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Lyn Boag was contemplating doing something different from her Clinical Psychologist job and heard Lynne Landy being interviewed on the radio. Lynne talked about the role of volunteers and the support that they gave to community organisations.

Her application to be a volunteer was not only accepted but, with her skills, she was invited to become a Client Manager in 2010. As one of 14 GreatConnections Client Managers, Lyn is allocated about 10 community organisations to work with to plan and support them with their specific projects.

“We get involved right at the start of the project and meet with the organisation, discuss their needs and prepare a plan. The main strength of our role is that we help the organisation scope and define their issues so that we can address their issues and match the skills needed with an appropriately qualified volunteer. What we are doing is linking this amazingly rich group of people with organisations that need support,” says Lyn.

Jennifer Arnold tells LV what motivated her to become a volunteer

Why did you become a volunteer?

Making a difference in an arena that you wouldn’t normally get the opportunity to and are really passionate about is why I recently become a GreatConnections volunteer.

I think there is more that I can do for organisations that may not necessarily have the people with a corporate background, particularly the corporate experience, IT and risk management experience I’ve been lucky enough to build over the years.

Where have you gained the skills?

I have been at Ernst and Young for the last 16 years.

Woor-Dungin means ‘share’ in the language of the Gunnai people of south eastern Victoria and perfectly encapsulates the purpose of this NFP organisation.

Jan Mahoney has been volunteering there since January and finds great joy in being able to share the skills gained throughout her career. “I wanted to get involved with supporting indigenous communities to be sustainable and the opportunity that LV has given me is perfect. I have the time, the passion and the skills to share,” adds Jan.

It all started when Jan returned to Victoria after a stint in Cape York working with aboriginal women. Sunita Varlamos, Manager Social Impact at LV, suggested the Woor Dungin project and after a meeting with Christa Momot, Chairperson it became clear that they had similar views and objectives.

LV had the chance to chat with Jenny Trethewey (WCLP’98), a GreatConnections volunteer mentor and asked her why she gave up her time for others. “It is the mutual exchange that makes it so worthwhile. Mentoring is all about sharing experiences and learnings. Neither party is an empty bucket and so both provide insights to each other.”

One of the community organisations that GreatConnections supports is the Indigenous Leadership Network of Victoria (ILNV) and they have worked with them since it began, in 2006. Jenny mentored the founding Executive Director and has continued to support the work of the organisation, joining ILNV’s Board in 2012. Today her mentee is Cherie Minniecon, whom she met in September last year. Cherie was working in a State Government department at the time but has since begun a role with the welfare organisation MacKillop Family Services to help to develop cultural competence within the organisation.

 Having the opportunity to influence the direction of an organisation is one of the reasons that Michael Corry joined the board of a not for profit organisation.

It was a logical progression from a career as a Chartered accountant climbing the corporate ladder and gaining the skills needed to mix with talented people. Michael has worked in both an accounting firm and also in the commercial world. This enables him to look at the issues facing organisations such as cash flow, remuneration and options for leasing or buying assets from both technical accounting and commercial angles. His aim is to make organisations better and more efficient.

Michael completed LV’s Experience Bank Leadership Program in 2007 and became an Alumnus. This gave him access to the community organisations that were looking for new board members or needed financial committee members.

Day 5…final day of our program.  The day is met with anticipation, sadness, but also a burning question ““Where to now? What can I do with this new found knowledge?”

Today has certainly provided a time to reflect on the program’s key messages and to think about the future.  Personally, I enjoyed the chance to take time-out and reflect on not only my own leadership style, but what I would like my leadership style to look like.  Where are the gaps?  What could I be doing better?  These questions now seem easy to answer.  I am no longer focusing on the “why?”  but the “why not?” 

The day started with us reflecting on the three leadership qualities we would like to develop. I found repeating this activity to be a very useful exercise as it served to reinforce the importance of focusing and developing on our leadership strengths.

Our first speaker of the day was James Garriock. James was an inspiring and engaging speaker. Through his personal journey, I saw in him the leadership traits we would like to acquire, bravery in the midst of adversity, resilience and authenticity. James’s pearls of wisdom, ranging from Leavitt’s diamond, culture and climate, engagement and alignment, were eagerly soaked up by us.

How are you? Three little words that count...

Self-awareness is a bit of a pain isn’t it? Here I am, quite content in my bubble – start at 8, head down, bum up, and when everyone else wanders in at 8.30 or 9 and chats away about their weekend or last night’s TV shows, I’m keeping the greetings to a bare minimum. I want to keep the workload under control and get out on time (yep, waaaay at the other end of the day - I’m thinking ahead).

I like to think that people see me as open and friendly, that I’m as approachable and easygoing as some of the best leaders in our workplace, that people feel they can approach me for support anytime.

But Ignite is making me re-think all this. What message is the head down, bum up approach sending? Am I being the person my colleagues need me to be? Am I using emotional intelligence to better understand those around me? Am I playing to my strengths?

After three days of the Igniting Leadership Program I knew I was on to something good. Each session was fruitful, insightful and challenging. So when I reflect on my experience so far, why do I feel tightness in my stomach and the notion of standing at the edge of a precipice in my mind? Hmm…

Even though I don’t know what these feelings mean for me yet, I am energised and excited at the thought of a somewhat foreboding change. There’s an opportunity presenting itself to me and I need to grab it with both hands if I am to be true to myself and my leadership potential.

Sally

Day two of the Igniting Leadership Program began with a video of the ‘dancing man’ or also know as that nut dancing by themselves that everyone remembers from the last music festival you attended. But then the video shows that the nut attracts a ‘first follower’. Others join in and the nut has been transformed into a leader and a movement is created. It was a great light hearted example to start the day off, and an opportunity to personally reflect on whether I am brave enough to be the nut and would I be brave enough to be the first follower and support those people who have the seemingly ‘crazy’ within my own organisation.  

Day two was all about values.  Richard Dent ran through some of the theory behind leadership and explained that model of vision + influence + ethics = leadership. Richard asked the rooms questions about leaders – Margaret Thatcher, Julius Caesar, Adolf Hitler, Atticus Finch, Mother Theresa. What do you think about these leaders? Did they have vision, influence and ethics? Richard did a fantastic job of questioning the group, challenging people and bringing them out of their comfort zones.

Day 1

Today was about leadership qualities. We heard inspiring leadership stories from different speakers, and had plenty of interaction between our group (including role plays), allowing us to learn more about leadership qualities, our strengths and the ladder of inference in a fun way.

My three key thoughts from today's sessions were:

FebFast event

Over three weeks in February, the team at febfast ran a series of free pop-up juice bars at prominent Melbourne locations Federation Square, Docklands and Collins Place.

febfast’s Mixte juice bars were a collaboration between Boost Juice, Northside Records, Sssh! Audio and Federation Square, with fantastic support provided by Leadership Victoria. Paul Bird (WCLP '06), CEO of YSAS, instigated the project with others from his WCLP year. Through LV's Great Connections a call went out for volunteers to assist with branding and marketing.

"LV creates this environment of building lasting relationships to the extent that a small group of us were able to use our influence and networks to get this project planned and delivered in a short time," adds Paul.

Last year I turned 40, which I suppose means I’m officially middle aged. And I suppose I tick most boxes for an Australian middle aged male from this generation – married, two kids, good job, comfortable life in the suburbs.

I cruise along in day to day life, focusing on what I need to do at work, home and at play. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a good life - I’ve achieved a lot and, more importantly, I have family and friends that I love.

Then I enrolled in Igniting Leadership and I’m happy to say that this course may have ‘ignited’ more than leadership, it may have sparked the beginning of a mid life crisis…...or perhaps a ‘Crucible experience’? Let me explain.

It can't be a coincidence, not after I've seen it happen so many times. It's a moment that reveals some extraordinary insights about leadership.

For many years now I've been facilitating community meetings for people who are facing or have just experienced some of the toughest events or decisions of their lives. These meetings have been designed so participants can recall key events, draw new information from  a group with different perspectives and offer insights, suggestions to help shape the future.

I've facilitated these sessions in communities across several states during times of stress brought about by unexpected and unwelcome changes to the way people live and work because industry or business restructures, environmental or planning issues or natural disasters including during the Bushfires Royal Commission, the Flood Inquiry and recently in Harrietville for local people affected by last Summer's fires.

These meetings always reveal lots of anger, denial and blame. This kind of community stress is usually being experienced for the first time. People tell stories filled with loss and sadness. The most pain comes from losing lives and the effect of trauma on children - "choosing which pets to take or leave behind". And then there's lost property, lost jobs, bankruptcy, breakdown...

In most meetings there's a strong desire to blame others -  them...they broke promises, turned up late, were in the wrong place, could've warned us earlier, didn't know the local area, were neglectful, didn't understand or care enough, made stupid decisions... For a while it sounds like they are responsible for taking away people's carefree days.

And then more often than not, something remarkable happens. It takes one person to throw the invisible switch.

Last month, Leadership Victoria, in partnership with Worksafe Australia, hosted 40 people at a WorkHealth Healthy Leaders lunch.

The event highlighted the leadership needed to encourage a healthier lifestyle, both personally and organisationally. Our two speakers, Wayne Kaylor-Thomson (WorkSafe Ambassador) and Jane Martin from Obesity Policy Coalition provided easy to implement strategies. Accompanied by a healthy lunch, attendees were able to hear two different opinions and learn about the free Workhealth check available to businesses.

LV were proud to have the opportunity to share some thoughts and insights with a delegation from Myanmar last month. 

The Group spent the day with Josie Daw and Tony Matthews who took them on a journey of self discovery of personal ethics, vision and influence. Mentoring became a key learning for the group who left understanding the importance of choosing and maintaining good mentors.

Last year, my office had a spare ticket for a Leadership Victoria cocktail event, so I put up my hand.

For someone with no prior knowledge of LV, being in a room full of alumni was a powerful experience. Everyone seemed to possess a strange confidence, visible in the way they voiced ideas, the way they delighted in meeting new people. And there was a strange sense of family about the whole gathering.

I decided that, if the chance came, I’d find out more.

