The Performance Leadership professional development course is back for 2026, with a host of esteemed industry leaders locked in for next month’s session.
Co-delivered between the WB Institute and Victoria University, the two-day course focuses on practical learning, with facilitated exercises designed to build, understand and improve approaches to leadership.
The 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 be held on April 30 and May 1, providing emerging leaders and new managers the opportunity to confidently take that next leadership step.
Held inside the stunning and newly developed Women’s Health and Leadership Hub at Mission Whitten Oval, a bonus behind-the-scenes tour of the VU High Performance Centre is also available for those who attend.
The line-up of guest speakers can be seen below.
For more information or to book your spot, please click here.
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.
Easton Wood
2016 AFL Premiership captain, Western Bulldogs
Easton Wood played 188 games with the Western Bulldogs across a 14-year career. Captaining the side to the 2016 AFL Premiership, Wood’s experience as a professional athlete and leader has transferred into his current role. He has a wealth of knowledge in connecting with people, resilience and strategies, which helps promote elite and consistent performance.
Leigh Russell
Leadership and Culture Expert, Executive Coach, Change & Governance Specialist
Leigh Russell is an accomplished executive and board director with a wealth of practical knowledge and three decades of leadership experience in high-pressure environments. She is the former CEO of Swimming Australia and Netball Victoria, has held executive-level roles across the sports industry, and worked with staff teams, athletes, and boards. She was also the ‘first of its kind’ People & Culture leader in the AFL, pioneering this role in an era of significant transformation in the league.
Outside of the elite sporting environment, Russell built a successful consulting career, blending my unique experience in high performance, human behaviour, and organisational development for clients, while specialising in providing tailored solutions, strategic guidance, and coaching to enhance the performance of individuals and teams.
Performance Leadership – Melbourne
When: Thursday 30 April – Friday 1 May
Where: Mission Whitten Oval, Footscray
Book today
