EO Melbourne's FY2024-25 Board attend the Global Leadership Conference in Singapore

The 27th annual Global Leadership Conference (GLC) of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization provided a platform for its leaders from across the globe to convene and cultivate their skills in a gathering that epitomised leadership, innovation, and collaboration. Held from 22nd to 24th April 2024 in the vibrant city of Singapore, this year's GLC, themed "Shine: Illuminate the Future," illuminated pathways for personal and professional growth against the breathtaking backdrop of the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre.

EO Melbourne’s incoming FY2024-25 board, led by the dynamic Costa Vasili, who will assume the mantle of President, attended this year’s conference. Their presence at the GLC highlighted their commitment to enhancing their leadership capabilities and driving positive change within their community.

Participants immersed themselves in a plethora of learning activities designed to empower and inspire for three enriching days. With international broadcaster Simone Heng as host, the Learning Blocks general sessions featured luminaries such as Mike Walsh, Jacques Villeneuve, Mark Gallagher, Kalika Yap, Swan Sit, Dr Ayesha Khanna, Yat Siu, Chatri Sityodtong, and Mo Gawdat. These sessions delved into diverse topics, from technological advancements to the power of empathy in leadership.

The workshops, including sessions such as "Leadership Communication: The Science of Persuasion and Inspiration" by Andy Yap and "Connective Cultures" by Anna Lecat, provided practical insights and strategies to navigate the complexities of modern leadership. For EO Melbourne's incoming board members, these workshops offered invaluable resources to hone their skills and broaden their perspectives.

One of the highlights of the GLC was the immersive Learn Arounds, which offered participants unique off-site experiences to explore innovative ventures and gain fresh insights. From Creative Eateries to Brass Lion Distillery, attendees had the opportunity to delve into diverse industries and engage with thought leaders driving change in their respective fields.

In addition to the rich learning experiences, the EO Melbourne contingent seized the opportunity to forge connections and foster camaraderie through various networking events. From the Chapter Board Dinner to the South Pacific Area Dinner and the Evening Social at the Capitol Theatre, these gatherings provided a platform for meaningful exchanges and collaboration.

The Chapter Officer Training sessions offered a tailored curriculum aimed at equipping incoming Chapter Officers with the tools and knowledge necessary to excel in their leadership roles. Facilitated by seasoned professionals, these sessions provided invaluable insights and best practices to guide EO Melbourne's incoming board members in their journey of service and leadership.

Armed with new perspectives and insights upon their return to Melbourne, the incoming board members of EO Melbourne are poised to leverage their experiences at the GLC to drive positive change within their chapter and beyond. With a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to excellence, they are ready to illuminate the path forward and lead their community towards a brighter future.

EO Melbourne at the GLC 2023

After the three-day Global Leadership Conference (GLC), held from 25 to 27 April 2023 in the coastal city of Cape Town in South Africa, the EO Melbourne FY 2022/23 Board returned home with a renewed sense of inspiration and valuable insights to share with the chapter. 

The EO Melbourne Board attended the highly-anticipated GLC, which brought together 1,500 of the world's most dynamic and innovative entrepreneurs, offering a unique platform for the EO Melbourne Board to expand their global network and gain valuable insights into the latest trends and best practices in leadership. The Board also received Chapter Office Training (COT) for their upcoming roles as volunteer board members which will enable them to deliver value to our chapter. 

EO Melbourne President Damian Blumekranc shared, “The one thing that stuck with me is the definition of the word ‘entrepreneur’. It’s a new one for me and it goes like this, ‘an entrepreneur is the one without whom the thing will not happen.’ It really resonated with me.”

The conference was attended by business leaders from various parts of the world to enhance their leadership skills and influence their communities. Through the exchange of global experience shares, participants were able to tap into a deep well of inspiration that fuels our entrepreneurial ecosystem and amplifies our personal and collective drive. 

During this year's GLC, a number of distinguished speakers delivered talks to the attendees. Notable among them were HRH Princess Zamaswari Dlamini-Mandela, a humanitarian, and co-founder of Long Walk to Freedom, who happens to be the granddaughter of Winnie and Nelson Mandela. Additionally, Elatia Abate, who is a Futurist, Educator, and Founder of the Future of Now, as well as Vusi Thembekwayo, a Serial Entrepreneur and Investor, shared their valuable insights with the participants. 

Along with these speakers, other distinguished personalities, such as Award-winning TV and Film Producer Jenny Feterovich, Catalyze APAC CEO Paul Gordon, Author, and Award-winning TV Host Bear Grylls, ExO Works and OpenExO Founder and Chairman Salim Ismail, who is also the founding Executive Director of Singularity University, and Hanson Robotics’ most advanced human-like robot, Sophia the Robot, were also part of the lineup.

The GLC provided a platform for EO leaders to engage in insightful discussions on the topics of Choice, Collective, and Courage. In addition to these conversations, participants had the opportunity to attend Chapter Officer Training and socials, where they were able to network and share ideas with other EO leaders from around the world. 

The event also featured a range of workshops that covered various topics, such as Doing Business in the Metaverse, Elevate Your Decision Thinking, Stand Out as a Thought Leader, and The Courage Map – Take the road less travelled. While some sessions were held in person in Cape Town, other EO members, SLPs, and staff also had the option to join certain sessions virtually.