Fast forward to today and there I was, one of seventeen eager participants gathered in the stately halls of Old Treasury for day one of Igniting Leadership.

Over the day, Cynthia, our bright and brave facilitator, steered us from being a room full of strangers to being a group who energised and trusted each other. We shared personal reflections, displayed our acting talents, and joined in a Ladder of Inference sing-along.

Leadership Victoria is once again involved in the judging of the nominations for the SACs Leadership Awards in 2013.

Now in its 8th year, the SACS Leadership Awards have seen SACS contribute over $210,000 to the professional development of State Government and Statutory Authority, Local Government and Not For Profit leaders.

Leadership Victoria partners with SACs and specially selected members of our Alumni evaluate the nominations for each category providing the recommendations for finalists. The two finalists in each category will each receive a $500 Leadership Victoria voucher to be spent on an LV program or activity of their choice over the next 12 months.

Established to recognise examples of true leadership, the continued success of the awards and ongoing support from the government and NFP sectors reflects their commitment to their people. Over the eight years there have been over 400 nominations and over 2,500 guests attend the Awards dinners and show their appreciation and recognise these nominees.

For more information visit the SACs website

Democratically elected leaders across Australian capitals are finding it hard to stay on their feet.  With breathtaking speed, those holding the office of Prime Minister, Premier and Chief Minister have been removed after a string of bad polls.  Kevin Rudd, Morris Iemma, Ted Baillieu and Terry Mills all won elections and were not given the opportunity to lead their parties to the next election.  This phenomenon crosses both state and party lines, and is intensifying.  Elected leaders enjoy a very short honeymoon and then have little on which to stake their claim to ongoing legitimacy as leader.

The ostensible reason for moving against elected leaders is ongoing poor performance as measured by public opinion polls.  The Westminster system of government allows the political parties to choose their leader, and therefore the leader of government, so there is nothing in the rules to prevent parties moving against their leader between elections.  Traditionally elected Australian leaders have maintained the legitimacy bestowed upon them at elections and led their parties through a full term of government, but it seems this convention is being trashed Australia wide.  Poor polling is interpreted as a collapse in support for the leader, and by extension, in their legitimate claim to ongoing leadership.

The Great Speakers

International Women's Day (IWD), originally called International Working Women's Day, is marked on March 8 every year and LV invited people to a morning tea to recognise the role of women in leadership.

The five speakers were Lynne Landy, founder of Greatconnections, Emma King, CEO of Early Learning Association Australia, Linda Mellors, Executive Director, Mercy Public Hospitals Inc, Kathryn Watt from Vanguard Investments and Janice van Reyk, Professional Director. Among the topics shared was how each of them have become successful leaders whilst juggling family commitments, the difference they make within a mainly female workforce as well as the ‘blokeness’ of the industries in which some had decided to pursue their careers and the challenges that this provided.

It was a great event and sparked many attendees' interest to the extent that LV plans to hold a series of events to explore the space of women’s leadership development. Keep an eye on the website for more details.

Jasper mentored Japhit as part of the Africa Think Tank project

Jasper is a Client Manager for LV’s social impact volunteer program and, although now fully retired is actually doing three unpaid roles. His volunteering began three and half years ago, through Greatconnections, when he was semi retired and he was looking to become a board member for a Not for Profit. He found the board job and this continues to be one of the ‘jobs’ that he still does.

His volunteering evolved and he became a Client Manager a year later. “The role is very rewarding as you work with a variety of community organisations that you have an affinity with. You choose the organisations and get to know them, their issues and needs and then match a skilled volunteer to fill a gap,” comments Jasper.

The Client Manager becomes a problem solver for the organisation drilling down to find out what is needed to resolve an issue. As a GC client the community organisation is able to have three projects throughout the year ranging from having a mentor, director or specific support such as website redevelopment or HR. The pool of talented volunteers is then searched until a match found by the Client Manager.

“Matching the right skills to the organisation is the most challenging part of a project because if you get this right then it is really satisfying for the community organisation as well as the volunteer,” adds Jasper.

Jasper then attends the first meeting between the community organisation and the volunteer to ensure that the expectations of each party is as the project plan in terms of time, skills and goals. He will then monitor the project on a regular basis ensuring that any problems are ironed out quickly.

LV’s social impact team is looking for more client managers, so if you are wanting a new challenge please contact Sunita Varlamos email: Sunita@leadershipvictoria.org

Join us for morning tea to celebrate International Women’s Day on 8 March at 10am.

There is no doubt Australia is home to many strong female leaders and attitudes about women have progressed in the last 50 years.

While remaining vigilant about progressing equality, International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the successes and achievements of some of Australia’s finest leaders.

To celebrate our leading women, LV is hosting a morning tea at the Old Treasury Building on International Women’s Day.

Please join us and high profile women leaders from our network for morning tea and table discussions about the challenges and achievements of female leaders in 2013.

Geoff Cosgriff (WCLP'90) - Garry Ringwood and John Allan

New Chair: Geoff Cosgriff

We are pleased to advise that Mr Geoff Cosgriff (WCLP'90) has been elected as Chair of the Leadership Victoria Council.  Geoff has demonstrated leadership as an LV Council member since 2001.

Geoff is also a Director of the RACV, Chairman of UXC Ltd and Director of Infocos P/L  and has held directorships in multiple listed and unlisted entities.  He is actively engaged as an Executive Coach, Mentor and Business Strategy advisor for a wide range of individuals in a diverse range of business sectors.   

On the 30th November 2012, Leadership Victoria participated in the City of Melbourne's Knowledge Week. The LV event, Leading Conversations: Changing Communications in the Leadership Landscape, was an interesting and in-depth conversation between the Honourable John Cain and Dr Meg Simons, hosted by Michael Short.  The topic canvassed leadership in a time of changing communication styles.

On the 9th November, alumni gathered in the Old Treasury Building for the final Alumni Lunch for 2012. Penny Wilson, Chief Executive Officer at the Victorian Council of Social Service, was the guest speaker. Penny spoke passionately about social issues and engaged guests in a stimulating discussion.

Mildura United group with David Williams - picture by Live Pixel

Through our Social Impact program, LV has had an ongoing relationship with the Mildura United Soccer Club, working to support disadvantaged indigenous children. A group from the 2012 Williamson Community Leadership Program, working with the soccer club for their community project, has forged a partnership with the Melbourne Heart A-League Club and an affiliation with the Reagan Milstein Foundation, which donated reconditioned soccer boots, 50 soccer balls, ball pumps and bibs.

Thanks to the work of the Williamson group, last weekend twelve of the soccer players from the Mildura United Soccer Club were given the chance to play at the half-time break during the Melbourne Heart – Adelaide clash at AAMI Park. They were involved in a soccer clinic on St Kilda Beach run by Melbourne Heart players the next day and were treated to a free trip to Luna Park.

Click here to read the full stories in The Age and Sunraysia Daily.

Donations to the club can be made through the Reagan Milstein Foundation.

WCLP Graduates

Around 400 graduates, alumni, Council, representatives from our partner organisations and other supporters joined us for our annual Presentation Dinner at the Grand Hyatt.

The night began with a Welcome to Country by Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Joy, followed by a special presentation for LV’s Partners whose generosity has supported LV’s activities for 2012.

Our MC for the night, ABC radio personality Tonya Roberts (WCLP '03), introduced speakers including the Chair of LV’s Council, Garry Ringwood, and our keynote speaker Chef de Mission of the 2012 Australian Olympic Team, Nick Green OAM (WCLP '04).

Nick spoke about his experience as a leader in sport, both as an athlete and as the head of the 2012 Australian Olympic Team, emphasising the trust between teammates and “allowing others to lead”.    

Nick presented the 2012 Williamson Community Leadership Program graduates with their certificates, and graduate Linda Mellors spoke on behalf of the 2012 group.

The evening included the presentation of our 2012 video entitled Leadership for the Future and a Social Impact video showcasing some of the work undertaken by LV's Skills Bank and Greatconnections volunteers.

LV Chief Executive Richard Dent launched the LV Foundation, established to receive tax deductible donations to progress our social impact and relief work and to provide leadership development opportunities to people unable to access them currently. He also announced the names of next year’s WCLP 2013 participants. 

You can view some photos from the night on LV’s Facebook page.

A digital copy is also available of LV’s Yearbook, launched at the Presentation Dinner.

Thanks to all those who attended the evening, especially to those who made a donation to the LV Foundation on the night. Your support is greatly appreciated.

SYN Screen and Sound Production Services is a new social enterprise run by SYN Media in Melbourne.

The enterprise hires 11 young audio and video producers with a range of skills, who work in small teams on promotional media products such as this conference video for Express Media at National Youth Week 2012, and another for RMIT Village student accommodation.

SYN is best known for its radio station (90.7 SYN FM) run for the benefit of people under 26, listeners and volunteer presenters alike, but the organisation also runs training courses and produces television content.

Tahlia Azaria developed the business plan for SYN Screen and Sound Production Services with the assistance of Leadership Victoria’s Greatconnections volunteer Mary Preen.

London Olympics

You are invited to join Leadership Victoria, partners, distinguished guests and alumni at the annual Leadership Victoria Presentation Dinner. Be inspired by keynote speaker Nick Green OAM, Chef de Mission of the 2012 Australian Olympic Team.

Held at the Savoy Ballroom, Grand Hyatt Melbourne on Wednesday 28 November 2012, tickets can be purchased through Trybookings.

LV-Greatconnections volunteer John Fischer has used his background in public sector management to assist the Norparrin Centre for Children with Special Needs.

Norparrin provides early-childhood intervention for children under school age with developmental disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome.

Professionals working at Norparrin range from speech pathologists and physiotherapists to occupational therapists and experts in early childhood education. 

Their program is spread across two sister Early Childhood Intervention sites, located in Mill Park and Mernda in Melbourne’s north-east.

The Day Three focus of the October Igniting Leadership Program was on dealing with change and increasing self-awareness.

For Daisy, Zoe, Jordan, Alison, Michael and Victoria, Suzanne Loubris was a highlight of Day Three. She entertained the group with stories of growing up in South Africa and her many experiences training people in emotional intelligence. A key message from Suzanne was - emotionally intelligent leaders don't just react, they choose how they will respond to a situation. 

