Decoding Cultural Leadership

As the CEO of the iconic Australian Youth Orchestra (AYO), Kimbali Harding has a unique vantage point on shaping the future of classical music in Australia. In this insightful conversation, Harding shares her own remarkable journey - from a dedicated piano prodigy to a passionate music educator - and the transformative role of mentors like the legendary Richard Gill. Kimbali unpacks the multifacet...

This week's guest on Decoding Cultural Leadership is Joanne Kee,  Executive and Creative Producer of the National Theatre of Parramatta, Joanne shares her fascinating journey into arts management, from her family's early love of performance to gaining invaluable experience at major institutions like the Sydney Opera House and a period in London. We delve into the vibrant arts and culture...

This week's guest is Dr. Kim Goodwin, An academic at the University of Melbourne, her research focuses on career development, employability, and human resources in the arts. Kim shares her journey from early leadership challenges in the corporate world to shifting her focus to professional development in the arts sector, which led to her PhD research on leadership identity development in the...

Julian Louis, CEO and Artistic Director of NORPA (Northern Rivers Performing Arts), shares his journey of leading a regional theatre company through major challenges, including floods and the COVID-19 pandemic. Key points from the conversation include: NORPA's unique approach to creating place-based, site-specific theatre that is deeply connected to the local community and stories of the Nort...

My guest today is Greta Bradman. Greta has made significant contributions across multiple fields. A registered psychologist, researcher, writer, broadcaster, and performing artist, Greta's diverse background is truly impressive.  As an exclusive artist for Universal Music (Decca Classics), Greta released four No.1 solo albums, showcasing her incredible talent as a vocalist.  You may also reco...

My guest today is Esther Anatolis. With an impressive career spanning various art forms and practices, including literature, publishing, broadcasting, visual arts, craft and design, museums and galleries, performing arts, and festivals, Esther has made a massive contribution to Australia’s arts and cultural landscape. Throughout her extensive career, she has held numerous leadership positions in k...

This week’s guest is Richard Evans AM A highly respected arts leader, Richard has had an extensive career in arts management, leading some of Australia's most prominent cultural institutions. He is currently the Managing Director of the Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO) and President of Live Performance Australia (LPA). In this wide-ranging conversation, Richard discusses his diverse career,...

This week, we catch up with renowned barrister, spokesperson, and human rights advocate Greg Barns SC, as he shares how music has been a driving force in his life and how he sees music playing a huge role in public debate, reform and dialogue. In this discussion, we touched on some of the controversial debates taking place at the time, focusing on the voice of cultural institutions and artists in...

This week, Sam connects with Perth Symphony Orchestra founder, cultural visionary, and innovator Bourby Webster. Bourby discusses her trajectory from Oxford graduate to being part of one of the world’s most well-known classical crossover groups, Bond, to setting up a groundbreaking orchestra on the other side of the world.  She shares her commitment to not taking no for an answer and continuing to...

Today, we are privileged to be joined by the remarkable Dr Tjanara Goreng Goreng, an accomplished author, academic, and cultural leader. Tjanara will be sharing her fascinating research into Sacred Leadership and the valuable lessons contemporary organisations and leaders can learn from indigenous cultural and leadership practices. In this episode, Tjanara offers her insightful perspective on the...

This week, Sam is joined by one of Australia’s most distinguished artists: Paul Grabowsky, pianist, composer, arranger, and conductor. Paul has had a huge career in Australia. He became a household name as musical director of Tonight Live with Steve Vizard (where he was an inspiration to me as a young, aspiring jazz pianist in Tasmania!), was  Commissioning Editor (Arts and Entertainment) for ABC...

It was great to catch up with Queensland Symphony Orchestra  CEO Yarmila Alfonzetti, during the monumental Brisbane production of (not just) the Ring Cycle but also Aida (which was being performed on alternate nights). This was a mammoth undertaking for both organisations and a landmark performance event in recent history.  Yarmila has held some major leadership roles in Australian arts companies,...

In today's episode, we're continuing our exploration of the fascinating world of international orchestras and the leaders who guide them. If you haven't already, I highly recommend checking out our previous episode featuring Simon Woods, President and CEO of the League of American Orchestras, In this episode we speak with Simon Webb, Head of BBC Orchestras and Choirs since 2023. Sim...

This week Sam spoke to Simon Woods, President and CEO of the League of American Orchestras. Simon has led an ambitious change agenda for American orchestras, particularly in the areas of diversity and inclusion - an area which he is personally very passionate about.  Simon talks about the League’s work with its (over) 650 member orchestras and some of the incredible programs and initiatives curren...

8. Frances Rings: Bangarra Dance Theatre’s Artistic Director and Co-CEO on new horizons, continuing conversations and starting where you stand "Choreography is a connection to the unseen, in the same way Aboriginal people see the world as part-physical, part-spiritual... when we step into the rehearsal studio, it's a sacred space." Frances Rings Our guest this week is Artistic Direc...

Claire Spencer AM left her role at Arts Centre Melbourne in 2022 to become the first-ever CEO of the world-renowned Barbican Centre. Claire joined us from London along with Ali Mirza, the Barbican’s Chief People Officer, who found his natural home in the arts after experience in senior roles in other industries.  The Barbican is going through a massive cultural transformation, addressing some embe...

Aubrey Bergauer is a true changemaker in the world of performing arts management.  Hailed as ‘the Steve Jobs of classical music’ (Observer) and ‘the Sheryl Sandberg of the symphony’ (LA Review of Books), Aubrey Bergauer is known for her results-driven, customer-centric, data-obsessed pursuit of changing the narrative for the performing arts. Her legendary achievements as CEO of the  California Sym...

Our guest on this episode is a true luminary of Australia’s arts landscape,  theatre director, playwright, festival director and thought leader Wesley Enoch.  Wesley always has clear, captivating views on the state of cultural leadership and the relationship between the arts and society. In this conversation, Wesley gives his views on recent controversies involving the STC, talks about the effects...

This week, we welcome Louise Herron AM, CEO of the Sydney Opera House, who talks about the multiple cultural leadership considerations of running the most iconic building in Australia. We were privileged to speak with Louise following the celebrations of the SOH’s 50th anniversary (she also oversaw its 40th).  Louise talks about politics, stakeholder management, and the new strategic vision just l...

Celebrated Australian conductor Benjamin Northey talks to Sam just after the 20th anniversary of his association with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Ben talks about the intersection between orchestras and social change. He also shares some of the initiatives and approaches to cultural leadership in another orchestra close to his heart, the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, where he is Chief Cond...

In this episode of Decoding Cultural Leadership, we meet Opera Australia CEO Fiona Allan, who talks about cultural change and transformation at one of Australia’s flagship performing arts companies. Fiona reflects on her 18-year career in the UK, where she led one of the most important cultural centres, the Birmingham Hippodrome.   Fiona gives her perspective on the changing role of the arts in Au...

This week’s guest is renowned arts leader Michael Lynch, AO CBE. Michael talks about his long and celebrated career, running some of the most iconic cultural institutions in Australia and overseas. Michael’s achievements and contributions to our cultural life are almost too extensive to list here.  In Australia, as well as a fundamental role in the establishment of the Australia Council, Michael l...

Unlock the secrets of Cultural Leadership with our preview episode.  Dive into the pulse of what the podcast is all about with our preview episode. Join Sam as he talks about the inspiration behind the podcast and gives an overview of what's coming up. Please join us as we start the season by interviewing some of the most influential organizational leaders, creators, policy-makers, and though...