Media centre

Navigating Complexity in Community Services

Cheryle Burgoyne, Director - Leaning In Consultancy

'Organisations operating in the community services sector frequently find themselves under-resourced and subject to intense scrutiny, all while striving to deliver quality support to individuals dealing with complex circumstances.' Read more

The Power of the Pig: Why Long-Term Brand Strategy Beats Quick Wins

Jack Perlinski - DAIS 

'Short-term tactics rarely build brand value. Strong brands are built on consistent behaviours that are lived and reinforced over time.' Read more

The Most Common Website Issues & How To Know If You’ve Got Them

Peter Curran, Digital Surfer

"Your website is one your most powerful selling tools. Alone, it can bring in tens of thousands, if not millions of dollars, in business every year — if it works, that is."

Read more

Marketing efforts not landing? Here’s the potential culprit.

Jane Clark, Vie Marketing

"Why gamble on your marketing achieving results without nailing your brand foundation first?" Read more

Survival vs Growth Finance: A Mindset Shift for Resilient Leaders

Matt Butcher - CEO, My Broker Solutions

'At the Queensland Leaders event, I unpacked the difference between survival and growth finance. It’s a distinction that’s often overlooked—but it can define whether a business merely copes or truly thrives.'
Read more

Mitigating Financial Risks with a Virtual CFO

Matthew Smith, Partner - Prime Accounting and Business Advisory

"A Virtual CFO will provide business owners (and businesses) with in-depth, tailored support when it comes to managing their finances and bettering their financial prospects."
Read more

Navigating the Insurance Landscape: Opportunities and Cyber Risks for Business Leaders

Lisa Carter, CEO - Clear Insurance 

'With cyber threats intensifying, no business is immune, regardless of size. Understanding your cyber risk exposure is crucial' Read more

Is your business benefiting from one-on-ones?

Blake Redding - Head of Workplace Psychology, Mapien

"When embedded consistently into leadership practice, one-on-one conversations can become a cornerstone of a high-trust and high-performance culture." Read more

Child Safeguarding – a Collective Community Commitment

Mel James, CEO - Social Care Solutions

"The impact of a child who experiences abuse outside of the home impacts on a business, a community and, of course, a family" Read more

Why Every Business Needs an Integrated IT Strategy

Michael Munt - Managing Director, Biztopia

"Whether you're running a manufacturing firm, a professional services agency, or a retail business, your IT strategy must be fully aligned with your overall business goals and long-term roadmap."


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Bringing Back the Handshake: Why Smart Businesses Are Going Offline to Grow

Michelle O'Hara - Director / Founder, OH! Marketing

'Across Australia and beyond, more mid-sized businesses are reassessing their marketing mix and rediscovering the value of showing up in person, not just online.' Read more

Good Governance: A Guide for Business Leaders

Lisa Carter, CEO - Clear Insurance

'Good governance and regular evaluation of business risks are essential to steer your business towards a secure and prosperous future.' Read more

The Warning Signs Are Flashing: Why Businesses Must Rethink Credit Management in 2025

Michael Blonk, Commercial Manager - Optimum Recoveries

"Late payments are increasingly becoming a strategic threat to the survival of Australian businesses." Read more

Brand-Led Advertising: The Difference Between Noise and Cut-Through

Town Creative

'"Great brands know that advertising needs to reflect who they are, not just what they sell." Read more

June 2025 Gallery - Event and Graduation

June 2025 Gallery - Event and Graduation

Congratulations to our Executive Members and Future Leaders on completing your initial Series! Your dedication and hard work have truly paid off. We are excited to continue this journey with you in the Alumni Series and look forward to seeing the amazing things you'll achieve. Read more

Brisbane’s economic edge: why the smart money is moving here

Dr John Cowie, General Manager Investment at Brisbane Economic Development Agency 

'Brisbane is not just Australia’s fastest-growing capital city, it’s rapidly becoming one of its most investable.'  Read more

Is Self-Risk the Most Overlooked Structural Risk in Your Business?

