Speeches
Thursday, 28 November 2024
The Governor’s Leadership Foundation Graduation Ceremony
Rod and I are pleased to join you this evening to celebrate your graduation from the Governor’s Leadership Foundation Program.
Friends,
Better leaders create a better South Australia.
I expect we’d all agree, though, that it is given to only a very small number of individuals to be born leaders.
Most people who excel at leadership do so by building their talents through learning about leadership, and then putting into practice what they learn, time and again.
That is why the work of the Foundation is so important.
And that is why this graduation is so significant.
This evening you are graduating from a program that has extended your skills, networks and knowledge.
It’s given you tools to enhance your communication, problem-solving, planning, ethical decision-making, and conflict resolution skills.
It has encouraged you to reflect on your capabilities and on the transformative power of collaboration, all while encouraging you out of your comfort zones and towards your ‘growth edge’.
As Governor, fostering leadership in our state is one of my priority areas.
As patron of the Leaders Institute, I am proud to support a program that has, for over two decades, developed leaders who strengthen the South Australian community.
I thank the Institute, its board, and the many contributors who make the Governor’s Leadership Foundation Program a cornerstone of leadership development in our state.
I especially thank Cathie Brown for everything she has achieved during her seven and a half years as CEO.
I also thank the Institute for viewing leadership through the lens of community service and contributing to our society.
After all, leadership is not so much about job titles or workplace responsibilities.
It is about vision, integrity and qualities that inspire people to work together in pursuit of a shared goal.
In 2024, what we recognise as good leadership encompasses qualities that go well beyond traditional ideas about authority and control.
Good leadership includes empathy, resilience, self-awareness, plus a willingness to listen and to collaborate.
Good leaders rarely do it entirely on their own and I want to acknowledge the support of partners, families and friends of this year’s GLFers as they have undertaken the program.
And so, to our graduates - congratulations!
Completing this program is a significant achievement, and it’s just one step in your leadership journey.
You now become part of the GLF alumni cohort. I encourage you to keep in touch with the other members of your course and that wider alumni network – and to let me know how you are getting on.
When you work together, you are greater than the sum of your parts.
So, I encourage you to continue to tap into the skills and expertise of the networks established during this course.
I also urge you regularly to reflect on what you have learnt on this course - not only about leadership but also about yourselves - so that you always strive to lead with authenticity and self-awareness.
We are so often at our best as leaders when we collaborate – and when we understand our leadership strengths and weaknesses.
I wish you all the best as you put into practice what you have learnt about yourself … about leadership … and about the contribution you can make to your communities … and to South Australia.
Congratulations, to each and every one of you!