There’s a huge amount of symbolism in a new year, and that can bring with it a lot of pressure.

As we mark the start of a year and a new season for the ARLF podcast, Rural Leadership Unearthed, we wanted to give you some inspiration and ideas that we hope will set you up to start the year off in a positive way.

So, we’ve wrapped up a bit of collective wisdom from some past guests, including Aaron Thomas, Megan McLoughlin, OIi Le Lievre, Melanie Bloor, Liz Stott and Bernice Hookey. While in many ways wildly different, these leaders all share strong values and a clear sense of the impact they want to have. They have also mastered the art of reflection: taking their rich experiences – successes and failures – and tucking away lessons that serve them well into the future.

If you need to ‘take the pressure down’ and put your aims for the new year in perspective, this is an episode for you.

Some highlights:

• Aaron Thomas on slowing down

• Megan McLoughlin on living our lives with empathy and gratitude

• Oli le Lievre on managing our inner critics

• Melanie Bloor on creating fertile ground for ours and others’ efforts to flourish

• Liz Stott on making plans and setting goals

• Bernice Hookey on making sure that we let love guide our leadership.

Our host:

Claire Delahunty, is a writer and journalist who has worked with the ARLF for more than ten years, interviewing leaders having a positive impact on rural and regional Australia.

Resources:

ARLF podcast blog

Rural Leadership Unearthed – Dairy Leader’s Mental Health Mission

Rural Leadership Unearthed – To Be Saved by a Stranger

Rural Leadership Unearthed – Reframing How We Think About Farming

Rural Leadership Unearthed – Resilient Communities Run on Connection and Kindness

Rural Leadership Unearthed – Cotton’s Leadership Fibre

Rural Leadership Unearthed – Healing Self to Heal Others