learned in his Griffith undergraduate degree. James now manages three high-profile companies including iVvy, Bloomtools and Wildflower Gin, while also raising two young children on the Gold Coast.

It’s a world James created after acquiring the skills needed to get started and succeed in technology start-ups. In 2002, he was one of only five students to be accepted into the Bachelor of Information Technology with Advanced Studies.

The technology that he developed at iVvy is now used by companies like Accor, Wembley Stadium, Twickenham Stadium, and Treasure Island in Las Vegas.  "We're competing with large multinational companies and winning,” he says.

James credits what he learned at Griffith with setting him on the path for entrepreneurial success, but he said his childhood experience of relocating to Australia taught him resilience.

“I immigrated to Australia in grade 9 with my family. We left South Africa at a turbulent time to escape the danger and my parents felt that it would be a way for us to get an education and opportunities that we would struggle to get in South Africa.

“This was a big sacrifice from them as they left a house they had paid off, all their friends and family so that myself and siblings could have a better life. They arrived in Australia with enough money only for a deposit on a house in their late 50s. I've been lucky enough to travel to many parts of the world, and can honestly say that we live in one of the best countries in the world, and the best part of Australia.”

That same desire to work hard and succeed meant that James was focused on studying IT at an institution that placed an emphasis on skills for problem solving and adapting to change and challenges, and the importance of connecting with peers and industry mentors. These are core reasons why James chose to study at Griffith.

“Like all technology degrees, the reality is that the tech you learn will likely be out of date within a few years.

“From Griffith what was great was a big focus on learning how to problem solve and learn quickly. This meant that it was relatively easy for me to pick up and learn new technologies and apply them according to best practice.

“And connections were another highlight.  You get to meet lots of people interested in the same ideas and focused on similar journeys, and of course people a lot smarter than me. I actually employed three of the people completing their degrees at the same time as me and two of them still work with me today leading their respective areas of the business.

“I think entrepreneurism is something you inherently have or you don't. Where a lot of entrepreneurs struggle is with the skills gap between being a technician and running a business. Where Griffith really helped me on that front was building a strong foundation for problem solving and critical thinking.”

The world has shifted dramatically over the last few years. When James started his businesses it was challenging to get skilled people on the Gold Coast – most would tend to complete their degrees and then migrate to Sydney or Melbourne.

Now, he’s seen that trend shift again, as people focus more on lifestyle which the Gold Coast offers in spades. People can now work on interesting and global companies without having to move to capital cities and the Gold Coast has matured dramatically in that space.  This is something James is glad to see as he focuses on the next move in his incredible career journey.

“I've recently finished up working at iVvy full-time and am now focused on Wild Flower. I love the challenge of building and scaling start-ups, rather than managing large organisations.

“Recently we’ve had Coles Liquor take us on nationally with our Wild Flower Gin which is really exciting so for the moment we're focused on building a strong brand.

“I also have a lot of interest in newer technologies like machine-learning and AI and I'm starting to look at how we can use that technology to solve problems in the industries that I have experienced through my journeys.

“It's an exciting time to be involved in technology.”