Great Leaders Over 40 and Beyond

We love lists showcasing incredible leaders and organisations! But what’s missing? The over 40 crowd – because age is just experience with style.

And trust us, we know GREAT leaders. Here are 10 that we know are beyond outstanding, redefining what it means to lead.

These powerhouses highlight the boldness, diversity, and strength of Australian leadership across industries. Whether it's business, finance, real estate, or social advocacy, they’re pushing boundaries, driving sustainability, and making waves that are transforming lives. Their collective impact is bigger than their industries—it’s about shaping Australia’s future and leaving a lasting mark on global leadership.

So, if you know a game-changing leader who deserves the spotlight, we’d love to feature them in our Diary of a Leader newsletter or on the Leadership with Sonia podcast. Shoot us an email at [email protected] – let’s give them the recognition they deserve!

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• Paul Scurrah – As CEO of Pacific National, Scurrah demonstrates his expertise in the transportation and logistics industry, focusing on operational efficiency and maintaining Australia’s supply chains. His tenure as CEO of Virgin Australia was marked by navigating the airline through the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, including its voluntary administration and restructuring. Scurrah is known for his ability to manage crisis situations, lead transformations, and ensure long-term stability within complex industries.
• Mike Morgan – is the Senior Vice President & Managing Director (SVP & MD) APAC at Insight, a leading Australian technology consultancy specializing in delivering IT solutions and innovation to businesses across various industries. Under Morgan's leadership, IT Insight has become known for its ability to provide tailored, cutting-edge technology strategies that enhance operational efficiency, drive digital transformation, and support sustainable growth. With a focus on client-centric solutions, Morgan has guided the company in building strong partnerships with organizations looking to leverage technology to stay competitive and future-proof their businesses in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
• Karen Aroney – Aroney’s leadership in health and wellness is embodied in her EmpowHer program, which empowers women to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. She emphasises holistic well-being, coaching individuals to focus on both mental and physical health. Aroney is recognised for her compassionate, individualised approach and for fostering resilience and confidence in women, particularly in career, personal growth, and health.
• Christine Holgate – Holgate’s leadership at Australia Post and Blackmores has cemented her as a prominent figure in the business world. At Australia Post, she transformed the organisation during a challenging period by focusing on innovation and digitisation. Holgate is also a champion of gender equality and inclusivity, earning respect for her focus on workplace culture and ethical leadership. She consistently demonstrates a balance between operational excellence and corporate responsibility.
• Gary McConaghy – Known for his leadership in real estate development, McConaghy has driven innovative and sustainable urban projects across Australia. His ability to integrate sustainability into real estate has earned him a reputation for creating developments that benefit both the environment and local communities. His leadership style combines vision with practicality, focusing on long-term growth and community engagement in urban development projects.
• Shemara Wikramanayake – As CEO of Macquarie Group, Wikramanayake oversees one of the world’s largest infrastructure and asset management firms. She is renowned for her global financial acumen, and a focus on?sustainability and renewable energy investments defines her leadership. Wikramanayake has guided Macquarie through major transformations, positioning the firm as a leader in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing and driving significant growth in international markets.
• David Thodey – Thodey’s leadership at Telstra and CSIRO has been instrumental in shaping Australia's technological and research sectors. At Telstra, he led the company’s digital transformation, improving customer experiences and focusing on innovation. At CSIRO, Australia’s leading science agency, his focus is on research and development that addresses global challenges, from climate change to technological advancements, positioning Australia as a leader in innovation.
• Fiona de Jong – During her time as CEO of the Australian Olympic Committee, de Jong was key in ensuring the operational success of the Australian Olympic Team, driving the organization’s strategic vision and logistical efforts. Post-Olympics, she has transitioned into leadership roles within technology and innovation sectors, further contributing to Australia’s progress in business and sports through innovation and leadership in governance.
• Elizabeth Broderick – As a former Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Broderick’s leadership has profoundly impacted gender equality in Australia. She founded the Male Champions of Change initiative to engage male business leaders in advancing gender equality. Her work in the Australian Defence Force led to significant reforms aimed at reducing harassment and promoting gender equity. Broderick’s leadership extends globally as a UN Special Rapporteur, where she continues to advocate for women’s rights and social justice.
• Scott Farquhar , Co-founder and Co-CEO of Atlassian, is a leading figure in Australia's tech industry. Along with his business partner, Mike Cannon-Brookes, Farquhar has grown Atlassian into a global software powerhouse, best known for its tools like Jira, Confluence, and Trello, which are used by millions of teams worldwide to collaborate and manage projects. Farquhar's leadership is defined by a commitment to innovation and building a company culture that prioritises transparency, collaboration, and sustainability.

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