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 values
• Mass 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 vital
• It’s ok not to have all the answers
• Before 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/