In this episode of Rural Leadership Unearthed, we’re joined by Diana Sanchez, who lives and works in Toowoomba as a laboratory coordinator in the seed and grain industry. It’s a position that reflects her determination and drive to better herself and stretch herself. When Diana and her husband decided in 2020 to relocate from their home in Colombia to re-set their lives and develop their English language skills, they couldn’t have predicted that they’d face the extreme isolation of Melbourne’s COVID lockdowns.

After a rocky start, Diana’s background in horticulture pulled her towards a job advertised in Queensland’s agricultural sector. Diana began a role as a grain tester, working alongside other seasonal workers from diverse backgrounds, in a lab. It was in this setting that Diana experienced the frustrations of miscommunication. Spurred on to support others sharing similar experiences, Diana became focused on the ingredients of strong communication and what helps us to be understood.

Fast forward to 2023, and Toowoomba not-for-profit, The Mulberry Project, nominated Diana for the ARLF’s TRAIL emerging leaders program. The experience affirmed her leadership capabilities and the importance of the contribution made by Australia’s immigrant community.

Diana explains how the experiential program confronted her with her own vulnerabilities but also revealed her strengths as a leader. Now, Diana is modelling how to create strong bonds within her culturally and linguistically diverse team, and advocating for workplaces to understand the value of slowing down and creating opportunities for connection where all are given the chance to be heard and understood.

Diana’s scholarship on the seven-day TRAIL program was funded by the Weis Community Fund, managed by Heritage Bank Charitable Foundation.

Some highlights:

• Discovering a ‘weakness’ can reveal our other strengths

• The importance of asking for help

• Opportunities for connection makes stronger teams

• Being heard and understood is critical to everyone

• Common ground is where we bond

• Providing leadership opportunities to migrants in Australia is a key way to recognise their contribution

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

TRAIL Emerging Leaders Program

Weis Community Fund