The Varsity Social Business Forum
Looking for a fun and relaxed way to meet like-minded business owners, locals, and professionals? Our Varsity Social Business Forums offer just that!
Just great conversations, networking, and a fantastic atmosphere.
Catch up with old friends & make new ones
Bring yourself, a friend, or your team
Open to everyone – businesses, residents, educators, clubs, churches, organisations, retirees, and community members.
Exciting Prizes & Giveaways
Enjoy lucky door prizes, business card draw, and raffles – plus drinks and nibbles. Don’t miss out!
Major Sponsor i2i
i2i has been used in over 26 countries to help individuals, teams, and organisations unlock their potential, strengthen collaboration, and create environments where people truly thrive.
Since 1992, i2i has worked across elite sport, business, and education, using science-backed strategies to drive meaningful, lasting change.
At the core of i2i’s methodology is understanding why we think, act, and make decisions the way we do. People go through life conditioned by past experiences, habits, and self-perceptions—often without realising it. By learning to reshape these thought patterns, individuals unlock new levels of confidence, clarity, and performance.
This isn’t just about motivation—it’s about rewiring thinking, improving decision-making, and taking control of potential. When individuals master self-talk and mindset, the transformation is profound—whether in the workplace, on the field, or in the classroom.
For businesses of all sizes, i2i’s exclusive coaching framework is particularly powerful for anyone managing a team—from senior managers to directors—those responsible for driving performance, culture, and results. By embedding high-performance thinking at all levels, organisations see stronger leadership, better decision-making, and a more engaged workforce.
i2i Guest Presenter
Michael McDade
High-Performance Coach | Culture Architect | Commercial Director – i2i Australia | Founder – MJM Performance Plus
Helping leaders and teams think, lead, and perform better.
From Retail Floors to Boardroom Culture: A Journey of Performance and People
For over 17 years, Michael McDade was instrumental in building one of the UK’s most successful O2 franchise businesses — Communications Plus. As the business grew to include 21 stores and 3 call centres, Michael helped lead it to national recognition, winning Franchise of the Year multiple times, and ultimately being crowned Franchise of the Decade.
Under his leadership, the company became known for its award-winning sales structure, securing prestigious accolades such as the Queen’s Award for Enterprise. But Michael’s legacy wasn’t just built on commercial success — it was rooted in people.
As his role evolved, he became the face of the business, focusing on culture, leadership, and performance. He led the company to Investors in People Gold twice, and ultimately achieved Platinum status for two consecutive years — a rare and powerful testament to his commitment to people development.
Notably, Michael was first accredited in i2i’s performance methodology 14 years ago, long before joining them — a pivotal moment that would shape his future path in coaching and leadership.
The Leap: From Local Impact to Global Coaching
After nearly two decades of success, Michael relocated to the East Coast of Australia with his family, bringing with him a passion for people development and high performance. He took on the role of Commercial Director for i2i in Australia— an elite coaching organisation that has been transforming teams and leaders across 27 countries for more than 30 years.
At i2i, Michael is now one of only three people globally certified to deliver their exclusive coaching and psychological performance platform. He partners with leaders, teams, and even elite athletes — from MMA fighters to national businesses — to unlock mindset, shift behaviour, and sustain performance at the highest level.
He also founded MJM Performance Plus, his own brand committed to helping individuals and teams perform with purpose through one-to-one coaching, workshops, and tailored leadership development programmes.
Coaching that Goes Beyond Motivation
Michael’s approach is built on one simple truth:
“Performance starts with behaviour — and behaviour starts with mindset.”
His coaching combines emotional intelligence, behavioural science, and practical leadership tools to help businesses achieve lasting change. He integrates the AVA® (Activity Vector Analysis) — a behavioural profiling tool that enhances recruitment, coaching, and leadership development by revealing what truly drives performance.
Whether working with fast-growing SMEs, corporate leadership teams, or young athletes, Michael’s work is grounded in emotional awareness, strategic thinking, and the unwavering belief that people are the ultimate competitive advantage.
Business
Rolls Royce | BAE Systems | Virgin Atlantic | Vodafone | O2 | Travel Counsellors | Fujitsu
HSBC UK | Lexus | Royal Mail | NHS | SPIRE | Education*
Sports
Golf - Darren Clarke - Tommy Fleetwood - Ryder Cup
Snooker - Jimmy White
Rugby - Wigan Warriors - Sydney Rabbitohs
Soccer - Everton FC - Wigan FC (FA Cup)
Cricket - Freddy Flintoff - South Africa
Athletics
MMA
Pickleball
Gymnastics
