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Rural Leadership Unearthed

Rural Leadership Unearthed

By: Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF)
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 Real stories of leadership from rural, regional and remote Australia and beyond - join the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation as we unearth stories from people passionate about building stronger industries and communities outside our city limits. Come with us as we dive into the ingredients for effective leadership whatever the challenges you face, wherever you live or work. Hosted by Claire Delahunty.Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Better Together

    Better Together
    Apr 9 2025

    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
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    50 mins
  • Leadership in a volatile world

    Leadership in a volatile world
    Mar 26 2025

    In this episode of Rural Leadership Unearthed, Australian Rural Leadership Foundation CEO, Matt Linnegar, sits down with former Australian diplomat and founder of Geopolitical Strategy, Michael Feller, for a conversation about leadership in an increasingly chaotic global environment.


    Matt and Michael examine how leaders internationally are navigating rapid change and disruption. They discuss the limitations to a ‘transactional’ style of leadership, and the need for calm, empathetic leaders with strong values and clear objectives. They discuss the implications of economic policies impacting free trade and offer some observations about what may lie ahead as we move from a unipolar global order towards a multipolar order.


    We note that the insights and analysis provided in today’s episode are not a reflection of the views of the ARLF. This conversation is a stimulating one that leaves plenty to consider, whatever context you are leading in.


    Some highlights:

    • Why transactional leadership delivers poor long-term outcomes

    • When context matters, and why the ‘Silicon Valley’ approach may not translate to the Whitehouse

    • Examining constraints to better understand global leadership decisions

    • Beware the appeal of a simplistic solution

    • The logic and the emotion behind a return to tariffs

    • How artificial intelligence is driving the fifth industrial revolution

    • Tools leaders need to navigate an increasingly disrupted world order


    Resources:

    ARLF podcast blog: https://rural-leaders.org.au/blog/

    ARLF website: https://rural-leaders.org.au/

    Rural Leadership Unearthed: https://rural-leaders.org.au/podcast/

    Geopolitical Strategy: https://www.geopolitical-strategy.com/

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    48 mins
  • Tackling the big, complex issues in agriculture

    Tackling the big, complex issues in agriculture
    Mar 5 2025
    In this episode of Rural Leadership Unearthed, we have joined forces with the Ducks on the Pond podcast to bring you a conversation about advocacy; systems thinking; solutions journalism and more. In this chat with Ducks on the Pond co-host and founder of the Rural Podcasting Co, Kirsten Diprose, and Catherine Marriott OAM – an ‘agvocate’, ARLF Associate and former WA Rural Woman of the Year, we explore the challenges surrounding how our rural industries are represented and perceived. Catherine and Kirsten share how they have both arrived at the ways they want their leadership to havean impact, and what it takes to step into a space and take a stand. We cover the sense of divide that can exist between rural and non-rural Australians and the role each of us can play as an ally and supporter of the voices and viewpoints that aren’t always included in public discourse. Having transitioned to farm life from Melbourne a decade ago, Kirsten brings a unique dual perspective to the agriculture sector, and Catherine brings her knowledgeand experience in the northern beef and southern grains sectors and more widely in the agribusiness space in Australia and Asia. The pair also discuss their experiences of the Australian Rural Leadership Program – Catherine from her vantage point of almost 15 years down the track, and Kirsten as part of the currently participating 31st cohort of the Program. Both of these women are passionate about leaving the planet a better place and empowering and supporting others to make an impact too. Some highlights: It’s important that our advocacy is aligned with our valuesMass communication means more space for misinformation, and creates an important role for evidence-based reporting on solutions to problems Leadership on social media should be about the ‘impact metric’ not the ‘vanity metric’Building capacity, skills and confidence in rural women remains key to a well-represented agricultural sector‘If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room’ – embracing opportunities to learn and develop our capacity as leaders is vitalIt’s ok not to have all the answersBefore we make a change to one thing, take the time to consider how that change will impact the inter-connected systems it is part of 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: https://rural-leaders.org.au/blog/ARLF website: https://rural-leaders.org.au/Rural Leadership Unearthed – The Art of Vulnerable Leadership: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-art-of-vulnerable-leadership/id1729314042?i=1000644516273 Meet our team: Catherine Marriott: https://rural-leaders.org.au/people/catherine-marriott/Ducks on the Pond: https://www.ducksonthepond.com.au/ The Rural Podcasting Co: https://www.ruralpodcastingco.com/ Gardiner Foundation: https://www.gardinerfoundation.com.au/ Agrifutures Australia: https://agrifutures.com.au/
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    1 hr and 1 min

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