Origin Energy, Woolworths Chairman addresses guests at Thought Leaders Lunch

Toowoomba business leaders and decision-makers gathered last week to listen to Origin Energy and Woolworths Chairman Gordon Cairns at Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise’s (TSBE) first Thought Leadership Luncheon of 2016.

Over 150 guests attended the event held at Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport on Friday, 3 June to hear from Mr Cairns who gave insights into his years of experience in the food and beverage sector and the importance of creating an ‘achievement culture’ in the workplace.

Throughout his career, Mr Cairns has worked for Nestle, Cadbury, the Imperial Group, PepsiCO, and Lion Nathan’s Australian beer business, with his work spanning the marketing, operations and finance areas and landing him across three continents.

In his time at Lion Nathan, Mr Cairns cemented his position as a leading employer, receiving the True Leaders award on three separate occasions with the company also receiving accolades for being a ‘best employer’.

Mr Cairns said companies need to better understand ‘why culture eats strategy for breakfast, outlining four key success factors needed to create an ‘achievement culture’ in the workplace.

These four factors included changing the perspective of organisations, reviewing the approach to creating an achievement culture, redefining definitions of leadership, and focusing on results.

TSBE chief executive officer Dr Ben Lyons said the event was a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to hear from a forward-thinking and innovative employer who has paved a reputation for facilitating positive work culture.

“It was excellent to see a solid crowd of local business leaders and guests turnout to hear from Mr Cairns on his experience as a leading employer,” Dr Lyons said.

“Mr Cairns led a fantastic discussion around forward thinking strategies for developing positive work culture and the difference this can have when creating high-performing and positive teams.

“Networking for business remains a key part of winning work and it was great to be able to provide to our members yet another opportunity to network and extend their contacts.”

Dr Lyons also thanked the event sponsor, Ray White Commercial Toowoomba.