Graduation Dinner

On February 17, 2012 the Graduation Dinner for TLP 2011 was held at the Henry Jones Art Hotel in Hobart. Guests were welcomed by graduate Nick Haddow who thanked program sponsors and the government for their support. He also introduced the graduating class.

An address was given by David O’Byrne, Tasmanian Minister for Infrastructure, Workplace Relations, Economic Development, Science, Innovation and Technology and Police and Emergency Management. David talked about the value of the program to the individuals involved and to the state as a whole. He also mentioned how much he has gained from his participation as a speaker over the past two years. Early last year he officially became a leadership champion of the program and we look forward to his continued involvement in and support of our program.

Graduates Poppy Fay and Brett McDermott gave the valedictorian address, which was inspiring and included some of the lighter moments the group experienced in 2011.

The keynote address was delivered by Tasmanian-born David Brill, one of Australia’s finest news cinematographers, with over 40 years’ experience travelling the world covering wars and disasters. He enthralled the guests with stories from his career and his lessons from meeting world leaders, often at times of crisis.

John Perry, the Chair of TLP, spoke to the guests about the history and future of the program and introduced the graduates. David O’Byrne presented the graduates with their certificates. Once the formalities were done the evening was given over to more celebration.

Congratulations to the TLP 2011 graduates!

1. What makes a good leader? A good leader is someone who is a strategic thinker, with a clear vision and who inspires others. They have an optimistic and long term outlook, but are in touch with day to day activities. People have confidence in them – more as a result of what they do, not what they say.

2.      Leadership is usually attributed to CEOs and people in government, can you tell us about an ‘every day’ leader whom you admire? There are so many! Most of those who inspire me are leaders in communities – who are proactively making a difference and creating action and change for something they are passionate about and believe in.

3.      What has been your biggest challenge? Working with and managing people who have very different personalities and working styles – especially in a work environment where teams are required to work so closely together.

4.      What attracted you to the Tasmanian Leaders Program and what did you gain from your experience? For me it was very much about the opportunity to have exposure to so many amazing people, and to discuss and learn about a whole range of different topics that I might not normally have had the chance to explore. It was a wonderful way to open my eyes and my mind. Also I had an awareness that I needed to confront my shyness in social and networking situations. Being involved was one way to force myself into situations that were going to challenge this.

5.      How has your leadership style evolved? What lessons have you learnt? I think I have gained a much greater awareness and perhaps appreciation or confidence in the strengths that I do have, and how I can better utilise these, but also of course where I can improve.  I’m also working more on ‘letting go’ and aiming to give more responsibility to others – which is difficult for my personality type!

6.      How have the skills you developed through the program transferred to other areas of your life? I have a much greater interest in broader issues relating to Tasmania than I previously did. I find that now I tend to consider these bigger picture issues/ideas more in my decision making and opinion forming. I’m also trying to continue my exposure to these topics and issues through ongoing opportunities e.g. through the Alumni events such as the ‘lunch with a leader’ series and the annual congress.

7.      Did you make any lasting connections with others in the program? Yes I have. It has been great to make friendships and connections with people that I might not otherwise have got to know.

8.      Are you still involved in the community, what are you doing now? Yes. Currently four of us from TLP 2010 are very actively working on a project with the Kentish Community. We are working towards building a road safety bike park in the centre of town. This has been a terrific experience so far – supporting an existing community group who are passionate about road safety education for children, and guiding them through the process of managing this project. I’m excited by the possibility of working with other groups once this is complete.

9.      What challenges are on the horizon for you?Assessing my future directions – in life and work. I think this is an everyday and lifelong challenge really!

10.  What advice do you have for others considering nominating for the program or sponsoring a participant? Do it! It’s a big commitment that’s worth making. My involvement has only been positive, and exceptionally helpful in both my professional and personal growth.

RDS Partners

Recruitment for the 2012 TLP has been bolstered thanks to the provision of a scholarship by Maree Fudge and Tom Lewis through their company, RDS Partners.

Maree and Tom are both TLP 2007 graduates, and in the few years since then have joined forces to transform and develop a Tasmanian company that focuses on supporting regional and community development through building capacity in agricultural, seafood and not-for-profit organisations.

As TLP Alumni well know, the program gives participants the opportunity to really get to know each other – especially through formal and ‘extra-curricular’ discussion and debate over some pretty fundamental issues.

“During TLP 2007, and maybe more so during the following year, we realised we had very closely aligned values and drivers, and very complementary skills and experience” says Maree, “and to think we probably wouldn’t have even met if we hadn’t both been accepted into the program”.

