For this week’s Checkout, we sat down with Elena Chirich, the woman behind MiniBoss Business School’s Australian chapter. Elena is redefining what education can look like, teaching kids as young as eight to think like entrepreneurs. Her passion for helping kids build creativity, resilience, and business acumen is not just inspiring—it’s reshaping how we think about education and the next generation of leaders. In this episode, we dive into Elena’s world beyond the classroom—her unexpected purchases, tech essentials, and the book that’s changing how she thinks about cultural connection. It’s an insightful and relatable look into the mind of a modern-day mentor.
A Tool That Makes Everyday Life a Little Brighter
When asked about the most unusual thing she’s ever purchased online, Elena immediately thought of her $2 rubber brick. “It’s this orange, rubbery thing that removes calcium buildup from taps. You just rub it on the stains, and they’re gone like magic!” she shared with a laugh.
Elena admits it’s not the most glamorous purchase, but it reflects her pragmatic approach to life. “I didn’t even know this kind of thing existed until I saw it online, but now I swear by it. It’s one of those small things that makes a big difference without you realising.” These are the kind of products and innovations Elena encourages her MiniBoss students to tap into.
The Sustainability Gap in E-commerce
As someone deeply invested in building a better future, Elena is acutely aware of the changes the retail world needs to make. One of her frustrations lies in the sustainability features—or lack thereof—on major e-commerce sites.
“I shop a lot on Myer and David Jones for apparel, but there’s no way to filter by fabric,” she explained.
I want natural fibres because I’ve learned how synthetic materials contribute to microplastic pollution in our oceans. Every wash releases thousands of microplastic particles, and it’s heartbreaking.
This awareness was inspired by Lisa Blair, a world-record-breaking sailor who highlighted the devastating state of our oceans in a MiniBoss masterclass. “Hearing Lisa speak made me re-evaluate my own habits. If retailers added a simple fabric search feature, it could make sustainable shopping so much easier for people like me who want to make better choices,” Elena added.
A Wired Way to Stay Productive
When it comes to her must-have tech, Elena isn’t about chasing the latest trends. Instead, she sticks with a trusty wired headset that wouldn’t look out of place in a call centre. “I know it’s not cool, but I’ve tried Bluetooth headphones, and they give me massive headaches. So I’ve gone old school, and it works perfectly,” she said.
Elena believes in prioritising functionality over form. “It might look a bit odd when I’m out walking and wearing them, but they get the job done. Plus, there’s no risk of connection issues or needing to charge them constantly.
”This practical mindset is a cornerstone of Elena’s approach to both her personal and professional life. Rather than getting caught up in unnecessary bells and whistles, she focuses on tools that help her stay effective. It’s a valuable reminder for all of us: sometimes, simpler is better.
Lessons in Cross-Cultural Communication
Elena’s passion for learning shines through in her latest book recommendation: The Culture Map by Erin Meyer. “It’s an eye-opener, especially for anyone working with offshore teams or in multicultural environments,” she said.
Drawing on her experiences managing transformation projects across diverse industries, Elena explained how the book highlights the subtle but powerful impact of cultural differences on communication.
It’s not just about language barriers—it’s about understanding how people from different cultures approach hierarchy, feedback, and collaboration. These insights can completely change the way you work with a team.
For Elena, this book reinforces the importance of empathy and adaptability—qualities that are just as essential in managing a global business as they are in raising resilient, creative kids at MiniBoss.
The Secret to Business Success? It’s the People
When reflecting on her biggest challenge, Elena didn’t hesitate: it’s building the right team. “For any service-based business, the key to success is having the right people who are focused on solving customer problems,” she said.
Elena emphasised that it’s not just about skills—it’s about alignment with the company’s values and mission. You need a team that genuinely cares about the customers and represents your brand authentically.
At MiniBoss, this people-first approach starts from the top. Elena believes that leaders need to model the behaviour they want to see in their teams, creating a culture of collaboration and accountability. “It’s all about creating an environment where everyone feels supported but also understands their responsibility to the bigger picture,” she said.
Simplicity, Purpose and Connection
Whether it’s finding tools that make life easier, advocating for eco-conscious shopping, or building strong teams, Elena’s approach is refreshingly grounded and purpose-driven. For readers, her insights offer a valuable takeaway: the most impactful solutions often come from focusing on the basics—whether that’s investing in the right people, prioritising sustainability, or simply finding joy in the small wins.
Want to learn more about Elena? Be sure to tune into episode 475 to hear how she’s shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs and rethinking what it means to lead with purpose.
The Checkout is a short snippet of our conversations.
