Rolf Weber - Marley Spoon

"I worked at IKEA not to earn big, but to learn big. In a business where you design, package, and sell everything under one roof, I learned the value of being hands-on and customer-focused."

Tony Perich AM - Perich Group

"You just have to keep going. Don’t let anything stop you, even when you make mistakes. That’s how you get through the tough times and come out stronger on the other side."

In business, you can’t let anyone push you around. Stick to what you believe is right, even if others think you should do it differently. Success comes from staying true to your own approach and working hard, no matter what challenges come your way. It’s not just about making decisions; it’s about standing firm in your values and doing the work that needs to be done, every step of the way.

Paul Griffiths - Jefferies

"Do you want to be rich or king?"

When it comes down to it, every entrepreneur faces a tough choice: do you want to be rich, or do you want to be king? It’s about the trade-off between giving up some control and driving your business to new heights. Choosing to be "rich" might mean sharing ownership, but it opens the door to growth. Staying "king" keeps you in control, but it might hold your business back. This is key for anyone considering how to fund their growth—making sure your financial decisions align with where you want to take your business.

Scott Evans - Game Farm

"Even in the deepest, darkest moments, you think, 'How am I going to dig myself out of this?' And if you dig deep enough, and you just believe in yourself, and you surround yourself with good people and great advisors, you can get through anything."

When you're facing a health crisis, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, like there’s no clear path forward. But in those moments, it’s crucial to dig deep and trust in your own strength. Surrounding yourself with the right people—those who truly understand and care—can make all the difference. It’s not just about pushing through; it’s about believing that you can overcome any obstacle with the right support and a strong mindset.

Chelsea Pottenger - EQ Minds

"If you don’t take care of your wellness every day, you’ll be forced to take care of your illness."

Your personal well-being directly impacts your business success. If you don't take care of yourself, you can't take care of your business. Establishing sustainable habits like regular breaks, quality sleep, and mental wellness practices helps you avoid burnout, sharpen focus, and enhance leadership. This isn't just self-care—it’s a strategy to ensure you’re always at your best, driving your business forward.

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John Howard OM AC SSI

"To be an effective leader, you need, first and foremost, to make it very clear what you stand for."

In leadership, it's crucial to be clear about what you believe in. This clarity isn't just about making decisions—it’s about ensuring people know where you stand. When your values are evident, it builds trust and strengthens the sense of purpose within your team. It’s not enough to lead; you must lead with conviction, making sure everyone understands the principles that guide your actions.

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David Gonski AC

"Keep your mind active, still stay involved, but don't try to replicate what the young can probably do better."

Adaptability and humility are key to sustaining success in leadership. By being open to change, reorganising your approach, and knowing when to step back and let others take the lead, you ensure your leadership remains effective and relevant, allowing you to keep making meaningful contributions as the landscape around you evolves.

Buy David Gonski's book