Sporting Greats Inspire Westminster’s Emerging Leaders
Westminster’s High Performance Program continues to deliver meaningful impact through a leadership series led by former Australian Diamond Nat von Bertouch and former Port Adelaide captain Tom Jonas.
Their program, Bloom Leadership, draws on a combined 26 years of experience in elite sporting environments, sharing real-world insights that translate the lessons of high-performance sport into leadership for life.
The dynamic workshops held over the course of the year have been presented to the School’s Winter Sport and Club Co-Captains, alongside emerging leaders, with a focus on leading with purpose, strengthening team culture and putting values into action.
Sessions have explored leadership identity and personal values, with the focus now shifting to the practical elements of leadership—emphasising communication, setting meaningful goals and understanding how leadership behaviour influences team performance.
Westminster’s Head of Co-Curricular, Stephen Schwerdt, said students were encouraged to step outside their comfort zones and reflect deeply on their approach to leadership.
“This session really made students think differently. It’s not just about being the loudest or most confident—it’s about being consistent, supportive and setting the tone for others,” Stephen said.
Westminster Netball Co-Captain Jazz McKay reflected, “The biggest learning for me has been understanding the weight of our behaviour—how what we do on and off the court shapes the entire team. It’s shown me the importance of living my values every day.”
While Westminster Football Vice-Captain Patrick Hutchins added, “It’s helping me realise that leadership is less about what you say and more about how you make people feel. That’s what truly leaves a mark.”
While the current sessions support Winter Sport and Club leaders, a second cohort—comprising Summer Sport and Performing Arts Captains—will resume their program in Term 3, continuing to build on the foundation they established earlier this year.