A series of University talks from prominent leaders of various industries has been one of the highlights of the year for many students. World champion yachtsman, businessman, philanthropist and Monash University alumnus, John Bertrand will lead the high-powered gatherings to discuss the essence of great leadership this month.

Monash University’s Leadership Series has brought together some of Australia’s best leaders from the worlds of politics, commerce, science, the military and sport, along with invited participants from the University’s student and alumni community who have demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities.

Mr Bertrand will mediate the July discussions with some of the country’s and the world’s biggest players in their industries.

“I will be interviewing six of Australia's greatest leaders in a format not unlike Andrew Denton’s Enough Rope, drilling down into what makes these people who they are; their leadership styles, their values and their inherent abilities to form high-performing teams which achieve incredible things,” Mr Bertrand said.

Mr Bertrand will interview his first guest in the Leadership Series, Deputy Chief of Army Major General Angus Campbell, on 24 July. Follwing that will be Royal Children’s Hospital chief executive Professor Christine Kilpatrick on July 29, football legend Paul Roos on August 6, Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce on October 9, former Prime Minister Bob Hawke on October 16, and burns specialist and Australian of the Year 2005 Dr Fiona Wood on October 23.

The series is to be broadcast on ABC; more information is available at the John Bertrand Leadership Series site.