Business Culture Lessons from Cats and Lions Every Leader Should Know
- Future Accounting
- Sep 26
- 2 min read
Written by: Chris Mulcahy
Learn business culture lessons from cats and lions that build winning teams
Grand Final week isn’t just about footy - it’s also a chance to reflect on what high-performing clubs like Geelong and Brisbane can teach us about building winning organisations. Both the Cats and the Lions have carved out reputations for sustained success, and their approach offers valuable insights for any business leader.
On-field performance: the power of reinvention
Geelong’s consistent finals appearances and Brisbane’s push to go back-to-back show that long-term success comes from smart list management and the ability to adapt. In business, this translates to staying agile, refining strategies, and reinventing when the game changes.
Off-field strategy: investing for growth
The Cats’ redevelopment of GMHBA Stadium and the Lions’ state-of-the-art Springfield base demonstrate the importance of investing in infrastructure. Both clubs understand that growth isn’t just about today’s results - it’s about building capacity for tomorrow. For businesses, the message is clear: reinvest in systems, tools, and spaces that strengthen your foundation.
Culture: where champions choose to belong
Perhaps the most powerful takeaway is culture. Both Geelong and Brisbane are now considered “destination clubs” - places where players want to go and are willing to stay, sometimes even for less money. Strong leadership, clear values, and a genuine sense of belonging fuel this loyalty. Patrick Dangerfield summed it up well when he reminded us that family and perspective matter. Culture doesn’t just support performance - it drives it.
Business culture lessons from cats and lions
For businesses, the parallels are striking. Success isn’t just about hitting targets - it’s about balancing performance with culture, ambition with community, and growth with stability. The business culture lessons from cats and lions remind us that the organisations that thrive are those that create a winning environment where people want to stay, contribute, and succeed.
Final takeaway: is your business finals-ready?
Just like footy clubs prepare their game plans for September, businesses need strategies that go beyond short-term wins. Building a culture that attracts talent, investing in long-term infrastructure, and staying adaptable are what separate the contenders from the champions.
Now’s the time to review your business game plan. At Future Accounting, we help family businesses, farmers, and entrepreneurs strengthen their foundations, protect their wealth, and plan for sustained success.
Talk to us today and make sure your business is finals-ready.
Disclaimer
This article does not constitute financial advice and is for general information only. It does not take into account any individual’s personal objectives, situation or needs, and is not intended as professional advice. Any similarity to an individual’s personal circumstances and the examples provided in this article is purely coincidental. Any person acting upon such information without receiving specific advice, does so entirely at their own risk.
Authorisation under an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) is not required in the provision of this article and the author plus Future Accounting Group Pty Ltd is not acting in its capacity as an Australian Financial Services Licence holder
Liability limited by a scheme approved under professional standards legislation.
