A group of reputable leaders and industry executives have been unveiled as Masterclass guest speakers for Performance Leadership, the course co-delivered between Western Bulldogs Education and Victoria University.
In its third instalment for 2025, the professional-development workshop will be held at Mission Whitten Oval over two days, from Tuesday 5 August to Wednesday 6 August.
These guest speakers will share invaluable insights to their own leadership journeys, while providing tips and tricks for participants to help discover their own leadership styles and maintain high performance within their teams.
Facilitated by expert academic staff from Victoria University, the course will provide emerging leaders and new managers the opportunity to confidently take that next leadership step.
The course will be held inside the stunning and newly-developed Womens Health and Leadership Hub, with a bonus behind-the-scenes tour of the VU High Performance Centre for those who attend.
The full line-up of unmissable guest speakers can be seen below.
Ameet Bains
Western Bulldogs CEO
Ameet Bains was appointed CEO of the Western Bulldogs in 2018 and has almost 15 years’ experience as a senior Executive in the AFL industry. He is also a Director of the Western Bulldogs, the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation and the Western Bulldogs Forever Foundation, having served on numerous other Boards as a Non-Executive Director over his journey. Within the AFL industry, Ameet has served on numerous advisory groups, participated in the AFL Executive Leadership Program and has been a recipient of the prestigious industry Graeme Samuel Scholarship. Ameet is also a CEO member of the sports chapter of the Male Champions of Change, a body committed to gender equality and the advancement of women in leadership. Prior to his current role, Ameet held the role of Chief Operating Officer at St Kilda Football Club in a role overseeing different aspects of the Club’s strategy, commercial, and football operations. He was previously also Head of Legal at Toyota Australia, and acted as a Director of T.E.S.T. Pty Ltd; the Trustee company responsible for managing one of Toyota Australia’s employee superannuation funds.
Nick Truelson
Melbourne United CEO
Nick Truelson was appointed CEO of Melbourne United (NBL) in July 2021. A dynamic and innovative leader, Truelson spent almost 10 years in numerous national sales and trade marketing roles at leading FMCG company Cadbury Schweppes, before moving into the sporting landscape as Fan Development Manager at Essendon FC (AFL). He then spent over 10 years at the Western Bulldogs as the Chief Commercial Officer.
Justin Rodski
Storm Group CEO
Justin Rodski was appointed CEO of the Storm Group in 2021, leading both Melbourne Storm (NRL) and Sunshine Coast Lightning (Suncorp Super Netball). With a background in media and sports journalism, Rodski is an experienced executive recognised for his achievements and standing within the sports and entertainment industry, having led strategic planning and delivery of commercial and consumer revenues, marketing, communications and digital functions prior to joining Storm.
Andrew Westacott
Western Bulldogs Director
Andrew Westacott joined the Western Bulldogs Board of Directors in 2023, following a remarkable 16-year tenure at the Australian Grand Prix Corporation. Beginning his career there as General Manager – Operations back in 2006, Westacott was then appointed CEO in 2011, delivering 15 Australian F1 Grands Prix and 15 Australian MotoGPs. Over this time, Westacott developed an impeccable reputation as an outstanding administrator and leader.
Patrice Berthold
Western Bulldogs General Manager – Women’s Football
Patrice Berthold was appointed Western Bulldogs General Manager – Women’s Football in 2024. A highly respected executive leader with extensive experience managing major events and elite sporting programs, Berthold’s reputation as a trusted colleague with relentless work ethic and drive consistently delivers exceptional experiences for all stakeholders. Prior to her role at the Western Bulldogs, Berthold headed up Team Operations at Cricket Australia, where she travelled with the women’s and men’s national teams, forging strong relationships with international associations while wrangling exceptionally complex logistics during COVID-affected times. She was also previously General Manager Operations at the T20 World Cup, overseeing the tournament’s successful delivery in seven host cities across Australia.
Jarryn Geary
Western Bulldogs Player Development and Leadership Coach
Jarryn Geary joined the Western Bulldogs ahead of the 2024 AFL season. His role in the football department includes coaching in a development capacity across both VFL and AFL, while also working with the Club’s leadership group off-field. Prior to this, Geary played 207 games for St Kilda after making his debut in 2008. He took over the captaincy in 2017 before retiring in 2022 and finishing his career as a St Kilda FC Life Member. Away from football, Geary was the Leadership and Performance Manager at SANO Health, where he developed and implemented leadership programs for corporate and individual clients.
Performance Leadership – Melbourne
When: Tuesday 5 August – Wednesday 6 August
Where: Mission Whitten Oval, Footscray.
Book today
Make the most of EOFY savings with the early bird special: save $200 when you book before 30 June!
Group discounts are also available: get in touch today.
