Future-Readiness with Global Challenge Program

In the lead-up to the Global Challenge, students engaged with eight leaders, including five Old Boys, who each presented on a key topic:

Future of Work: Jessica Martin, CEO and Founder of Bella Sláinte, and Knox School Council Member

“Don't let AI define the problem, solve the problem and give the output. Because it will be average and you're not.”

Jessica’s presentation was both insightful and engaging, offering valuable perspectives on how to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world. She emphasised the qualities AI cannot replicate:

• empathy and critical thinking;
• mastery/expertise and a holistic perspective;
• and physical/spatial intelligence and genuine understanding of people.

Students engaged enthusiastically during the Q&A session, asking thoughtful and perceptive questions about the enduring value of the humanities, arts and sciences; access to and use of AI in rural communities; the rise of AI-generated content across social media; and the responsibilities of governments and media organisations in protecting data security.

When asked about her key message for students, Jessica said, “I think being thoughtful on your use of AI can be a significant accelerator for anyone. AI can augment the skills that you have, but the real superpower is how you understand and engage with people, because then you will be able to get to the real root of a problem, and use AI as your sparring partner to solve the problem.”

Technology and Innovation: James Alexander (OKG06), Co-Founder and Partner of Galileo VC

James shared insights into the world of technology start-ups and emerging companies, drawing on his experience as a venture capitalist. Among the innovations he discussed was a brain-computer interface that interprets neural signals to control devices.

He encouraged students to view challenges and everyday frustrations as opportunities for innovation, urging them to consider both the scale of a problem and the impact that solving it could have. To conclude, James left the students with two though-provoking questions:

• What is something you could build this week that would have been impossible two years ago?
• What do you know about being fifteen years old in 2026 that nobody in this room could possibly know?

When asked about what he looks for when investing in a start-up, James said:

“First thing, is a big vision about what you want to achieve, because the types of things we invest in are outliers. We invest in people with really ambitious global visions.

Second thing we look for are insights. We want the entrepreneurs to have earned insight – this idea that you know something about a problem beyond what most people know, and that allows you to see an interesting opportunity. That you know the problem so intimately that you can see a different world that no one else can see. Go deep on a problem and understand it a lot. And then you can figure out how to apply the knowledge to build a solution.

Third thing is the ability to actually go out and build and execute!”

Renewable Energy: Conor Rockwell (OKG18), Design Engineer of GreenSquare

Conor has played a key role in delivering industry-leading renewable energy solutions through his current position as a Design Engineer with GreenSquare, and his previous work with global engineering and consulting firm WSP.

Today, his work focuses on developing innovative, high-performance energy solutions for the rapidly evolving AI data centre sector. This includes integrating thermal, electrical and renewable energy systems to support the next generation of digital infrastructure.

Drawing on his experience as a mechanical engineer, Conor also explored the critical concept of Design Responsibility.

Environmental Sustainability: Andrew Smithyman (OKG22), Co-Founder of Air2Energy

Andrew founded Air2Energy with a clear purpose: to make decarbonisation a practical, sustainable and commercially viable pathway in addressing the global issue of eco-pollution. A seasoned entrepreneur, he has led ventures across a range of industries, including business, aquaculture and biotech.

Andrew’s presentation explored several challenges and opportunities of our time, including the transition to a circular economy, the continued growth of renewable energy, and the increasing role of advanced technologies such as AI in improving systems and operations.

Andrew encouraged students to adopt a holistic perspective and emphasised that there is no single solution, and that we are addressing real problems that require scalable solutions that deliver tangible and lasting impact.

Citizenship: Chris Vagg (OKG91), Founder and General Manager of Pass It On Clothing and Co

Chris is a humanitarian and community-minded Old Boy whose diverse career includes roles as a senior statistician for the AFL, Consultant and Operations Manager with the NRL and Sideline Injury Surveillance Operations Manager at the Rugby League World Cup. Today he is Founder and General Manager of Pass It On Clothing and Co., a purpose-driven organisation dedicated to supporting those experiencing hardship.

Through Pass It On Clothing and Co., Chris has developed a model that connects clothing donations directly with people in need, helping restore dignity and improve access to essential items within the community. However, his vision extends beyond the provision of material goods. He believes meaningful support is built through connection, conversation and choice, creating opportunities for people to feel seen, valued and empowered.

Reducing Inequality: Phil Scarr, Knox Student Support and Management Officer and Casual Rugby Sports Coach

Knox staff member Phil Scarr serves as an ambassador for Nedd’s Uncomfortable Challenge, an initiative founded by Nedd Brockmann, the 2026 Young Australian of the Year. The challenge encourages participants to spend ten consecutive days stepping beyond their comfort zones, raising awareness and support for efforts to end homelessness in Australia.

Health and Wellbeing: Lachlan Hall (OKG23), Sport and Exercise Science student at UTS

Lachlan recently completed internships at Manly United and PhysXrehab, where he gained firsthand experience in the rapidly evolving field of sports rehabilitation. His presentation explored emerging technologies, including integrated wearable devices that provide real-time physiological data and smart materials designed to enhance treatment, monitoring and rehabilitation outcomes.

Indigenous Communities: Mitchell Robinson, Knox First Nations Director and English Teacher

Knox staff member Mitchell Robinson challenged students to consider an important question, “How can we contribute to positive change for and with Indigenous peoples?” He encouraged students to develop a genuine understanding of a real need, opportunity or issue by listening to and learning from First Nations perspectives. Rather than assuming solutions, students were asked to investigate existing initiatives, understand the context, and identify practical and respectful ways they could contribute.

A key message from Mitchell's presentation was the importance of listening and learning before taking action.

In November, our Year 10 students will embark on the Global Challenge Project. Last year, we asked several teams during this program about their projects. This is what they said.