I sat down with Jeremy Crawford, CEO of the Geelong Chamber of Commerce, to talk about leadership, regional growth, and what it really takes to build a thriving business ecosystem. With a career spanning hospitality, sport, talent, and economic development, Jeremy brings both an insider’s understanding and an outsider’s lens to Geelong’s future.
📍 Q: You stepped into the CEO role at a pivotal time for Geelong. What was the first uncomfortable truth you had to confront about the region’s business ecosystem?
Jeremy: “What struck me early was that Geelong has already lived through almost every economic and political cycle. There’s deep resilience here, but also a mindset shaped by that history. When we talk about optimism and change at the Chamber, we have to respect that there are long-standing businesses who’ve seen it all before.
The uncomfortable truth is that Geelong holds an enormous amount of untapped knowledge. The challenge isn’t capability, it’s how we unlock that experience, connect it, and let it guide the next phase of growth.”
📍 Q: When you think about Geelong’s next 10 years, what’s the biggest opportunity we’re underestimating, and the biggest risk we’re not talking about enough?
Jeremy: “The biggest opportunity is our ability to attract investment, both domestic and international. Geelong has the assets, talent, and story to compete globally.
The biggest risk, though, is fragmented regional leadership. Progress can become too dependent on individuals or organisational changes. What we need is a more unified vision, clear accountability, and continuity in how we transition Geelong forward, regardless of who’s in the room.”
📍 Q: If a young professional or founder in Geelong asked you, ‘How do I contribute meaningfully here?’, what would you tell them to start doing this year?
Jeremy: “Start with relationships. Geelong thrives on connection and reciprocity. The most successful businesses here invest in people first, offering support, sharing knowledge, and building trust before chasing outcomes. That richness is what sustains long-term success.”
📍 Q: One message for the world
Jeremy: “Always bring an external lens. Looking beyond your own geography and learning how other regions, cultures, and businesses operate can spark innovation in ways you’d never expect.”
✨ Key Takeaway:
Jeremy’s perspective reminds us that regional growth isn’t about quick wins, it’s about continuity, connection, and shared leadership. Geelong’s future will be shaped not just by investment and policy, but by how well its people listen, collaborate, and learn from both past cycles and global perspectives.