An enthusiastic group gathered together this morning for day 1 of Igniting Leadership, eager to hear others' experiences, learn a thing or two about our own leadership styles and strengths, and gather some practical tools to take away. And we weren't disappointed.

A small group of us reflected on our take-outs from the day, which included:

The ILP is similar to year 7 school camp. You are a bit nervous to start with, you don't know anyone, you're not sure who you are going to sit next to on the bus and by the end of the camp you know everybody by name and have created some amazing relationships. And in terms of what you walk away with it's like that feeling when you break from your ordinary routine and perhaps go for a long lazy Sunday drive, it can sometimes feel like you have been away for a week, instead of just one day. Time has a funny way of standing still and offering you some perspective!!!! Just a chance to look at things from another point of view. Well day 3 was just like that. 

LV Alumnus Bruce Pickthall at the State Emergency Centre

Two years since they undertook Leadership Victoria’s  Experience Bank program, a group of connected alumni continues to catch up and strengthen their bond through a series of workplace visits.

The inspired workplace visits, which the group organizes themselves, provides the group members with the opportunity to experience successful leadership in action. Not only is each visit a learning experience, it is a fun opportunity to catch up with friends.

In March, the group visited the State Emergency Centre, a visit organised by the Senior Station Officer at the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) and LV alumnus Bruce Pickthall.

Jasper and Japhet in one of their mentoring sessions.

Leadership Victoria and Greatconnections have enjoyed a successful relationship with the African Think Tank since 2010.

In 2011, more than 130 people participated in a series of Leadership Seminars discussing aspects of Leadership in African Australian communities. 

This year, LV is supporting the program through the provision of a 6 month mentoring program where we have matched Leadership Victoria’s volunteers through Skillsbank and Greatconnections with an African participant.

Greatconnections volunteer, Jasper Coghlan, decided that his skills in human resources and consulting would be suitable for a mentoring role with for the African Think Tank.

“I have never had any involvement with the African Community so this was my opportunity to get involved,” he says.

Mr Coghlan, who worked with Ford Motors for almost 35 years, says that giving leadership and communication advice to his mentee Japhet Ncube was the biggest focus in their relationship. 

Zimbabwe immigrant, Japhet Ncube, moved to Australia from New Zealand almost three years ago.

My manager called me into his office late on a Friday afternoon and told me to cancel my training planned for Monday as I was going on a leadership course and he would send me the details by email.

On the Monday I got the details and as it was set to start that Thursday I madly tried to get all the pre reading and tasks done. I wasn’t really sure what to expect and didn’t have much time to think deeply about it all.

Day one of the Ignite course was an eye opener. It was great to hear the stories of the speakers' and the other participants. I especially found the descriptions of the speakers' crucible moments amazing in their honesty.

On day two of the Igniting Leadership course, many of us discussed just how much we had taken in from day one. Today’s session was going to start off with a look at the academic side of leadership, discussing our workplace challenges, followed by a look into values and finish up with a look at our ‘strength deployment inventory’ results. With that ahead of us I began wondering exactly how our lessons from the first day would fit with what was in store for the second. It didn’t take long for that to become clear!

Our first speaker for the day was Professor Leon Mann, and he dissected the academic side of leadership for us. These themes rang true for me, as we had heard from some fantastic speakers just the day before that had each shown us what it meant for them, if not in the same terms!

With more than 25 years of experience with Ernst and Young, Gerard Dalbosco, understands successful leadership. As Managing Partner - Markets, Asia Pacific, Gerard is focused on maintaining momentum and keeping clients at the forefront of his agenda. Gerard graduated from our Williamson Community Leadership Program in 2001. Since graduating from our program, Gerard has utilised the acquired skills and implemented the techniques into his professional life. Gerard spoke with Leadership Victoria and shared his advice on innovative leadership and driving change in the workplace. 

Helen Silver always wanted to get near the big policy questions. As the Secretary of the Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC) since 2008, she couldn’t get much closer.

The DPC has been a partner of Leadership Victoria since the mid-nineties, and is the hub of the public service in Victoria.

In the DPC, which also includes groups and agencies as diverse as Arts Victoria and the Victorian Ombudsman, Helen assists the government to implement policies in areas that affect the whole state, such as wide-ranging economic and environmental issues, and emergencies such as natural disasters.

In the offices of the DPC, Helen explains why leadership development is important to the organisation.

Thane Joske and Kate Simpson

Williamson Community Leadership alumnus  Thane Joske had no idea that being a mentor in the Skills Bank Program would bring a fresh perspective to her professional life.

It is the third year that Leadership Victoria has partnered with Vic Sport in our Skills Bank mentoring program.

Since 2010, ten of our alumni have each acted as a mentor to emerging leaders within Vic Sport and many great friendships still remain.

LV’s Skills Bank program paired with a mentoring initiative with Vic Sport allowed Ms Joske to combine two of her passions – sport and leadership. “My major motivation to participate after Williamson was to give back and be an active member of the LV community,” Ms Joske said.

Cheryl Batagol & Matt Vincent

As a part of the Citizen Leadership Project, Leadership Victoria (LV) along with the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) presented a masterclass on organisational change and leadership to an array of alumni and participants. This event formed part of the Citizen Leadership Project, supported by the Hugh Williamson Trust.

In 2011, LV Program Manager for Ideas Josie Daw, was made aware of the recent organisational changes at the EPA through a conversation with LV alumni and EPA Director of Strategic Relations Matt Vincent.  

The collaborative approach to addressing change at the EPA was an ideal example of innovative leadership and was facilitated in a session which highlighted the importance of honesty in the workplace and employee engagement.

Sophie Holdenson

LV's Igniting Leadership Program is a concentrated learning experience that is designed to foster a new generation of leaders. Sophie Holdenson, a participant in ILP for August 2012, reflects on the program:

What do peaceful protests, Adolf Hitler and repeating grade 6 all have in common? Day 1 of the Igniting Leadership program! My boss is currently a Williamson participant, and having attended Williamson functions I was conscious that this was not going to be the usual leadership program where you are talked at about leadership theories - and day 1 did not disappoint.

We started the day with Matt Pfahlert, who inspired us all with his story about his journey as a leader starting his own not-for-profit organisation at age 24. The bravery of making this leap at such a young age really impressed me. Whilst Matt conceded that his youth and lack of commitments at the time gave him more room to take this risk, it takes true integrity and determination to take the leap on such a venture.

Erin Kan

LV's Igniting Leadership Program is a concentrated learning experience that is designed to foster a new generation of leaders. Erin Kan, a participant in ILP for August 2012, reflects on the program:

Our first task on Day One of the Igniting Leadership Course, was to write down what we wanted to get out of the course and what our expectations were. To be honest, I felt a bit silly writing down, “I want to get the self confidence to actually believe that I’m already a leader in my organisation.”

Tamara Chalmers

LV's Igniting Leadership Program is a concentrated learning experience that is designed to foster a new generation of leaders. Tamara Chalmers, a participant in ILP for August 2012, reflects on the program:

WOW! I feel like I have just stepped off the Gravitron ride at the Royal Melbourne Show. Day two of the Ignite Leadership course has come to a halt and so has my ride for the week. I feel like I have been tipped upside down and spun from side to side. I knew it wasn't going to be a carousel ride but boy oh boy!

My ideals have been challenged and now I am faced with some rude awakenings. Questions have been put to me about my strengths, my weaknesses, what sort of leader I am, am I currently in the right role, am I using my skills to their best ability?

Linda Mellors

Recently participants in LV’s Williamson Community Leadership Program for 2012 visited several aboriginal communities in northern Victoria. Linda Mellors reflects on the experience:

In the middle of July, the 2012 WCLP group was fortunate enough to spend a weekend away in Barmah, Shepparton, Tatura and Wyuna.

“If you don’t know where you come from, you don’t know where you’re going” (Shane Charles’ grandmother)

The first day included a focus on Aboriginal issues and a sharing of the oldest living culture in the world.

Anna Scott

LV's Igniting Leadership Program is a concentrated learning experience that is designed to foster a new generation of leaders. Anna Scott, a participant in ILP for June 2012, reflects on day three of the program:

As I write this, I'm spoilt with a wonderful view of the Noosa Beach. The crystal blue surf is sparking, as the ever graceful surfers take their turn to ride the waves. Warmed by the sun and inspired that I can wear a t-shirt and shorts in July, my thoughts drift back to day four of the Igniting Leadership Program.

Participants in LV’s Williamson Community Leadership Program participate in a range of learning activities including field trips. Recently participants in WCLP ’12 visited several aboriginal communities in northern Victoria. Here Brendan Hoy reflects on the experience:

Last Friday I woke with a sense of excitement that took me way back to my days of school camps and holiday adventures. Departing bright and early at 7:00am, the WCLP group headed north for a field trip focusing on Social Change in northern Victoria.

After a short detour into NSW (I wondered whether LV were mounting a takeover bid?) we arrived at the Yenbena Indigenous Training Centre in Barmah and were welcomed to country:

"Welcome friend, come walk with us, the people of Yorta Yorta country. Respect all you see."

Tiffany Loft

LV's Igniting Leadership Program is a concentrated learning experience that is designed to foster a new generation of leaders. Here Tiffany Loft, a participant in ILP for June-July 2012, reflects on day five of the program:

It was with a slight pang of sadness that I began Day 5; the last day of the Igniting Leadership program. Nonetheless, a packed program was on the agenda, just as with the other four days. We got straight into it.

We heard from two very engaging speakers, beginning with the ABC’s Randall Mathieson, who spoke on the importance of maintaining and managing relationships. I found Randall’s insights and reflections extremely relevant and useful. I continue to build relationships of my own as I go through my career.

Sacha Connor

LV's Igniting Leadership Program is a concentrated learning experience designed to foster a new generation of leaders. Sacha Connor is a participant in the July/ August program and below she reflects on Day Two.

How many lawyers does it take to win a debate? Apparently more than two!

As we near the end of Day Two of the Igniting Leadership course, tired but eager to put into practice some of our "A ha" moments, we re-energise with a Great Debate: "Bad leaders can turn good."

