Business people invited to leadership seminar

Gold Coast and Tweed business people will have another opportunity to hone their skills as Southern Cross University’s popular series of free Business Insights evenings continues on Wednesday, March 10.

Hosted by the University’s Graduate College of Management, the latest seminar will focus on leadership and will feature guest lectures from experts in the field as well as the launch of a new book entitled ‘Leadership: Understanding its Global Impact’ which was co-written by Associate Professor Peter Miller of Southern Cross University and Associate Professor Carol Dalglish of the QUT School of Management.

Guest speakers will include Professor Miller and Professor Dalglish, who will share tips and advice from the new book, and former chief executive officer (CEO) of Ramsay Health Care, Patrick Grier (AM).

A recent recipient of a Member of the Order of Australia for his role as one of the main architects of a balanced public/private healthcare system in Australia, Mr Grier is recognised as one of the country’s leading CEOs, continues to play a corporate role as a director of major Australian companies including Ramsey Health and Prime Media and is also chair of Southern Cross University’s Foundation Board.

Mr Grier said he would be sharing some of the keys to success at the Business Insights evening.

“Leadership is the most important ingredient for a successful organisation, especially in tough times,” said Mr Grier.

“There are four elements to a successful organisation. Firstly, you must have a product that adds value to the consumer, and secondly, you must have the strategy that lays out where the business is going.

“Then you must have the management to make it all happen, but the final key ingredient is the leadership and the culture.

“Good leadership creates a culture where everybody gives everything they can to ensure the success of the organisation.

“Leadership is the glue that holds everything together, and it’s the leader that creates the future for the organisation.”

After events at the Sofitel in Broadbeach and Saltbar in Kingscliff, the Business Insights series is again expanding its reach, with this latest seminar due to take place at Southern Cross University’s new Gold Coast campus at Bilinga. The success of the series is continuing to gather pace, attracting a growing following of repeat attendees.

Attendees at the upcoming seminar next week will have the opportunity to win some one-to-one mentoring with a private lunch with Patrick Grier to be awarded as lucky door prize on the night.

Professor Peter Miller said he and Professor Dalglish would be providing insights into leadership in the Asia-Pacific area.

“Most resources available on leadership in this country are adaptations of American or European books on the topic,” said Professor Miller.

“We are very proud that our book is the first truly comprehensive book on leadership in Australasia. Leadership here is very different to leadership in America and elsewhere and we are hoping to share knowledge that Australian leaders can identify with more closely.”

The free Business Insights evening entitled ‘Leadership’ will take place on Wednesday, March 10 at 6pm (Queensland time) for a 6.45pm start at Southern Cross University’s new Gold Coast campus on Southern Cross Drive, Bilinga (access via Terminal Drive, Gold Coast Airport). Refreshments will be provided and seats are limited.

Photo: Patrick Grier AM (high resolution image available on request)