Earlier this month, the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) hosted a transformative workshop in Lautoka, Fiji, for its General Secretaries (CEOs), focusing on high-performance leadership and effective communications. This two-day event was part of the OFC Executive Programme, designed to strengthen the leadership skills and strengthen awareness on management practices and trends of CEOs and General Secretaries across Oceania’s Member Associations.
The workshop included a comprehensive overview of the upcoming OFC Professional League, presented by OFC General Secretary Franck Castillo and Clubs and Leagues Manager Steven Dillon. Set to kick off in early 2026, the league aims to be a game-changer for football in Oceania, providing new opportunities for clubs and fostering deeper fan engagement.
High-Performance Leadership: Building Trust, Momentum and Clarity
At the heart of high-performance leadership lies the integration of adapting leadership approaches emotional intelligence and the deliberate cultivation of trust, clarity, and momentum.
OFC Chief Operating Officer Frederic Guillemont and Head of Member Association Services Flavia Lopes led interactive sessions on high performance leadership and the crucial role these elements play in creating resilient, high-functioning teams. By understanding and employing emotional intelligence, leaders can connect authentically with their teams, inspiring a shared commitment to organisational goals. While also fostering trust, momentum and clarity within their organisations.
The focus on adaptive leadership styles highlighted the need to tailor one’s approach depending on the team member and situation, helping CEOs to inspire and motivate diverse teams effectively.
Guillemont added, “”High-performance leadership is built on trust, clarity, and momentum. Trust creates a foundation of psychological safety and openness, where team members feel valued and empowered. Clarity provides direction and purpose, aligning individual roles with the organisation’s broader mission. Momentum drives sustained effort and resilience, propelling teams toward shared goals. Together, these elements foster an environment where every team member is engaged, purposeful, and motivated to achieve excellence.”
Communications in the Digital Age: Strengthening CEO Communication, Crisis Management and Mobile Journalism
Consultant Olivier Huc, a seasoned broadcaster from TNTV in Tahiti, led compelling sessions on communications strategy for CEOs, covering digital approaches and emerging trends. Although crisis management took centre stage, the primary purpose of the session was to strengthen communication awareness among CEOs, equipping them with tools to lead their organisations effectively.
Huc highlighted the importance of having a well-defined communication strategy, supported by the right people and impactful content. “As a CEO, it’s crucial to be the face of your organisation in challenging times, with a team that can help navigate complex situations,” Huc emphasised. He underscored the need for transparent messaging and a proactive approach to crisis management, ensuring leaders are prepared to respond swiftly and credibly.
The sessions also delved into the rapidly growing field of mobile journalism. Huc demonstrated how technology has made content creation more accessible and impactful, empowering Member Associations to tell their stories dynamically and reach broader audiences. With the right strategy, skilled communicators, and authentic storytelling, CEOs can strengthen their connection with stakeholders and enhance their organisations’ influence across digital platforms.
Reflections from Member Association CEOs: Fostering Connections and Leadership
The workshop fostered a strong sense of connection among leaders. Andrew Pragnell, General Secretary of New Zealand Football, appreciated the focus on leadership development and media relations.
“There was an emphasis on the importance of media and marketing for football associations. The workshop was about connecting with colleagues and developing leadership skills within ourselves and across our organisations.”
Echoing Pragnell’s sentiments, Fiji Football Association CEO Mohammed Yusuf noted, “There was a lot to take away about leadership, variation in leadership to manage different situations and of course the importance of having a fully-fledged Media team to ensure the Association covers all aspects as quick as possible for any situation.”
Looking Ahead: Next Edition of the OFC Executive Programme
The OFC Executive Programme for General Secretaries will continue its development, with the next workshop set in Auckland New Zealand.
As OFC continues to invest in its leaders through initiatives like these, it is clear that the confederation is committed to taking football to new heights making it a unifying and transformational force across the Pacific.