Our 2023 cohort of RA Fellows had the opportunity to connect with each other and hear insights around leadership, team building and communications over the course of last week’s Fellows Mid-Year Workshop.
Thanks to the generous support of John Holland, the sponsor of the RA Fellowship program, Fellows from across Australia were able to gather in Sydney for this two day event to hear presentations from respected professionals that provided them with advice on how to:
- present in an authoritative and engaging manner;
- create a positive and empowering workplace culture;
- communicate with authenticity and empathy;
- understand and implement research findings.
During the workshop, our Fellows also learned about the project they will be working on during the rest of the year. Working in groups, they will select one innovation that will open up opportunities for new streams of talent within our industry, explore how barriers to the introduction of their chosen innovation could be overcome, and and then develop a roadmap for implementation.
A highlight of the workshop was the Fellows and Mentors Mid-Year Dinner, where attendees learned about the inspiring personal journey of guest speaker – Tara Bohanna, the captain of the Gold Coast Suns AFLW team.
Tara also has a second career – she works in construction as a safety co-ordinator for the sponsor of the RA Fellowship program, John Holland.
Tara discussed her career experiences in both construction and in football. She reflected on the determination needed to achieve her ambition of playing in the AFLW, and how important the encouragement of her family was in overcoming early challenges and disappointments.
Tara also set out how her approach to leadership in football is equally relevant for leaders in construction, particularly the importance of building effective and cohesive teams and always keeping sight of your goals.
Huge thanks to Stuart Cook and Verity Turner, the Chair and Deputy Chair of RA’s Future Leaders Committee for their facilitation of workshop sessions over the two days, to Rob Evans from John Holland for his vote of thanks at the dinner – and to all our Fellows and Mentors for fully engaging in the program.
We can’t wait to see the project outcomes at the end of the year!