Jamie explains how his upbringing in Melbourne’s western suburbs, backpacking and working in an Aboriginal health organization in Tennant Creek, and long involvement in sport have shaped his values of optimism, calm under stress, inclusion, and belonging. He defines influence as using these values to positively impact others, especially by using sport and education as vehicles for connection, social capital, and a sense of belonging. Jamie highlights several key mentors such as Russell Wilson, Kate Palmer, Nick Beckinsale, and Michael O’Neill, who showed him more modern, people-centered, and strategic models of leadership and how government and sport can drive positive social and economic outcomes. He is particularly proud of leading Gymnastics Victoria as a learning-focused, customer service–oriented organization that developed staff so well that multiple team and board members went directly into CEO roles, including several women, reflecting his commitment to progressive, inclusive leadership development.