Brisbane
The interview in full swing.
Andrew N. Liveris AO, President of the Board of the Brisbane Organising Committee for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, provided candid and inspirational advice on leadership during the first of five national John Monash Leadership Series events, held May 15 at The University of Queensland. Interviewed by Jillian Kilby (2013 BHP John Monash Scholar), Andrew shared some of the most pivotal challenges of his career, and the decisions that helped him to overcome them.
Reflecting on his experiences in his early life, Andrew discussed how his background helped shape him into the leader he is today.
"My upbringing made me later realize that everyone should have a seat at the table. No one should be excluded based on where they were born or where they were educated. Growing up in a multicultural world, which is Northern Territory and Darwin, was amazing and really gave me that opportunity to excel."
Motivated by opportunities for radical innovation and change, he holds a firm belief in the necessity of discomfort for enabling growth.
"Embrace reality in crises or, if there's not a crisis, create one."
Special guests: Debbie Terry, Quentin Bryce,
Andrew Liveris and Paul Ramadge.
Adelaide
Tom Williams on stage with Her Excellency.
The second event in the John Monash Leadership Series, held at Flinders University’s sparkling CBD campus, took place on May 28 to a full room of South Australian supporters, students, academics and sponsors. Esteemed national leader Her Excellency the Hon. Frances Adamson AC, the 36th Governor of South Australia, shed light on how people can better lead with purpose, compassion and integrity during a compelling interview that included a mixture of both personal and professional insights.
Her Excellency reflected on how her leadership style has developed and adapted to enable more meaningful communication across various high-pressure environments, and how she navigates her career by focusing on 'impact' as her guiding objective.
"I do spend time thinking about impact. It's worth building time in to stop weekly, monthly, yearly and think about what you want that to be," she says.
By incorporating a reflective and collaborative working style, Her Excellency embraces adaptability and open-mindedness as her strengths.
"Listening is such an important skill for a leader. Having an open mind about things in light of what you hear is important."
Her Excellency is greeted on arrival by Dr Alyssa Pradhan (2024 Australian Universities' John Monash Scholar), Dr Amy McLennan (2009 John Monash Scholar), Tom Williams (2015 Woodside John Monash Scholar) and CEO Paul Ramadge.
Melbourne
Dr Alan Finkel AC
Melbourne’s John Monash Leadership Series was another unforgettable event thanks to candid and powerful insights from Dr Alan Finkel AC, former Chief Scientist of Australia, who was in conversation with May Samali (2014 NSW Premier's John Monash Scholar) on August 1.
Alan shared stories from his diverse career spanning engineering, entrepreneurship and Government policy, and uncovered the leadership threads that tie each of these sectors together. Influenced by the ethic and values of his family, in particular his father, Alan reflected on the critical people in his life that have shaped him, and who he relies on for leadership support and wisdom.
“Resilience is about moving on with a better solution. There is always a better way and a solution to every problem.”
“Leadership shouldn’t be lonely. If you’re lonely because of your leadership position, you should stop and think about how you’re doing things. Great leaders engage with people and bring in other perspectives.”
“Whatever you do, do it really well. Never compromise on quality. Strive for excellence”.
All eyes on Alan and May.
Perth
Paul Ramadge, Dr Karen McConalogue and the Hon Dr Tony Buti MLA.
The John Monash Scholarships Program and its focus on leadership were firmly on the agenda in Western Australia on August 6 after the Minister for Education, Dr Tony Buti MLA, announced a perpetual Western Australian Government John Monash Scholarship as a precursor to world-renowned burns surgeon Professor Fiona Wood AO keeping an audience of 160 guests captivated by her stories. Professor Wood was interviewed with great skill by Dr Sam Brophy-Williams (2012 John Monash Scholar).
Fiona recounted the experiences that have shaped her as a surgeon and leader. Decisive, determined and compassionate, Fiona urged those aspiring to become innovators in their field to cultivate their followship as much as their leadership.
“Collectively we are powerful, individually we can be divisive.”
“It’s about never giving up, getting in and always learning to make tomorrow better.”
“Keep something of the best of you for those who care most for you, this is important. Understanding how to do that is a very personal thing.”
“Get up in the morning and enjoy what you do, but not just for yourself – it’s not just about you.”
Dr Sam Brophy-Williams, Paul Ramadge and Professor Fiona Wood AO.
Sydney
Our fifth and final event in the John Monash Leadership Series was a spectacular finish. Professor Mark Scott AO, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Sydney, was interviewed by Grattan Institute CEO Dr Aruna Sathanapally (2006 John Monash Scholar). Mark left a lasting impression with insights that spanned a dynamic leadership career, drawing upon lessons from his time as Managing Director of the ABC, Secretary of the NSW Department of Education, and as an editor at Fairfax Media. Passion for considered leadership during times of transition was evident in Mark’s humorous and insightful storytelling.
“Have people around you who aren't living and breathing that same roller coaster every day.”
“Resilience is about – how do we learn to wisely integrate our past experiences.”
“Our prosperity as a nation won’t be what we grow or dig up on the land, but who walked the land. This is underestimated as an area of enormous national significance.”
Professor Annamarie Jagose FAHA, Paul Ramadge, The Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Professor Mark Scott AO, Jillian Segal AO, John Coorey, Dr Mark Schembri.
