Emerging Leaders Breakfast 2025

Gerrard Gosens - Paralympian & Entrepreneur
A remarkable example of resilience and drive, having been born blind but never allowing that to limit his ambitions. A decorated Paralympian, Gerrard has represented Australia in athletics at three Paralympic Games and later transitioned to paratriathlon, competing at the elite level in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics and 2022 Commonwealth Games. His fearless approach to life has seen him conquer Mount Everest, showcase his dancing skills on national television, and most recently, take on marathon swimming challenges like the English Channel and Manhattan Island swim—all fuelled by his passion for pushing boundaries.

Beyond sport, Gerrard channels his creativity into Chocolate Moments, a venture he co-founded with his wife, Heather. As a blind chocolatier, Gerrard uses his finely tuned senses of taste and smell to craft premium chocolates that offer an immersive sensory experience. His unique perspective and commitment to excellence have made him a celebrated motivational speaker and entrepreneur. Gerrard’s journey is a powerful reminder that with determination, anything is possible.

Dominique Lamb – Queensland Small Business Commissioner
Dominique Lamb assumed the role of Small Business Commissioner in December 2022. With a robust background in industrial relations and employment law, she brings a unique blend of legal expertise and advocacy skills to her position.  Dominique's primary objective is to enhance the operating environment for small businesses in Queensland and to reduce the time and costs associated with resolving disputes involving small business. In her capacity as Commissioner, Dominique has embarked on a proactive engagement strategy, collaborating closely with governmental bodies, industry organisations, and regional stakeholders. One of Dominique's notable achievements has been the significant expansion of the Small Business Friendly (SBF) Program, which now boasts participation from 51 Councils. Additionally, she has taken proactive steps to establish three new roundtables, providing platforms for industry representatives and regional stakeholders to voice their concerns and contribute to policy discussions. Beyond her professional endeavours, Dominique is deeply committed to social causes, particularly those addressing domestic and family violence.