In this episode of Take A Seat, we sit down with one of regional Australia’s most passionate and persistent advocates – Robbie Sefton. As the Managing Director of Seftons and Associates, a national communications and engagement firm based in the bush, Robbie is also a farmer, a leader on multiple national boards and a lifelong believer in the power of financial independence, community collaboration and straight-talking leadership.Robbie shares her reflections on the grit and vision it takes to build a business from rural Australia, the role of fear and financial pressure as fuel for innovation, and her commitment to seeing young people thrive in dynamic regional communities. From the thrill of the chase in business to the power of influence without ego, this conversation is a masterclass in authentic, values-led leadership.To find out more about The Connection Table’s mission to get more rural Australians a seat at the decision making table, head to our websitewww.theconnectiontable.com#ruralleadership #australianleadership #ruralleaders #leadership
In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Lisa Millar — award-winning ABC journalist and host of Muster Dogs. From growing up in a small Queensland town to covering terror attacks across Europe, Lisa shared the sliding door moments that have shaped her career, including a decade-long fear of flying that almost stopped her from chasing her childhood dream.We talked about saying yes (even when it’s scary), the power of reframing tough experiences, and why her rural upbringing has been one of her greatest assets. There were also triathlons, pelicans, and — in a moment of pure magic — a seal sighting mid-interview.Lisa’s story is one of grit, joy and deep empathy. This conversation left me inspired, and I know it’ll do the same for you.I hope you enjoy this conversation as I take a seat with Lisa MillarTo find out more about The Connection Table’s mission to get more rural Australians a seat at the decision making table, head to our websitewww.theconnectiontable.com#ruralleadership #australianleadership #ruralleaders #leadership
In this episode I’m joined by someone who needs no introduction in rural Australia – but deserves one anyway. Shanna Whan is a name synonymous with courage, candour and change. From her beginnings on a mountain in Africa, to her role as founder and CEO of Sober in the Country, Shanna’s journey has been anything but linear.Named Australian of the Year Local Hero in 2022 and more recently awarded an Order of Australia, Shanna speaks with raw honesty about what it means to be an ‘accidental leader’ in one of the most taboo spaces in the bush – alcohol addiction. In this episode, we talk about rural identity, leadership without the ego, the incredible power of speaking up, and how she’s building a legacy far bigger than herself.It’s real, it’s heartfelt, and it’s a conversation I hope stays with you long after you’ve listened.To find out more about The Connection Table’s mission to get more rural Australians a seat at the decision making table, head to our websitewww.theconnectiontable.com#ruralleadership #australianleadership #ruralleaders #leadership
Today’s guest is someone I’ve admired for years — Danica Leys, CEO of the Country Women’s Association of NSW. If you think the CWA is just scones and sponge cakes, think again. Under Danica’s leadership, the organisation has been a powerful voice for rural communities, tackling some of the state’s most pressing issues in health, education and agriculture.We talk about her unexpected journey from agronomy to law to leading one of Australia's most iconic member organisations, the power of lived experience in advocacy and what it takes to build visibility and influence in regional leadership. This is one for the rural change-makers — and anyone who’s ever wondered how one voice becomes many.To find out more about The Connection Table’s mission to get more rural Australians a seat at the decision making table, head to our websitewww.theconnectiontable.com#ruralleadership #australianleadership #ruralleaders #leadership
Diana Gibbs wasn’t born and raised in rural Australia but it has been her home for the last 50 years. Diana talks about her global upbringing, career as an economist in male dominated industries and how her first board role came about as a shoulder tap from NSW Premier Bob Carr after she won the inaugural Rural Women's Award. Diana gives some valuable advice on what is required to bring value to a board position and also about the importance of leaning into the fact that your leadership style will evolve with time.I hope you enjoy this conversation as I take a seat with Diana Gibbs.
