What does it take to plan and deliver a safe, people-first Olympic Games in today’s fast-changing world?



In Part 1 of this two-part episode, Andrew McCormack, partner in Ashurst’s Project and Energy Transition Team, revisits a standout conversation from the 2032 and Beyond podcast series. Ashurst's global co-head of energy, Dan Brown, sits down with Bob Walker, who played a key leadership role in crisis and risk management for the Sydney 2000 Olympics, to explore the practical realities behind delivering one of the world’s largest and most complex events.



The discussion covers the core elements of successful Olympic risk management, from large-scale crowd planning and emergency preparedness to leadership that places people at the centre. Bob reflects on the value of human connection, strong culture, and flexible contingency planning in delivering not just a safe Games, but an experience that resonates with communities long after the final event.


This podcast contains general information and does not constitute legal advice. Ashurst is not a sponsor, licensee, or promotional partner of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Olympic movement, nor any Olympic body, event, team, or athlete. Nothing in this podcast is intended to suggest any such sponsorship, license, or promotional affiliation. 

What does it take to plan and deliver a safe, people-first Olympic Games in today&rsquo;s fast-changing world? 
In Part 1 of this two-part episode, Andrew McCormack, partner in Ashurst&rsquo;s Project and Energy Transition Team, revisits a standout conversation from the 2032 and Beyond podcast series. Ashurst's global co-head of energy, Dan Brown, sits down with Bob Walker, who played a key leadership role in crisis and risk management for the Sydney 2000 Olympics, to explore the practical realities behind delivering one of the world&rsquo;s largest and most complex events. 
The discussion covers the core elements of successful Olympic risk management, from large-scale crowd planning and emergency preparedness to leadership that places people at the centre. Bob reflects on the value of human connection, strong culture, and flexible contingency planning in delivering not just a safe Games, but an experience that resonates with communities long after the final event.
 This podcast contains general information and does not constitute legal advice. Ashurst is not a sponsor, licensee, or promotional partner of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Olympic movement, nor any Olympic body, event, team, or athlete. Nothing in this podcast is intended to suggest any such sponsorship, license, or promotional affiliation.

2025 is shaping up to be a momentous year for business leaders and those who advise them. Across every sector, powerful forces of change will challenge organisations  and create opportunities like never before.
This is a time of economic and political change…
…a time of digital transformation and energy transition…
and a time of rapidly shifting expectations  from consumers, shareholders and employees.

So, amidst all this change, what are the strategic priorities on the global business agenda? How are the best leaders uncovering opportunities for growth and creating value?  

To find out, listen to our podcast: AshurstBusiness Agenda.

Join us, as we tap into Ashurst’s deep industry knowledge and wide network to speak with thought leaders and experts from across the globe. We’ll be covering the key trends and opportunities emerging from advances in data and technology, the energy transition and the changing dynamics impacting banking and finance, real estate & infrastructure and much more.

To ensure you don’t miss a single episode, subscribe to Business Agenda now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your wherever you listen to your podcasts.

2025 is shaping up to be a momentous year for business leaders and those who advise them. Across every sector, powerful forces of change will challenge organisations &nbsp;and create opportunities like never before.
<ul>
<li>This is a time of economic and political change&hellip;</li>
<li>&hellip;a time of digital transformation and energy transition&hellip;</li>
<li>and a time of rapidly shifting expectations &nbsp;from consumers, shareholders and employees.</li>
</ul>
So, amidst all this change, what are the strategic priorities on the global business agenda? How are the best leaders uncovering opportunities for growth and creating value? &nbsp;
To find out, listen to our podcast: Ashurst Business Agenda.
Join us, as we tap into Ashurst&rsquo;s deep industry knowledge and wide network to speak with thought leaders and experts from across the globe. We&rsquo;ll be covering the key trends and opportunities emerging from advances in data and technology, the energy transition and the changing dynamics impacting banking and finance, real estate &amp; infrastructure and much more.
To ensure you don&rsquo;t miss a single episode, subscribe to Business Agenda now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Ashurst Business Agenda Podcast

Ashurst Business Agenda

This is Part 1 of a two-part episode examining how lessons from past Olympic Games, especially Sydney 2000, can inform people-centred planning, risk management, and leadership for Brisbane 2032.

Advertisement