Larita Academy 2026 - Day 3

Published on
April 16, 2026
Left: Careers Pathways Panel - L-R: Anita Pahor, Senator Steph Hodgins-May, Stephen Lewin, Christina Smith, Veronica Sullivan. Right: David Stevenson, NBL

Day 3 at Larita Academy

Big energy, big names and a day that really brought it.

We heard from leading voices across business and leadership in Australia, with panels featuring Ruslan Kogan, Kylie Watson-Wheeler, Farhan Faruqui, Stephen Lewin, Veronica Sullivan, Senator Steph Hodgins-May and Christina Smith. Real stories, different paths, and a room full of young people leaning in and taking it all on.

The National Basketball League team lifted the pace, with Dave Stevenson, Alex Cogan-Briata and Jordan Coles sharing what it takes behind the scenes to perform, stay connected and keep moving forward as a team.

Daniel and Laura Bartalotta alongside CEO Adam Stapleton brought the Daniel’s Donuts journey to life, from humble beginnings through to the scale they’re at today.

We also heard from Justin Kestelman, sharing his take on backing ideas and taking action, and Dr Eamonn McCarthy, leading a session that got the room thinking in a different way.

A full day with a big crew, plenty of laughs, and lots of moments that landed.

Left: Justin Kestelman; Right: Dr Eamonn McCarthy
Daniel's Donuts Panel, L-R: Daniel Bartalotta, Laura Bartalotta, Larry Kestelman, Adam Stapleton