Louise Davis, Marketing Manager - FifthEagle

'Research shows over 50% of SME leaders recognise self-risk, but fewer than a third have taken action to reduce it' Read more

The Key Strategic Element Most Businesses Miss in New Financial Year Planning: The Power of People

Michelle O'Hara, Director - OH! Marketing

'EOFY isn’t just about numbers and targets. It’s also a great time to reflect on who is helping move your business forward.' Read more

Growing your team size used to be the ultimate business flex. Not anymore.

Ben Watts, CEO - Wattsnext

'In 2025, the most impressive businesses encountered aren't the ones with the biggest teams.' Read more

Why Relationship Selling Is No Longer Enough

Peter McKeon, Founder & CEO - Salesmasters International

'How Top 2% SMEs Win More Business in 2025.  The game now belongs to those who master both the logic and the emotion of the sale.' Read more

AI Won’t Replace You, But Someone Who Uses It Better Will

Tracey Gledhill, Chief Customer & Marketing Officer - Cyberon

'No matter how advanced your technology is, people are your most flexible cyber control.' Read more

Advancing Climate Action Through the Sustainable Management Methodology

Lea Patterson, CEO - Pilbara Group

'In the global race to combat climate change, the need for accurate, transparent and actionable carbon accounting has never been greater.' Read more

Success may be an extension of your Estimation Department

Ash Samuel, Founder & CEO - Bid-Ontology

'Highly reliable and well scoped out construction estimates are keys to a drama-free project.' Read more

Risk Exposure & Management Liability - A Guide for Business Owners

Lisa Carter, Managing Director | Clear Insurance

'Managing risk exposure is essential to shield you from personal liability.' Read more

Cultural Intelligence: The Leadership Skill Shaping the Future

Tiffany English, CEO - Access Offshoring

'For Australian businesses leveraging offshore talent, cultural intelligence is no longer a “nice-to-have” — it’s a critical leadership skill.' Read more

How to answer: 'What tech is right for me?'

Dorian Trevisan, Co-Founder - Via Technology

'Technology should support your business, not dictate how it runs.' Read more

Commercial Intimacy: The Secret Sauce to Winning Business Before You Even Pitch

Peter McKeon, Founder & CEO - Salesmasters International

'...people don’t buy from people they like—they buy from people who get them. That’s the essence of commercial intimacy.' Read more

The Art of Networking

Anna Blackman, Co-Founder & Director - Talent Insight Solutions

'In the world of business, success isn’t solely about what you know, but often about who you know.'  Read more

Work from Home: A Perk Today, an Entitlement Tomorrow?

Rebecca Pezzutti - IRIQ Law

'The Fair Work Commission (FWC) is progressing with its case to develop an Award clause that removes impediments to working from home (WFH).' Read more

How Can My Business Deal with Talent Shortages?

David Toft - RPR Trades

'Talent shortages are increasingly affecting businesses across all sectors, placing pressure on productivity, growth, and long-term competitiveness.' Read more

Navigating Business Finance: Essential Tips for Entrepreneurs

Matthew Butcher, Business & Finance Broker - My Broker Solutions

Running a business comes with its own set of financial challenges and opportunities. Read more

Why AI Adoption is Critical for Business Success

Marc Meili, Founder & Director - Protech Group

'AI is transforming the way we do business, and those who fail to embrace it will quickly fall behind.'  Read more

Best Practice Communication: the key to a thriving culture

Ben Watts, CEO - wattsnext

'In today’s fast-changing business landscape, effective communication is more critical than ever.' Read more

The Critical Role of Welding QA/QC in Ensuring Asset Reliability

Mick Cameron - Founder/Managing Director - MC Quality


Read more

Demystifying B2B Marketing: A Checklist on How to Choose the Right Marketing Partner

Georgie Deetlefs - Mindmob

Too many CEOs and GMs treat marketing like a black box, expecting one agency to do it all: branding, lead gen, content and more. That’s a costly mistake. Don’t waste money on marketing. See our no-BS checklist.
Read more

Navigate this complex world with clarity and confidence with cutting edge technology

Michael Ustinoff, Managing Director - Must Technology

'This isn't just about "seeing more" – it's about seeing differently.' Read more

The Cost of Neglecting Long-Term Brand Strategy

Jack Perlinski Founder & CEO. Principal Strategy Advisor - DAIS Brand Strategy Advisors

'During uncertain times, marketing and branding budgets are often the first to be questioned.'  Read more

