EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP COURSE A SUCCESS.

The recent TRAILblazers course was a deeply provocative program for an exclusive group of high-end, experienced leaders.

“When the Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor of James Cook University, Andy Vann tells you that  "You are doing very important work," or the Regional Manager for Elders Forestry, Andy Wright  says "I feel like a quantum shift has occurred in my thinking. This sort of thinking should go viral!" you know that  TRAILblazers’ effectiveness as a program helping seasoned leaders expand their concept of self leadership is on the right track,” says Program Manager Zoe Routh.

The Australian Rural Leadership Foundation conducted its second TRAILblazers course in Canberra from March 25 to August 1.  The first four days physically and mentally challenged participants in a series of experiential outdoor activities, putting generally office bound managers out of their comfort zone. 

“What can I say! Terrifying, fun, scary, exhilarating, awesome, mind blowing, challenging – the best!  Great team – a once in a lifetime experience!” is how Annie Jarrett, Director of Pro Fish Ltd described confronting these activities at remote Wee Jasper. Julie Bird, Senior Research Manager of RIRDC qualifies this by adding that  “the hardest bits were probably the most insightful.”

TRAILblazers focuses on all elements of leadership and the fast tracking team and trust development challenge based learning activities in the bushland was an integral part of personal insightfulness. 

The second half of the program moved into the conference room with some of the nation’s leading speakers and most progressive thinkers challenging participants’ opinions on a variety of leadership issues. 

“We cover a plethora of topics from Futurist strategy to managing  crucial conversations; from ideas on leadership in a hung parliament to managing change that makes a difference in rural Australia,” says Routh. “The variety of provocative topics encourages creative thinking on many levels that the leaders can take away and use as innovative solutions in their workplace.” 

Annie adds “that the highlight of the program for me was discovering all the tools that are available to assist us in both a personal and professional capacity,” whilst Andrew Spence, Chief Executive of Australian Pork Ltd  believes the course gave him “the Equipment to spread my wings.” 

TRAILblazers next program will be next year in March 2012, and Westpac’s Chief Executive of Regional Commerce and Agribusiness Graham Jenning  enthusiastically recommends the course as “a rare opportunity for valuable leadership development.” 

The Foundation can also tailor executive leadership course for specific groups.

 Contact:             Zoe Routh,  Manager of Short Courses         ph 02 6281 0680

Web:                    www.rural-leaders.com.au