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Bachelor of Information Technology student Pujan Patel recently attended the National Leadership Forum in Canberra to inspire and equip Australia’s future leaders.

Bringing together young leaders from diverse backgrounds, Pujan said the event helped him discover that leadership is a journey of continuous learning and personal growth.

We asked him about the forum, how it influenced his views on leadership, and how he hoped to use these learnings in the future

What did you learn at the National Leadership Forum?

The purpose of the National Leadership Forum is to inspire and equip future leaders with the necessary tools to make a meaningful impact in their communities, workplaces, and broader society. Throughout the forum, we engaged in insightful discussions, participated in workshops, and heard from influential leaders across various fields, including politics, business, and social enterprise.
A key highlight of the event was the community service project, where participants actively contributed to initiatives that supported the local Canberra community. This hands-on experience demonstrated the power of collective action and how leadership can bring about tangible changes.

The forum also provided invaluable networking opportunities, connecting me with like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a difference. It emphasised the importance of leadership that is not just about authority but about serving others and promoting positive change.

What did you learn about leadership?

I learned that leadership is much more than holding a position of authority; it’s about serving others, building trust, and fostering collaboration. One of the central themes was the idea of servant leadership, which emphasises leading by example and focusing on the growth and wellbeing of those you lead.

Throughout the forum, I gained several important insights:

• Leadership is about influence, not control: True leaders inspire and empower others to reach their full potential rather than merely directing them. I learned that the most effective leaders create environments where team members feel valued, respected, and motivated.
• Adaptability is key: In a rapidly changing world, leaders must be flexible and open to new ideas. The forum highlighted how successful leadership requires being adaptable to different situations and embracing change rather than resisting it.
• Emotional intelligence is crucial: Leadership is not only about strategy and decision-making but also about understanding and managing emotions – both your own and those of others. I learned the value of empathy, active listening, and clear communication in building strong relationships and fostering a positive team dynamic.
• Leadership is rooted in values: Integrity, honesty, and accountability were emphasised as core traits of effective leadership. Upholding these values builds trust and credibility, which are fundamental for any leader aiming to make a lasting impact.

What are your career dreams, and how will you benefit from attending the forum?

My future career goal is to become a software application developer and eventually start my own business. I am passionate about leveraging technology to create innovative solutions that can make people's lives easier and businesses more efficient. Through my studies in Software Application Development at UniSQ, I am gaining the technical expertise needed for this field, but it is the leadership skills and experiences from the National Leadership Forum 2024 that have shaped my vision for how I want to lead and manage in the future.

The forum taught me that leadership in any career, including software development, is not just about technical skills—it’s about building teams, fostering creativity, and leading with integrity.

Would you recommend these leadership opportunities to future students?

Absolutely. I would highly recommend leadership conferences like the National Leadership Forum to future students. These opportunities offer so much more than just personal development – they provide a chance to network with other aspiring leaders, gain insights from industry professionals, and engage in hands-on learning experiences that can’t be found in the classroom.

The forum taught me valuable lessons about servant leadership, teamwork, and the importance of community engagement – all of which are crucial skills for any career path. Whether you are looking to lead in a business, technology, or social enterprise, the knowledge and connections you gain from these events will serve you well in the future.

The community service projects offered during the forum were a real eye-opener, showing how leadership can directly impact society in positive ways. These opportunities allow students to understand the practical side of leadership, giving them the confidence to step up and make a difference in their own communities.

Attending these conferences provides not just inspiration but also a concrete roadmap on how to become an effective and ethical leader. For anyone serious about making an impact in their field, I strongly recommend seizing opportunities like this.

Are there any other thoughts you would like to share?

In addition to everything I’ve shared, I’d like to emphasise that leadership is a journey of continuous learning and personal growth. Conferences like the National Leadership Forum are just one step in this process, but they can be transformative. They not only provide practical skills and knowledge but also give you the confidence to step into leadership roles in the future.

For me, the experience reinforced the importance of being open to new ideas, collaborating with others, and leading with empathy and integrity. These are qualities I will carry with me throughout my career and life.

I encourage anyone who has the opportunity to participate in such programs to take full advantage of them. They will challenge you, inspire you, and equip you to make a lasting impact in whatever field you choose.

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