Extremely insightful and thought provoking arguments presented by both sides; not quite as profound as the guest speakers who shared very open and honest thoughts and experiences and certainly provided us with food for thought.

Speaking of food – a big tick from me on the evaluation form!

Guy Sigley

LV's Igniting Leadership Program is a concentrated learning experience that is designed to foster a new generation of leaders. Guy Sigley is a participant in the July/ August Igniting Leadership Program. Below Guy reflects on Day One of the program.

Chocolate brownies. Raspberry muffins. Dozing peacefully behind glasses with painted-on eyes (Homer Simpson style). That’s what professional training courses are supposed to be about.

So why am I sitting on the tram at eight o’clock in the morning completing my homework for the Igniting Leadership course? Why aren’t I drifting lazily through the pre-9am rush knowing I have another day of kicking back ahead of me?

Gail Siracusa

What is your role at LV?

I'm general manager of leadership development, and I coordinate the great team of people who provide LV's leadership development activities. That includes Williamson, Ignite and our board leadership programs; as well as developing customised programs for other organisations. Recently we delivered leadership programs to a group of French-speaking women visiting from West Africa and also to a delegation from Thailand.

My busy team also coordinates LV's guest speakers and events, such as Alumni lunches and our evening Salon events.

Thai delegation participants and speakers

On the 11th of July Leadership Victoria (LV) ran a highly successful day using the theme of 'Community Leadership' for workers in different sectors of the Thai government. The 16 participants were in Melbourne completing a leadership development program run by the University of Melbourne.

LV coordinated and ran one day of the two week program, which was held in the JJ Clark room in the Old Treasury Building.

Carol Owen

Bachelor of Business, Accounting, RMIT

Executive Certificate in Social Leadership, Systems Thinking, Strategic Business Acumen, Australian Graduate School of Leadership

What do you do at LV?

I’m the business manager at LV so I have responsibility to ensure LV can operate with the tools and resources available to deliver the program of work and LV’s strategic intent. That includes administration, HR, IT and financial control and managing the JJ Clark room.  It encompasses the whole of the corporate services for Leadership Victoria. So it’s making sure everybody can be effective in their work and that the organisation is sustainable.

John Jambert

John Jambert, HR intern at Leadership Victoria (LV), has a vision of a Papua New Guinea that is free of corruption.

The PNG local, who worked for mining company Lihir Gold Limited (now owned by Australian Newcrest Mining) for 11 years, plans to run for office in the PNG 2017 election, with the hope of changing PNG for the better.

Unicef statistics reveal that Papua New Guineans are among the poorest people in the world.

The average income is just US$3.50 per day, which does not account for the extreme disparities in the distribution of wealth.

Violent tribal wars, domestic violence and HIV infections are common occurrences in PNG and serious concerns for international observers.

Halil Ahmet

LV's Igniting Leadership Program is a concentrated learning experience that is designed to foster a new generation of leaders. Here Halil Ahmet, a participant in ILP for June 2012, reflects on day three of the program:

Day Three of the Igniting Leadership course (28 June 2012) at the Old Treasury Building. 

I found the previous two days of the course a lot more thought provoking than what I had expected.  I was keen to hear more, but when I looked at the agenda and saw three speakers and a debate – I thought, wow there’ll be a lot to get through.

The theme of day three was “Change”.  Ulli Baxter of Ambulance Victoria, (a Change Specialist – great title) presented “Change: Drivers and Dynamics”.  We discussed why 75% of organisational change initiatives fail; ways of implementing change and Ulli provided a “change toolkit”.  I took away that a lot of preparatory work needs to happen for effective change, not surprising but I think the tool provided would help put a structure around it to achieve a positive outcome – I’ll keep it handy.

Maria Catt

LV's Igniting Leadership Program is a concentrated learning experience that is designed to foster a new generation of leaders. Here Maria Catt, a participant in ILP for June-July 2012, reflects on day four of the program:

Day four of the Igniting Leadership program and again another interesting and inspiring session, this time on strategy and systems.

The presenters are great and have brought a wealth of experience and knowledge in their fields. As the program slowly comes to an end, I start to realise that there is no particular formula for becoming a good leader.

Lisa Barlow

LV's Igniting Leadership Program is a concentrated learning experience that is designed to foster a new generation of leaders. Here Lisa Barlow, a participant in ILP for June-July 2012, reflects on the program after day four:

When I was asked by my Manager whether I would like to attend the Igniting Leadership Program I thought why not!  I hadn’t done any formal leadership training before and being fairly new to management thought I could pick up a few pointers along on the way that might be useful.  Now at the end of day four, I could never have imagined how much I would learn and take away from the program. I have an overwhelming feeling of being inspired to strive to be a better, stronger, confident and motivating leader, not only for my staff and peers but for myself both professionally and personally.

Stephanie Elsdon

LV's Igniting Leadership Program is a concentrated learning experience that is designed to foster a new generation of leaders. Here Stephanie Elsdon, a participant in ILP for June 2012, reflects on day three of the program:

Wow, what an amazing day! Today was easily the most actioned packed and the energy did not cease throughout the day. There were three incredibly inspiring guest speakers and then no one could forget the great debate.

The first speaker was Ms Ulli Baxter from Ambulance Victoria, discussing change within organisations. Ulli provided a fantastic insight into types of change, phases of change and various processes that can be used to ensure organisational change is successful and embedded into culture. Ulli also discussed the importance of resilience and consulting with those who may be affected by the change. One key message I took from Ulli’s presentation was that people don’t fear change, they fear loss. This includes loss of status, job security, confidence, routine or even power and control. This is something that I will always remember.

Chris Kotur

Chris Kotur has facilitated numerous community consultations including for the Bushfires Royal Commission and the Flood Review. She is Leader-in-Residence at Leadership Victoria.

It started out much the same each time. Each event brought sudden changes no one expected or wanted. Afterwards nothing would ever be quite the same.

Bush fires, floods and economic restructuring have brought big changes to parts of Victoria. Fire and flood-affected communities are rebuilding. Some regions are trying to adapt as economic changes affect employers who restructure or leave town. Each time people's lives are affected in similar ways and each time local, community-based leadership holds many answers to keeping communities on the path to recovery.

Reflecting on these traumatic events over recent years it's clear that tough times also reveal the positive impact of remarkable leadership skills and capabilities. These lessons could well be lost unless we make much more out of what local community leadership has taught us during some of the toughest times Victorians have ever faced.

Renee Bowker

LV's Igniting Leadership Program is a concentrated learning experience that is designed to foster a new generation of leaders. Here Renee Bowker, a participant in ILP for June 2012, reflects on the first few days of the program:

It is Day Two of the Igniting Leadership Program in Melbourne, and the participants seem eager to begin.  The first day has been a journey of inspiring stories, contemplation of leadership qualities and general interaction that yanks you from your comfort zone and makes you realise that this course really is about igniting something – and you hope that it’s leadership.

Matt Gardiner

LV's Igniting Leadership Program is a concentrated learning experience that is designed to foster a new generation of leaders. Here Matt Gardiner, a participant in ILP for June 2012, reflects on the first few days of the program:

I approached the Igniting Leadership program with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. Would it be interesting and engaging? What would the other participants be like? Would I be “torn out of my comfort zone”, as the promotional material promised? As someone who is quite attached to their comfort zone, this last question was of particular concern.

Sandy Bell

LV's Igniting Leadership Program is a concentrated learning experience that is designed to foster a new generation of leaders. Here Sandy Bell, a participant in ILP for June 2012, reflects on the first few days of the program:

It's the end of day one of LV's Igniting leadership program and my head is full of ideas, reflections and leadership possibilities - I am actually exhausted!

Susanna Young

LV's Igniting Leadership Program is a concentrated learning experience that is designed to foster a new generation of leaders. Here Susanna Young, a participant in ILP for June 2012, reflects on the first few days of the program:

So I think when I decided to do the Igniting Leadership Program I thought that I was coming for a magic potion – the thing that would completely alter my confidence in my own leadership style, tell me exactly what I needed to do to progress my career and life the way I wanted to.

Day one made me completely rethink this approach – no one is going to give me an answer because as our two guest speakers made plain, leadership is something that is specific to you and your true self. Only you can decide that you want to be a leader (or accept that role thrust on you), what type of leader you want to be, and only you can take the action required to get you there. Others inform and are impacted by your choices.

Tony Matthews

Leadership Victoria is delighted to announce Tony Matthews will be joining the organisation as Manager, Programs commencing on 30th July.

Tony Matthews is an Alumnus of the Williamson Community Leadership Program (WCLP'10) and brings over 15 years experience in the design, development and delivery of high quality leadership and professional development programs at all levels of the private and public sectors. This includes executive leadership and emerging leaders programs, as well as a focus on mentoring and coaching.

Sam Sangster

Sam Sangster is Chief Executive Officer of Places Victoria. In his diverse career, Sam has held a number of key leadership roles with NAB, Freehills and PMP Ltd before joining VicUrban in 2006, becoming Acting CEO in 2010 before being made Chief Executive Officer of Places Victoria in November 2011.

Places Victoria is a long standing partner of LV and facilitates large-scale urban renewal – for residential and mixed-use purposes – within established areas of Melbourne and strategic locations in regional Victoria. Its activities promote housing affordability and diversity; and best practice in urban and community design.

Here Sam shares some of his many leadership experiences - talking about urban renewal, the importance of sustainability, Melbourne's up and coming suburbs such as Fishermans Bend as well as the importance of valuing customers for an organisation.

Emma King

Last week participants in LV’s Williamson Community Leadership Program visited the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court, Supreme Court and Melbourne Custody Centre. They heard from esteemed members of the justice system such as Police Chief Commissioner Ken Lay, Magistrate Jack Vandersteen, and former Justice of the Supreme Court the Hon. Bernard Teague AO. Emma King blogs here about the experience:

Dignity, respect, humility, compassion… these themes were interwoven as we were challenged to contemplate a balance between law and order and a fair and just society.

Through the lens of an extraordinary range of powerful speakers, we had the opportunity to consider the impact of the existing judicial system on all of the players:

Sam Bell

The JJ Clark Room was buzzing with Tweets on Tuesday morning as Samantha Bell, Managing Director of Runaway Digital, inducted many and impressed most with a detailed account of engaging with the Twittersphere.

