MELBOURNE - SEP 2 & 3
Lead with Intent
2026
Presented by
Official Charity Partner
Talent. Leadership. Performance.
If you lead under real pressure, you already know the top gets lonely and the margins get thin. Over two days, you'll step out of the noise and into a room with elite performers from sport, business and other high-stakes environments: people who've faced the same questions you're sitting with, to think sharper, lead better and come back ready for what's next.
-Learn from APAC’s leading business, education and sporting leaders.
-Build relationships with only 50–60 carefully selected leaders.
-Walk away with practical frameworks you can use immediately.
Limited to 50–60 delegates. Registrations close once capacity is reached.
DateSeptempber 2nd + 3rd
LocationVibe Hotel, Docklands, Melbourne
CapacityA curated experience 50–60 senior leaders
THE PREMISE
The best leaders don't operate by chance. They lead with intent.
Lead With Intent isn't a traditional conference. It's a curated experience, bringing together elite voices across sport, business, education and high-performance environments for two days of deliberate practice.
Hosted by Kurt Gillam, founder of Intent Group. Built for senior leaders who carry real responsibility for performance, people, and culture - and want to operate with greater clarity.
THE DIFFERENCEWhy this event
is different.
Five things you'll feel in the room within the first hour.
01
Curated Room
High-calibre leaders, not a volume-based audience.
02
Real Access
Speakers stay, engage, and are genuinely accessible.
03
Diverse Insight
Business, sport, extreme performance in one room.
04
Practical
Frameworks
Built around Intent Group's leadership philosophy.
05
Premium
Experience
Designed to match the level of the audience.
WHO IS THIS FORBuilt for leaders chasing
the next level.
This event is for people responsible for performance, people and culture, who want to operate more deliberately.
Executives & Business Leaders
CEOs, founders, executive team members and emerging leaders carrying enterprise responsibility.
People, Culture & Talent Leaders
CPOs, CHROs, and HR directors building the systems behind performance.
Education
Leaders
Principals, vice-chancellors and heads of school shaping performance across their institutions.
Sporting & High-Performance
Coaches, performance directors, and athletes who live and work at the elite level.
Bring your leadership team
Many organisations are attending together.
Bring:
✔ An emerging leader
✔ A future executive
✔ A colleague
✔ Your leadership team
What you will take away from the day
1. Practical Leadership you can apply immediately: Clear tools, frameworks and ideas to lift performance and strengthen your leadership straight away.
2. A sharper view of high-performance culture and talent: Insights from leading voices in sport and business on how elite organisations build, develop and sustain success.
3. A curated network of exceptional leaders: High-quality connections with peers facing similar challenges in performance, people and leadership.
You’ll also be challenged to think differently, gaining perspectives that sharpen how you lead today and shape performance for the future.
Proudly presented by Indeed. Official Charity Partner: Maddie Riewoldt's Vision. Full LINE-UP ANNOUNCED SOON2026
SPEAKERS
Adam Simpson
Adam Simpson is a highly respected figure in Australian rules football, known for his sucess as a former AFL premership player and Club Captain, Adam played more than 300 AFL games and represented Australia internationally before transitioning into coaching and leadership roles within elite sport and business.
Appointed senior coach of the West Coast Eagles in 2014, Adam led the club to two grandfinals including premiership glory in 2018, delivering a memorable Grand Final victory in one of the competition’s most thrilling finishes.
Across his career, he built a reputation for calm leadership, resilience, strategic thinking and the ability to lead teams through pressure, scrutiny and expectation.
Now a Commentator, Leadership Consultant, Business Owner and involved in several business advisory roles, his approach is grounded in culture, resilience and adaptability, all essential for success in high-pressure environments.
Today, alongside his business interests and leadership work, Adam continues to share lessons from elite sport that translate directly into business, leadership and modern organisational environments.
Adam will close the event with reflections on leadership, resilience, performance and leading teams when expectations and pressure are at their highest.
Jessica Gethin
Jessica Gethin is an award-winning Australian conductor recognised for her dynamic presence on the podium, artistic versatility and leadership across orchestral and performing arts sectors. She works across symphonic, opera, ballet, film and contemporary repertoire, and regularly conducts Australia’s major orchestras.
Her international career has taken her across Asia, New Zealand and the United States, with appearances including the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, Malaysian Philharmonic, Orchestra Macao and The Dallas Opera. She has collaborated with leading artists across classical, jazz and contemporary genres, and has performed in major venues including the Sydney Opera House, Sidney Myer Music Bowl and Carnegie Hall.
