In this episode of Rural Leadership Unearthed, we sit down with Jason Strong, former Managing Director of Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) and a leader with more than 30 years’ experience in the red meat and livestock industries. Since wrapping up his role with MLA at the end of 2023, Jason has embraced the chance to shift gears and follow his curiosity and passions. From this vantage point, Jason reflects on some of the big leadership lessons of his career, and the lasting take-aways from his experience on course 11 of the Australian Rural Leadership Program (ARLP).

He shares the pivotal insight the ARLP gave him into his natural introversion, and how this had influenced his leadership style. What followed was a kindling of curiosity about how others think and behave, and a new understanding of the importance of bringing others along with you throughout your career and leadership journey. We learn about Jason’s formative passion for showing cattle; and the legacy of his early contribution to the development of the Meat Standards Australia Program. He also shares the excitement of his time with MLA as their regional manager in Europe and Russia, getting to tell the story of Australian beef in the European market. Jason’s advice for the next generation of leaders in agriculture is to embrace building connections through authenticity and vulnerability.

Jason is currently a Councillor with the Royal Agricultural Society and on the Board of the RAS Foundation. He is also Chairman of Bovotica, a biotech start up, and on the Smithfield Cattle Co Advisory Board.

Some highlights:

• How the experience of showing cattle set Jason on his career path

• The power of understanding different personality types

• Getting from A to B doesn’t have to be a straight line

• Leaders with large visions need to be able to communicate each small step along the way

• The privilege of building projects for long-term impact

• Personal stories in agriculture are invaluable for learning

• Collaboration enhances problem solving

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

Meat and Livestock Australia

Bovotica

We’ve just marked National Reconciliation Week for 2025 – the theme centred on ‘Bridging Now to Next’. In this episode of Rural Leadership Unearthed, we sit down with a veteran of Indigenous affairs and graduate of the third Australian Rural Leadership Program, John Paterson. John fondly recalls the expansion of perspective the ARLP gave him. Within his cohort, John was looked to for leadership and insight into some of the enduring conversations Australia is still having about respect, recognition of First Nations History, land rights, and the ability to live, work and thrive side by side, together. John’s roots stem from the Ngalakan people of the Roper River region in South East Arnhem Land. He has seen big changes happen in his lifetime and has played his part in bringing about positive systemic shifts.

From a humble start as a junior clerk in the NT public service in the late seventies, to being appointed CEO of the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory in 2006, John’s leadership has evolved as he has understood where his skills could best make a difference. He is currently a member of the Coalition of Peaks on the Joint Council for Closing the Gap. He is also the current Chair of the Aboriginal Peak Organisations of the NT.

John understands what’s at stake for all Australians when division and disconnection stand in the way of progress. The bridge from now to next, in John’s eyes, is one where truths are told and stories shared without blame, so that all Australians can better know their past, understand their present, and of course, where emerging leaders from all sectors are supported to strive for a better future.

Some highlights:

• Fear mongering is the enemy of reconciliation

• Education is the key to better outcomes for all First Nations Australians

• Hear how John went from a ‘garbologist’ to the senior ranks of the NT public service

• Learn about a bus trip from Darwin to Sydney that changed John’s life forever

• John believes the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation’s alumni hold great power and potency to create positive change

• He knows that truth telling without judgement or blame is an important part of healing

• Future leaders must be supported to carry forward the journey to reconciliation

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

National Reconciliation Week

Coalition of Peaks

Aboriginal Peak Organisations of the NT

Australian Rural Leadership Program

In this episode of Rural Leadership Unearthed, the Unbreakable Farmer, mental health crusader Warren Davies, speaks to us about the insights and stories he feels privileged to share in as he travels around rural Australia. He reflects on the forces buffeting the communities he speaks to, and particularly the impact that the rapid transition to renewable energy sources is having throughout country Australia.

In this conversation, Warren reflects on what he is seeing and hearing as many farmers, families and towns face circumstances they’ve never come up against before. He shares what he sees as the key ingredients to navigating the things we can’t control and staying connected so that we can support each other.

Warren’s message of communicating, connecting and reaching out for help is cemented on the foundation of his own battles as a farmer suffering from mental ill health and how he has harnessed his story to help others.

Warren is sharing his personal experiences and anecdotes as he travels around the country speaking with hundreds of rural communities. We acknowledge that there are a whole range of different experiences wherever energy projects are rolling out, and they are all unique in their impact.

Some highlights:

• No plan is complete unless wellbeing is factored in

• Warren’s keys to resilience include communication, connection and clarity

• Problems with Australia’s renewable energy transition arrive when transparency, consultation and sound communication are lacking

• Leadership at all levels is critical to navigate unprecedented change

• Being able to reach out for help is integral to our mental health

• Creative vehicles for connection are needed to support busy, overwhelmed farmers and rural communities

• Sharing your story gives others permission to share theirs

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

The Unbreakable Farmer

Beyond the Back Paddock

Blue Tree Project

TIACS