The Queensland Rugby Union has today launched an exciting new podcast series, Leaders Within Queensland Rugby.
The release of the series, presented by luxury accommodation Amora Brisbane, coincides with Amora’s extension of their partnership with the QRU following a successful period working as the Presenting Partner of the Queensland Reds v Wales fixture at Suncorp Stadium in July.
The podcast concept tackles leadership journeys, learnings from business and advice, often with a fascinating thread of rugby wisdom woven through it, from an outstanding group of men and women connected to Queensland Rugby in a variety of ways.
From BMS Managing Director Stephen Moore AM and Buildcorp Co-Founder Josephine Sukkar AM to Queensland Reds Head Coach Les Kiss and Energy Queensland Chair Sarah Zeljko, there are eleven 16–20-minute episodes designed to provoke thought and provide insight.
“We’ve had the idea for quite some time – how do we tap into the insights of the exceptional leaders connected to the game here in Queensland in an entertaining and informative way,” QRU Head of Commercial & Content Pete Fairbairn said.
“Whilst Rugby is the connecting thread between our guests, you don’t have to have any interest or knowledge about Rugby to listen or watch this series.”
For former Wallaby Brett Robinson, what he learnt through the teamwork of Rugby is translated into how he operates as Chief Executive at RetireAustralia and being a Council Member of World Rugby.
“The things you learn in rugby about leadership, team, focus and performance, these skills carry you through life (so) the thing I say to young players is you need to get started with another life," Robinson said.
Buildcorp Co-Founder Josephine Sukkar says being comfortable with diverse views is a key component in good leadership.
“When we look to our leadership team in Buildcorp, they are all totally different and this is why, for us, it works. Someone picks up something what we’ve missed. When we come together there can be totally diverse views. You’ve got to be able to sit comfortably with hearing something different or ‘this doesn’t make sense.’ You can’t be that leadership team that doesn’t want to hear a dissenting voice,” she said.
QRU Foundation Chair Steve Wilson says aiming high is a trait of good leadership.
“There’s no point in just trying to be incrementally better. I find the sorts of people I’ve worked with or sort out were people who really wanted to achieve great things. You want people on the bus with an ambition to take the bus to a good place,” Wilson said.
As Managing Director of the BMS Group, Stephen Moore has brought leadership skills from his time as captain of the Wallabies.
“One of the things I learnt from my time in team sport (as a captain) is that every individual receives things differently and different people are motivated by different things. The more you can understand each of your teammates the more you help them be their best. I’ve really tried to bring that into the corporate world,” Moore said.
Fairbairn said delving into the thought processes of proven leaders, as well as how they switch off, has been a productive project.
“It was a pleasure sitting down with these men and women and finding out what drives them all in their aspirational pursuit of leadership. I took lessons and inspiration from every single conversation, and I hope all the listeners will too,” Fairbairn said.
Amora Brisbane General Manager Rob Unson:
“We are excited about the ongoing partnership and future collaborations with the QRU team,” Amora Brisbane General Manager Rob Unson said.
“As a family-owned group, Amora strives to be innovative and open minded, embracing our family-like values to build meaningful relationships within our community. These core values align perfectly with QRU’s passion and leadership, reflecting our shared vision for the future.”
- Brett Robinson: CEO RetireAustralia, Executive Board & Council Member World Rugby
- Stephen Moore AM: Managing Director, BMS Group
- Shannon Parry OAM OLY: QAS Sevens Academy Head Coach & Olympic Gold Medallist
- Brett Clark AM: Chair QRU & Qld Ballet, Director Brisbane 2032 Olympic & Paralympic Games, Managing Partner QLD/NNSW Chemist Warehouse
- Josephine Sukkar AM: Principal Buildcorp, Multiple Directorships
- Jason Greenhalgh: General Manager, University of Queensland Rugby Football Club
- Sarah Zeljko: Energy Queensland Chair & QRU Board Director
- Professor Mark Harvey: QUT Vice-President, Engagement
- Les Kiss: Queensland Reds Super Rugby Pacific Head Coach
- Hans Pearson: StoreLocal Co-Founder/Managing Director & Rugby Australia Board Director
- Steve & Jane Wilson: QRU Foundation Chair (Steve) & Rugby Australia Board Director (Jane)
