BUILDING AN EFFECTIVE TEAM THROUGH COMMUNICATION

Business Sydney was proud to host a powerful and insightful breakfast event focused on the critical role of communication in building high-performance teams across business, government, and sport.

Held in collaboration with NIDA Corporate Training and hosted by the Sydney Swans in their Sydney Headquarters, the event brought together a diverse audience of business leaders and professionals for a morning of practical learning, dynamic discussion, and shared experience.

The session began with a thought-provoking and interactive workshop led by Sean Hall, Senior Tutor at NIDA Corporate Training. Sean drew on his deep expertise in performance and storytelling to demonstrate how clarity, authenticity and purpose-driven communication can transform team dynamics and unlock leadership potential. His session provided tangible tools and techniques that attendees can take back to their own organisations.

The workshop was followed by a compelling panel discussion featuring some of Australia’s most respected leaders from the fields of policing, elite sport, and global business:

• Peter McKenna APM, Assistant Commissioner, Commander of the Central Metropolitan Region, NSW Police Force
• John Longmire, former Head Coach of the Sydney Swans
• Mel Silva, Vice President and Managing Director, Google Australia & New Zealand
• Terri Martin, Head of NIDA Corporate Training Division who facilitated the panel.

Each panellist brought their unique perspective on how effective communication underpins team performance. From the high-stakes world of law enforcement, to the locker rooms of elite sport, to the pace of innovation in the tech sector — a clear message emerged: great teams are built on trust, clarity, and the ability to communicate with purpose.

Guests left with valuable insights on how strong communication can foster collaboration, navigate complexity, and align teams around shared goals — particularly in high-pressure and fast-changing environments.

We extend our sincere thanks to NIDA Corporate Training for their expertise and partnership, and to Drew Arthurson and the Sydney Swans for hosting us in such a fitting venue for this discussion on leadership, performance and teamwork.