Jessica currently serves as Principal Conductor of West Australian Ballet, Artistic Advisor to Orchestra Victoria, and Head of Orchestral Studies and Conducting at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. From 2011–2019, she was Chief Conductor of Perth Symphony Orchestra, leading its artistic growth and national profile.
Her accolades include recognition in Limelight Magazine’s Top 20 Australian Artists, the Australian Financial Review’s 100 Most Influential Women, the Brian Stacey Emerging Australian Conductor Award, a Churchill Fellowship, and induction into the WA Women’s Hall of Fame.
Brady Rawlings
Brady Rawlings is the Head of Talent at North Melbourne Football Club and one of the AFL industry’s most respected talent and high-performance leaders.
A former AFL player and leader, Brady enjoyed an accomplished playing career highlighted by three Best & Fairest awards and representing Australia at international level. His experience across elite sport has spanned leadership roles both on and off the field, providing a unique perspective on performance, resilience, culture and team dynamics.
Following his playing career, Brady transitioned into senior football leadership and coaching roles, including Assistant Coach at West Coast Eagles before moving into executive leadership positions at North Melbourne, including General Manager and now Head of Talent.
Across his career, Brady has built a strong reputation for identifying and developing talent, building high-performing environments and understanding the leadership behaviours required for sustained success in competitive environments.
At Leading With Intent 2026, Brady will share insights into what elite sport can teach business leaders about values led talent attraction, building culture and creating teams capable of performing under pressure.
Francis Koh
Francis Koh is one of Asia-Pacific's most respected business leaders, having led one of the region's largest workforce and HR solutions organisations across 13 countries, employing thousands of people and partnering with many of the world's leading businesses.
As CEO of PERSOL APAC, Francis built a reputation for driving large-scale transformation, integrating businesses across diverse markets and cultures, and leading through periods of rapid growth, technological disruption and organisational change. During his tenure, he also led Programmed, Australia and New Zealand's largest workforce solutions businesses, following its acquisition by PERSOL. He later became the first non-Japanese Executive Officer appointed to the global leadership team of PERSOL Holdings, bringing a truly international perspective to leadership.
Before leading PERSOL APAC, Francis was also a successful entrepreneur, founding and building Capita before its acquisition by PERSOL. He went on to lead the combined business through a period of significant expansion, including the integration of Kelly Services APAC and Programmed, creating one of the largest workforce solutions businesses across the Asia-Pacific region.
At Lead With Intent, Francis joins the Executive Leadership Panel to share practical insights on scaling organisations in an increasingly complex world.
Nick Haywood
Nick Haywood is an educator, culture coach and leadership mentor who works across schools, elite sport and business environments to help build stronger cultures, deeper connection and high-performing teams.
Co-author of Wolf Logic and a 20-year veteran PE teacher, Nick brings a rare, elite perspective to performance. He doesn't just talk theory; he operates at the highest levels globally as an active consultant and coach for professional basketball teams, professional football teams, and corporate executives to build championship cultures that translate from the arena right back to the school gym floor.
His work centres on helping individuals and teams create cultures where people feel connected, challenged and able to thrive.
Nick has also been recognised as the 'secret weapon' for his contribution to the culture and leadership environment surrounding the Sydney Kings during their successful 2026 NBL championship period, as well as supporting the Australian Boombers Basketball team whilst also supporting teams and individuals from AFL and AFLW clubs, further strengthening his reputation as a trusted voice in high-performance culture.
Through workshops, mentoring and keynote presentations, Nick brings a highly engaging and relatable perspective on leadership, team dynamics and the responsibility leaders have in shaping the environments around them.
Kate Molinari
Kate Molinari is the Founder of Striide and a leadership communication specialist who works with executives, leadership teams and organisations to strengthen connection, confidence and impact.
With a background spanning senior leadership and media environments including Seven West Media and Nine Entertainment, Kate brings a highly practical understanding of how leaders communicate with clarity, confidence and impact in high-performance environments.
Through coaching, facilitation, and advisory work, she helps individuals and organisations elevate leadership in a very real way. Kate is particularly passionate about supporting women in leadership.
Kate has worked with leaders across corporate organisations, education, government and high-growth businesses, coaching CEOs, senior executives and emerging leaders to navigate high-stakes presentations, difficult conversations and the everyday moments where leadership, trust and influence are built.
Known for her engaging and authentic style, Kate works across corporate, leadership and high-growth environments helping individuals and teams elevate communication, culture and leadership effectiveness.
