‘I’ve gained enormously from my Vistage experience. Vistage is real. The members are peers and this is what sets it apart. Their experience in combining a business and personal life focused on success cannot be replicated by a book, video or lecture. The power of a Vistage group impacts not only the members’ business lives but has a ripple effect for all around them.’

Gordon Edwards’ approach to leadership is about balancing art versus science. That is, the art of leadership and how it complements good management science. He practices this philosophy with his group members and encourages them to become trusted, honest and engaged advocates for each other.

Gordon believes that regardless of how we define success, it can only result in long term fulfillment if we welcome others to share our journey.

After 22 years’ in the Royal Australian Navy, which included leadership roles in Australia, overseas and operationally at sea, he began his business career running the SA/NT operations of Patrick Logistics. In 2004 Gordon started his own leadership development business, Heavypoint, providing leadership development programs in SA and elsewhere.

Knowing the power of mentoring and leadership development, Gordon also developed and ran the South Australian Defence Industry Leadership Program. The initiative is designed to support the leadership succession capability, enhance individual leadership behaviours of senior executives and improve relationships throughout the defence industry in SA.

His career highlights include:

• Committed to improving leadership across business, government and the community
• Lead commercial operations in Adelaide as a director and business owner
• Designed and delivered the South Australian Defence Industry Leadership Program
• Served as a personal advisor and executive mentor to business owners and ‘key’ executives since 2008