Some participants set up their accounts for the first time and others learnt how to get the most out of this still relatively new form of direct communication between citizens. Click here to see some photos of the event on Facebook.

The sold-out Twitter workshop was part of LV’s Citizen Leadership program, which aims to inspire critical reflection and educate participants about new modes of communication that have been at the forefront of recent social movements that utilised new technologies.  

Craig Walsh

Last week participants in LV’s Williamson Community Leadership Program visited the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court, Supreme Court and Melbourne Custody Centre. They heard from esteemed members of the justice system such as Police Chief Commissioner Ken Lay, Magistrate Jack Vandersteen, and former Justice of the Supreme Court the Hon. Bernard Teague AO. Craig Walsh reflects about the experience:

A cold and chilly morning heralded the start of our Law and Order seminar as the group assembled outside the Melbourne Magistrates Court with great anticipation.

After a 'quick' scan of person and belongings it was to court we went for what was an insightful and entertaining entree from Magistrate Jack Vendersteen into the world of hearings, barristers, solicitors and court room drama. Soon afterwards the Hon. Bernard Teague provided the group with an intriguing account of his experience presiding over trials and Royal Commissions laced with tales of murder, adverse media coverage, community leadership and the art of mentoring.

Moira Kelly

On Wednesday June 6 Leadership Victoria sparked a dialogue on why compassion is a beneficial quality for leaders.

The Compassionate Leader: in Conversation with Moira Kelly was held at LV’s JJ Clark room at the Old Treasury Building where participants heard from the impressive founder of the Children First Foundation.

Moira has been helping others less fortunate than herself since the age of 13. She has coordinated large-scale humanitarian projects, such as establishing welfare programs in Bosnia, starting a self-help program for Kalahair Bushmen in Botswana and setting up soup kitchens for the homeless in India – to name only a few of her endeavours.

Moira’s foundation was thrust into the media spotlight in 2009 due to the separation of Moira’s adopted conjoined twins Trishna and Krishna.

Charlotte Smith

The May Williamson Community Leadership (WCLP) seminar, hosted by the Monash Medical Centre in Clayton, focused on Optimizing Health and Wellbeing.

The purpose of this seminar was:

LV asked Charlotte Smith to reflect on the experience:

Shelly Park

Shelly Park, who started her career as a nurse in New Zealand, is the Chief Executive of Victoria’s largest public health service: Southern Health.

In 2011 Shelly was awarded the Telstra Victorian Business Woman of the Year for her achievements running an organisation that has an annual budget of $1.26 billion and treats about 177,000 patients per year.

Prior to her current role Shelly was the Executive Director of the Monash Sector at Southern Health and the Executive Director of Jessie McPherson Private Hospital.  Her previous positions have included General Manager of Medical and Surgical Services at Christchurch Hospital (New Zealand), the largest tertiary, teaching and research hospital in the South Island along with General Manager at The Princess Margaret Hospital Division, Canterbury District Health Board.

1999.  Shelly’s nursing background has given her a sound understanding of patient care and operational issues in the health sector.

Dr Brendan Murphy

Brendan Murphy is the CEO of Austin Health Victoria, a position he has held since 2005. Before this Brendan was the Chief Medical Officer and Director of Nephrology at St Vincent’s Health, Melbourne.

Brendan is a Professorial Associate at The University of Melbourne and a Director of the Florey Neuroscience Institutes. Brendan was formerly a Board member of the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, a Director of Kidney Health Australia and President of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Nephrology.

On the 18th of May Brendan spoke to the Williamson participants at the Health and Wellbeing seminar, which took place at the Monash Medical Centre.

Brendan spoke to the group about the important reforms the health sector needs to make so it is sustainable going into the future.

Here Brendan talks to LV about the health sector and shares his thoughts on leadership.

David Hoath

David Hoath is CEO of The Age and Fairfax's Melbourne Publishing division. Here he speaks with LV about the changing media landscape and the role of leadership as the social revolution in information technology continues.     

David has over thirty years experience working in the media in the UK and Australia, across print and radio platforms. In 2002 the World Association of Newspapers awarded David the research project of the year for publishing initiatives across Europe, North America and Australia.    

In this interview David speaks about the need to lead by example, the symbols and signals that a leader sends out, and the crucial need for communication. He also shares some insights into the positioning of The Age and other daily metropolitan newspapers between the “hyper-local” and “hyper-global” world of instantaneous communications.

Helga Svendsen

Helga Svendsen (WCLP ’10) warms her hands in her chilly North Melbourne office. The old building’s heating has busted, Helga explains, which is the reason she is wearing a large fleece over her jeans.

 The petite woman with a friendly smile certainly doesn’t seem like a typical CEO. Helga chats enthusiastically about her new role as CEO of the Hotham Mission Asylum Seeker Project, not appearing time-pressed despite her busy workload. Helga has been CEO of the Asylum Seeker Project for three months now and she obviously enjoys her job.

The Asylum Seeker Project was started 15 years ago by a few volunteers who encountered significant numbers of Timorese asylum seekers awaiting their claims. These asylum seekers were not permitted to work in Australia and were given no support by the government. With many of them arriving with limited resources and having no ability to earn, they were not in an enviable position.

“If you’ve got no support, no family here you’re literally left starving, destitute and homeless,” Helga says.

On Monday 14 May Dr Lloyd Nash (WCLP ’11) and Ms Angela Rutter (WCLP ’09) both received Australian Leadership Awards. 

The awards were presented at the Future Summit by ADC Forum (Australian Davos Connection) to recognise the achievements and contributions of new-generation leaders to shaping Australia’s future.

James Brown

The May Williamson Community Leadership (WCLP) seminar, hosted by the Monash Medical Centre in Clayton, focused on Optimizing Health and Wellbeing.

The purpose of this seminar was:

LV asked James Brown to reflect on the experience:

Sunita Varlamos

LV's Program Manager, Projects Sunita Varlamos recently spoke to Plan Big about her role with LV, the Social Impact work of our Alumni in the community and the role of Skills Bank.

Every day, people are confronted by vast amounts of new information flowing towards them from a multitude of sources. Almost everyone feels overwhelmed at some point when trying to absorb, understand and apply this new information.   The impact on individuals varies from simple time wasting to serious health problems. 

Melinda Crimp

The Igniting Leadership program brings together young leaders and immerses them in a rich learning environment. The program offers a mix of dynamic guest speakers, scenario-based discussion and collaboration.

When I embarked upon the Igniting Leadership program, I was unsure what to expect. I knew that I’d be in the company of other managers and leaders, some new to it (like myself) and others more experienced. But I had been a little unsure of how the program would play out. How would I find it? Would it be interesting? Would we have to perform dreaded role-plays? How would they possibly fill five days with interesting and useful content?

Here is what’s happened thus far.

Pssst ... I'll let you into a secret – a new trend is underway and it's reshaping leadership everywhere. It was very much alive in the room where I was facilitating the Leadership Victoria Master Class (Leadership Online 4 May 2012) - a key part of LV's Citizen Leadership Project. I came away feeling very optimistic about changes that are challenging and influencing leaders everywhere. Now more than ever before I can see the opportunities to grow and develop community leadership. Here's why.    

The Leadership Victoria Community Project is an innovative way for Williamson Community Leadership Program (WCLP) participants to achieve significant social impact for a NFP during the program and to extend their thinking, strategy and policy making skills and experience on complex issues for a community organisation.   We hope that this experience becomes the first of many engagements with LV and our social impact agenda.

The general concept is that teams of WCLP participants come together to work on a specific issue for a NFP which requires some ‘out of the box’ ideas and fresh thinking.

An initiative such as this offers our participants a practical and simple way to utilise the enthusiasm, knowledge and skills developed in the WCLP program for the good of the broader community. In addition, participants are able to further develop their knowledge and skills and get to work with others from a range of professional backgrounds and sectors.

Project concepts are now being sought. If you work in a NFP or have a close relationship with a NFP that would highly value and action a project by a team of current WCLP participants then I would like to hear from you.  This is an exceptional opportunity for NFPs to have the significant resource and energy of WCLP participants to work on a project that they have lacked the capacity to deliver.

Graphic recording by Lynne Cazaly

Citizen Leadership is occurring in unprecedented force across the globe. In recent times we have seen the successes and subsequent fallout from the Arab Spring protests, the Occupy movements and the Kony campaign. 

With the advent of social media it only takes one brief tweet from a high-profile person to spark off a storm of controversy. Yet at the same time, if social media is utilised properly, it can be an excellent tool for today’s leaders to connect with people and drive change. 

Mildura United Soccer team

When Leadership Victoria (LV) heard that the Mildura United Soccer Club needed help to balance its books, LV Skills Bank matched Alumnus Paul O’Shea (EBLP’10) to the project.

 The retired lawyer, who has extensive experience working in both the not-for-profit and business sectors, was happy to lend his expertise.

 The Mildura United Soccer Club has achieved many successes over the years, including wins on the field and through its involvement with the local Indigenous population.

The club was transformed 20 years ago when Chris Tsivoglou, the former president, saw the disadvantage and boredom faced by many local Indigenous kids and thought that soccer would be a great way for them to build their confidence. He started encouraging these kids to join the club, and within a few years the majority of the club’s players were Aboriginal.

Laura McKenzie

The second session of the 2012 Williamson Community Leadership Program (WCLP) was Australia's Economic Prosperity, hosted by LV's Partner ANZ at their impressive new Docklands offices.

The expert speakers covered the following topics:

Mark Hand

Mark Hand is an experienced banker who has worked with ANZ banking group for over 22 years in various roles.

His titles have included Head of Audit for the Middle East and South Asia, Head of Credit and Operating Risk Business Banking and his current role as Managing Director of Retail Distribution.

Mark was a 2003 Williamson graduate and since that time he has returned to LV on numerous occasions to speak to Williamson participants.

On Friday the 13th of April Mark spoke to this year’s Williamson participants at seminar entitled ‘Australia’s Economic Prosperity’, with Mark specifically speaking about creating and maintaining a strong bank sector.

