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

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/

Andrew Bryant is a manager of learning at the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation, responsible for the design and delivery of leadership programs.

He joins us for this episode of ARLF podcast,Rural Leadership Unearthed, to illuminate what it takes to be a ‘vulnerable leader’. Andrew draws on our second ever episode, with regional arts leader Alysha Herrmann, who describes how she frames the raw and difficult parts of her story to enhance her leadership.

This is the first of a recurring ARLF episode format where we sit down with one of our knowledgeable learning team and go deeper into an aspect of leadership. Here, theory meets practice, as we look at a real mini-case study and examine how we might understand and apply what we’re exploring.

We also get behind the scenes and learn more about Andrew, as he shares his personal experiences with authenticity, self-belief, personal growth and the ongoing development of emotional intelligence.

He also shares two of his favourite resources on the art of vulnerable leadership.

Some highlights:

• Vulnerability takes courage
• Self-worth should not be tied to achievements
• Incremental change is key to personal growth
• Community connection enhances leadership practice
• Authentic leaders embrace their full stories, including struggles
• Courage is essential for practicing vulnerable leadership
• We are wired for connection, and vulnerability is a key ingredient for trust and understanding.

Our host:

Claire Delahunty, is a writer and journalist who has worked with the ARLFfor more than ten years, interviewing leaders having a positive impact on ruraland 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: Andrew Bryant -https://rural-leaders.org.au/people/andrew-bryant-2/

TEDx Houston, Brene Brown, The Power of Vulnerability:https://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_the_power_of_vulnerability

There’s a huge amount of symbolism in a new year, and that can bring with it a lot of pressure.

As we mark the start of a year and a new season for the ARLF podcast, Rural Leadership Unearthed, we wanted to give you some inspiration and ideas that we hope will set you up to start the year off in a positive way.

So, we’ve wrapped up a bit of collective wisdom from some past guests, including Aaron Thomas, Megan McLoughlin, OIi Le Lievre, Melanie Bloor, Liz Stott and Bernice Hookey. While in many ways wildly different, these leaders all share strong values and a clear sense of the impact they want to have. They have also mastered the art of reflection: taking their rich experiences – successes and failures – and tucking away lessons that serve them well into the future.

If you need to ‘take the pressure down’ and put your aims for the new year in perspective, this is an episode for you.

Some highlights:

• Aaron Thomas on slowing down

• Megan McLoughlin on living our lives with empathy and gratitude

• Oli le Lievre on managing our inner critics

• Melanie Bloor on creating fertile ground for ours and others’ efforts to flourish

• Liz Stott on making plans and setting goals

• Bernice Hookey on making sure that we let love guide our leadership.

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

Rural Leadership Unearthed – Dairy Leader’s Mental Health Mission

Rural Leadership Unearthed – To Be Saved by a Stranger

Rural Leadership Unearthed – Reframing How We Think About Farming

Rural Leadership Unearthed – Resilient Communities Run on Connection and Kindness

Rural Leadership Unearthed – Cotton’s Leadership Fibre

Rural Leadership Unearthed – Healing Self to Heal Others

In this episode, we reflect on the recent challenges and wins for Australian agriculture and take a look at trends that will continue to impact the sector. This is a conversation between two veterans of agricultural advocacy and leadership in rural Australia: CEO of the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation and former head of the National Farmers Federation, Matt Linnegar, and our inaugural Special Representative for Australian Agriculture, Su McCluskey.

Sitting down with our host, Claire Delahunty, Su shares her recent experience representing Australian agriculture at the COP29 Summit in Azerbaijan. She and Matt discuss the ways international events are creating headwinds and tailwinds for our rural industries, and the role of leadership and innovation in managing these.

In the face of significant uncertainty around global politics and trade, Matt and Su examine the keys to resilience in the face of challenges, and the importance of supporting the collaborative leadership required for our agricultural sector to thrive.

Some highlights:

• Su walks us through what really happens at a climate conference

• Matt’s take-aways from the 2024 Australian Farm Institute Roundtable

• What net zero means for Australian agriculture right now

• How shifting global regulations and changes of government might be felt closer to home

• Why sustainability matters more than ever

• The importance of collective, collaborative leadership

• Opportunities and causes of optimism for Australian agriculture’s future

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

COP29 Baku

Australian Farm Institute Roundtable - Walking the talk: Putting policy into action

Rural Leadership Unearthed episode 8 – Cotton’s Leadership Fibre