Managing AI and reducing risk

Andrew Nicholson, Partner - Mullins

'..the majority of organisations have not yet implemented sufficient guidelines and protocols regarding the use of AI'
Read more

Leveraging Cloud Computing for Business Advantage

Bill Owens, Managing Director - Veracity

Cloud computing has become an essential component of modern business operations Read more

The Business Journey: Planning for every stage from startup to exit

Eric Dickler - Founder/Partner, EDR Accounting

Have you ever thought about the entire life cycle of your company? Read more

From Risk to Resilience

Andrew Lawrence, CEO - de.iterate

What Australia’s New Data Privacy Laws Mean for Business Leaders Read more

Child Protection is Everyone’s Business

Mel James, CEO - Social Care Solutions

'To be a Child Safe Organisation, you must be able to evidence you are one that creates a culture, adopts strategies and takes proactive steps to not only prevent harm to children and young people but also promote child wellbeing.'
Read more

Incorporating Nature in Your Supply Chain Could Be the Key to Future Success

Maree Adshead – CEO – Eco-Markets Australia

'Customers, investors, shareholders, stakeholders and partners are increasingly looking to businesses that can demonstrate a real commitment to environmental responsibility.' Read more

Christmas Celebration 2024

Gallery of QLD Leaders Christmas Party 

Thank you to everyone for attending, for the efforts made with being Bright and Merry and making it a wonderful way to end the year.  We look forward to seeing you in 2025! Read more

Event & Graduation Gallery - November 2024

November 2024 Gallery - Event and Graduation

Captures from the Final event for 2024  Read more

Climate change, biodiversity loss and mandatory reporting – what this means for industry

Glenn Dale, Managing Director - Verterra

'The dual challenges of global warming and global biodiversity loss are now recognised as linked, and frameworks for global action have been agreed.' Read more

Achieving Certification to Quality Standards – so much more than compliance

Fiona Laughlan, CEO - IHCA

"Change is constant, and we have more on the horizon – there are fresh opportunities for disability, advocacy, primary health care and mental health service organisations to benefit through independent certification to quality standards."
Read more

New Right to Disconnect and Sexual Harassment Legislation: A Health and Safety Perspective

Jo Kitney,  Managing Director - Kitney 

"At Kitney, we have been receiving inquiries about the Right to Disconnect and sexual harassment legislation, highlighting their topical nature and reinforcing the impact they have on mental health at work. Employers are keen to understand changes, how they can address them, and foster a healthy work environment." Read more

Future-Proofing Your Sales Team: Building for Success in 2024

Peter McKeon, Founder & CEO - Salesmasters International

"The digital landscape evolves quickly. Regular training on new tools and trends is key to keeping your team competitive." Read more

The Best Marketing Channels to Find Clients on Right Now

Michelle O'Hara, Director - OH! Marketing
'Across many industries pipelines have slowed or disappeared altogether. It is important for businesses to look at their marketing strategies and how they are using certain channels to attract new clients.' In this article Michelle from OH! Marketing shares which channels are the best for B2B and B2C and what mistakes to avoid when using other channels. Read more

Developing a Gen AI Strategy for your Business: The Value of an AI Readiness Review

Chris Blakley, COO - Veracity

"By 2030, Gen AI is predicted to add tens of billions to Australia's economy, enhancing efficiencies and driving new opportunities across multiple industries." Read more

Revolutionizing Business Efficiency: The Power of Workflow Automation

Mark Sanders, Founder/CEO - Tiikr

"Implementing workflow automation doesn't have to be a daunting task." Read more

Making business travel work for your business

Virgin Australia Business Flyer

'Why a robust travel policy is essential for every business.' Read more

4 Reasons to Call Your Insurance Adviser

Lisa Carter, CEO - Clear Insurance

'New staff, premises, products, machinery, revenue streams, or ownership changes can affect your insurance in ways you least expect.' Read more

Everything Ends!