Here Mark shares his thoughts about what makes a good leader and why he enjoys talking to Williamson participants.

Janet Dore

Janet Dore is not afraid of making bold decisions.

When she was CEO of the City of Ballarat between 1994-1999 Janet oversaw the Development of the $4m Eureka Stockade centre. As General Manager of Newcastle City Council from 1999-2007, Janet oversaw the planning for a $35m redevelopment of the Newcastle Region Art Gallery.  And in 2008, as the CEO of the Transport Accident Commission, Janet was responsible for organising the TAC’s relocation to Geelong.

Janet’s vibrant career has consisted of an interesting array of senior positions within the public sector and she is certainly a leader with a vision.

Janet says she is proud the TAC continues to be a Leadership Victoria (LV) partner, which it has been since 1997.

Here Janet talks about what makes an effective leader and why the TAC has continued its involvement with LV.  She also talks about the challenges of leading a workforce-the TAC- whose workers are 70 per cent female.

Dr Matthe Butlin

Dr. Matthew Butlin is an experienced and well-regarded economist who has worked in both the private and public sectors.

Matthew has held senior positions within the departments of Treasury, Prime Minister and Cabinet and has worked in the private sector through roles such as Research Director of the Business Council of Australia and senior executive roles in CRA (now Rio Tinto) and Newcrest Mining.

Matthew’s current role is Chair of the Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission, a position he has held since 2008.

Matthew has a bachelor of economics from the Australian National University and a PhD in economics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

At the Williamson seminar on April 13th- titled ‘Australia’s Economic Prosperity’ -Matthew talked about how business leaders can help keep Australia prosperous.

Here Matthew spoke to Leadership Victoria about the challenges facing Australian businesses going into the future, and why it is vital the business sector has strong leaders.

Matthew is a proud member of the LV Council.

Anna Thomson

I walked away from Leadership Victoria’s Igniting Leadership Program: Focus on Food feeling truly inspired. I must admit, I was a little cautious as I made my way to the program on day one: What will the guests speakers be like? What will the other participants be like? What on earth am I doing here?! However, these little doubts were instantly quashed when I arrived and learned that whilst we all came from different walks of life, we were essentially a group who were looking for the same thing – inspiration.

Kristian Dauncey

The second session of the 2012 Williamson Community Leadership Program (WCLP) was Australia's Economic Prosperity, hosted by LV's Partner ANZ at their impressive new Docklands offices.

The expert speakers covered the following topics:

Joint Statement - 16 APRIL 2012

LEADERSHIP VICTORIA and GREAT CONNECTIONS –

MORE SUPPORT FOR VICTORIA'S NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANISATIONS

Leadership Victoria’s (LV) Executive Director Richard Dent and Greatconnections’ Founding Patron Lynne Landy announced today the merger of the organisations’ volunteer-matching and related operations.  The Greatconnections program, including its not-for-profit clients, and volunteers will have a new home as part of LV, leading to a stronger, more viable operation dedicated to supporting the not-for-profit sector and encouraging professional volunteerism.

Madeleine Reeve

Leadership Victoria is proud to welcome Madeleine Reeve to the LV Council.

For over 20 years Madeleine has worked in education and training; holding senior roles such as the Director of Education Projects at the Overseas Projects Corporation of Victoria, Pro Vice Chancellor of RMIT University and she is currently working as Vice President of Business Operations for Kaplan Australia, one of Australia's leading adult education providers.

Jim Betts

Jim Betts is Secretary of the Department of Transport and has been a regular speaker at the Williamson Community Leadership Program (WCLP). 

On March 16th he spoke to the WCLP group about transport in the wider context, his thoughts on leadership and why he continues to be involved with LV and WCLP.

The first LV Alumni event of 2012, ‘Beyond Networking to Connecting’, was a fantastic night for all involved.

Building off the foundations of last year’s Alumni events which focused on creating networks, this year LV explored how to make your existing networks more meaningful. LV understands that good networks can be assets for life; particularly if the relationship has progressed to a deeper level of understanding and mutual respect.

While many Victorians were busy partaking in the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival last month, Leadership Victoria (LV) and Foodbank Victoria were discussing food insecurity.

Food insecurity is something that affects over 400,000 Victorians every year; meaning that on any givenday families and individuals struggle to have enough food for all 3 meals.

This is where Foodbank Victoria steps in to help, providing food to our community’s most vulnerable people – whether they are survivors of a bushfire or flood or dealing with more complex, long term day-to-day issues.

Dr. Ranjana Srivastava

2011 WCLP Alumnus Dr Ranjana Srivastava has just been announced as the Age Melbourne Magazine's new health collumnist.

Please click here to read Ranjana's column in the April edition out last Friday 30th March.

David Parkin

David Parkin is one of the most successful coaches and leaders in Australian Sport. He has won five premierships as captain and coach at two of Victoria’s greatest AFL clubs – Hawthorn (1997-1980) and Carlton (1981-1985 and 1991-2000) as well as a stint at Fitzroy between 1986-1988. Parkin has become a master at translating the leadership lessons from sport into the business world.

Having recently released with Paul Bourke an update to their latest work Captain-Coach Leadership David shared some of the insights which underpin his thinking and philosophies on leadership in our community.

Vanya Kumar

The first session of the 2012 Williamson Community Leadership Program (WCLP) was Cities of the Future, hosted by LV's partner Places Victoria. 

The expert speakers for the day were Jim Betts (Secretary, Department of Transport), Prof Rob Adams AM (Director – City Design, City of Melbourne), Kay Rundle (CEO, City of Port Phillip) and Dom Arcaro (Chief Development Officer, Places Victoria (WCLP ’08).

The seminar explored a number of issues with regard to the future of Melbourne as a burgeoning city. In particular the complex leadership and decision making required for long term planning, as well as the implications and challenges for policy makers in the following key areas:

We asked 2012 participant Vanya Kumar to reflect on the experience:

Entries Now Open

Closing Date 14th May 2012

Last year’s Awards saw 88 nominations across the three sectors with 485 people celebrating and recognising the success of their colleagues at our Awards dinners.

Now in its seventh year, SACS has contributed $176,000 to recognise the leadership within these sectors and to invest in the further development of public sector and NFP leaders.

Andrew Wilson-Annan

The first session of the 2012 Williamson Community Leadership Program (WCLP) was Cities of the Future, hosted by LV's partner Places Victoria. 

The expert speakers for the day were Jim Betts (Secretary, Department of Transport), Prof Rob Adams AM (Director – City Design, City of Melbourne), Kay Rundle (CEO, City of Port Phillip) and Dom Arcaro (Chief Development Officer, Places Victoria (WCLP ’08).

The seminar explored a number of issues with regard to the future of Melbourne as a burgeoning city. In particular the complex leadership and decision making required for long term planning, as well as the implications and challenges for policy makers in the following key areas:

We asked 2012 participant Andrew Wilson-Annan to reflect on the experience:

Kay Rundle

Kay Rundle has been the CEO of the City of Port Phillip since 2009. She has an eclectic mix of qualifications, including degrees in social work, computing and business. Kay has worked in local government for over 25 years, including working as CEO of the Maribrynong City Council and CEO of the City of Geelong, for which she won a Local Government Leadership Award in 2008.

On March 16th Kay spoke to the Williamson Community Leadership Program participants about what it’s like to be a leader in the public eye. She also spoke of qualities that make a good leader, and used the example of her own leadership style, which she calls the ‘Rundle Model.’ 

Prof Rob Adams

Professor Rob Adams AM has dedicated his life to improving urban living by designing spaces that are aesthetic, environmentally sustainable and that take into consideration Melbourne’s growing population. Rob has won over 80 awards for excellence during his 38-year career as an architect and urban designer.

In 2007 he was honored with a prestigious Order of Australia award for services to urban design, town planning and architecture and in 2008 he was named the Prime Minister’s Environmentalist of the Year.

Rob is the Director of City Design for the City of Melbourne.

Rob talked to the Williamson Community Leadership (WCLP)  participants about urban planning for a sustainable future, talked about his philosophy on leadership and why he keeps coming back to speak to the WCLP group.

Chris Kotur

I've tossed out most of my collection of reading on leadership and shut down some subscriptions I've had for a long time.

Those titles gave me some confidence that we could learn how to be successful leaders if only we studied hard enough. But if that were true how come in 2012, so many world economies, governments, companies, organisations and individual leaders are struggling with all those messes all those leadership theorists said we could avoid?

Lloyd Nash

“The architects of such wonders as St Peter’s Basilica and Blenheim Palace had at their heart an idea… that their creations would ennoble the human spirit and allow their awestruck viewers to transcend reality, to aspire to greatness.” Jeanne Lee, WCLP ‘11

The last week in politics has been rather electrifying for keen followers of the art.  A leadership spill for the office of Prime Minister would have to be a once in a generation event… I was just 11 years old when Keating defeated Hawke, and I wasn’t even imagined when Billy McMahon defeated John Gorton twenty years before that.  These events are thrilling for insiders because they spew into the public view all the machinations and leverage, strikes and counter strikes of political battle. 

Lara Nicholson

Profile of Patrizia Torelli (WCLP ’08) – Managing Director of Spheres of Influence International

Economic uncertainty may be driving Australia’s business leaders to damage their reputations by acting ruthlessly when dealing with others, according to LV Alumnus Patrizia Torelli.

As the founder and managing director of Spheres of Influence International, a successful strategic development, implementation and culture change management firm, Patrizia conducts 360 Personal Brand reviews for her clients.

Peter Haasz

The 2012 Williamson Community Leadership Program (WCLP) commenced last week with the Opening Retreat at the Barwon Heads Resort at 13th Beach.  We asked Peter Haasz to reflect on what was a particularly busy and eventful opening day:

Today’s opening of the 2012 WCLP brought a mixture of nerves and curiosity. Who will I meet? What will I learn? What do they expect from me? Does the product resemble the picture on the box? And, most pressingly given the early hour, will there be good coffee?

Ilan Weill

Ilan Weill is General Manager of LV’s venue partner The Grand Hyatt Melbourne.  He has had a long and varied career with Hyatt, including overseeing the establishment and operation of hotels in South America and India.

Here, he talks to LV’s marketing and communications manager Stefan Grun about the challenges and rewards of leading people across cultures and continents

Dr. Ranjana Srivastava

If you are like most people, you may have come here to learn a little more about the Williamson Community Leadership Program (WCLP). Perhaps you read about it in the newspaper, or more likely, had someone from your organisation recommend it to you, the way I discovered it.

Professor Patrick McGorry

Professor Patrick McGorry is a leading researcher, clinician and campaigner for mental health care reform.  He was also the 2010 Australian of the year.

Professor McGorry has for many years demonstrated strong leadership, both within his  sector and throughout the broader community, as he has fought for greater investment in and modernisation of the mental health care system.

Susan Provan

Susan Provan has been Festival Director at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival for more than 15 years. She has taken it from a fairly small, niche event to one of the biggest festivals on the international calendar.

Recently, she sat down to chat with LV’s Marketing and Communications Manager Stefan Grun about the value of both youth and experience, working with limited resources and why she still loves comedy.

Simon McKeon

Simon McKeon is the 2011 Australian of the Year.

At LV’s Presentation Dinner on 29th November 2011, Simon spoke about linking the business and philanthropy and the importance of cross sector partnerships in building a better Australia for all.  He also shared a moving story about his recent trip to visit indigenous communities in Central Australia.

LV’s 2011 Foresight Forum was another important opportunity for LV to do some more of what it does best – use its unique vantage point to bring together clever thinkers from across all sectors to explore the big issues facing leaders.

In 2011 eight not-for-profit organisations were invited to pitch projects to LV’s Williamson Community Leadership Program participants — with participants nominating the projects they would prefer to work on. It’s an opportunity for the community groups to gain expertise they may otherwise have trouble accessing and to apply it to a practical area of need. WCLP participants gain an invaluable insight by applying the leadership skills they learn throughout the year in a fresh setting, by working with a community organisation.

Leadership Victoria (LV) has been in partnership with ANZ since 1994. In this time we’ve seen over 31 ANZ employees complete an LV program including 6 this year completing our newest Igniting Leadership Program (ILP). The following video highlights the dynamic people we’ve been fortunate to welcome into our Alumni and explains the power of this network and the action this partnership has initiated.

Simon McKeon

Old friends caught up, new friends were made and there was a buzz of excitement in the air this week at LV’s annual presentation dinner.

LV’s graduates, Alumni, business partners and friends gathered in the sumptuous Savoy Ballroom to enjoy a three course meal from our new venue partners, the Grand Hyatt Melbourne.

Richard Dent

Leadership Victoria (LV) Chairman Garry Ringwood is delighted to announce Richard Dent (WCLP ’04) will be LV’s new Executive Director.

In front of 500 guests at LV’s Annual Presentation Dinner held on Tuesday 29th November at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne, Garry announced the 2004 Williamson Community Leadership Program (WCLP) alumnus would take on the role commencing in January 2012.

In October LV’s Marketing and Communications Manager Stefan Grun was privileged to be able to interview Julian Burnside AO QC, our country’s leading advocate in relation to Australia’s treatment of asylum seekers and the protection of human rights. In 2009 Julian was awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for his work as a human rights advocate, and for his services to the arts and the law.

Whilst the main topic of conversation was leadership, in particular Julian’s views on Australia’s current political leaders, the conversation also covered a range of his thought on arts, public speaking and his work in establishing two landmark not-for-profit organisations, Spare Rooms for Refugees and Spare Lawyers for Refugees.

Melbourne Water

This month’s WCLP program featured a field trip to Melbourne Water’s Western Treatment Plant in Werribee. Featuring a tour of the water treatment plant the day’s activities focused on the theme of Natural Capital and allowed the group to go beyond the usual discussion of single issue environmental concerns. The expert presenters covered a range of topics, focusing on the following areas:

Carmen Keshishian

This month, LV sat down with Carmen Keshishian (EBLP ’09), Melbourne Water Procurement Manager of their IT Capital Delivery Program, to discuss her leadership journey since graduation.

I initially set out to become a teacher or a social worker. I was doing a Bachelor of Arts with a major in sociology and a minor in psychology, and then I got sidetracked and involved in computing purely as the result of an assignment I was doing.  I ended up in IT – Voila! Magic.

Hon. Marilyn Warren

Wednesday 31st August saw members of Leadership Victoria’s Alumni and other prominent Victorians gather in the Plaza Ballroom for LV’s annual Leadership Oration. This year, attendees were treated to an address by The Hon. Marilyn Warren AC Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Victoria, with an introduction by the Premier of Victoria Ted Baillieu and MC’d by former ABC broadcaster and LV Alumni Kathy Bowlen (WCLP ’93).

The Bridge Project

The rates of recidivism for young offenders in Victoria are high. In 2005, 66% of young people released from prison went on to reoffend, increasing the likelihood that they would enter the adult prison system. Of the young people involved in the mentoring and employment initiative The Bridge Project, only 3% have gone on to reoffend.

The Bridge Project, run by the YMCA, is literally a bridge for young men transitioning between custody and life post-release, an often extremely difficult period where offenders are isolated and lack opportunity. In fact, 57% of people with a criminal record cannot find gainful employment.

Victorian Youth Mentoring Alliance

The Victorian Youth Mentoring Alliance (VYMA) isn’t the most glamorous part of the mentoring process.  They don’t forge long-lasting relationships with young people, match them with their perfect mentor, or get reminded of the great work they do in the form of a flourishing adolescent.  But they are the ones who keep them safe.

Jane Tongs

Leadership Victoria (LV) Alumni and former council member Jane Tongs (WCLP ’93) fell into the world of commerce almost by accident.  Not confident that she would get the grades required to study medicine after secondary school, she was looking for another field where she could use her talents.

“An uncle said to me ‘why don’t you do business?’ And I thought that was as good as anything,” she laughs.

It turned out to be a fortuitous suggestion.  Jane studied at RMIT, back when it was still very much a working man’s college.  She took accounting classes in an old factory, but found the rough and ready experience a great grounding for her future.  Many of her classmates were already working in the field, and she describes her lecturers, who were veterans of business, as “out of this world.”  She had discovered something she really enjoyed, and began her career with gusto.

Shelley Cussen

Shelley Cussen, Group Manager People and Capability at SP AusNet and WCLP ’10 Alumni, talks to LV about her leadership values…

Being a good leader ultimately comes down to self-awareness.   Everyone has their strengths and weakness but having self-awareness means you can build the best team around you. The ultimate aim is collaborative leadership. I don’t think one leader can be all things to all people – it’s not possible – but when you identify your own strengths and weaknesses you can complement these with the right people for the team.  A good leader will build the strongest team which will get the best outcome. 

Infoxchange Australia

This new video highlights some of the work LV Alumni are doing with social enterprises around Melbourne, including Infoxchange Australia, an organisation that provides information technology services to the not-for-profit sector.

The video was produced for Leadership Victoria by Singing Bowl Media.

Asylum Seeker Resource Centre

Based in an unassuming building on the edge of the CBD, it would be difficult to guess at the hive of activity that lies behind the doors of Melbourne’s Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC).  It’s an atmosphere of controlled chaos as 25 paid staff, and some 650 volunteers, deliver 25 programs to assist those who are waiting for their applications for asylum in Australia to be processed.

Sherilyn Hanson

Sherilyn Hanson (EBLP ‘10) had been involved with Leadership Victoria long before she was accepted into LV’s Experience Bank Leadership Program (EBLP) last year. 

As a manager at YMCA Victoria, in 2005 she coordinated a group of thirty Williamson Community Leadership Program (WCLP) participants in founding the Bridge Project, which helps young ex-offenders find employment and stability after being released from prison.

Keith Perkin

Keith Perkin (WCLP ’92) is CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters. After many years in the private sector, he has jumped ship and moved across to the not-for-profit sector.

What makes a good leader?  

The ability to inspire individuals to achieve more than they would on their own.

Leadership is usually attributed to CEOs and people in government. Can you tell us about an ‘every day’ leader whom you admire? 

Often a strong leader emerges or appears to shine in specific circumstances. I think those to be admired are those who have led an organisation over a long period of time or through a variety of different circumstances and we usually don’t hear too much about them!

Foodbank Victoria

The ‘Focus on Food’ leadership program is an exciting new initiative that has been developed between Leadership Victoria and Foodbank Victoria. Specifically tailored to the food sector and its stakeholders, ‘Focus on Food’ is based on LV’s successful Igniting Leadership Program and is designed to develop high-potential leaders through a concentrated learning experience. The program will commence in August 2010. Here, we speak to Foodbank Victoria CEO, Ric Benjamin.

Talk of cost of living pressures has become standard political fare of late, but evidence of Victorians under immense financial pressure can be found at Foodbank Victoria.

Dr Frederik Vervaet

A cold Melbourne night brought out the best of the city with a reputation of debate and discussion. Mandela, Assange, Suu Kyi and Greer flashed one after the other on walls of The Cube at ACMI, surrounding us in the steady imagery of the Renegade leader – the topic of the second LV Salon event for 2011.

There was certainly a sense of renegade energy in the air. From the moment Alumni began arriving the room was abuzz with friendly chatter, clinking glasses and warm hellos, only coming to a quiet when Jerril Rechter, introduced the night. She took the opportunity to announce a new knowledge partnership with the University of Melbourne, (the launch to be held later in the year), and highlighting the potential for an important exchange.

Helen Kennedy

In 2010, Helen Kennedy was one of five individuals supported by an Office of the Community Sector scholarship to participate in Igniting Leadership, LV’s program for emerging leaders. She came to the program facing considerable leadership-related challenges in her own professional role managing the Family Counseling Service of the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS). Helen supervises approximately 30 staff, and 10 different programs, in an area of VAHS that focuses on acute mental health. Not only was she the sixth manager in her position in a three-year period, but also her role was complicated by a rapid expansion of services, new resources and increased expectations.

Jill Calder

Jill Calder, director of Tango Public Relations, has more than 20 years experience in the marketing field.  She focuses on public affairs with a particular emphasis on issues management and community relations.

How did you come to be on LV’s Council? I did the Williamson Community Leadership Program in 1997 and was involved in a number of LV activities after that.  At a time when some Council Members with public relations/communications backgrounds were retiring, I was invited to join.

What do you value most about your role on Council? It is a great way of staying connected with LV while (hopefully) contributing to the future of the organisation.

Casting the Net Wrap

The verdict is in! Casting the Net, Leadership Victoria’s first Salon Event for the year, has been a huge success in bringing together our diverse network of LV Alumni and current program participants.

The sell-out event was the first of its kind for LV, a creative new concept driven by one of our key messages ‘create networks’. The challenge of the night was to embrace short and sharp networking opportunities and navigate through the possible awkwardness of those first introductions. As predicted, many of our alumni had no problem with the latter.

Josie Daw

What do you do at Leadership Victoria? I’m the Program Manager for Ideas; I pick up on a lot of contemporary ideas and recent research around leadership, culture and change and I filter these ideas into the LV programs and events. I am responsible for the Leader-in-Residence program and I feel very lucky to be working with Chris Kotur our current LIR. I am also beginning work at developing LV’s presence in the virtual space. 

Matthew Butlin

Matthew Butlin started his career as an economist at the RBA, progressing to prominent roles in the public and private sector, and is now the Chair of the Australian Competition and Efficiency Commission and sits on Leadership Victoria’s Council. He is also the subject of this month’s Council Profile.   What do you value most about your role on Council?   The opportunity to offer some views and judgement based on experience and work with the very capable executive team making changes at LV.

Alan Quinton

Alan Quinton is Assistant Chief Officer, Emergency Management for the Metropolitan Fire Brigade. Alan completed EBLP in 2009 and is the subject of this months Alumni Profile.

What makes a good leader?   A key attribute of any good leader is to have a strong sense of who they are. It is difficult to lead others if you do not have an awareness of yourself, your followers will not be aware of who is trying to lead them. An understanding of how they will react in certain situations, their strengths and weaknesses, and a clear sense of their key drivers is important, along with an awareness of their morals – what is clearly right and what is wrong.

Timor-Leste Embassy Video

The video above tells the story of the construction of the new Timor-Leste Embassy in Canberra.

Beginning with preliminary discussions back in 2002, the project involved Leadership Victoria including LV Alumni, the Rotary Club of Melbourne, and the Government of Timor-Leste. 

The embassy is the first every to be given by the people of one country to another, funded by donations. Watch the inspiring story of how volunteers and community leadership played such a fantastic role in delivering an important step in the development of one of Australia's closest neighbours.

The video was produced by Singing Bowl Media. 

Lisa Bowman

Lisa Bowman (WCLP ’07) is a director of  PLUM Communication, a communication and stakeholder engagement company. She is the founder of a charity based in St Petersburg, Russia helping single mothers in need and is on two not-for-profit boards; Travellers Aid and ReConnexion.

What makes a good leader?  A touch of maverick, an understanding of history, a great imagination and the ability to empathise.

Timor-Leste

On 23 June 2010, the embassy was officially handed over to the people of Timor-Leste as a gift from the people of Australia. The embassy is an important symbol of Timor-Leste’s independence and a new chapter in the relationship between the two countries.

What can you contribute to a nation that has to rebuild itself from nothing and is one of your closest neighbours? In 2002, LV,the Rotary Club of Melbourne and Dr José Ramos-Horta, Nobel Prize winner and President of Timor-Leste, arrived at the idea of a truly unique gift for the people of Timor-Leste: an embassy in Australia.

Jerril Rechter

This is LV’s twenty-first year, a year which in many ways represents a coming of age for a much-admired organisation.

After a period of consultation, deep reflection and planning, LV can celebrate its important and unique position in the leadership landscape of the future.

The LV of 2010 and beyond is an innovative, independent not-for-profit organisation that seeks to drive enduring, positive change. We achieve this by developing first-class leaders and then mobilising these leaders in support of the emerging issues and opportunities of importance for our community.

WCLP and EBLP Participants

LV is pleased to announce the names of successful applicants to our 2011 Williamson Community Leadership Program and ExperienceBank Leadership Program.

We welcome these participants to LV and look forward to a long and positive relationship driving and leading enduring change together.

Terry Moran

More than 600 guests gathered in the palatial surrounds of the Palladium at Crown on Thursday December 2 for LV’s 2010 Presentation Dinner.

The evening, MC’d by Kathy Bowlen (WCLP ’93), also offered a rare chance to hear from the Secretary, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Terry Moran AO.

The night was structured into four distinct sections, each reflecting the new vibrant, rejuvenated branding that LV has implemented in 2010.

After a warm and heartfelt welcome from Aboriginal elder, Aunty Joy Wandin, the first section “Create Networks” was introduced as a formal and strategic networking session led by LV Alumni.

Geoff Cosgriff

Geoff Cosgriff (WCLP ’90) is the Director of Infocos P/L and is actively engaged as an Executive Coach, Mentor and Business Strategy advisor for a wide range of clients. He is also a member of Leadership Victoria’s Council and spoke to Jamie Cooke about his experience. How did you come to be on LV’s Council?

I did the original Williamson Community Leadership Program in 1990. I thought it was just such a wonderful experience that when I was approached by the council I jumped at it. I thought it was just a great opportunity to give back.

Paul Bird

Paul Bird (WCLP ’06) has twenty years experience in not-for-profit and business sectors. He has managed finance and operations for The Brotherhood of St Laurence, been CFO of the Australian Red Cross Blood Service, CEO of Very Special Kids, headed up the Program Resourcing Team of World Vision, established an emergency program in post-war Bosnia and Croatia and re-built post-earthquake communities in the Philippines. He is now the State Director of Mission Australia and the subject of this month’s Alumni Profile.

Rob Moodie

The theme for Leadership Victoria’s inaugural Salon Event, “A Storm in a Tea Cup”, is an analogy Professor Rob Moodie knows well. Cleared of all wrong-doing but nevertheless controversially dumped as the Chairman of the Melbourne Storm Rugby League Club, following the uncovering of widespread salary cap breaches, Rob has experienced the often chaotic moments that come with being the person in charge and consequently, suffered the lows of having to take the blame when things go wrong.

Stella Clarke

Stella Clark is an LV Council member, a member of LV’s Projects Advisory Group and the CEO of The Bio21 Cluster, a 22 member not-for-profit in the health and bio medical area. The vision for the Bio 21 Cluster is to solve health issues through innovation and collaboration by facilitating  projects to enable this to happen. Stella graduated from WCLP in 1997 and is the subject of our second Council Profile.

What is your role on LV’s Council?

I’m a Council member. I am also a member of LV’s Alumni, I graduated from WCLP in 1997. In 2003 I became the Chair of what was then known as the SkillsBank Advisory Team, it’s now known as the Projects  Advisory Team. The Programs Advisory Team is very new and started this year with the change in how LV operates.  The team’s goal is to provide a think tank for the Programs Manager, Projects and provide a sounding board for her to bounce ideas off. It’s a role that is in transition at the moment, as LV’s operations continue to evolve.

Chris Kotur

It is a privilege to be the inaugural Leadership Victoria Leader in Residence.

This is a particularly important time for Leadership Victoria (LV) and for all of us committed to building leadership practices that improve people’s lives, build confident and hopeful communities and create positive futures for all Australians.

Never has there been more interest in or opportunities for thoughtful leadership development or more divergent views about the best ways leaders can and should influence our lives.

What do you do at LV?

My role at LV is Program Manager, Projects.  This means that I am responsible for the SkillsBank Program. This program is a key way in which Alumni make real and significant contributions to the community, be it through mentoring, board placements, providing strategic advice and so on.  I have recently been exploring and developing other ways in which our Alumni can utilise their leadership and professional skills.  This has involved the development of projects that are cross sectoral and innovative.

Jerril Rechter

LV’s Executive Director, Jerril Rechter was recently interviewed by Alan Kohler for Qantas’ inflight radio program, Talking Business. She shared with Alan, the differences that she sees in leaders across different sectors and helped to define the meaning, “retractable issues”.

Listen to the radio interview here.

Chris Kotur

On Tuesday 17th August LV was pleased to welcome six eminent leaders to take part in our Foresight Forum,one of a number of key initiatives held under the banner of LV’s Leadership Lab. The Forum took the form of  a conversation with Leader-in-Residence Chris Kotur (WCLP ’94) and LV staff. Kate Burns, YMCA Youth Parliament; Mary Crooks, Victorian Women’s Trust; Peter Ellyard, Preferred Futures Group; Prof Andrea Hull, Cultural Change; John Thwaites, Climate Group and Janice van Reyk, Citywide; spent the morning in discussion about the key issues they identified that will require exceptional leadership over the next decade, and how LV might might best prepare our future leaders to navigate these issues.

Oration 2010

August 25 saw more than 250 guests inspired by the 2010 Oration “On Leadership…” delivered by Mark Scott, Managing Director of the ABC.

Mark was an outstanding addition to the long list of leaders who’ve delivered this annual address for the past 20 years. Mark credited the ABC’s exceptional staff with being the driving force behind the ABC’s success. It was staff who created $100 million of savings required to generate the funds required to create the new ABC24 News Channel and who drive the creation of exceptional content.

ANZ Trustees

Leadership Victoria is pleased to announce the receipt of three-year capacity building funding via a Strategic Impact Project grant from the Truby and Florence Williams Charitable Trust at ANZ Trustees. Over the next three years Leadership Victoria will implement a new vision and model for leadership that utilises our unique reach across sectors.

This article profiles Keren Dattner, an Alumni of Leadership Victoria’s ExperienceBank program. Keren is currently a mentor through the African ThinkTank Leadership Development Program run in a unique partnership between Leadership Victoria, Victoria Police, Monash University, the Federal Department of Immigration and Citizenship.

A few years ago, Keren Dattner took a phone call that set her life on a different path. A young Sudanese boy, who had been a child soldier and a refugee in a Kenyan camp, was having housing difficulties in Melbourne. A mutual friend asked Keren to put him up for a few days while he found a place to live. He ended up staying with her for 6 months.