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Collision of the Minds – Season 3 – How Performance Unlocks Profit

Welcome to this edition of our Collision of the Minds leadership webinar series, How Performance Unlocks Profit.

In this session, we explore one of the most pressing challenges for leaders today: how to maintain and grow performance in an environment where resources are tight, workforces are multigenerational, hybrid work is the norm, and the old leadership tools no longer work.

Our expert panel brings unique perspectives on what really drives results:

  • Matt Elliott – Former NRL head coach turned workplace performance strategist, Matt has spent over two decades leading elite sporting teams and corporate organisations. He shares powerful insights on how leaders can create resilient, high-performing cultures under pressure.

  • Richard Skarzynski – CEO and business growth expert, Richard draws on decades of experience leading and advising organisations across Australia. He reveals the strategies and leadership practices that sustainably scale businesses and link team performance directly to profit.

Together, they discuss the practical performance levers that actually move the profit needle, the role of culture and connection in driving results, and how leaders can balance the demands of profitability with the responsibility of creating safe, engaging workplaces.

This webinar is part of our ongoing mission at The Change Room to equip leaders with the knowledge, tools, and support to build high-performing, profitable, and future-ready organisations.

Winning the Second Half – Online book launch

Winning the Second Half – Online Book Launch Event

Tune into the online launch of Matt Elliott and Susan Pearse’s engaging and insightful new book – Winning the Second Half.

In life, as in sport, it’s not how you start that defines you—it’s how you finish.

Winning the Second Half is a powerful guide to turning setbacks into comebacks, unlocking untapped potential, and leading yourself and others to victory—no matter where you’re starting from.

During this interactive online event, you’ll:

  • Hear directly from Matt Elliott and Susan Pearse as they share the inspiration, stories, and science behind the book.
  • Gain insights from the Winning the Second Half Survey conducted by the Matt and Susan, revealing what matters most in the second half of life—and how those findings shaped the strategies in the book.
  • Discover key strategies for reigniting purpose, building resilience, and performing at your best in the “second half” of life and leadership.
  • Gain practical insights you can apply immediately—whether you’re leading a team, driving change, or navigating personal transformation.

This isn’t just a book launch—it’s an opportunity to reflect, reset, and reimagine what’s possible for the road ahead.

Winning the Second Half – Book Review

Pre-release reviews are already in, with the first by Anthony Minichiello and Terry Biviano

When we were invited to read Winning the Second Half, we didn’t quite realise how much it would speak to both of us, individually and as a couple. What Susan and Matt have created is far more than a book about longevity; it’s a powerful invitation to redefine the way we see ourselves as we move through life’s so-called “second half”.

For Anthony, whose identity for so long was wrapped around physical performance and peak fitness, this book offered a fresh lens on what strength truly means. It challenged some long-held subconscious beliefs about aging, and beliefs we didn’t even realise we had, giving a clear, inspiring blueprint for thriving beyond the boundaries society often sets at 40.

For Terry, it was the emotional and spiritual threads of the book that resonated deeply. Susan and Matt have a beautiful way of guiding you back to your own power, purpose and presence. The way they frame aging, not as a decline but as a deepening has transformed how we look at this chapter of our lives, not with fear, but with fire and fun.

What stood out most was the reminder that reinvention isn’t just possible, it’s necessary. The second half of life, as Susan and Matt show us, isn’t about slowing down or playing it safe. It’s about elevating your relationships, finding new energy, and leaning into joy, clarity and contribution with open arms.

This book has shifted how we plan, how we live, and how we love. We’re grateful for it and excited for everyone who picks it up to experience the same powerful shift.

With love and gratitude,

Anthony Minichiello, Voted World’s Best Rugby League Player & Terry Biviano, Designer and Reality TV Star

 

Interested in being part of the book launch events in Sydney and Brisbane?

Come and attend an amazing evening with Matt and Susan to experience a mini wellness showcase designed to inspire, energise and enable you to win the second half.

