Today on Better Student Leaders, we’re on campus at Griffith University Gold Coast with someone who’s lived the student leadership journey from both sides of the fence. Back in 2006, Jessica Brown started as a Club President — and by 2007, she was named Club Administrator of the Year by the Griffith University Student Guild. Nearly two decades later, she’s now CEO of the Griffith University Gold Coast Student Guild and Chair of the Board for the Student Experience Network, supporting student organisations across Australia and New Zealand.

From failing her first university subjects to leading national strategy for student life, Jess’s story is one of perseverance, people, and purpose. In this episode, we explore how relationships remain the most underrated leadership skill, how to “go beyond the email,” and why the next generation of leaders must learn to lean on each other more than ever.

💬 Impactful Lessons and Quotes

“If you want results, it’s going to take more than sending an email.”

“The secret to leadership is relationships — always has been, always will be.”

“Nine times out of ten, people are willing to help. The art is knowing what to ask.”

“I picked up the phone and called every single person who signed up. That’s how we grew from 3 teams to 14.”

“You’re not going to know everything — but just get stuck in and do it.”

Key Sections & Timestamps

00:00 – From Club President to CEO

Josh introduces Jess’s journey from a touch-footy club leader to the CEO of the Griffith Student Guild and Chair of SEN.

04:15 – Finding Her Place at Uni

Jess opens up about struggling academically and socially as a country student moving to the Gold Coast — and how joining a club changed everything.

08:30 – The Power of Picking Up the Phone

How Jess grew her club from three teams to fourteen by calling every single student after sign-on day — and what it taught her about engagement.

13:45 – Relationships Over Everything

Why relationships remain the heartbeat of student leadership and why “going beyond the email” still matters in 2025.

19:20 – The Art of Leaning On Others

Jess shares her take on mentorship — how to ask for help respectfully and the importance of having a clear “ask.”

25:10 – Balancing AI and Human Connection

A candid chat about how technology can support (not replace) genuine connection — and the tension between automation and authenticity.

29:40 – Advice to Student Leaders

What “CEO Jess” would tell “Student Jess”: dive in, build relationships, and never underestimate the power of connection.

✅ Share your biggest takeaway on LinkedIn with #BetterStudentLeaders and tag myself at @Josh Farr as well as Jess at @Jessica Brown