In this episode of Rural Leadership Unearthed, we sit down with Courtney Palmer, a proud Worimi Woman whose career has spanned corporate retail leadership and community impact projects. From leading Big W teams across Queensland and the Northern Territory to championing the Happy Boxes social impact project, Courtney has always been drawn to supporting people to be their best and achieve collective results.

Here, she shares her reflections on finding connection, combating the loneliness of leadership she experienced as a First Nations woman early in her corporate retail career, and embracing the power of networks built through the ARLF’s Milparanga Established Leadership Program. Courtney also opens up about the challenges, lessons, and opportunities that have shaped her—and the importance of paving the way for the next generation of Indigenous business leaders.

Some highlights:

• Courtney shares how her career has shaped her approach to people, culture and community impact.

• The challenge of loneliness in leadership as an Aboriginal woman, and the importance of building networks and peer support.

• Why the Milparanga Program felt like the “missing puzzle piece” in her leadership journey.

• Learning to step onto the “balcony” to gain perspective, instead of staying caught on the “dance floor” of daily demands.

• Her passion for the Happy Boxes Project and the difference it makes in remote communities.

• The importance of paving the way for the next generation of Indigenous leaders.

Our host:

Claire Delahunty, is a writer and journalist who has worked with the ARLF for more than ten years, interviewing leaders having a positive impact on rural and regional Australia.

Resources:

ARLF podcast blog

ARLF website

Rural Leadership Unearthed

Milparanga Established Leadership Program

Happy Boxes