Register for the event here

Winning the Second Half – Survey results

Matt Elliott and Susan Pearse have teamed up to co-author a compelling new book on thriving in the second half of life. Winning the Second Half offers a dynamic conversation between male and female perspectives, highlighting both differences and common ground while providing practical tools for navigating this life stage together.

In December 2024, they conducted research to explore the desires and challenges faced by men and women aged 40 and beyond.

Below is a summary of their key findings.

Overview of Survey Results

588 people answered the survey conducted in December 2024. 50% were female and 49.83% were male.

Thriving or Surviving

  • Overall, 52.62% of survey respondents reported they were thriving compared to 47.38% who said they were surviving.
  • Only 47.01% of men reported they are thriving, compared to 57.95% of women.
  • 79 % of age group 40-47 believe they are thriving compared to 58% in age group 63-70.
  • Around 56% of both men and women reported being where they wanted to be in their lives right now. More respondents in the 63-70 age group said they are where they want to be in life right now, more than any other age group.
  • 79% of women and 74.1% of men are satisfied to very satisfied with their lifestyle.

Priorities for the Second Half

  • Family, health and happiness were ranked as top priorities for both men and women over 40.
  • When asked what goals they hoped to achieve in the next 10 years, the top answer for men was financial stability, followed by improved health. For women, it was travelling to new places and then financial stability.
  • Both sexes reported the top 2 priorities for changing their lives as health and financial stability. The number 3 priority for men was relationships, while women favoured new experiences and personal growth.

Physical, Mental and Emotional Wellbeing

  • 13% of men reported fair to very poor mental and emotional health. 35.4% of women also identified with these categories.
  • Respondents in all age groups chose happiness and love as emotions they currently want to feel.
  • Happiness is a priority for both genders but more so for males (73.96%) than females (54.80%).
  • Worry/ stress was the most ranked emotion that respondents did not want to navigate in all age groups.
  • 36% of men reported fair to very poor physical health. 35.03% of women reported the same.

Midlife reflections

  • Reflecting on life so far respondents both men and women, are most proud of their family and relationships. After that, men are most proud of career achievements, while women are proud of personal growth and overcoming challenges.
  • Both men and women would give the advice to someone entering the second part of their life to focus on health and wellbeing.

Life purpose and relationships

  • 54% of both men and women say that their personal experience guides them rather than religious or philosophical beliefs.
  • Both genders find most meaning in family and relationships. They report relationships becoming stronger over time.
  • 24% of women say personal growth and self-improvement is very important compared to 45.77% men.
  • Female respondents value trust, shared values and communication in their relationships now whereas men value trust, fun/enjoyment and respect.

A Boss Tells You What to Do. A Leader Draws Out Who You Are.

There’s a big difference between compliance and commitment.

A boss might get you to show up, tick the boxes, and follow the rules — but a true leader inspires you to lean in, bring your best, and grow beyond what you thought was possible.

At The Change Room, we see this difference play out every day — especially in complex, high-pressure workplaces. The truth is, effective leadership isn’t about control or charisma. It’s not a personality trait. It’s a repeatable process grounded in the science of human performance and connection.

And here’s the key: great leadership doesn’t happen by accident. It requires a deliberate, human-centred system that enables people to show up as their best selves.

Trust the Process… But What Is the Process?

The best leaders we work with don’t rely on instinct alone — they build their leadership on proven practices that develop trust, purpose and wellbeing in their teams.

At The Change Room, we help organisations implement a leadership framework grounded in:

  • Emotional Regulation – So you lead with presence, not pressure

  • High-Trust Communication – Because people thrive when they feel seen and heard

  • Reconnection to Purpose – You can’t lead what you don’t believe in

  • Genuine Care for Wellbeing – Movement, breathwork, nutrition, and sleep aren’t extras — they’re essential

When these practices are embedded, leaders stop managing people and start activating performance — through trust, clarity, and meaningful connection. And when that happens, results follow. Goals are achieved, culture shifts, and profit becomes part of the landscape — not the sole destination.