At Intent 2026, Kate will lead an engaging session on how to truly present like you’re the boss - helping leaders communicate with greater confidence, presence and influence.
Peter Bell
Peter Bell is one of Australian football’s most respected leaders, with a career spanning elite performance, captaincy, executive leadership and high-performance culture.
As a former AFL Premiership player for North Melbourne Football Club and captain of Fremantle Football Club, Peter built a distinguished playing career across more than 280 AFL games, earning widespread respect for his leadership, resilience and professionalism in some of the game’s most demanding environments. He also represented Australia internationally and was later inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his contribution to the sport.
Following his playing career, Peter transitioned into senior executive leadership roles within the AFL industry, including football operations, strategy and executive leadership positions at Fremantle Football Club and the Western Australian Football Commission.
Known for his thoughtful, authentic and highly respected leadership style, Peter brings a unique perspective on resilience, identity, decision-making and leading through adversity and change - both in elite sport and broader leadership environments.
At Lead With Intent, Peter will share his personal story, with reflections on leadership, reinvention and navigating pressure in high-performance environments.
Amelia Collins
Amelia brings over 25 years’ experience driving brand, marketing and operational transformation across leading organisations in Australia, New Zealand and Asia Pacific.
Amelia and Chandran Vigneswaran are Principals of Thinc Partners, a specialist firm helping companies and leaders protect, build and advance their reputation through senior-level communications, corporate affairs, brand and marketing.
At Intent 2026, Amelia and Chandran will lead an insightful session for leaders on how to build, manage, and protect your brand through both opportunities and challenges.
Together they bring more than 50 years' combined experience, having worked as both external advisers and senior executives within organisations including Santos, BP, Origin Energy and Programmed, earning the trust of CEOs and Boards along the way.
Their expertise spans corporate communications, brand, marketing, external affairs and stakeholder engagement, with a track record of strategically influencing perceptions, positions and policy outcomes.
Their shared approach is to listen, challenge and, by thinking differently, deliver strategies that have a genuine impact, helping leaders protect their operations, strengthen their reputation, and build a more prosperous future.
Chris Tanti
Chris is a former commercial deep sea diver and a mindset, leadership and resilience global motivational speaker.
Chris' story is as extraordinary as it is raw. Originally from South Australia and now based in Perth for more than 20 years, Chris built his career in one of the world’s most demanding environments: deep sea commercial diving.
He spent more than 1,000 days living under extreme pressure inside saturation diving chambers and worked across more than 20 countries. Chris was part of the elite team that completed the deepest commercial dive in Australian history and became the first person to set foot on the seabed at 250m.
But the dive came at a cost. A serious injury triggered a long journey of recovery, identity loss and reinvention. Today, Chris shares powerful lessons on mindset under pressure, leadership in high-risk environments and why resilience is a skill that can be learned.
Chris brings these high-stakes lessons into the real world, helping leaders, teams and organisations perform under pressure, adapt through change, and build resilience when it matters most.
Drawing on his experience in extreme environments, he translates complex ideas around mindset and performance into practical tools that audiences can apply immediately in business and life. Chris is known for his honest, grounded delivery and his ability to connect.
Bianca Chatfield
Bianca Chatfield is one of Australia's most respected leadership speakers, media presenters and former elite athletes, with a career spanning high-performance sport, broadcasting and executive leadership. Across 17 years in elite netball, Bianca won six national premierships, represented Australia in 59 Tests, captained the Melbourne Vixens for eight seasons and was part of World Championship and Commonwealth Games gold medal-winning teams.
Today, Bianca works with organisations and leadership teams to build stronger cultures, greater connection and high-performing teams. She is a leading sports broadcaster with Fox Sports, a regular panellist on ABC's Offsiders, an author and keynote speaker, and serves as a Trustee of the Melbourne Cricket Ground Trust.
Bianca also brings extensive experience in governance, executive leadership and business, having worked with some of Australia's leading organisations as a trusted facilitator, leadership consultant and board member. Her ability to translate lessons from elite sport into practical strategies for leaders and teams has made her one of Australia's most sought-after speakers.
At Lead With Intent 2026, Bianca will join an engaging leadership conversation exploring trust, resilience, confidence, team-first leadership and the lessons business can learn from elite sport.
Geoff Allardice
Geoff Allardice is one of Australia's most accomplished international sports executives, having spent more than a decade leading some of the most significant developments in world cricket.
