Lifelong Learning & Leadership: Reflections from a UTS Guest Lecture
An Invitation to Reflect
Last month, I had the privilege of delivering a guest lecture at the School of Built Environment at the University of Technology Sydney. As someone who has spent years navigating the world of retail design and delivery management, standing in front of a room full of emerging professionals was both humbling and energising.
A Conversation About Change
The theme of my lecture was centred around change—more specifically, how technology and innovation are shaping the future of our industry, and the role young leaders can play in that evolution.
I shared stories from my own career journey, lessons learned through experience, and how embracing:
- đź’ˇ Curiosity
- đź’ˇ Adaptability
- đź’ˇ The courage to think differently
...has guided my work over the years.
Challenging the Status Quo
What struck me most wasn’t just the students’ attentiveness—it was their enthusiasm for what comes next. They were curious, thoughtful, and ready to challenge the status quo. And that, in my opinion, is exactly what the world needs right now.
Education isn’t just about qualifications. It’s about mindset. Lifelong learning is the foundation of strong, future-ready leadership.
What We Explored Together
- The global growth of retail
- The power of strategic problem-solving
- The importance of taking initiative—early in your career
- Why leadership is a choice, not just a title
This experience reinforced something I believe deeply: the best leaders are lifelong learners.
Learning Fuels Leadership
As industries shift and the needs of our communities evolve, so too must we. The willingness to stay curious, ask “why,” and unlearn what no longer serves us is what sets great leaders apart.
For me, that means sharing what I’ve learned while continuing to grow. Whether through mentorship, speaking engagements, or day-to-day collaboration—I see every interaction as an opportunity to improve.
To the Next Generation of Leaders
To the students at UTS: thank you for reminding me of the energy and optimism that fuels this next generation of change-makers.
And to those of us already in leadership roles—let’s keep learning.
Let’s keep listening.
Let’s keep evolving.
What we learn today shapes how we lead tomorrow.
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