Richard Munro, Partner - Alternate Business Strategies

"A robust strategy is more than just a selling decision and has many elements." Read more

Beat Burnout Before It Begins: Essential Tips for Employers and Managers

Danielle Copplin, Director - Scope Psychology Services Australia

Employment and management can be challenging. Meeting the needs of individual employees and supporting their mental health can be easy. Read more

Creating and Maximising B2B Referral Partnerships

Michelle O'Hara, Director - OH! Marketing

'In this article, I share some insights inspired from a group of amazing Queensland Leaders’ businesses and share how any business can build their own partnerships.' Read more

Navigating the Return to the Office

Ben Watts, CEO - Watts Next

“As businesses continue to grapple with returning to office spaces, we have seen and predict a significant increase in FWA requests from employees seeking to maintain flexible work arrangements”
Read more

5 Tips: Performance conversations amid mental health challenges

Blake Redding - Head of Psychology-National, MAPIEN

'Navigating performance conversations can already be tricky and complicated. What happens when we add in mental health or personal stressors for a staff member?' Read more

Why you shouldn’t wait to systemise your business

Greg Gunther and Joshna Daya, Founders and Directors - Your Business Momentum

"5 reasons why you should systemise your business sooner than later" Read more

Lead with Your Strengths

Dr Steve Bagi, Consulting Psychologist, Teaching Fellow - Bond University  

"Have you spent time considering your strengths and how they help you to be effective in your leadership role?" Read more

The New Financial Year: Are You Worried About Hitting Your Targets?

Ralph Vossenberg, Managing Partner - Executive Consulting Group

'The start of a new financial year is a time for optimism and goal-setting. But for CEOs, a nagging doubt can linger: will our sales team deliver the numbers we need?' Read more

Lessons in Leadership from the Family Dog

Read more

Cyber Insurance Myths

Lisa Carter, CEO/Managing Director - Clear Insurance

'One of the most crucial aspects for a business to navigate is cyber insurance. It's not just about knowing what to cover and why, but also understanding the implications and potential risks that can be mitigated through it.' Read more

Gallery - June 2024 Mid year Graduation & Event - view photos here from the afternoon into the evening. 

June 2024 Event & Graduation  Read more

Navigating the New Minimum Wage Increase: A Business Owner's Perspective

Ben Watts, CEO - Wattsnext

'On June 3rd, 2024, Fair Work Australia announced a 3.75% increase to the minimum wage. This coincides with the pre-planned 0.5% increase to Superannuation, resulting in wages costs growing by 4.25% on July 1st, 2024.'
'Business owners must be strategic. It’s about finding ways to absorb these costs without compromising on the quality of service or overburdening our financial health.' Read more

The Evolving Landscape of Sales: Embracing Change and Overcoming Growth Blockers

Peter McKeon, Founder/CEO - Salesmasters International

'The sales landscape is continually evolving, presenting both opportunities and challenges. By addressing misconceptions about hiring, updating sales processes, enforcing KPAs and KPIs, aligning reward metrics, and focusing on value-based selling, sales teams can overcome blockers to growth.' Read more

Why Now is the Perfect Time to Recruit in Australia: Is This a Post-COVID Talent Boom?

Ben Watts, CEO - Wattsnext Group

'The landscape of the job market has finally shifted, bringing an influx of talent and new opportunities for companies looking to expand their teams. Here's why now is the perfect time to recruit, especially for small to medium businesses.' Read more

A position no employer wants to be in.

Anna Linning - Phoenix Occupational Medicine

'Pre-employment medical assessments and alcohol and other drug testing programs offer valuable tools to mitigate such risks – especially in transport and industries with safety critical roles'  Read more

The “Ferrari” Effect – A Marketing Strategy Framework

Michelle O'Hara, Director - OH MARKETING!'

The business landscape is changing rapidly and with it so must our Marketing Strategies, in order to remain ahead of the game.' Read more

Mastering the First 2 Minutes: A Guide to Sales Success

Peter McKeon, Founder/CEO- Salesmasters

'In sales, first impressions aren't just important; they're everything. The moment you start that conversation, you're either on the path to a deal or a dead end. So, how do you ensure it's the former? By mastering the first two minutes of your sales interaction.' Read more

Navigating the Digital Transformation of Security: Insights from the Front Lines

Virgina Tobias, CEO - BAMSS

'Positioning your business as a thought leader in security means staying ahead of the curve, anticipating changes, and being prepared to pivot strategies swiftly. It involves a commitment to continuous learning, innovation, and most importantly, sharing knowledge with the community to foster a safer digital ecosystem.' Read more

Take the fear out of a crisis with StormBirds

Leonie Vandeven, Founder/Director - Stormbirds

'Planning well before a crisis allows you to take control and respond confidently, quickly, and effectively, minimising damage and aiding your recovery.' Read more

The Value Exchange- How to get (and give) valued advice.

