Speeches
Wednesday, 01 December 2021
Reception for AmCham Global Leadership Academy
Welcome to Government House for this reception to mark the culmination of the AmCham Global Leadership Academy for 2021.
As a former diplomat, I am familiar with, and have great respect for, the social, cultural and economic relationship between Australia and the United States.
I have long admired the work of AmCham, both here in Australia and overseas, and the opportunities it affords its members through networking, trade missions and much more.
In only a few short years since inception, AmCham’s Global Leadership Academy has cemented its reputation for supporting emerging leaders to boost their careers, while building leadership capacity in South Australia’s business community.
I thank the Chamber of Commerce for running this program in South Australia, and indeed around the nation.
For our emerging leaders, indeed everyone in the room, the pandemic has starkly reminded us of the importance of leadership, and, equally so, resilience.
The past 18 months has taught us that, as leaders, we need to anticipate that the pathway to success might not be one of continuous upward trajectory.
The reality of progress can be very different. There will be disappointments, setbacks and challenges.
Some of you may have had to change tack and adjust the way you lead, or have needed to put projects on hold.
More and more we have had to give greater prominence to mental health issues and find new ways to attain goals.
As I remarked at my swearing in, I value diversity and inclusion and saw very clearly in my former role as Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the many practical benefits to Australia as the Department became more representative of our of nation’s diversity.
As a former diplomat, I am also aware of the drivers of strategic, political and economic change globally and in our own Indo-Pacific region, and the challenges and opportunities this creates.
AUKUS is only the most visible recent response to these challenges and opportunities, but there are many opportunities for the Australia-United States relationship, in which you play a role.
As leaders you have the opportunity to create a culture within your own spheres of influence where a range of skills and perspectives can contribute to your organisation’s success.
I encourage you also to think globally and reflect on how as South Australians we can develop our international links and harness opportunities through our multicultural society.
As leaders, our influence is much wider than the boardroom or office.
Leaders help shape the community in which we operate.
I urge you to grow your network well into the future; you are a valuable asset for South Australia and the returns from your collaboration will be significant.
Congratulations once again and I wish you all the very best for the future!
Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC
GOVERNOR OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA