Sir Chris Husbands former VC of Sheffield Hallam University and founding chair of the UK Teaching Excellence Framework joins Professor Helen Bartlett VC of University of the Sunshine Coast. They were on stage at HEDx at UQ for an opening keynote and fireside chat that dissects the global issues facing higher education. They argue the clear need to identify purpose, implement that purpose clearly and consistently, and be ever vigilant to ongoing change in leading our communities through turbulent times. Sir Chris and Helen both emphasise the importance of being distinctive and following your own true path in doing that. They observe many members of our community do this effectively every day.