Louise Broekman, Founder - the Advisory Board Centre

'When faced with making a decision or navigating an unknown path in our business journey, we instinctively look to others to support our thinking.' Read more

Get prepared to thrive in the new world

'There is no escaping the fact that there are a number of new technologies,  including AI, Robotics, No-Code and IoT, that are set to change the business landscape dramatically in the coming years'  Read more

Feel It, See It, Hear It, Believe It

Jack Perlinski, Founder & CEO. Principal Strategy Advisor - DAIS

'When talking about brand equity, it’s important to understand that a brand is far more than just a logo.' Read more

Are our social connections the key to longer life?

Marsh celebrates 70 years of manufacturing in Australia as it adds Mastercut to the Alliance

A series of business acquisitions over the last 13 years have enabled Marsh to increase weekly production capacity to over 120Ts of finished products and build significant in-house capability in cold coiling, CNC wire forming, pressed parts and speciality coatings. Read more

Managing AI Risks: Key Business Considerations

Andrew Nicholson, Partner - Mullins Lawyers

'In many of those businesses, AI implementation is not controlled by management, and there are no clear guidelines for its use.' Read more

How to Define Sales Performance in your SME

Peter McKeon, CEO - Salesmasters International

'To understand sales performance thoroughly, consider various metrics. Different reps excel in different areas, so a multifaceted approach offers insight into each one's strengths.' Read more

Cyber Security Strategy

Bill Owens, Managing Director - Veracity

'Cyber attacks are on the rise, with a cyber crime now reported every six (6) minutes. What’s more, the cost of cyber crime to organisations is increasing.' Read more

Unlocking Opportunities: Showcase Your Expertise on LinkedIn

Kay Ridge, Managing Director - DASH Social

'Showcasing your expertise and skills is not just a matter of vanity; it's a strategic imperative.' Read more

Emissions Reduction not just Reporting!

Lea Patterson - CEO, Pilbara

'Greenhouse Gas Accounting and Reporting, as it currently stands, is not helping to reduce emissions.' Read more

To-Do List for Businesses BEFORE undertaking an AI Project

Bill Owens, Managing Director - Veracity

'If you missed Bill’s talk, below is a summary with key questions to ask BEFORE undertaking an AI project.' Read more

Performance management when staff have mental health and personal challenges

Dr Leith Middleton - Mapien

'More recently, Australian Workplace Health and Safety Legislation provides workplaces greater clarity for integrating psychosocial hazard management in workplace activities. It has also amplified the need for leaders to consider the mental health of their people.' Read more

Beyond the process: how people make or break a deal

Mark Steinhardt, Executive Director - InterFinancial 


'Selling a business is hard. But understanding the people involved and their likely motivations will go a long way to improving your chances of success.' Read more

Fine-tuning lead conversion through better understanding of metrics.

Peter McKeon, CEO - Salesmasters International

'Obtaining a lead is one thing in sales, but it is actually the conversion of that lead that at the end of the day really matters. Lead conversion is one of nine key KPIs we measure in sales, and it is probably the most well-known. So, what does it mean?' Read more

Is managing psychosocial risks a burden or investment for your organisation?

Blake Redding, Associate Director - MAPIEN

'If these changes are perceived as a burden, this reflects a tendency to treat the required change more like an insurance policy, to ensure things are in place, if or when, something goes wrong.' Read more

AI a critical step for your business

Ty Osborne, CEO - Brainstorm 

'The more data you have, the better your AI will be. While not all data is created equal, it’s important to make sure you're collecting the right data, and that it's well-organised and easy to analyse.' Read more

Navigating the Sea of Change: Why Your Business Needs a Sustainability Strategy and More

Adrian Vaida, Managing Director - Sustainability Compass

In the fast-evolving world of ESG, it's no longer a question of 'if' but 'when' and 'how' your business adapts. Why simply comply with new regulations, when you can thrive by seizing opportunities? Why just react to change when you can lead the way? Read more

Navigating Workplace Mental Health Changes in 2023

Frank Cassells - Director, Cassells / Resolutum 

'This blend of tangible and intangible hazards creates a unique challenge for employers. While we are accustomed to solving problems with well-defined processes, addressing human behaviour is not always straightforward.' Read more

Why HR Must Lead the AI Revolution: Your Business Depends on it!