Ready to Make the Shift from Boss to Leader?

Our upcoming Leadership Summits in Sydney and Brisbane are designed to equip current and emerging leaders with the mindset, tools and strategies to build thriving, high-performing teams in today’s world of work.

These aren’t just events — they’re transformational learning experiences that bring together elite mentors, real-world insight, and a deep focus on what helps people perform at their best.

👉 Join us in Sydney or Brisbane and discover what’s possible when you lead from the inside out.
👉 Learn more about our Leadership Summits and register your team here.

Are you leading people — or just telling them what to do?

Multiple Award-Winning Leadership, Wellbeing and Recovery Programs:

Recognised for Excellence: Awards That Acknowledge the Impact of Our Programs

At The Change Room, we’re passionate about transforming the way leaders and teams show up — in their work, in their wellbeing, and in their recovery. Our commitment to designing experiences that create lasting change has recently been recognised through several prestigious industry awards and nominations.

🏆 Best Workplace Mental Health Initiative – PIEF Awards 2024

We’re proud to share that our “Elevate” Leadership & Wellbeing Program has been awarded the Best Workplace Mental Health Initiative at the 2024 Personal Injury and Education Foundation (PIEF) Awards.

This program was developed to directly address the growing need for psychologically safe workplaces. By integrating leadership development, emotional fitness, and practical tools for team connection, Elevate is helping organisations shift workplace culture and improve psychosocial safety at every level.

“I can honestly say that this program is by far the best of it’s type I have had the pleasure in participating in, I would highly recommend it to other areas within CSNSW”

Governor – South Coast Correction Centre

🥇 Business Achievement Award – HACANZA Awards

The Business Achievement Award from the HACANZA Awards recognised our integrated use of coaching as a key driver of sustainable change. At the heart of our programs is access to real-world mentors — former elite athletes, executives and wellbeing experts — who coach leaders through the challenge of shifting mindset, behaviour and culture.

This approach accelerates outcomes across the board — from leadership capability and team performance to wellbeing, recovery and engagement. It’s not theory. It’s transformation, backed by support and accountability.

🏅 Finalist – Excellence & Innovation in Injury Management – PIEF Awards 2021

Our impact in the injury recovery space was recognised back in 2021, when we were named a Finalist for Excellence & Innovation in Injury Management by PIEF. In collaboration with Suncorp, our recovery-focused programs supported injured workers in rebuilding physical, psychological and social wellbeing — helping them return to life, work and purpose with strength and confidence.

The Results Speak for Themselves — and So Do Our Clients

These recognitions are a testament to the outcomes we deliver and the partnerships we build.

Whether you’re looking to develop bold, high-performing leaders, improve mental health and culture, or support teams through recovery and reintegration, The Change Room is a proven partner.

👉 Work with us to explore how we can support your people.
👉 Explore our Programs to see what’s possible for your organisation.

The Performance Reset – Audio resource

The Performance Reset – Audio resource

The Performance Reset is a guided audio experience by Matt Elliott designed to help you reset after periods of pressure.

Using simple breathwork and visualisation techniques, it helps you shift from stress to calm in just a few minutes.

Backed by music that supports brainwave regulation, it’s a powerful tool for anyone needing a moment of stillness in a busy day.

Collision of the Minds S3E2 – LEADING IN A NEW ERA – Leadership tools that drive growth and performance

Date: Thursday, 15 May 2025

In today’s evolving leadership landscape, compliance, clarity and confidence have never been more critical. With increasing responsibilities around psychosocial safety and workplace wellbeing, leaders are expected to do more than ever—while staying calm, focused and effective.

Through an engaging and interactive webinar, Susan, Libby and Bill will share practical insights and strategies that you can implement immediately to strengthen your leadership presence and support high-performing, psychologically safe teams.

