Join us at Deakin Downtown for the next MBA Big Think, where we explore vulnerable leadership – the idea that openness, authenticity and embracing uncertainty can strengthen, not weaken, leadership.
Our expert panel will challenge traditional models and discuss how vulnerability builds trust, drives innovation and creates resilient teams.
This event is open to everyone, so you don’t need to be in the MBA program to attend. Don’t miss this thought-provoking conversation on the evolving nature of leadership in today’s complex world.
Event details
Date: Monday 7 April 2025
Session time: 5 - 7pm AEST
Panelists
Brian Cook, Chief Executive Officer, Carlton Football Club
Brian Cook is one of Australia’s most experienced sports administrators, serving 34 years as an AFL club CEO at West Coast, Geelong and now Carlton. The longest-serving CEO in AFL history, he specialises in high-performance cultures, stakeholder management and community engagement. An adjunct professor at Deakin and AFL Life Member, Brian advocates for gender equality through the Champions of Change Coalition. A former elite athlete, he played and coached AFL, was a golden gloves boxer, and has completed 12 solo Rottnest Island swims.
Fiona Guthrie, CEO of Way Forward
Fiona Guthrie is the CEO of debt relief charity Way Forward and former CEO of Financial Counselling Australia. With over 15 years of leadership in financial counselling, she has dedicated her career to supporting people in financial hardship. Fiona was awarded an Order of Australia for her service to social welfare and financial counselling.
Evan Newnham, Executive Clinical Director Acute Medicine at Eastern Health in Victoria
Evan Newnham is a medical specialist with expertise in healthcare leadership and clinical governance. Currently, he is the Acting Executive Director of Clinical Operations at Eastern Health. A member of Safer Care Victoria’s Quality and Safety Expert Reference Group, he also holds a PhD in Gastroenterology and has a background in clinical research. Passionate about developing future leaders, Evan recently completed his MBA in Healthcare Management.
Paul Harrison, MBA Program Director, Deakin University
Paul Harrison is director of the MBA program and co-director of the Better Consumption Lab at Deakin Business School. An expert in consumer behaviour, his research, consulting and teaching shape business, public policy and social welfare. He serves on multiple advisory boards, including the Consumer Policy Research Centre and AHPRA’s Cosmetic Surgery Oversight Group. Paul also hosts The Marketing Lab podcast and writes on consumer affairs for Medium.
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