In January 2005, I started working with Rural Directions. That same year, Merino SA approached Dave Heinjus to create a new leadership program for their members. We accepted the offer and, by February 2006, we had designed and delivered the first-ever 'Breeding Leadership' program.
During the initial stages, I was a consultant who assisted Dave and other facilitators with the program's delivery. I had yet to learn that it would become a long-term project in my work plan. Over the years, I have grown with the program and now oversee its delivery.
What the program involves
Since its inception, more than 200 people have completed the Breeding Leadership course. The program aims to develop personal leadership, strategic planning, and team leadership skills and knowledge. It also provides an excellent opportunity for participants to network with like-minded individuals across Australia. The program is held every two years, and this year marked the tenth anniversary of the program and my involvement.
Breeding Leadership has not just grown, but also evolved into a national program with industry-wide support from the wool industry. It now receives solid funding from Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) and in-kind support from Merino breeder associations nationwide. The five-day program covers a range of topics, including understanding yourself (personality typing), strategy (understanding your business and industry), teamwork (accountability, communicating expectations, decision making) and the future (returning to your business and managing change). A full-day bus tour allows participants to visit local wool businesses and projects.
Personal reflections
The week-long program, which takes place in Clare, is highly motivating but also exhausting. The participants remain in Clare for the entire week, and I'm by their side every step of the way. I recall two particularly taxing years when I was pregnant with each of my children. Being seven months pregnant and undertaking a bus tour to multiple locations, including Michell Wool, in the hot February heat is not ideal. I not only did it once, but twice!
The most rewarding part of the week is building relationships with the participants. The team and I deliver high-value sessions that impact participants' lives and careers. It is not uncommon for participants to stand up at the end of the week and tell the group that this program has changed their lives.
I am excited about the next round of Breeding Leadership in 2026. It gives me another chance to make a positive impact, which is one of the reasons why I love my job. To look back and say that Rural Directions, and now Pinion Advisory, has played a key role in the career and lives of over 200 individuals is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my work.
Image: At the Breeding Leadership industry dinner
Left to right: Kate Methven (participant), Carlyn Sherriff (Pinion Advisory), Tim Shepherd (participant), Emily King (National Extension Manager, AWI) and John Roberts (Chief Executive Officer, AWI)