Speaking on the topic ‘Goals’ the Australia’s Got Talent winner said he will encourage students to identify their goals and the steps to achieve them. 

“A lot of people are afraid to fail but it pays to learn to say yes and grasp the moment,” said the Orange High School graduate.

More than 70 CSU students will attend the program which aims to encourage networking and facilitate leadership skills.

Mr Rodriguez said his career wouldn’t have taken off had he not thrown himself in the deep end more than once, which included the bold claim to Sony Music Australia executives his dance group could sing.

“I said ‘give us the opportunity to show how we can record in the studio’,” he said.

“We could hold a note and there’s seven different tones to work with...that’s where our success grew.”

Australian female entrepreneur of 2018 Penny Locaso and social media influencer Tanya Hennessy spoke to students on Wednesday.

Ms Hennessy said she hoped students would leave the two-day conference feeling inspired.

“I hope people hear my story and know that I’m not different, or special – I’m just a hard worker, and that’s what sets me apart,” she said.

The author and radio personality said her time as a CSU student was one of the best of her life and her message to the emerging leaders was “say yes to everything and make your own opportunities”.

“Don’t rest on your talent, everyone is talented – what makes you different?” Ms Hennessy asked.