Beyond the Podium: How Entrepreneurs can adopt Elite Performance Mindsets.
Elite athletes succeed not just through talent, but through their ability to perform under pressure. Similarly, succeeding in entrepreneurship requires more than business knowledge, it requires a performance mindset able to overcome challenges and setbacks.

This panel brings together elite sportspeople turned entrepreneurs to share the psychological approaches that helped them perform at the top of their sport, and how they translated that into business success. Participants will gain valuable insights into how to develop a performance orientated mindset to optimise their chances of success.

Date: Friday 4 September, 2026
Time:  3-6pm (Networking, refreshments and workshop)
Location: QUT, Gardens Point Campus, E Block, Level 5. Executive Education Centre.
Cost: FREE!
Register: To register for this event please follow the prompts. 

Presenter Spotlight: Associate Professor Glen Murphy

Glen is the Director, Entrepreneurship at QUT, whose leadership and support through QUT Entrepreneurship has been instrumental in bringing this event to life. Glen has extensive experience in entrepreneurship education, innovation and business leadership, and has played a significant role in fostering an entrepreneurial mindset across the QUT community.

Panel Spotlight: Toby Jenkins OLY 
Toby is an Olympian, entrepreneur, executive coach and internationally recognised keynote speaker. A member of the Australian men's water polo team, Toby successfully transitioned from elite sport to business, co-founding the award-winning digital agency Bluewire Media before dedicating his career to leadership development and performance coaching. Toby’s work has been highlighted in publications such as Forbes, The Australian, Huffington Post, Entrepreneur, Sydney Morning Herald & BRW. Today, he works with executives, entrepreneurs, elite athletes and global organisations to build resilience, leadership and high performance through evidence-based behavioural science. 

Panel Spotlight: Marieke D'Cruz OLY
Marieke is an Olympian, World Champion and former world record holder in swimming representing Australia for more than a decade. Following her elite sporting career, she transitioned into management consulting and through her company Fortius Consulting, she designs leadership and capability programs, facilitates strategy, and coach leaders through change and operational challenges. Her work spans private, public and not-for-profit sectors, focusing on translating complexity into practical, development-led outcomes that support sustainable performance. Marieke holds a Masters in Public Policy, has previously served as President of the Australian Swimmers' Association.