Before the Event
Jamie, a student at Braemar College, had only recently been appointed as a prefect and was still adjusting to the demands of his new role. Balancing school, leadership responsibilities, and his personal life was a challenge, and he approached the YLAA Secondary Leader Conference hoping for practical tips on managing people and expectations.

Expectations and Event Experience
Jamie expected the event to focus on typical leadership skills, like reading body language and managing expectations. Instead, he was pleasantly surprised by the clarity, professionalism, and energy of the presentations. “I was amazed at how concise, refined, and engaging everything was,” he reflects. He could tell there was a strong culture of continuous improvement behind each speaker, which boosted his confidence in applying the strategies they shared.

Highlights of the Day
One thing that really stood out to Jamie was how complex ideas were broken down into memorable insights and simple mantras. “The way they distilled the ideas into little sayings really made an impact,” he says. These short, memorable takeaways left him feeling prepared to apply what he’d learned both at school and in his personal life.

Putting the Lessons into Action
After the event, Jamie was ready to put his new skills and motivation into action. Alongside his Year 12 studies, he co-led a mental health fundraiser—the Push Up Challenge—at school, raising over $6,500. He also started a firewood business with a friend, which quickly took off, becoming booked out months in advance. Additionally, Jamie played an active role in organising Harmony Day celebrations and delivered speeches at school assemblies.

Reflecting on the experience, Jamie credits the event with giving him the confidence to take on these projects. Hearing from speakers like Wil Massara helped him see new possibilities within himself and motivated him to make the most of the opportunities around him.

Jamie’s story is an example of how YLAA’s conference helps young leaders turn inspiration into action, making a positive impact in their communities and personal lives.

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