From Podium to Power: Leadership Beyond the Finish Line

From Podium to Power: Leadership Beyond the Finish Line

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Monday, 10 August 2026

Description
Individual Ticket
Time
11:45 AM - 1:45 PM
10/08/2026 11:45 AM
Table of 10
Time
11:45 AM - 1:45 PM
10/08/2026 11:45 AM

From Podium to Power: Leadership Beyond the Finish Line

What does it take to transition from elite performance to influential leadership? Podium to Power brings together three exceptional leaders who have excelled in high-pressure environments, sport, politics, and strategic advisory, and successfully translated those experiences into impact far beyond the field of play.

 

What does it take to transition from elite performance to influential leadership? Podium to Power brings together three exceptional leaders who have excelled in high-pressure environments, sport, politics, and strategic advisory, and successfully translated those experiences into impact far beyond the field of play. 

This event explores the mindset, resilience, and decision-making required to move from moments of peak performance to sustained leadership influence. From navigating public scrutiny to leading organisations and shaping policy, our speakers will share how the lessons learned in competition and high-stakes environments can drive success in boardrooms, governments, and industry.

Expect a candid and insightful conversation on ambition, adaptability, and purpose—what it really takes to redefine success and lead beyond your original arena.

 

Why attend?

• Gain insights into transitioning from high performance to high-impact leadership 
• Learn how elite disciplines translate into boardroom and policy success 
• Understand how to lead with influence in complex, high-pressure environments 
• Connect with senior leaders navigating similar transitions 

This is a conversation for those ready to move beyond achievement—and into lasting leadership.


Speaker Biographies

 

Zali Steggall OAM MP

Independent Federal Member for Warringah; Olympic medallist
 

Zali Steggall OAM is the Independent Federal Member for Warringah in Sydney’s north.

A former professional athlete, Zali represented Australia at four Winter Olympic Games, first competing at just 17 years of age. At the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, she made history by winning Australia’s first individual Winter Olympic medal. The following year, she secured Australia’s first - and still only - World Championship gold medal in alpine skiing.

After retiring from professional sport, Zali practiced as a barrister for more than a decade, specialising in commercial, family and sports law. In 2018, she returned to the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang as a member of the International Court of Arbitration for Sport.

With business and board-level leadership experience, Zali entered federal politics to make Australia’s Parliament more community-driven and to address major long-term challenges such as climate risk. In 2019, she contested the federal seat of Warringah, challenging former prime minister Tony Abbott, who had held the seat for nearly 25 years. Zali won the seat and was re-elected with an increased margin in 2022 and 2025.

She continues to advocate for integrity in politics, strong climate action, economic responsibility and community-focused representation.

 
 

Zoe Lynam

Managing Director, Systems Planning & Analysis (SPA Australia)
 

Zoe Lynam is a highly accomplished leader and lawyer with more than 20 years’ experience across executive, legal and general management roles. As Managing Director of Systems Planning & Analysis (SPA Australia), she leads the firm’s strategy and oversees core business functions including people, operations, finance, ESG, risk, and technology, fostering high performing teams that deliver meaningful public impact.

Zoe brings a leadership style grounded in collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement. She works closely with clients and teams to design practical, tailored solutions to complex challenges, with a strong focus on culture as an enabler of sustainable performance. Passionate about mentoring future leaders, Zoe is committed to empowering people to think creatively, work collaboratively and achieve meaningful outcomes.

Zoe played netball at national level, representing the Sydney Sandpipers in 2002 and earning selection in the Australian Under 21 squad the same year. Following a career ending injury in 2003, she transitioned to rowing, taking up the sport in 2004 and progressing to the Australian team in 2007 and the Olympic team in 2008. She is also a Rowing Australia Paralympic Technical Classifier, bringing the same resilience, focus and high performance mindset to her work in business leadership.

 

Sean Sammon

Managing Partner, York Park Group
 

Sean Sammon consults to and advises governments, executives and companies. He has worked on regulatory matters, crisis briefs and stakeholder activist campaigns. A former government adviser, Sean was previously CEO of the government relations arm of a global communications business and a marketing business specialising in Chinese Australians.

He founded York Park Group in 2020. Sean is currently on the Board of The Parenthood, an advocacy body for parents and children, and actively supports multiple not-for-profits with a focus on regional Australia. Sean has a broad network across politics, media, sport and business. His approach to understanding and managing stakeholders has helped clients successfully manage responses to government legislation and regulatory change, community-led campaigns and complex transactions.

Sport Credentials:

– One of Australia's most experienced sports policy specialists, having worked for Federal Sports Ministers including Mark Arbib and Kate Lundy.

– Has since worked across all major Australian sporting codes in a stakeholder strategy and reputation management capacity.

– Assisted construction and design firms in their bid processes for major sporting infrastructure projects.

– Acting Government Relations Manager at the Victoria Racing Club (2015), one of Australia's most complex and high-profile sporting institutions.   

Event Partners           


Partnership opportunities available - please contact Sheryle Moon to enquire [email protected].
When
10/08/2026 11:45 AM - 1:45 PM
AUS Eastern Standard Time
Where
The Commonwealth Club Canberra 25 Forster Crescent CANBERRA, ACT 2600 AUSTRALIA
Registration
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Registration ends 10/08/2026 8:00 AM AUSEST
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