Some of the Sunshine Coast’s brightest students were given the opportunity to learn from our local leaders at a special lunch hosted by Profile Magazine. We share some words of wisdom that were handed down from one generation to the next.

With so many career opportunities on offer and a plethora of different pathways to reach their goals, there has never been a more exciting time for our youth. We are so fortunate to have a wide range of innovative schools here on the Sunshine Coast, who are helping to shape the minds of our future, many of whom will go on to become leaders in our community.

I was super impressed at the calibre of young people who attended our lunch at the Boatshed in Cotton Tree recently. All school captains, it was not hard to see why these young people were chosen to represent their colleges.

Partnered with some of the most influential business men and women from different sectors including politics, hospitality, real estate and retail, each student was given the opportunity to chat with their mentor over an informal lunch where they gained a valuable insight into what it takes to be a leader.

There is no doubt, with these upstanding young people about to make their mark in our community and beyond, our future is in safe hands.

Words of wisdom

Student: Angus Rafter, Immanuel Lutheran College
Mentor: John Eastham, CEO Cricks Auto Group

• Do not underestimate the value of hard work.
• There are always multiple pathways to get where you want to be.
• Good teamwork and getting everyone on the same page is of the utmost importance.

Student: Aidan Cousins, Matthew Flinders Anglican College
Mentor: Chris Sales, Founder Luxe Commercial Sunshine Coast

• Balance is trial and error.
• Be passionate about what you do.
• Life is all about learning.

Student: Sarah Wrigley, St Andrews College
Mentor: Roz White, Owner White’s IGA

• You need to understand people to be able to motivate them.
• Success rides on passion.
• Submerse yourself in opportunities, you never know where it might lead.

Student: Jordan Knight, Kawana Waters State College
Mentor: Bill Darby, Co-owner and General Manager Rumba Resort, Caloundra

• Take action, stand up for what you believe in and make change.
• Stay true to yourself.
• The success of a person is measured by their contribution to the community and others.

Student: Zarsha Merlo, Sunshine Coast Grammar School
Mentor: Nita Childs, CEO What the Fox Creative

• Have vision and empathy and lead from beside and behind your team.
• If you learn from everything you will never fail.
• Good staff are vital for business success.

Student: Emma Landro, Chancellor State College
Mentor: Councillor Mark Jamieson, Sunshine Coast Council Mayor

• Take every opportunity offered to you.
• Do not let others or past failed experiences change your enthusiasm towards a decision.
• First impressions count. Maintaining eye contact is crucial when meeting someone for the first time or when having conversations with others. It shows you are confident and builds respect for the other person so they can trust and be honest with you.

Student: Olivia McCluskey, Pacific Lutheran College
Mentor: Grant Smith, Owner Century 21 Buderim

• It’s easier to succeed in business when you are passionate about what you are doing.
• Being successful doesn’t necessarily mean going to university, there are lots of different pathways.
• Always operate with honesty, integrity and put family first.

Student: Connor Creevy, Mountain Creek State High School
Mentor: Mark Paddenburg, CEO Sunshine Coast Innovation Centre

• If there is an opportunity given, take it, always say yes and explore.
• Trust your gut, back yourself and dream big, but seek realistic goals.
• Never get compliant, always be ready for the next opportunity.

Student: Caitlyn Briggs, Suncoast Christian College
Mentor: Ted O’Brien, Member for Fairfax

• Be humble enough to know your strengths and weaknesses.
• Be the best version of yourself and find an anchor to who you really are.
• Don’t compromise your values.

Student: Josiah Budgen, Nambour Christian College
Mentor: Ingrid Nelson, Editor-in-Chief Profile Magazine

• Experience is the best teacher.
• Seek mentors who are where you want to be and learn from them.
• Follow your passion and it will never feel like work.