Ben Watts, CEO - wattsnext

‘If someone said every one of your employees can have an executive assistant, with no extra staff cost, how more productive could your workplace be?’ Read more

Security in Your Supply Chain

The security posture of a third party directly impacts your organization. A breach in their systems can easily translate to a breach in yours, especially if they have access to your data or IT infrastructure. Read more

Breakfast of champions

Liisa Hill - AIRAH

At the recent Women of AIRAH breakfast, attendees were challenged to be agents of change for greater equity, diversity and inclusion in our sector. Read more

Is your Business Underinsured?

Lisa Carter, Managing Director - Clear Insurance

'Your business is probably one of the most valuable assets you have – so it makes sense to protect it in good times and bad. Inadequate cash flow is one of the major reasons small businesses fail in Australia *1.' Read more

Does Microsoft Sales Copilot Have What It Takes to Reshape Business?

Bill Owens, Managing Director - Veracity

'As the market becomes overwhelmed with promising but embryonic Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) applications, business leaders want to know which Gen AI tools possess the potential to truly transform their companies.'
Read more

Outside the Job Description

Andrew Hill, Senior Advisor - Carroll Consulting

'When undertaking a new hire, spend some time thinking constructively and critically about your business. Do you know why someone would want to come and work for your organisation?' Read more

November 2023 Event Gallery

Gallery - November 2023

Final event for 2023 which includes the Graduation event - view photos here from the afternoon into the evening.  Read more

Navigate the future – Invest in Innovation.

Brian Ruddle, Managing Director - Impact Innovation

Innovation can be your organisation’s ‘secret weapon’ to navigating the future. Rather than be stuck playing catch-up, investing in innovation drives competitive advantage, growth and employee engagement. There’s a cost to doing it - and there’s potentially an enormous cost if you don’t do it. Read more

Safeguard Your Cash Flow: A Holiday Season Alert for Businesses

Angela McDonald, Managing Director - Optimum Recoveries

'As the holiday season approaches, businesses often face several challenges, particularly concerning cash flow and late payments.' Read more

How ChatGPT and Automation are Changing the Marketing Landscape

Michelle O'Hara - OH! Marketing

'...like any other marketing…. ChatGPT is only as good as the questions you ask it, as good as the strategic plan you follow and the consistency you adopt.' Read more

The Digital Future

Jo Kitney, Managing Director - Kitney Occupational Health & Safety

'The McKinsey Global Institute recognise that an investment in digitalisation is cumulative, can boost growth, and a force for change if the business can adapt.' Read more

How to build a good employer brand

Author: Jack Perlinski from DAIS Brand Strategy Advisors

Employer Branding is vital to the success of every business – you need to create a brand story and culture that engages your market and attracts amazing candidates that will make your brand even more outstanding.  Read more

The Mid Year Occupational Medicine Outlook – the three things you need to know to keep you healthy wealthy and wise.

Michelle Safely, General Manager - Phoenix Occupational Medicine

'Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you will have heard the words ‘psychological safety in the workplace’ on repeat for much of this year. This mega trend will continue to dominate the way health in the workplace is viewed.'
Read more

Understanding Your Risk Appetite During Uncertain Times

Michael Blonk, Manager - Optimum Recoveries

“The recent Creditor Watch Business Risk Index highlighted a sharp increase in B2B trade payment defaults, signalling growing stress among businesses and predicting a rise in insolvency rates in the coming months.' Read more

5 Signs It’s the Right Time to Hire a Hunter

Peter McKeon, Founder & Director - Salesmasters International

Improving sales capability sometimes involves hiring a salesperson. Here’s five signs it’s the right time to hire a hunter and when to consider another solution. Read more

Generative AI: The Next Tech Revolution or a Bubble Waiting to Burst?

June 2023 Event and Graduation Gallery

Photo Gallery of June event

Congratulations to our Graduated Members  Read more