Matt Tice – The leadership challenge behind Australia’s economic slowdown

In this session, Matt Tice, CEO of Insurgence Group, draws on global experience advising organisations across multiple industries. He explores the leadership challenges behind Australia’s ongoing productivity slowdown.

Australia continues to lag behind the US in productivity growth. Matt argues the problem is no longer only economic. Many organisations already feel the impact through slower decisions, inconsistent execution, and growing operational friction.

Instead of focusing only on market conditions, Matt encourages CEOs to look inward. He examines the systems, leadership behaviours, and organisational structures that shape performance. Delivering practical insights for leaders navigating uncertainty in 2026.

Key Takeaways

✔ Productivity is a leadership issue
Productivity challenges often begin inside organisations through unclear priorities, weak accountability, and slow execution.

✔ Decision velocity matters
High-performing organisations make decisions faster, with greater clarity and stronger alignment across teams.

✔ Operational friction limits growth
Inefficient systems, competing priorities, and poor coordination create drag that reduces adaptability and performance.

✔ Accountability drives execution
Clear ownership and disciplined follow-through are critical to improving productivity and achieving strategic outcomes.

✔ Structure shapes performance
Organisational design, workflows, and systems directly influence how effectively teams collaborate and deliver results.

✔ Emerging tools can improve decision-making
AI, digital twins, and simulation modelling help leaders test scenarios, optimise resources, and improve operational efficiency.

✔ Adaptive organisations outperform
Businesses built around flexibility, alignment, and execution are better positioned to navigate uncertainty and change.

Throughout the discussion, Matt shows that productivity is not about working harder. Stronger performance comes from better systems, faster decisions, and clearer alignment. Leaders who improve how work gets done can build more resilient and high-performing organisations.

Hosted by Stephanie Christopher, Managing Director of Vistage Australia & New Zealand, this webinar gives CEOs and business leaders practical strategies to improve organisational performance and lead with confidence through economic uncertainty.