What would someone actually see you do that demonstrates leadership? Matt Church used that question to move the SPARK audience from broad descriptions of a good leader towards everyday behaviour. An intention to be present becomes easier to discuss when it is connected to a recognisable moment.
His keynote used a school principal’s greeting at the front gate as an illustration. For aquatic businesses, the underlying invitation was to consider how leaders show up in the communities they help create.
Describe something people can see
Church invited the audience to identify observable examples of leadership. The discussion moved through ideas such as presence and connection, then towards actions someone could recognise during a day. This was a useful change in scale. It made leadership less abstract and brought it into the places where staff and customers encounter the organisation. The question becomes what the intention looks like when a person walks into the facility or begins a shift.
Give a greeting your attention
Church invited the audience to identify observable examples of leadership. The discussion moved through ideas such as presence and connection, then towards actions someone could recognise during a day. This was a useful change in scale. It made leadership less abstract and brought it into the places where staff and customers encounter the organisation. The question becomes what the intention looks like when a person walks into the facility or begins a shift.
Consider the difficult days too
Church’s illustration included the principal being there on difficult days as well as comfortable ones. The example asked the audience to consider the message conveyed by a leader’s presence when circumstances are less appealing. Applied as an editorial reflection, this invites a team to think about its own demanding moments. Where is leadership most useful, and how do people experience that support when the working day is busy or uncertain?
Help people grow while they are with you
Church also discussed developing people who may eventually move on from the business. He described mentoring as a potential strength of aquatic workplaces and encouraged leaders to consider what staff learn beyond the immediate task. This gives everyday leadership a longer perspective. A person’s time in the organisation can include encouragement and development even when it is a part-time role or a stage on the way to another career.
Church’s contribution makes leadership a subject that can be discussed through concrete examples. The opportunity is to choose an action that fits the workplace and give it consistent attention.
A question to take back to your team
Our editorial reflection:
What is one ordinary moment in which your team could more clearly experience your leadership?
Explore the full conversation
Drawn from Matt Church keynote at SPARK 2026.
Speaker: Matt Church.
These ideas are paraphrased from the session.
Watch back and learn more by viewing through the SPARK App on you phone.
Media contact: Luke Daly
Chief Executive Officer, ASSA
Mob: +61 414 086 858
About the Australian Swim Schools Association
The Australian Swim Schools Association (ASSA) is the national body representing swim schools across Australia and New Zealand. Through professional development, industry events and its BOSS (Business of Swim Schools) community, ASSA backs the SwimSchoolers who run, manage and teach in the nation’s swim schools. It champions an industry that teaches people to swim and saves lives.
