Bain Dohne speaks to Anthony Scaramucci at the Sohn Hearts and Minds Conference.

The Sohn Hearts and Minds investors conference, held in Sydney on 14 November 2025, brought together some of the sharpest minds in medical research, investment and finance, science and philanthropy – all in support of medical research.

The event provided a unique forum for industry leaders and global thought leaders to connect and share ideas, and it was headlined by a line-up of exceptional speakers. A couple of schools were also invited, with their attendance sponsored, to further their engagement and give students a glimpse into the world beyond their normal schooling years.

While I could write at length about many of the speakers, Anthony Scaramucci’s talk on leadership and civics stood out – particularly because I didn’t expect that focus at an investors’ conference. His message was clear: youth civics matters. We cannot keep doing the same things and hope the world improves.

Keynote speaker: Anthony Scaramucci, Founder and Managing Partner of SkyBridge (USA)

Anthony described the decline in US politics as the product of several forces:

• Money and access: Political parties have used money to entrench themselves, making it incredibly expensive and difficult for new parties to enter US politics.

• Populism and post-truth: While serious issues face the general population, false information and “post-truths” have been used to fuel populism and propel certain figures into leadership positions.

• Marketing and timing: Clever marketing by Donald Trump, combined with timing, allowed him to capture an ideology, turn it into a movement, and then fold that movement into the Republican Party.

Anthony was equally clear on another point: we cannot allow this pattern to continue, and Australia must be alert so that we don’t follow the same path.

This is exactly where our Foundation’s vision and mission sit: to educate Australia’s youth so they are aware of these dynamics and become leaders who act with integrity and lead for the common good. After the event, I had the opportunity to speak with Anthony and was also honoured to meet his son, Anthony Jr., who reflected his father’s professionalism and candour while remaining humble and honest.

CEO and Founder of Odyssey, Bain Dohne, and Anthony Scaramucci.

Anthony closed with three life lessons:

1. Remove pride from ego in decision-making. Pride clouds judgment – something he, and many of us, have learned the hard way.

2. Confront problems directly. Don’t wait for them to blow over; “go straight at the problem and face the music.”

3. Don’t make relationships disposable. Life is not a transaction, so don’t treat people as if they are.

As leaders – whether emerging or experienced – it behoves us to treat others with respect and dignity. When we fail to treat our communities and constituents with the honesty and respect they deserve, we fail them in every regard. Trust erodes, we lose sight of their humanity and virtues, and we forget that they are the ones who entrusted us with influence in the first place.

At Odyssey, we believe the antidote begins with young people who can think critically, speak confidently, and lead with integrity. Events like Sohn Hearts & Minds are a powerful reminder of what is at stake – and of the responsibility we share to prepare the next generation.