As Chief Executive of the International Cricket Council (ICC), Geoff oversaw the global growth and governance of the game across more than 100 member nations, leading the sport through a period of significant expansion, including the successful campaign to secure cricket's return to the Olympic Games at Los Angeles 2028. He has also been responsible for delivering multiple ICC Cricket World Cups and major international tournaments. Earlier, as Cricket Australia's General Manager of Cricket Operations he played a pivotal role in establishing the Big Bash League and managing Australia's international playing schedule.
Having spent many years based internationally, Geoff has worked alongside governments, global sporting organisations and executive leaders across diverse cultures and markets. His experience in leading complex organisations, driving strategic change and building alignment across stakeholders provides a unique perspective on leadership at the highest level.
At Lead With Intent, Geoff will join the Executive Leadership Panel to share insights and challenges from leading one of the world's biggest sports on the global stage.
Four Emerging Leaders
Leadership isn't only shaped by experience - it's also shaped by the perspectives of those who will inherit the future.
Joining us from The Geelong College, four Year 11 students will share a refreshing and thought-provoking perspective on leadership through the eyes of the next generation.
In a candid panel discussion, they'll explore what leadership means to them, what they expect from today's leaders, and how technology, artificial intelligence and social media are reshaping the future of education, work and society. They'll also share the challenges, fears and opportunities they see for the years ahead, and what they believe great leadership will look like in an increasingly connected and rapidly changing world.
This session is designed to challenge assumptions, encourage honest reflection and provide leaders with valuable insight into the generation they will soon be leading, employing, mentoring and working alongside.
By bringing the voices of tomorrow into the room alongside some of today's most accomplished leaders, this unique conversation will provide delegates with a rare opportunity to better understand the expectations, aspirations and realities of the next generation—and what leadership will demand in the years ahead.
Michelle Gallaher
Michelle Gallaher is an award-winning entrepreneur, board chair and one of Australia's leading voices on leadership, innovation and the responsible use of artificial intelligence in healthcare.
A former health clinician turned biotechnology executive and founder, Michelle has built and led four startups, guided organisations through rapid transformation and commercialisation, and held executive leadership roles spanning biotechnology, digital health, clinical trials and emerging technologies. Today, as Managing Director of Inverion, she advises organisations on AI governance, innovation and navigating complex technological change.
Michelle has served on numerous commercial, government and not-for-profit boards and is Chair of Maddie Riewoldt's Vision. She is also the co-founder of Women in STEMM Australia, a Victorian Telstra Business Woman and Entrepreneur of the Year, and was inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women in recognition of her leadership and contribution to Australia's technology sector.
At Lead With Intent 2026, Michelle joins our Executive Leadership Panel to explore leadership through transformation, innovation, governance, stakeholder engagement and the opportunities and challenges artificial intelligence presents for today's leaders.
Bonnie Toogood
Bonnie Toogood is the captain of Essendon Football Club's AFLW team, an All-Australian Vice Captain and one of the competition's most respected leaders, recognised for her authenticity, resilience and ability to bring people together. Since joining the Bombers, Bonnie has played a pivotal role in shaping the club's culture and identity while establishing herself as one of the AFLW's most influential leaders.
Prior to Essendon, Bonnie was a 2018 AFLW Premiership player with the Western Bulldogs and an All Australian, earning widespread respect for her performances on the field and her leadership beyond it. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated that great leadership is about far more than individual success - it's about creating environments where others can thrive.
Away from football, Bonnie is passionate about leadership, connection and helping people reach their potential. Her approach is grounded in trust, vulnerability and continuous growth, making her insights highly relevant for all leaders.
At Lead With Intent 2026, Bonnie will share a raw and unscripted conversation on leadership alongside one of her childhood idols - drawing on the highs and lows of elite sport, the realities of leading from the front, and why some of her greatest growth has come from learning how to lead from behind.
Chandran Vigneswaran
Chandran has over 25 years’ experience helping major global and ASX listed companies and their leaders tell their story, manage their issues, win big business, connect with people and build stronger communities.
Chandran and Amelia Collins are Principals of Thinc Partners, a specialist firm helping companies and leaders protect, build and advance their reputation through senior-level communications, corporate affairs, brand and marketing.
At Intent 2026, Chandran and Amelia will lead an insightful session for leaders on how to build, manage, and protect your brand through both opportunities and challenges.
Together they bring more than 50 years' combined experience, having worked as both external advisers and senior executives within organisations including Santos, BP, Origin Energy and Programmed, earning the trust of CEOs and Boards along the way.
