Leadership Lessons from Aussie Sports Legends

The ICMS Northern Beaches Campus was buzzing with energy on 19 February as business students and sports fans filled the room to take part in the masterclass, ‘Game Changers: Lessons in Leadership’.  

It was a chance to hear directly from two of Australia’s most respected sporting minds – Paul Roos, AFL Hall of Famer and premiership-winning coach, and Anthony Griffin, former NRL head coach and leadership mentor.  

With Renee Gartner, a professional boxer and media personality, keeping the conversation flowing as MC, the session explored leadership, resilience, and the power of culture in both sport and life. 

Real Talk on Leadership

Paul Roos and Anthony Griffin didn’t hold back when it came to sharing their experiences.  

They broke down what it means to lead, drawing on years of coaching and mentoring some of the country’s best athletes.  

Roos talked about how his path to leadership began with the positive role models he had at Fitzroy Football Club.  

“First of all, leadership is about being a good role model. I had really good role models. They did it for me,” he said. 

Griffin added that leadership isn’t about a one-size-fits-all approach. “You might have to deal with 12 people in 12 different ways,” he explained. Understanding individuals and what they need is critical.  

Both Roos and Griffin stressed that good leaders lift others up and create an environment where people feel valued and supported. 

Watch the Game Changers: Lessons in Leadership Masterclass here:

The Power of Culture

A key takeaway from the event was the importance of team culture.  

Roos explained how the Sydney Swans built their famous ‘Bloods Culture’ around a simple concept – clear expectations and accountability.  

He said, “The system was about setting a clear set of behaviours. You either act your way in or act your way out.”  

This wasn’t just about rules – it was creating a team identity where players held themselves and each other accountable. 

Griffin shared a similar perspective, highlighting the importance of boundaries and discipline while still encouraging individuality.  

“You want people who are headstrong and back themselves, but they have to understand the boundaries,” he said.  

Both coaches emphasised that the key to long-term success is making sure everyone buys into the system, not just for short-term results but to build something sustainable for years to come. 

The wider relevance of these lessons was summed up perfectly by ICMS’s Phil Watson, who shared his thoughts on the value of learning from sport.  

“Sport is the ultimate representation of the business world, and there’s so much that leaders in business can learn from high-performance sport,” he said.  

“Today was a powerful reminder of how positive leadership directly impacts performance.” 

Adding to this, ICMS President and Managing Director Rowan Courtney-O’Connor explained why bringing in top industry experts is a priority for the college.  

“At ICMS, we believe that learning from industry leaders gives our students perspectives they can’t get from textbooks alone,” he said.  

“These real-world insights motivate and prepare students to tackle challenges in their professional careers with confidence.” 

Lessons in Resilience

Resilience was another theme the speakers returned to throughout the masterclass.  

Roos reflected on moments in his career where he faced significant challenges, from critical turning points as a coach to the pressure of professional sport.  

“If you believe in yourself and you’ve got a good structure in place, those moments don’t knock you off track,” he said. “Resilience is just about putting one foot in front of the other.” 

He encouraged students not to overthink it but focus on staying committed during tough times. 

Giving and Receiving Feedback

Both coaches stressed how important feedback is in creating successful teams. It isn’t just about coaches guiding players – peer feedback matters just as much.  

Roos recalled how peer reviews at the Sydney Swans helped players develop individually and as a group. “The only reason I give feedback is because I care, and I want you to be better,” he said. 

Griffin agreed but cautioned against letting ego get in the way. “People won’t care about you until you show you care about them,” he noted.  

Building trust and creating a safe environment where honest feedback is encouraged helps everyone improve, whether it’s on the sports field or in the workplace. 

A Student’s Perspective

The impact of the masterclass wasn’t lost on the students, with many reflecting on how they could apply what they had learned to their own futures.  

ICMS Bachelor of Business (Sports Management) student Isabella Callipari shared her thoughts on the experience.  

“Listening to what leadership actually means within a sporting organisation on field and corporately, made me realise how important it is to build relationships and sustain them in order to grow as an individual and as a team.” 

This masterclass was packed with lessons not just about sport but life and work as well.  

The ICMS Northern Beaches Campus was buzzing with energy on 19 February as business students and sports fans filled the room to take part in the masterclass, ‘Game Changers: Lessons in Leadership’.