Key questions we’ll explore include:

  • What are the key legislative changes leaders need to understand right now?
  • How can leaders maintain focus and composure in high-pressure environments?
  • What are the most effective strategies for balancing compliance, culture and performance?

Join our expert panel as they share their real-world experience and proven techniques to help you lead with impact in this new era of responsibility and change.

This is your opportunity to sharpen your leadership edge and build the confidence to lead teams that thrive.

Our Expert Speakers:

  • Susan Pearse – Master Leadership Mentor and bestselling author known for cutting through complexity and helping leaders lead with authenticity and clarity.
  • Libby Pallot – Corporate wellbeing strategist with deep expertise in psychosocial safety, culture transformation and regulatory compliance.
  • Bill Gremos – Entrepreneur and executive leader with firsthand experience in founding and scaling national retail brands, Bill shares practical leadership strategies shaped by decades of navigating growth, change, and high-performance team culture.

Collision of the Minds S3E1 – The Energy to Lead

The Change Room is dedicated to empowering leaders with the tools and insights they need to excel in today’s dynamic environment. Our mission is to share the techniques used in high-performance sports and business excellence to develop teams and organisations that drive transformation and success.

We are thrilled to invite you to our next leadership webinar, where we delve into The #1 High-Performance Leadership driver that will improve your performance and that of your team. 

“The Energy to Lead”

In today’s rapidly changing world, leaders are being called upon to go beyond traditional knowledge and rediscover the energy, purpose, and passion of leading to win. Through this interactive webinar, Matt, Susan and Rowdy covered the following topics in a practical format that you can implement immediately to accelerate your and your team’s energy and performance;

  • Why does the energy of leaders matter now more than ever in today’s evolving work environment?
  • With so much focus on burnout and fatigue, what are the most effective strategies for leaders to regain and sustain their energy?
  • How can leaders create vibrant and engaged teams, rather than just managing people through exhaustion?

This is your opportunity to gain insights that will not only enhance your leadership impact but also empower you to foster a thriving, high-performing team.

Our Expert Speakers:

  • Matthew Elliott: Former NRL coach turned workplace performance specialist, with over 20 years’ experience in coaching elite athletes and building high-performing teams.
  • Susan Pearse: Master Leadership Mentor, best-selling author, and expert in translating complex leadership concepts into actionable strategies.
  • Rowdy McLean: International speaker, author, and leadership expert with over 25 years of experience helping leaders and organisations unlock their potential and play a bigger game.

Collision of the Minds S2E1 – Artificial Intelligence vs Wisdom

The habits and behaviours of exceptional leaders – Mary Gourley – Google 

Date : Wed, 5 Jun 2024 15:00 – 16:00 (AEST)

Join us for an insightful and practical journey into the world of modern leadership with our upcoming webinar series hosted by our amazing leadership and performance coaches, Matt Elliott and Rowdy McLean!

Together, we’ll delve into what exceptional leadership looks like in today’s ever-evolving work landscape with a particular focus on how this is being applied to improve team’s wellbeing, performance and culture.

In each episode, we’ll uncover the secrets to team success and explore practical strategies that leaders can implement to maximise their team’s potential. From communication techniques to fostering collaboration, we’ll leave no stone unturned in our quest to unlock the keys to effective leadership in this new working environment.

Each webinar will feature a special guest from business or high-performance sports environments, offering real-world insights and sharing firsthand experiences of implementing these strategies in their organisations. From startups to corporate giants, our guests will showcase diverse perspectives and practical processes that can elevate your team to new heights. 📈

Don’t miss this invaluable opportunity to sharpen your skills and learn from these amazing leaders!

In this webinar, we explore what great leadership is like within Google with our first Guest Mary Gourley. Mary has worked at Google for over 10 years and will share her insights into what authentic leadership looks like within Google and how she has applied this to get the best out of her team.