Their expertise spans corporate communications, brand, marketing, external affairs and stakeholder engagement, with a track record of strategically influencing perceptions, positions and policy outcomes.
Registrations now open.
Limited to approximately 50-60 executives, leaders, founders and decision-makers.
Investment
$3,750 + GST per delegate
Inclusive of:
• Two full experience days
• Premium hospitality and catering throughout - morning tea, lunch, refreshments
• Leadership networking experiences
• Sky Bar Evening drinks & canapés event
• Curated executive attendee experience
• Leadership Roundtable Lunch
• 20% discount when booking accommodation at Vibe Hotel Melbourne Docklands can be found through this link Book Hotel Now
Bringing more than one leader?
Whether you're attending with an emerging leader, a colleague or your executive team, tailored organisation packages are available.
Contact Kurt to discuss the most suitable option.
Join leaders from Indeed, Geelong College, Maddie Riewoldt's Vision, Thinc Partners, PERSOL, Programmed, WA Ballet, North Melbourne FC, Essendon FC, MSS Global, BREXA, MSS, Striide, CHanGe, ICC, Fox Sports, SEN, HHG, PRAXIS Australia, Pressure Tested, Orchestra Victoria, Vital Culture, Sydney Swans Foundation and more…
Secure your place
Community Access
We're committed to ensuring exceptional leadership development is accessible to organisations creating meaningful impact in our communities.
A limited number of reduced-price registrations of up to a 50% discount are available for eligible not-for-profit organisations and registered charities. Get in touch if this applies to your organisation.
Registration Terms
Registrations may be transferred to another attendee from the same organisation at any time prior to the event.
Cancellations received more than 30 days prior to the event will receive a refund less a $150 administration fee.
Cancellations received within 30 days are non-refundable; however, substitute attendees are welcome.
Two days
FULL AGENDA ANNOUNCED SOON
Day 1 - Wednesday Sep 2Leading Talent + Culture
Sharper under pressure.
How strong teams stay sharp when it counts.
Culture, talent, the future and the hard calls.
What Elite Sport Teaches Us About Attracting Talent - Brady Rawlings
Building Winning Cultures - Leadership Lessons From Elite Teams - special guest in conversation with - Nick Haywood
Leadership Roundtable Lunch - Vibe Docklands
Presenting Like a Boss - Kate Molinari
The Future Through Their Eyes: What Emerging Leaders Expect From Us - 4 x Emerging Leaders from Geelong College
Pressure Tested: Performing When It Matters Most - Chris Tanti
Leadership, Adversity & Reinvention - Peter Bell
Leadership Networking Canapes & Drinks - Sky Bar, Vibe Hotel
Day 2 - Thursday Sep 3Leading People + Performance
Building what lasts.
The future of work, talent, women in leadership, performance beyond the boardroom and leading at scale.
Leading Your Brand Through Good Times & Bad - Amelia Collins + Chandran Vigneswaran
Executive Leadership Panel presented by Indeed — Leading Organisations at Scale - Michelle Gallaher, Francis Koh, Geoff Allardice + 1 Special Guest
Leadership & Performance Beyond the boardroom - Jessica Gethin
Leadership Connections Lunch - Vibe Docklands
Leading Across Generations - Bianca Chatfield + Bonnie Toogood
Turning Insight Into Action - Practical Leadership Frameworks for Modern Leaders - Kurt Gillam & Nick Haywood
Leadership When It Matters Most - Adam Simpson
Agenda subject to movement
YOUR HOST
Hosted by
Kurt Gillam.
Kurt has spent two decades in senior leadership and executive advisory, first as an operator, now as the partner senior leaders call when the stakes are real. He founded Intent Group on a single belief: great leadership is built deliberately.
Lead With Intent is the room he's been building toward for years. A curated gathering of the people he learns from, alongside the leaders he most respects.
Proudly Supported By
Exclusive Presenting Partner
Charity Partner
Venue Partner
REGISTRATIONSecure your place
Registrations are now open. Places are limited to approximately 50-60 senior leaders to ensure a highly interactive and personalised experience.
Two additional speakers will be announced over the coming weeks.
Tailored packages are available for organisations investing in multiple leaders.
Attend as an Individual.
Bring a Future Leader.
Bring Your Leadership Team.
Complete the form below and I'll personally be in touch.
Date: Sep 2 & 3
Location: Vibe Hotel, Docklands, Melbourne Hosted by: Kurt GillamPresented by: IndeedOfficial Charity Partner: Maddie Riewoldt's Vision