The QUT Business Leaders' Forum opened its 2026 program with a sold-out event featuring two of Brisbane's most influential sporting leaders: Dave Donaghy, CEO of the Brisbane Broncos, and Sam Graham, CEO of the Brisbane Lions.
Following a year in which Brisbane dominated the national sporting arena, the Forum brought together the CEOs behind those premiership wins to explore what it takes to build resilient, highperforming organisations, and what their success signals for Brisbane as it accelerates toward the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The conversation was moderated by award-winning journalist Ellen Fanning.
Mr Donaghy and Mr Graham shared candid reflections on the defining moments of their leadership journeys, the pressures of guiding clubs under intense public scrutiny, and the responsibility they feel to their members, players and the broader community.
Mr Donaghy said it was an exciting time for the two Premier franchises to take a lead role in building the culture and energy of Brisbane in the lead up to 2032 and the legacy beyond.
"It will keep getting bigger and we're super excited about that," Mr Donaghy said.
Mr Graham said leadership was a process of being like the centre of a wheel, not riding the highs too high or the lows too low.
"It's always trying to be in the hub," Mr Graham said. "Bringing that positivity if things aren't going that well."
For more than 20 years, the QUT Business Leaders' Forum has been Brisbane's pre-eminent public platform for corporate, political and community leaders to share their leadership journeys and insights on the issues shaping business and society.
QUT is proud to bring global perspectives and thought leadership to Queensland through the Forum, strengthening connections between education, industry, and the community.
Both leaders discussed the commercial strategies underpinning onfield success and the broader significance of Brisbane's premiership year; not just for their clubs, but for a city gearing up to host the world in 2032.
They highlighted the opportunity for Brisbane to leverage its sporting momentum to strengthen community identity, attract investment and inspire the next generation of athletes and leaders.
In concluding the event, QUT Chancellor Ann Sherry AO highlighted the career trajectories of the two sporting leaders who started with careers in journalism (Dave Donaghy) and accountancy (Sam Graham).
"I love the fact that your career trajectories jumped because I think that's the sort of future most people look at," Ms Sherry said.
"Your ability to jump through open doors is one of those insights that everybody should take away."
The next QUT Business Leaders' Forum will discuss the future of tech innovation with Google Australia and New Zealand Vice-President and Managing Director, Melanie Silva, on 12 June.
Main photo (left to right): Sam Graham (Brisbane Lions) and Dave Donaghy (Brisbane Broncos) in conversation with Ellen Fanning.
