Professor Pikay Richardson, Chair of the Governing Council of the University of Gold Coast, has urged the university’s Class of 2026 to embrace integrity, courage, kindness and hope as they begin the next chapter of their lives.
Speaking at the university’s 2026 graduation ceremony under the theme “Leadership in an Age of Complexity,” Prof. Richardson challenged graduates to remain principled, particularly when doing the right thing becomes difficult or inconvenient.
He urged the graduating class to make deliberate choices that reflect strong character.
“Choose curiosity over complacency. Choose courage over comfort. Choose kindness over indifference. Choose integrity over convenience and choose hope even when circumstances make it difficult.”
Leadership goes beyond titles and success
Prof. Richardson said true leadership should not be judged solely by professional positions, financial achievements or social status.
Rather, he said, leadership is reflected in the character individuals demonstrate and the positive impact they have on other people.
“People may remember your achievements, and some may not even remember at all, but all of them will remember how you treated them,” he said.
He therefore encouraged graduates to approach their professional and personal relationships with kindness, honesty and compassion.
According to him, integrity becomes particularly important when people face difficult decisions and competing interests.
Embrace curiosity and lifelong learning
The Governing Council Chair also urged graduates not to assume that their education had provided them with all the answers they would need throughout their careers.
He said the rapidly changing world requires people who are willing to remain curious, ask meaningful questions and adapt to new circumstances.
“Never confuse confidence with certainty. The wisest people know there’s always more to learn,” Prof. Richardson said.
He encouraged the graduates to remain open to new ideas and recognise that learning should continue well beyond university.
Career paths do not always follow a straight line
Drawing on his own professional journey, Prof. Richardson told the graduates that careers can develop in unexpected directions.
He began his career as an electrical engineer before moving into management, academia and leadership development. His professional experience eventually took him to more than 26 countries, where he taught and trained professionals.
He said his journey demonstrated that unexpected changes in direction can become some of the most significant and rewarding parts of a person’s life.
“Life can be like a maze that you are navigating through,” he said.
He added that growth can often emerge from uncertainty, setbacks and the willingness to reconsider one’s direction.
Graduates encouraged to learn from failure
Prof. Richardson also urged the Class of 2026 not to allow the fear of failure to prevent them from pursuing their ambitions.
He described failure as an important component of the learning and development process.
“Failure isn’t the opposite of success. Very often, it’s part of success. Every mistake teaches you something if you are willing to learn from it,” he said.
He encouraged graduates to reflect on their experiences, learn from mistakes and use setbacks as opportunities for improvement.
‘Lift others as you climb’
Beyond individual achievement, Prof. Richardson challenged the graduates to use their knowledge and opportunities to contribute positively to society.
He encouraged them to support others, mentor younger professionals and provide encouragement to people who may be facing challenges.
“Lift others as you climb. Be the mentor you once needed. Be the encouragement someone else is searching for,” he said.
He concluded by urging the graduates to dream boldly, work diligently, treat people with respect and remain committed to lifelong learning.
Prof. Richardson said the ultimate measure of their journey would not simply be the positions they attain or accomplishments they record, but the people they become along the way.
“Your greatest legacy will not simply be what you accomplish, but who you actually become.”
