Rob Carlton

Rob had to wait nearly 30 years, and for the ugliest man in Australian business history to be played, before he would land a lead role in a drama series. But when the chance to play Kerry Packer came, he was ready… but only just! As a jobbing actor life was tough: in his first ever movie role he had his head flushed down a toilet in The Year My Voice Broke, he got called a “Flamin’ Mongrel” by Alf from Home and Away, was shot dead on Water Rats and blew himself up on Blue Heelers. Dying is fun for a while, but something had to change if he was going to make a living out of it. Rob's story of stepping up from bit part actor to playing an Australian icon, while along the way producing his own shows that now sell all around the world, is a hilarious ride where a chance meeting with Tom Cruise, a romantic moment with Michael Buble and a primal fear of being discovered a fraud are all part of the overnight success that took 25 years to build. Rob's down to earth delivery, astute character observations and self deprecating humour are a world away from a corporate presentation - Perfect!! What will the audience get out of it? • A big laugh for a start. • Some insights into what made Kerry Packer the toughest deal maker in town. Then, if they feel like joining the dots, they might find it easer to: • Stay motivated when the phone isn’t ringing. • Work better in teams. • Handle curve balls with joy, not fear. • Remain fearless in their pursuit of excellence. • View everything that comes at them as an opportunity, not a block.

Dynamic Employees The challenges an actor faces on set are very similar to those faced by employees. To embody a character an actor has spent hours researching, developing the nuances, and becoming the expert. But when they step on stage, they’re not the boss; they’re one part of a much bigger enterprise. Similarly, employees are professionals who must work within a set organisational structure with a defined purpose. The challenge is to remain positive, change ready, collaborative and focused on a business goal that may have been decided by someone else. Rob’s engaging style, insights and stories will inspire employees to stay engaged, share their passion, to be curious and demand excellence from those around them.

Why an organisation’s culture matters. Leading through good times is the easy part. How do you maintain optimism and energy during times of hardship or periods of change? Through real life stories, Rob illustrates the importance of organisational culture - a system of shared assumptions, values and beliefs that have a strong influence on how people feel and behave in organisations. Successful company cultures are typically characterised by a high level of teamwork and engagement. Rob tells some never before heard stories about Kerry Packer and Alan Bond that are cautionary tales of leadership leading to pyrrhic victories and a life of loneliness. Uplifting and inspiring stories are those from his father who was a quieter champion of leadership through the Hawke/Keating years of economic reform and his internationally recognised contribution to humanitarian services. People will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of the cultural heart of an organisation and a sense that the world has good people in it, even when the circumstances may seem grim.

Creative Leadership How do you unlock the imagination of every individual and keep the team focused on the main goal? Movies are a profound example of where creativity and brutal logistics collide. They are an excellent example of how a diverse group of people, facing impending deadlines can pull together towards one vision. The Film Production model takes participants through what directors, crew and cast experience every day. Constantly adapting, learning and fine tuning their craft and their processes so they can meet deadlines and maintain their reputation as the best in the world. Through fun and engaging exercises and a mix of stories drawn from his own experiences in film and TV, Rob focuses on the behaviour, character traits and skills of successful leaders and team players.