The Power of Being a Generalist: From Career Pivot to the Olympics 

In most industries today, specialist workers tend to take the spotlight, but generalists are often the ones quietly holding everything together. With their cross-disciplinary skillset, and the ability to adapt and thrive in change, generalists are an essential part of high-performing teams and complex environments.

Brendan Keane didn’t intentionally set out to become the Director of Sport for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. He didn’t follow a perfectly linear career path or specialise in a particular area from day one. Instead, he remained open, adaptable and willing to reset when something didn’t feel right. Earlier this year, Brendan joined us as the alumni guest speaker at our AIBconnect event in Brisbane, where he shared how embracing range over routine helped shape a career that’s anything but ordinary.

From public service to professional sport 

Brendan began his career in the public sector, working in Queensland’s Department of Education. Over ten years, he progressed through a variety of roles, steadily building his experience.

Even with increasing responsibility and meaningful outcomes, he found himself feeling disconnected from his work. While he was performing well, it became clear he wasn’t aligned with the direction his career was heading.

This realisation led to a decision many professionals consider but few commit to, stepping away to reset. Brendan decided to enrol in an MBA, taking a career break to reflect, re-skill and plan for what came next. To anyone else feeling stuck in their career, he says stepping back to study isn’t a setback – it’s a strategic reset.

Using study as a circuit breaker 

Study wasn’t just a qualification – it was a circuit breaker. AIB’s flexible model allowed Brendan to fully focus, giving him the time and structure to reorient his career with intention. 

He embraced the coursework with purpose, using the time to reflect on what kind of work felt meaningful and sustainable long term. “It gave me the space to think, not just about where I was, but where I wanted to go,” he said. 

Brendan’s pivot quickly gained momentum. He landed a role working on the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, which marked the beginning of a new path in major events. The combination of his renewed focus, real-world learning and timing helped him step confidently into a new industry that aligned far more closely with his passions. 

Since then, he’s worked across strategy, governance, program management and international relations – all of which led to his current position supporting the delivery of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. When the path ahead isn’t clear, Brendan believes learning can create the momentum to move forward. 

The unexpected strength of being a generalist 

In high-pressure, high-profile environments like the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the ability to work across functions and lead through complexity is critical. Brendan’s role spans 28 Olympic and 22 Paralympic sports, up to 206 competing nations and countless stakeholders from international sporting bodies to political leaders. 

No two days are the same – one moment, he’s reviewing the specifications of an Athlete’s Village, the next, he’s discussing corporate strategy with a global sporting agency or operational budgets with organisational leaders. “It’s not about being the expert in the room,” he said, “it’s about bringing experts together and helping them move in the same direction.” 

He’s not a technical specialist but that’s exactly what makes him effective. His broad thinking, strategic mindset and strong communication skills allow him to bridge the gaps between teams, ideas and outcomes. Brendan says he’s learned being a generalist isn’t a gap to overcome but a strength to build on. “That time in my MBA helped me figure out how to lead in that space with more confidence.” 

Making sense of a generalist career in a specialist world 

It’s a common challenge for professionals in the middle of their careers: do you double down and specialise further, or embrace your breadth and become a connector? Brendan knows that tension well and for a long time, he questioned whether being a generalist would hold him back. 

Working alongside people with deep, technical expertise, he often felt like the “utility player” or someone who could contribute across the board but didn’t quite “own” a domain. “Being a generalist means you see the links,” he said. “You can shift between different conversations and disciplines. In complex environments, that’s what actually moves things forward.” 

His roles since joining the Brisbane 2032 project are a case in point. He’s worked across international relations, corporate governance, strategy, program delivery and now sport operations – all with different teams, objectives and constraints. The common thread has been his ability to listen, translate and lead across functions. 

Rather than resist the label of generalist, Brendan embraced it. He built range intentionally and over time, it became the thing that set him apart. 

Turning learning into leadership 

For Brendan, studying wasn’t just about theory – it was practical from day one. He used what he was learning across governance, strategy, stakeholder management and international business in real-time, especially as he stepped into new leadership roles. 

He often found himself returning to course materials, not out of necessity, but because they were genuinely helpful. “I was literally pulling out textbooks at work,” he laughed. “It felt a bit strange at first, but it helped me navigate situations I hadn’t dealt with before.” 

One surprise standout was the subject of Entrepreneurship. He hadn’t expected to enjoy the course, but which reshaped the way he approached challenges. “It unlocked a mindset I didn’t know I had,” he said. “It helped me think more creatively and more commercially even in government settings.” 

That learning gave Brendan the ability to move between operational and strategic modes. He sees it as something that is essential in environments where the pace and pressure are high. “It gave me a toolkit to lead with purpose even when things are moving fast.” 

Redefining success on your own terms 

Brendan’s story isn’t about climbing a ladder. It’s about alignment with values, direction and work that feels meaningful. Brendan’s mindset shift, combined with his generalist capabilities and the confidence built through study, helped shape a career that’s not just successful, but sustainable. 

And of course, his sense of humour came through too – including his pitch for a Games mascot based on Australia’s most dangerous animals (which, for the record, didn’t quite make it past the creative team). 

Brendan’s journey is a reminder that growth doesn’t always come from going deeper into one area. Sometimes, it comes from stepping back, learning broadly and having the confidence to lead with range. 

Whether you’re mapping your next move or figuring out your first, AIBconnect is more than a networking event. It’s where stories are shared, ideas take shape and real connections are made. You’ll meet fellow students and alumni who’ve walked a similar path, hear honest insights from those who’ve been where you are, and chat with AIB staff in person. You might come for the conversation, but you’ll leave with clarity, confidence and maybe even a new direction. We’d love to see you at the next one. 

A huge thank you to Brendan for sharing his time, insights and story with the AIB community. It’s not every day you hear how someone’s study journey ends up shaping one of the world’s biggest events. Stories like his remind us that career growth isn’t always about following the rules – sometimes, it’s about rewriting them.