No doubt it was a question that many of the sell-out crowd of about 180 people wanted to ask former Federal Treasurer Peter Costello at yesterday's Inspiring People lunch at the Westin Hotel.

But it fell to facilitator Karl Faase to ask Mr Costello why he hadn't seized the leadership of the nation in 2007.

The politician's answer was surprisingly wise: one of the hardest truths is that despite effort and hard work it is sometimes mere "timing' that prevents success in life.

"I tried [to become leader] but I was not successful at convincing my colleagues at that time," he said.

The wisdom of Mr Costello's reflections on his political career was matched by the candour, honesty and depth of the discussion with fellow panellists Dr Michael Spence, vice-chancellor and principal of Sydney University,  and four time windsurfing world champion Allison Shreeve.

Photo: Archbishop Jensen with the ‘Inspiring People’ he invited to take part in the panel event

Over a wide-ranging 50 minute discussion they tackled subjects as diverse as what it means to be a "servant leader' to the way personal identity is challenged by failure.

Allison Shreeve spoke about her particularly tough year, which included losing the world championship by a metre in the final race and the feelings she had let down her supporters when a storm cruelled her attempt to become the first woman to wind-surf across the Bass Strait. 

"God says it's not the title that defines you," she said, explaining there is more important things in life.

Dr Michael Spence, vice-chancellor and principal of Sydney University, admitted that he used to think that he would never succeed as an academic because "of the fact I didn't believe in the academic law like some of my colleagues" but in something else."

Later he came to realise that trusting in God has given him the freedom to succeed.

"Work is not something you can put your trust in," he said.

The discussion ended with a promotion of the Life of Jesus seminars being run by Dr John Dickson.

At the half way point of the Inspiring People events, over 70 people have signed up for the course .

Grand Final inspiration

The day ended with some true Grand Final inspiration at Parramatta Leagues Club.

Parramatta is awash with blue and yellow this week as the grand final match this weekend between the club and Melbourne nears.

In what is the busiest week of his time as Parramatta Eels CEO, Paul Osborne found time to address the Inspiring People event about what really matters in life.

The NRL manager of the moment pointed to the Inspiring People photograph featuring former Kangeroos Jason Stevens and Brad McKay. 

He said their Christian stand had been very important: “All footballers believe in something and the are very superstitious. But the fact that Jason was prepared to put his hand up, and Brad who’s up there as well would do the same. Obviously at the moment there’s a big focus on arguably the best player in the world, Jarrod Hayne, who’s life has been turned around unbelievably.”

Jarrod Hayne has been very open in the media, saying that God has changed his life.

‘‘I think the way I’m playing is a reflection of going to church and putting a lot of faith in God,” Hayne told the Sydney Morning Herald last month.

‘‘I think, if it [his surge in form] had happened in the last couple of years, it would have went to my head and I would’ve thought I was a bit of a rock star and got carried away, but now I just worry about next week. I’ve got to put another big game in next week, and that’s all I focus on.’‘

Photo: Paul Osborne (centre) with Dr John Best, Allison Shreeve and moderator, Karl Faase.