Written by 2nd Year Resident & Wing leader Jack Thatcher
If service is beneath you; leadership is beyond you.
The concept of leadership has been heralded throughout history, often associated with a particular and limited set of skills and qualities that define an effective and successful leader. Leadership is also frequently conflated with notions of power, fame, and wealth, which undermines the essence of authentic leadership—the idea of servant leadership.
The National Leadership Forum (‘the forum’) is a leadership development conference that gathers nearly 200 nominated young leaders (‘delegates’) from across Australia and the Pacific. Over four days, the forum provides an unparalleled space for delegates to explore what sits beneath their words and actions by encouraging a nuanced dialogue of ideas, values, and beliefs. My time at the forum was both transformative and reaffirming, challenging me to examine my intentions and solidifying the ethical framework that charters my leadership adventures.
Some highlights of the forum included executive leadership sessions with The Hon. Anthony Albanese MP and The Hon. Peter Dutton MP, visits to parliamentary offices with host Tony Zappia MP, a formal dinner at Parliament House, a moving ceremony at the Australian War Memorial, and participation in a community outreach program, among many keynote presentations from pre-eminent Australians across the political spectrum, business community and foundation sector.
During the formal dinner in the Great Hall at Parliament House, we were privileged to hear a keynote presentation by Lieutenant General David Morrison AO (Retd.), who served as Chief of the Army from 2011 to 2015—a challenging period for the institution. Mr. Morrison articulated the idea of being “a custodian of culture, not a captive of culture,” a message that resonated deeply with me. A leader acts with tradition in mind and with the future in their hands, always mindful of how today’s small steps pave the path for tomorrow’s valiant strides. Therefore, the development of culture manifests the relationship between tradition and progress, which at its core should serve others in the pursuit of positive outcomes.
A clear takeaway from the forum is that our best resource is our human resources, and culture should always reflect that importance. Ultimately, the best leaders are dealers in hope, not brokers of cynicism and division.
Finally, I acknowledge the immense support of Emmanuel College in nominating me for the National Leadership Forum. Your sponsorship and support for developing young leaders is helping shape tomorrow’s trailblazers, creating a future that values respect, inclusion, excellence and innovation.
