For 2018 graduate, Brigid Price, Injune Queensland, the opportunity gave her the direction and connections she needed to realise her leadership goals. Almost a year on since she was selected to be a part of the Program, AustralianFarmers caught up with Brigid on her leadership journey and to get her advice for potential applicants.
AF: What was your experience participating in the 2018 Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program?
BP: To be recognised at a national level for my contribution to agriculture was just the start of an amazing year in 2018.
I had previously been focusing my efforts on how, a platform I created, could help people, so I initially found it challenging to set leadership goals that were about my personal aspirations.
My wonderful mentor,, was patient and encouraged me step out of my comfort zone. My experience was completely positive. I worked through not only where my skills could be used but also where I felt comfortable using them.
There are many ways to contribute as a leader and the enabled me to identify my best fit.
AF: How has your life and career in agriculture changed since participating in the Program?
BP: I am very grateful for the opportunity to participate. I feel more confident now speaking up on issues that I believe are important to agriculture.
As a primary producer and member of a multi-generational farming family I have a long term commitment to the industry. Participating in the Program validated my contribution and gave me the confidence to identify future directions where I can add value.
I
have been offered more platforms to share my views and I have also started
presenting at conferences. Recently I have also identified opportunities to
take on other roles such as participating on an Advisory Board that I would not
have considered prior to completing the Program.
It is not capacity or capability that many women involved in agriculture lack, but rather confidence and connections.
AF: What advice would you give to the 2019 cohort?
BP: This is a fantastic opportunity for personal growth and career development. I learnt that it is not capacity or capability that many women involved in agriculture lack, but rather confidence and connections. The program opened my eyes to the opportunities where I could contribute to this Industry but more importantly it shifted my thoughts away from ‘why me’ to ‘why not me’. My advice is: connect early with the other participants and invest the time to work through the Program booklet and your goals, but most importantly enjoy the journey.