“Our TLP experience helped us build a trust and shared understanding that we ended up using to analyse the issues facing the company I was working for at the time” says Tom, “We didn’t take too long to decide to join forces: to jump out of the plane to rebuild, reposition and rebrand that company into its current incarnation – RDS Partners.”

The small business leadership journey on which Maree and Tom embarked during 2010 presented two major and overlapping challenges. The first was to rebuild and reinvigorate a small team that was passing through a fairly bleak period of change within the company. The second was to identify how the company needed to change – both internally and in what services it provided – to reposition in the rapidly changing economic and social environment in regional Tasmania.

Maree thinks that amongst the most important factors supporting these changes are the pair’s shared business and social values and the trust they place in each other’s decisions.

“A strong set of shared values, and the understanding of how these inform our business decisions, makes it so much easier to articulate these to our staff and clients. Once people understand where we are coming from, they understand our niche” adds Tom.

One of Maree and Tom’s business objectives was to get enough black ink into the RDS financials to allow them to provide some ongoing support to TLP. As they note, “If it hadn’t been for TLP, RDS Partners would not exist”.

And so the story continues – two years on, RDS Partners is humming along, and Maree’s idea of providing a TLP scholarship to support others in this journey has been realised.

“We’re committed to positive development in Tasmania. Everywhere we look we see amazing social and economic opportunities and assets just waiting to be realised. It takes community leaders as well as business and political leaders to do this. And we both know that it’s a unique journey – expanding networks and connections and unlocking people’s capacity to dream, think, challenge and take risks is what TLP offers.”

This year RDS Partners have supported two participants in the program:

• Cheryl Fuller, Deputy Mayor, Central Coast Council
• Todd Houstein, Executive Officer, Sustainable Living Tasmania

Tasmanian Early Years Foundation

In addition, the Tasmanian Early Years Foundation have supported the participation of Rosalie Martin, Managing Director/Senior Clinician, Speech Pathology Tasmania.

The Tasmanian Early Years Foundation supports and promotes the wellbeing, development and learning of Tasmanian children up to the age of 6 years.  As a not-for-profit organisation, the Foundation builds on an annual State government contribution by seeking donations and forming partnerships with businesses and other not-for-profit organisations to support early childhood initiatives.

Later this year the Tasmanian Leaders Program will be seeking applications for the 2013 program from established and aspiring leaders who want to reach their leadership potential, through an intensive ten month professional and personal development program.

Over the year, participants meet at regular intervals to explore critical issues facing Tasmania through seminars, panels, field trips, case studies and retreats which expose participants to over 200 business and community leaders, experts and critical thinkers.

I am unable to highlight all of the achievements of our Alumni or the highlights of the year, but as an attempt let me begin by congratulating Craig Perkins (TLP ’08) for being elected Mayor of Meander Valley Council in the recent local government elections.  Craig recently wrote to us to say that “being a participant in the program definitely gave me the confidence to want to stand as a candidate for Mayor in the recent Local Government election, and I believe played a significant role in my success.” 

Please join me in congratulating Nick Haddow (TLP ’11), whose company Bruny Island Cheese recently won the Tamar Valley Dairy Business Enterprise Award at the Community Achievement Awards. Coincidentally on the same night, our General Manager Angela Driver (TLP ’09) was awarded the Northern Young Professional of the Year at the Launceston Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards.

Meanwhile Wayne Murray-Lee (TLP ’11) and Dion Lester (TLP ’09) become shareholders in pitt&sherry and Volunteering Tasmania, under the direction of State Manager Jill Maxwell (TLP ’11), became an Employer of Choice.

In respect of the 2011 Tasmanian Leaders Program, I would like to take the opportunity to thank all the guest speakers who generously donated their time to speak to TLP5. In addition to learning about the challenges and opportunities facing Tasmania, the participants have been challenged, inspired, encouraged to think outside the circle and step beyond their comfort zone. Without the generous support of our facilitators, speakers,  sponsors and employers, our program would not be the genuinely unique life changing experience that it is. I would also like to thank the Alumni Committee and our Leadership Champions for their continued support of the program and organisation.

I look forward to celebrating these, and more, successes at our graduation dinner on February 17 and in the meantime wish you a fabulous and safe Christmas and New Year.

Best wishes
John Perry
On behalf of the TLI Board

Current Participant and Member of the Legislative Council, Ruth Forest, shares her thoughts on leadership.

The views expressed below are my thoughts on leadership and what constitutes an effective leader.  I acknowledge that my views may well change over time, as I grow as a person and hopefully  become a more effective leader!  Do I measure up?  I would suggest that this is a constant work in progress – and for those who know me – well you can decide!

Leadership or being a leader is a term that is often used to describe a person but are we really talking about a person for a particular task or role, or are we talking about a person with certain characteristics that have universal application?

Whilst both are important, I would suggest that leadership and being a leader is much more about the actions of a person, rather than the person themselves.  A person can lead an event, a conversation, another person or other situation; however, I believe that if a person is to be an effective leader, they must lead by example. I know that sounds a bit clichéd, but it’s an inescapable truth. Like parenting, one cannot say one thing and do another. Consistency is mandatory.

A prerequisite to assuming any leadership position is a clear understanding of the task at hand, what is to be achieved and what means are available to do so. One doesn’t necessarily need to have all the answers but a thorough understanding of the problem is essential.

Most people have the capacity to lead at specific times or in a given situation, however, to be a leader, one must be consistent in this action and dependable because if the action of leading by example is not evident across all areas of one’s influence, one may be able to lead, but is not truly a leader, nor will they necessarily be an effective leader.

An essential part of effective leadership is about being willing to and actively seeking to be in a continual process of learning and questioning.  This will ensure that one becomes more informed across all areas of life and increases ones awareness of the views, thoughts and needs of others.  Identifying knowledge gaps is an important initial step in this process.

A leader must be willing to take risks that expose oneself to the risk of failure, fail and regroup, rebuild and learn from the experience. An effective and authentic leader will admit to failure and not make excuses or blame any external force or another person for any failures, rather using these experiences as opportunities for personal growth and learning.  A leader will always be honest, not necessarily brutally honest, rather aware of and conscious of the impact of their words and actions on others and use these words and actions wisely.

Effective leaders will have a well developed sense of what is right and a strong personal moral and ethical basis that guides their decision making.  Good and effective leadership means standing up for what you know is right particularly in challenging and difficult situations and circumstances.  Honesty, integrity, authenticity, humility, a strong value base, candour and forthrightness, I believe are all important attributes in an effective leader, and these will be displayed in different measure in individual leaders, in different times and in different situations.

We need to be careful about calls for ‘strong’ leadership. Too often such calls are de facto cries for a more autocratic style. We mustn’t confuse being a decisive leader with being an autocrat.

Effective leadership is very importantly NOT about being everybody’s friend. However it is all about considering the views of others whilst forming a position or making a decision and taking the people with you, especially when as a leader you need to make a decision or determination that is at odds with some of the people that will be affected by your decision.  It is about mutual respect for individuals, ideas, views and beliefs, especially when they are contrary to one’s own and will result in informed decision making. It is about being aware of and to consider the impact of one’s actions and/or words upon another and never seek to belittle another person or ‘put them down’.

Effective leaders believe in themselves, but are also very aware of their own limitations and their ongoing needs for growth in self awareness and areas they may not be as knowledgeable in as they would like to be or need to be.  It is about being bold when necessary and stepping outside one’s comfort zone, to facilitate learning, the gaining of experience and over time, wisdom.  We won’t learn and grow if we are standing still.

Many people would see me as a Member of Parliament, elected by the people I represent, as a leader.  In many ways I am, but do I meet the description I have provided above of what a leader is?  I would suggest that I personally have a way to go, but I do seek to live by this description in all aspects of my life, acknowledging that I often fall short and need to admit my failings, errors of judgement, lack of insight or awareness and always strive to improve.

I know that I will always seek to question and thus learn and look to other leaders for guidance and direction.  I believe everyone has leadership potential and for this to be achieved, demonstrated, brought to bear and evident, this will generally require much self reflection, ongoing learning, including a willingness to learn and surround yourself with others who are more knowledgeable, experienced and in many areas, wiser than yourself.  This is something I certainly do and I hope this and the support a few good mentors I will grow as a leader and become a more effective and respected leader!

Written by Ruth Forrest MLC, TLP ’11 Participant

Mount Gnomon Farm – Guy Robertson

Guy is a participant in this year’s program and wants to ensure his TLP friends are well stocked for Christmas!

Two years ago Guy, with his partner Eliza, purchased Mount Gnomon Farm south of Penguin next to the Dial Range, with the dream of establishing a farm that could be home to rare breeds of livestock and genuine free range pigs. Two years later they are the largest free range pig farm in Tasmania. Their famous wessex saddleback pork is used in some of the best restaurants in the state including Saffire Freycinet, Henry Jones Art Hotel, Wild, Blue and Ut Si Café.

