GREAT MINDS 2026

Great Minds 2026 at The Cambium - A Sanctuary for Thinkers

Great Minds 2026, proudly presented at The Cambium, brought together a select group of senior executives and business leaders for an invitation-only gathering designed to step away from the operational and into the strategic.

Set within the natural surrounds of Red Hill on the Mornington Peninsula, the intimate event featured a carefully curated agenda with contributions from some of Australia’s leading business minds - each recognised for driving meaningful organisational and personal transformation.

Across the day, speakers and attendees explored perspectives on leadership, performance, policy, and what it takes to lead effectively in an increasingly complex and uncertain world.

A Day Focused on How Leaders Think

Rather than centring on frameworks or theory, Great Minds 2026 created space for deeper reflection on how leaders think, make decisions, and create the conditions for better outcomes.

Several consistent themes emerged throughout the discussions:

Clarity was repeatedly identified as a competitive advantage - not only in strategy, but in roles, responsibilities, and decision-making.

High performance was framed as an outcome of self-awareness, with a clear understanding of who you are, what you’re capable of, and where you are going.

In a world shaped by uncertainty, internal alignment - across people, priorities, and financial position - was seen as more critical than external conditions.

There was also strong confidence in Australia’s position globally, with the country recognised for its stability, capital strength, and long-term growth potential.

Curiosity and perspective were highlighted as essential traits of effective leadership, alongside the ability to create space for focused, present thinking - enabling what many described as “flow” in both individual and organisational performance.

While the role of technology continues to expand, there was a clear consensus that human judgement remains essential. AI may amplify output, but it does not replace experience, context, or decision-making responsibility.

Finally, progress was consistently linked to a willingness to challenge existing systems, rather than simply operate within them.

Leadership in Context

Beneath the strategic discussions, there was a shared recognition of the broader social and human pressures shaping the current environment. Conversations acknowledged the responsibility leadership carries - not only within organisations, but across the communities and systems they influence.

Guest Speakers

Great Minds 2026 featured insights from an exceptional group of speakers:

Richard Day - Executive and High-Performance Coach Damien Burke - Executive Director, Koustas + Co Laura Purbrick - Partner, PwC Wealth Services Leader Professor Tony Costello AO - Leading prostate cancer specialist and surgical pioneer Fred Schepisi AO - Acclaimed film director, producer and screenwriter Zoe McKenzie MP - Member for Flinders

The Cambium extends its sincere thanks to all speakers and attendees who contributed to the depth and quality of conversation throughout the day.