Sydney Swans and the Australian Graduate School of Management Announce Partnership

The Sydney Swans have partnered with the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM) at UNSW Business School to offer an innovative short course titled “Leading for High Performance.” This collaboration brings together the expertise of two renowned organisations to deliver a unique educational opportunity focused on building leadership capabilities and shaping a high-performance culture.

Scheduled to launch in October at the Sydney Swans headquarters, this course represents the first joint effort by the Swans and AGSM to blend sports leadership principles with corporate strategies for high performance. Following the inaugural session, additional courses are planned for November and throughout 2025. This initiative follows similar partnerships, such as the collaboration between Hawthorn and the Box Hill Institute, highlighting the growing trend of sports clubs and educational institutions working together to elevate high-performance sports.

Tracey Flynn, Director of AGSM Executive Education & Short Courses, emphasised the program’s innovative approach: “This collaboration merges the best of sports and corporate leadership strategies. Participants will have the unique opportunity to learn from elite athletes and coaches who excel under pressure.”

The course will be led by AGSM Fellow and Adjunct Associate Professor Denise Weinreis and Sydney Swans Chief Operating Officer Drew Arthurson. Participants will receive practical tools to enhance their management skills and foster a culture of high performance in their teams and organisations.

Denise Weinreis specialises in coaching executives to empower and motivate teams, while Drew Arthurson applies the Sydney Swans’ high-performance philosophy to teach leaders how to maximise team performance. “Every activity in the program is a ‘real play’ experience,” Denise explained. “Participants will explore performance at personal, team, and organisational levels.”

Drew Arthurson added, “This program is designed for high-performing individuals and teams from all backgrounds. You don’t need to be a sports enthusiast to benefit. The program offers tangible ideas to boost performance and prepare individuals for their best work.”

The Sydney Swans and AGSM’s “Leading for High Performance” course will run from October 16-17 at Sydney Swans HQ in Moore Park, with limited spots available. For more information and registration, visit the Sydney Swans website.

For those interested in learning more about creating a high-performance culture in the workplace, an online webinar will be held on Thursday, August 8, at 11 am AEST. Details for registration can be found on the AGSM website.

This partnership exemplifies the innovative collaborations between sports clubs and educational providers, aimed at enhancing leadership and performance across various sectors.