Graham Winter
Outstanding Alumni Contribution to Sport Award聽recipient 2024
Bachelor of Arts 1977, Diploma of Applied Psychology 1979
Graham Winter is a performance psychologist and bestselling author whose career has centred on helping people unlock their potential, whether they鈥檙e Olympic athletes or senior executives. Serving as Chief Psychologist to three Australian Olympic teams and the Australian Test Cricket Team, and as a trusted advisor to top leadership teams in industry, government, and universities, Graham has guided people to build the mindset, skills, and resilience needed to perform at their best.
His background in professional cricket鈥攊ncluding membership in Sheffield Shield and One Day Cup-winning teams鈥攊nspired his approach to high-performance psychology. His Think One Team book, a bestseller now in third edition, is one of many publications that have shaped high-performing teams around the world. In 2020, he was awarded a Fellowship with the Australian Psychological Society, recognising his contributions to the field.
鈥淣obody makes it to the top 鈥 no one succeeds 鈥 by themselves.鈥
鈥淐ricket was definitely my sport of choice as a kid,鈥 says Graham. 鈥淚 loved it. I wanted to play first-class cricket.鈥 Alongside his sporting ambitions, he pursued his passion for psychology at the 成人大片, earning a Diploma of Applied Psychology (1979) after completing his Bachelor of Arts (1977). During this time, he also advanced as a cricketer, captaining Adelaide University Cricket Club and learning leadership and team skills that laid the foundation for his future work with both elite athletes and senior executives around the world.
Graham credits his wife, Carol, and sons, Mark and Ben, as his greatest inspirations, alongside the clients he feels privileged to support. 鈥淭here鈥檚 nothing more stimulating than working with people striving to unlock their potential鈥 I love helping them solve complex challenges鈥攏ot only for their own growth but for the impact it has on everyone around them.鈥
Graham encourages aspiring high-performers to build strong connections and support networks. 鈥淣obody makes it to the top鈥攏o one succeeds鈥攂y themselves.鈥 His personal success, he says, is defined by a simple measure: 鈥淭o be relevant and trusted鈥.
Receiving the Distinguished Alumni Contribution to Sport award, Graham reflects, is 鈥渁 moment of pride, a chance to look back on a career, and a recognition of what it鈥檚 been like to be part of such a great institution.鈥