Reflections from the Griffith Impact Leadership Summit 

“There’s something powerful that happens when leaders step out of their day-to-day environments and into spaces designed for connection and renewal.”

Professor Andrew White, Blackmore Family Foundation Chair of Business Leadership

Griffith Business School, in partnership with the Blackmore Family Foundation, has successfully hosted its first Impact Leadership Summit, uniting CEOs and founders from Australia and New Zealand for three days of meaningful reflection, dialogue, and renewal.

Surrounded by nature, the summit offered a rare opportunity to step away from the noise and urgency of daily leadership. In this space, conversations deepened, perspectives shifted, and leaders reconnected with what truly matters — to themselves, their organisations, and the communities they serve.

“We are crossing a threshold at Griffith Business School in partnership with the Blackmore Family Foundation and Chair of Business Leadership to deliver a different kind of executive education experience – focused on purpose, people and passion.“

Professor Caitlin Byrne, PVC (Business), Griffith Business School. 

Co-Facilitated by Professor Andrew White and Jennie McLaughlin (Founder, PurposeLed) with Jerry Connor (Bridge Institute), the summit explored: 

  • What it means to lead from the ‘sound of the genuine’ in a world that often rewards performance over presence 
  • How to realign organisations with purpose, for people, planet, and long-term impact 
  • How leaders can support one another through the thresholds of transformation 
Audette Exel AO and Professor Andrew White. 

A highlight of the summit was listening to Audette Exel AO, Founder Adara group as she shared her journey of bridging the worlds of financial services at the highest levels with the world of international development. 

The result? Leaders emerged with renewed clarity and purpose. For their organisations, this clarity can guide strategic priorities and investment decisions. And as research from Saïd Business School and EY (co-led by Professor White) shows, this kind of leadership transformation significantly boosts discretionary effort and resilience across teams. 

“I am grateful to take time to Learn Connect and Thrive.  With the guide of world class facilitators, we utilised our environment and each other to focus on purpose & impact.  Thank you to the Blackmore Family Foundation, to the wonderful Griffith Business School team, and to the amazing delegates for sharing experiences and heart.”
Sheree Young, CEO, Body Science International.  

Professor Caitlin Byrne said “We were privileged to host a group of thoughtful, experienced, and open-hearted leaders, people willing to look beyond traditional definitions of success and toward impact that is human, sustainable, and future-shaping.” 

If this resonates with you, we invite you to connect with us for more information at [email protected]