Kristal Kinsela is a passionate and proud Aboriginal role model, a descendant of both the Jawoyn and Wiradjuri nations with nearly 20 years of experience in education and training, organisational and workforce development, and supplier diversity working across Government, Corporate and Not-for-Profit sectors. She is also a mum to a new generation of entrepreneurs and a fierce example of the leadership talent that lives in rural Australia. Kristal shares her incredible leadership journey to date and delves into the enormous sacrifices she has made to combat the challenges faced by building a business in the bush. Kristal also shares an insight into her experience working for leaders that have been pivotal in her career. I hope you enjoy this conversation as I take a seat with Kristal Kinsela. To find out more about The Connection Table’s mission to get more rural Australians a seat at the decision making table, head to our website www.theconnectiontable.com #ruralleadership #australianleadership #ruralleaders #leadership
Hailing from a town of less than 1000 people in rural QLD, Amy Kunrojpanya started her career with the Australian Government and has gone on to work for some of the world’s most recognisable brands. Amy delves into her fascinating leadership journey and shares some incredible experiences that have shaped how she manages people and teams today. Amy talks about hard work and gives fabulous advice on how to model it. I hope you enjoy this conversation as I take a seat with Amy Kunrojpanya. To find out more about The Connection Table’s mission to get more rural Australians a seat at the decision making table, head to our website www.theconnectiontable.com
Hannah Wade grew up on the NSW Central Coast, trained as a corporate lawyer and is now the Australian Trade and Investment Commissioner to Indonesia. Hannah talks me through her leadership journey, the challenges she faced at university with one foot in the Sydney student scene and the other foot with responsibilities on the farm at home. Hannah shares some interesting insights into leadership development on a global scale most specifically on leveraging history to steer her leadership approach and strategy. Hannah also acknowledges the value that she places on her early leadership roles in grassroot organisations and committees in her rural community. I hope you enjoy this conversation as I take a seat with Hannah Wade. To find out more about The Connection Table’s mission to get more rural Australians a seat at the decision making table, head to our website www.theconnectiontable.com #ruralleadership #australianleadership #ruralleaders #leadership
Diane Tompson is one of those women you want to be when you grow up. For the last 30 years, Di has been at the helm of Novaris, the engineering and manufacturing company she founded with her husband in Tasmania which exports all over the world from both their HQ in Tassie and their factory in Malaysia. Di’s leadership journey has evolved over time and it is definitely a style that you don’t often read about in leadership books. Di’s passion for supporting women in senior leadership roles in industries that are very male centric has taken her all over the world and by the sounds of it, will continue until her last breath. I hope you enjoy this conversation as I take a seat with Diane Tompson. To find out more about The Connection Table’s mission to get more rural Australians a seat at the decision making table, head to our website www.theconnectiontable.com
Jeanette Long is a bit of an institution in rural Australia. Many of you across the country may have participated in one of Jeanette’s sessions be it in extension, facilitation or leadership training or you’re a current or former member of one of the many organisations that she has played an integral role in establishing. Jeanette talks about her passion for supporting women in leadership, particularly those from rural communities and she talks about the biggest challenges she sees blocking the pathways to leadership opportunities. I hope you enjoy this conversation as I take a seat with Jeanette Long. To find out more about The Connection Table’s mission to get more rural Australians a seat at the decision making table, head to our website www.theconnectiontable.com #ruralleadership #australianleadership #ruralleaders #leadership
Edwina Sharrock is a self confessed leadership and professional development nut. Edwina trained as a midwife and transitioned to the startup world with the launch and development of her online birth education company Birth Beat. We discuss how she has leveraged her rural location to drive her leadership journey and why she thinks we need to change the narrative around the perceived barriers that our geography may present. I hope you enjoy this conversation as I take a seat with Edwina Sharrock. To find out more about The Connection Table’s mission to get more rural Australians a seat at the decision making table, head to our website www.theconnectiontable.com #ruralleadership #australianleadership #ruralleaders #leadership
Olympia Yarger is a force to be reckoned with. Hailing from the Monaro in southern NSW, Olympia is the CEO of Goterra, a waste management infrastructure company that farms insects in autonomous robots. Drawing on her experiences in Australian agriculture and the US Marine Corp, Olympia shares her fascinating perspectives on leadership and around the perceived barriers that people in rural areas face as they grow into leadership roles. I hope you enjoy this conversation as I take a seat with Olympia Yarger. To find out more about The Connection Table’s mission to get more rural Australians a seat at the decision making table, head to our website www.theconnectiontable.com