This Christmas Guy is offering a variety of ham and pork roast options, and gourmet boxing day barbecue packs, which feature our rare breed beef and lamb. They are also putting together charcuterie hampers, which will include our free range salami, ham, chorizo, bacon, and pastrami. To find out more please contact Guy via email: mountgnomonfarm@activ8.net.au.

Bruny Island Cheese – Nick Haddow

How about some cheese to go with your pork? Bruny Island Cheese Company is an artisan cheese maker in southern Tasmania, owned and operated by current TLP participant Nick Haddow. Their cheeses are made and matured using traditional techniques and are some of the finest artisan cheeses made in Australia. Nick is pleased to offer Tasmanian Leaders newsletter subscribers a whole wheel of their popular Tom cheese, delivered to your door, for the special price of $79.  These wheels have been specially aged and will be perfect for Christmas. Each whole wheel weighs approximately 1kg and will come with its own tasting notes and information on how to care for and serve your cheese. Nick can also arrange them to be sent as gifts to anywhere in Australia. To take advantage of this generous Christmas offer please visit: https://brunyislandcheese.myfoodlink.com/offers/christmas.

Huon Aquaculture  – Ian Nelson

Ian, participant in the 2007 Program, tells us that hand crafted salmon from Huon Aquaculture is now available online. The Reserve Selection range is the best of the best! Perfect for gourmet entertaining during the festive season. The high quality, delicious products are also an alternative to traditional gifts for colleagues and loved ones. Your choice includes Whiskey Cured Smoked Salmon, Honey Cured Hot Smoked Salmon and Hand-Milked Caviar.  For more information and to view the entire Reserve Selection range visit  http://shop.huonaqua.com.au.   You can shop online at the Huon online store and have your selected products home delivered!

If you know of a project that Skillsbank could assist with, email Natalie or download the application for assistance form.

There are three main elements to the program: a volunteering component; a reflective writing component; and a series of seminars throughout the year with very similar topics to the TLP. In fact in many ways, the VCLA is a precursor or an introduction to the Tasmanian Leaders Program. For more information on the VCLA, visit.

Given the synergy between the two programs, there is an opportunity for a mutually beneficial collaboration of participants from both programs in the form of a mentor program. The mentors (TLP graduates) will assist the mentees (VCLA participants) with the transition from University to work by imparting practical advice and guidance in an informal but professional partnership following their completion of the VCLA.

Aside from gaining the personal satisfaction of making a difference to the development of another young potential leader it is also an opportunity to exercise the leadership, interpersonal and communication skills developed during the TLP, and to hear fresh perspectives from the next generation of Tasmanian leaders.

If you would like to know more about the mentor program, email Natalie or phone her on 6237 6440 (Mondays and Tuesdays).

The below interview was conduceted in November 2011.

1. What makes a good leader?
I think a good leader is driven by their values, someone who listens well and considers a variety of opinions and alternatives, learns from their experiences and mistakes and helps other people to learn and grow. People can be good leaders in many different ways depending on their personal style.

2. Leadership is usually attributed to COs and people in government, can you tell us about an ‘every day’ leader whom you admire?
People can be at the highest level of their profession and be terrible leaders. I think there are many good leaders around us in everyday situations – it’s hard to name just one! The ‘unsung heroes’ who give freely of their time and effort to the community, working at their children’s school fete, coaching the local footy team, fundraising for people less fortunate – creating opportunities for others – these are the true leaders in my view.

3. What has been your biggest challenge?
I don’t think I have had it yet – but when it comes, hopefully I can embrace it with enthusiasm!

4. What attracted you to the Tasmanian Leaders Program and what did you gain from your experience?
TLP was suggested to me by a former manager. I was unsure if I could make the commitment at first but something kept telling me that I should not pass up such an amazing opportunity. I am so glad I didn’t – I gained so much both personally and professional across the year. At times the program was very confronting but I gained so many valuable insights into who I am – it helped to make my life path become clearer than it had been previously.

5. How has your leadership style evolved? What lessons have you learnt?
I think I always felt my leadership style was very values-based. However, I gained more clarity around what that really means for me and how it translates into everyday life. I also learned to have more confidence in my abilities and faith to make the right decisions.

6. How have the skills you developed through the program transferred to other areas of your life?
TLP has made be a more rounded person in both my professional and personal life – the skills I developed have helped me to make more considered decisions and find more balance in the things that I do.

