John Bertrand AO, legendary Australian sportsman, business leader and skipper of America’s Cup winning yacht, Australia II, will launch the dairy industry’s new leadership strategy at a nationwide webinar today.
Following his record-breaking victory in 1983, John Bertrand AO has gone on to be a leader and innovator in business, sport and philanthropy. He is currently Chair of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame and recently retired President of Swimming Australia.
Who better to join the Australian dairy industry to launch the most ambitious and transformative leadership plan for any agricultural sector; built on the input of very many dairy people who want to see the dairy industry creating a culture of unity, confidence and profitability?
Australian Dairy Industry Council President, Terry Richardson, who joins Mr Bertrand AO in launching the dairy leadership strategy, said: “At the heart of the leadership strategy is the belief that we can all be leaders.
“Leadership is defined by the way we think, speak and act, every day, not by our position or title. It requires us all to be very aware of the impact our words and actions have on others; to listen openly and show respect for different views.
“The strategy aims to build a positive dairy industry culture, one leader at a time.”
Transforming dairy through industry-wide leadership and a positive culture is one of the key commitments of the Australian Dairy Plan. This strategy, developed through industry consultation, helps to deliver on that commitment.
Chair of the Leadership Strategy Steering Group, Gippsland dairy farmer, John Versteden explains that the industry is looking to make leadership training and development opportunities widely available and accessible.
“The leadership strategy has been created to appeal to a range of people – from those who have little interest in formal leadership roles, yet lead in their everyday activities, through to those who aspire to be formal leaders in the dairy industry or their community.
“We encourage people to develop their leadership capability, which will help increase collaboration and innovation and build confidence across the dairy supply chain. It’s a long-term strategy which will help build fundamental skills for achieving success.”
Current industry leaders will be encouraged to model the skills, mindsets and behaviours they expect to be included in any leadership development program.
“We will promote positive leadership behaviour in our workplaces, which will assist in attracting and retaining great people,” Mr Versteden said.
Dairy Australia and Gardiner Dairy Foundation have provided funding and resources to support the development of the leadership strategy.
The leadership launch webinar is open to all. No registration is necessary. To join the webinar today at 1pm AEST, use this Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89459174594
John Bertrand AO appears by arrangement with Saxton Speakers Bureau.
To read the strategy and for more details about how to get involved go to: