Lane Cove Local Mick Liubinskas Releases She’s Building a Robot

Mick Liubinskas is a Lane Cove local and author of the new book. She’s Building A Robot.  It’s is a novel aimed at girls and focused on technology.

She’s Building A Robot is an inspirational book for girls who love STEM.  It will inspire girls all over the world to become the next-gen of women innovators.

What is She’s Building A Robot About?

After standing up to the school bully, AZ finds herself suddenly entered into a robot-building competition.  AZ and her new friends, face hackers, crashes, and explosions and learn what it takes to build a robot against all the odds. As the adventure unfolds, you’ll learn about leadership, teamwork, and so much more.  AZ, the protagonist, is smart but has hidden her talents. Her first robot goes wild, leading her to a wonderful female mentor. She convinces a techy-girl and a quirky non-gender student to join her team. By working hard, solving puzzles and dealing with disasters like being hacked and a robot crash, they bring Ada to life.

The big finale is the three-day robot competition which includes rapping, solving riddles and a dangerous obstacle course. AZ is initially not confident leading or taking action but becomes tough and decisive in the end. Along the way, she builds friendships, character and skills for technology and leadership.

“I loved this book and couldn’t stop reading it. It was interesting and super funny. Plus I learned a lot about robots.” Sofia Labonte, teenager.

“More women building robots? Absolutely!” Tess Lau PhD, CEO of Dustry Robotics.

“Every time a girl writes her first line of code or connects the first two pieces of a robot, the world just gets a little bit better.  Love your work AZ, 10 and Li.” Annie Parker, co-founder of Code Club Australia.

We asked Mick to answer some questions, and this is what he told us.

Tell Us a Little About Yourself

I am a dad of two girls and a boy and married to a wonderfully supportive (and patient) woman.

I’ve been described as a high energy, technology entrepreneur, investor, author, speaker and industry leader.

I am a big believer that the world will be a happier, better place when we have fairness across gender, race, and culture. I have interviewed more than fifty women in robotics, technology, science, engineering, and maths to share their stories and inspire young girls.

I am passionate about what individuals can do day in day out to get the planet to sustainability and avoid catastrophic climate change. I don’t like take away coffee cups. (ITC comment Mick read our article about Huskee Cups here.)

I programmed my Commodore 64 at age 8, sold computer networks at age 17, raised capital at 22 and ran marketing globally for Kazaa at 26.

I have co-founded 4 technology start-up companies, including three years in San Francisco.

This has included evaluating 1,000’s of ideas, building first products, getting first customers, launching globally, raising capital, closing businesses, selling businesses, and all the emotional rollercoaster rides in between.

I am known as Mr Focus due to my strong drive for starting small and fast, doing fast testing on the road to success and avoiding the entrepreneurial distractions.

How long have you lived in Lane Cove?

We moved to Lane Cove in 2010. We lived in San Francisco for three years but moved back to the area in 2019.

What do you like about living in Lane Cove?

I’ve travelled around the world, and Lane Cove is a great place to live. Lots of parks, open community, excellent food, and 100x better coffee.

Lane Cove also has great access. My daughter and I surf, and we can get to the beach in 20 minutes (even faster with the new tunnel in a few years). We can also get a bus to the city in 15 minutes. The airport in 30 mins. Out west as well. It’s amazing.

By far the best thing is the people. Friendly and welcoming.

What do your Daughters Think About the Book?

Lucy (8) – “I think it’s creative, and lots of girls will learn a lot about robots and how much girls can do.”

Grace (6) – “It’s a very good idea as I love reading and like books about brave girls.”

What Do You Do When You’re Not Writing a Book?

I’m a happy husband, a doting dad who loves surfing, swimming at the aquatic centre, and playing soccer with St Michael’s over 45s. I help early-stage technology companies with product, growth, and capital raising. I’m passionate about climate action and would love to set up a cleantech venture capital fund for Australia.

What’s Your Favourite Coffee Hang Out in Lane Cove?

I’m torn – there is so much good coffee. I love the Junction for the stand-up barrels. I like Cozy Cove for sitting and working. I love Garcon to watch the kids play (and eat a croissant or three). Lil Lane has good food. Birdwood has great service. So many options!

What’s Your Favourite Thing To Do in Lane Cove?

My favourite thing to do In The Cove is to have a good chat with friends with a cold beer on a hot day at the Diddy with the kids playing. (Though I’d love them to add a veggie burger to their menu please.)

How Do People Buy The Book?

The book will be available from Burns Bay Bookery and online at:

• Booktopia Australia
• Amazon Australia
• Book Depository– Global, free shipping

It’s also on GoodReads here and Google Books here.

Contact Details

Website: https://shesbuildingarobot.com/
Instagram: @mickjl
Linkedin: @mliukinskas

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