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An Insight into the World Around Us
This year’s CGS Insight Speaker Series was off to a flying start before it was, unexpectably, stalled by COVID-19.
Mr Philip McGlade CEO of Trek Bicycle Corporation
In February, a CGS contingent of bike enthusiasts connected with the CEO of Trek Bicycle Corporation, Mr Philip McGlade. Trek is the largest bicycle brand in the world, with sales around US$1.5bn and 3,500 employees. Philip has two sons currently attending CGS, Will (Year 7) and Tom (Year 12).
Philip addressed a packed audience in The Snow Centre with attendees from all year levels. He spoke passionately about how cycling can be one of the solutions to the world’s biggest problems, including mental illness and general wellbeing, urban congestion, pollution reduction, and obesity issues. In furtherance of these possible solutions, Trek’s business model is focused on adopting a transparent and sustainable supply chain as well as prioritising issues such as sustainability during decision-making.
Philip wowed his audience with an engaging presentation and even gave away two bikes to two very lucky raffle winners. The money raised from the raffle went towards the School’s Bushfire Appeal. Philip then kindly stayed on to run a masterclass with HSC and IB Business Studies and Economics students.
At the beginning of March, the School then welcomed Tania Constable psm. Tania, currently the CEO of Minerals Council Australia, spoke about the future of the Australian resources sector. With a crowd of well-prepared CGS students and staff concerned with climate change, questions were respectful and yet aimed at Australia’s sustainable future and society’s reliance on coal. While Tania conceded that coal is not the answer moving forward, she identified it as an essential resource for Australia to ensure a smooth transition to a more sustainable future.
Tania demonstrated her evident knowledge about the depth and breadth of the Australian resources sector and discussed with students what everyday items were made using mined Australian resources. From solar panels, electric cars, smartphones, and coins to toothpaste, it seems that Australia’s mined materials remain, at this stage, an often controversial yet ubiquitous part of everyday lives.