7. Did you make any lasting connections with others in the program?
Yes – many people I went through the program with are now very good friends and will remain so. I also made some great long-term community connections as well with some of the presenters and guest speakers throughout the program that I have come to work with on community projects.

8. Are you still involved in the community, what are you doing now?
I think TLP gave me increased enthusiasm for doing as much as possible in the community. Until recently I served on the Boards of Playgroup Tasmania, Hobart Women’s Shelter, Womensport & Recreation Tasmania, and I currently hold the role of manager Women’s Cricket with my local cricket club (for which I also play). Since completing the TLP year, I created Best You Can Be Tasmania to kick start projects that create leadership opportunities for disadvantaged youth. We are still working hard to get our first major project off the ground. I also got involved in one of the pilot projects with Skillsbank which was a short term project helping a local charity with an event marketing plan.

9. What did you get out of the Skillsbank project?
My skills and experience to undertake the project were perfectly matched. It drew very well on my previous experience in the not for profit industry and marketing in general and as a result the time commitment to complete the project was actually less than I expected. So something which was relatively straight forward for me made a real difference to Save the Children and to the Tasmanian community, which is really satisfying. I’m always happy to assist NFPs, particularly those which assist children and young people and would certainly be open to assisting with other similar projects with Skillsbank as they arise.

10. What challenges are on the horizon for you?
I have recently been appointed CEO of YMCA Hobart which brings with it many challenges indeed!! I am trusted with the legacy of a wonderful organisation that has existed in Tasmania for almost 130 years, and one which has been part of the lives of many Tasmanians for generations. I am excited by the challenge of ensuring that legacy continues for future generations.

11. What advice do you have for others considering nominating for the program or sponsoring a participant?
TLP will be one of the best decisions you make for yourself (or your employee). Don’t hesitate, it is a wonderful program and one which you will treasure for the rest of your life. You will learn so much more than you ever thought possible.

Each newsletter will provide the opportunity to profile one of our graduates. This month, it is with great pleasure we introduce you to Craig Perkins, graduate of the 2008 program.

Craig is Chief Executive Officer of the Regional Development Australia – Tasmania Committee. Craig has worked in regional development and local government for the past 13 years. Over this period, Craig has worked with communities to support their strategic development in terms of economic growth and improve social capacity. He is also an elected member with the Meander Valley Council.

1. What makes a good leader? A good leader to me is someone who has confidence in what they say and how they say it. Is willing to set a vision and then be part of the Journey.
2. Leadership is usually attributed to COs and people in government, can you tell us about an ‘every day’ leader whom you admire? To think of one person is difficult. I do however get inspiration and motivation from the people I work with and achievements of my peers.
3. What has been your biggest challenge? Managing change and managing through change has been my biggest challenge.
4. What attracted you to the Tasmanian Leaders Program and what did you gain from your experience? I was looking for a leadership program that provided me the opportunity to learn more about myself and facilitate ongoing professional development, as well as a program that enables me to better understand the environment in which we live and the diversity of the challenges and opportunities.
5. How has your leadership style evolved? I have always been inclusive as a manager, and my ‘evolution’ as leader has continued in this way. What I have learnt is that leadership can be delivered in many different ways, and it’s important to appreciate that people are not homogenous in the way in which they relate and respond to leadership, so understanding and respecting the differences is vitally important
6. How are the skills you developed through the program transferred to other areas of your life? I like to believe that my actions, decisions and advice to others is a reflection of the skills and knowledge that I gained from the program.
7. Did you make any lasting connections with others in the Program? I believe that if a participant is fully engaged in the Program, then lasting connections are an inevitable outcome. Not only are the connections lasting, but they provide a positive forum through which we can continue to learn, discuss, dissect and contribute ideas and actions back to our community and our work environment.
8. Are you still involved in the community, what are you doing now? It would be fair to say yes. I remain an active member of the Rotary, I have joined the board of the Meander Valley Enterprise Centre as well as being a Councillor on the Meander Valley Council.
9. What challenges are on the horizon for you? I will be nominating as a candidate for the position of Meander Valley Council Mayor in the upcoming Local Council elections. This presents an exciting opportunity for me, yet at the same time is quite daunting. I find being elected by your community to be humbling. I know that my participation in the Tasmanian Leaders Program has been a contributing factor giving me the confidence to not only be a candidate for the mayoral position, but it has also given me the confidence to know that I can fulfil the role capably.
10. What advice do you have for others considering nominating for the program or sponsoring a participant? Expect change and allow change.