Three Yarra Valley grape and wine sector professionals have graduated from an intensive five-month leadership development program Future Leaders equipped with new skills to enhance their contribution to the community.
Ewan Proctor from Vivino, Katherine Herd from Domaine Chandon and Steven Faulkner from Oakridge Wines were all a part of the program that supports a new generation of grape and wine sector leaders to develop skills, sharpen decision-making abilities, build networks, and form a nucleus of knowledge and enthusiasm to take the sector forward, in good times and bad.
Steve Faulkner and Katherine Herd reflected on their experiences through the program.
“The learning and real-life application of that learning has been invaluable. I recommend applying for Future Leaders, just do it. Personal development and leadership skills for life lie ahead if you are successful,” said Senior Viticulralist at Oakridge Wines Steve Faulkner.
“This program is like no other, an experience that has been truly transformative, with an exceptional curated line-up of sessions, speakers and experiences. One specific phrase, attributed to Shar Henderson, continues to resonate with me – ‘to be twice the person you can be, you need to leave half of yourself behind’,” said Production Manager with Domaine Chandon Katherine Herd.
Future Leaders is coordinated and funded by Wine Australia and supported by Australian Grape and Wine. Today’s graduates join more than 100 alumni of the program, which launched in 2006.
Wine Australia Chief Executive Officer Dr Martin Cole said effective and well-trained leaders are an invaluable asset across all areas of the Australian grape and wine sector.
“Both Australian Grape & Wine and Wine Australia continue to value the way in which the Future Leaders program fosters agile and resilient leadership behaviours. It supports and celebrates the diversity of thought from the emerging leaders across our sector,” Dr Cole said.
“One of the strengths of our sector is its people, and I am delighted that Future Leaders has nurtured the enthusiasm of this talented group of people who are willing to contribute solutions to the challenges facing our community and make a difference for everyone.”
Australian Grape and Wine Chief Executive Officer Lee McLean confirmed Australian Grape & Wine’s support of the Future Leaders program, adding “the calibre of graduates from this program is truly impressive and fills me with confidence about the future of our sector.”
The Future Leaders were tasked with formulating visionary and innovative responses to the grape and wine sector’s challenges. These thought leadership pieces have been compiled into a book that was launched at their graduation and incorporates topics for how the sector should respond to climate change, long-term sustainability, marketing, exports, business structures and market diversification as well as ensuring the sector’s greatest asset – its people – are genuinely supported.
