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 recognise her voice from Weekend Brunch and - more recently - Mindful Music on ABC Classic, where she shares her passion for music with listeners.As an exclusive artist for Universal Music (Decca Classics), Greta released four No.1 solo albums, showcasing her incredible talent as a vocalist. In our insightful conversation, she talks about how her mission to make a broader contribution guided her career plans to step away from her performance career after 10 years to continue her work helping individuals and organisations realise their true potential.Greta recently launched a tech start-up, Compass AI, a platform designed to help individuals and companies identify, embody, and enact their values.We talked in depth about values - how they shape and influence our lives, and how they can be used to guide organisations to become better and more authentic cultural leaders. Please enjoy this conversation with Greta Bradman.Linkshttps://www.thecompass.ai/The Arts Wellbeing Collectivehttps://artswellbeingcollective.com.au/Connect with Decoding Cultural Leadership on social media Instagram, Threads, X/Twitter: @DCLPod sc@samuelcairnduff.com samuelcairnduff.com @samuelcairnduff Read Sam's Substack here. Presenter and research: Sam Cairnduff Creative Director: Niloofar Pashmforoosh Presented in association with Limelight Decoding Cultural Leadership | Culture. Society. Conversations

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 key arts organisations. She has been the CEO of Melbourne Fringe, Craft Victoria, SYN Media, the Emerging Writers' Festival, Express Media, and Regional Arts Victoria.  Additionally, she made significant contributions as the Executive Director of NAVA, the National Association for The Visual Arts.  In 2023, Esther embarked on a new chapter in her career, taking on the role of editor at Meanjin, the prestigious and editorially independent literary journal published by Melbourne University Publishing.In this thought-provoking conversation, Esther shares her unique perspective on the complex issues facing cultural organisations today. Drawing from her vast experience, she explores the importance of purpose and values-driven leadership, challenging the notion of the charismatic individual leader.  Esther highlights the connection between art and social change and the role of arts organisations in fostering public discourse amidst polarised politics. She also offers her powerful views on the true meaning of collaborative, values-oriented cultural leadership.So please enjoy my conversation with Esther Anatolitis.LinksMeanjinThe Griffth Review: The stories we don’t tellEsther's consultancy Test PatternConnect with Decoding Cultural Leadership on social media Instagram, Threads, X/Twitter: @DCLPod sc@samuelcairnduff.com samuelcairnduff.com @samuelcairnduff Read Sam's Substack here. Presenter and research: Sam Cairnduff Creative Director: Niloofar Pashmforoosh Presented in association with Limelight Decoding Cultural Leadership | Culture. Society. Conversations

This week’s guest is Richard Evans AMA 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, which includes roles as CEO of the Sydney Opera House, Executive Director of The Australian Ballet, and General Manager of Bell Shakespeare. He shares insights into his management style, the challenges of stakeholder management, and the importance of enabling creative people to do great work.Richard also delves into his time at the ACO, working alongside its visionary Artistic Director, Richard Tognetti. He discusses the unique position of the ACO within the Australian orchestral ecosystem and the balance between artistic vision and broader organizational objectives. Richard emphasizes the importance of the ACO's learning and engagement programs, as well as the development of their new home at Pier 2/3 in Walsh Bay.The interview explores Richard's thoughts on Australia's relationship with culture, the perception of arts organisations, and the industry's response to challenging issues such as the current Israel/Palestine situation. Richard offers a thoughtful perspective on the role of arts organisations in addressing social issues and the need for caution when engaging in activism outside of an organisation's core mission.Throughout the conversation, Richard shares valuable insights on navigating leadership transitions, preparing for the future, and the challenges and opportunities facing the arts sector in Australia. He also reflects on his role as President of Live Performance Australia and his efforts to advocate for greater investment and support for the industry.Richard offers valuable advice for navigating difficult conversations as a leader and dealing with setbacks in the performing arts industry. He also shares his insights on the demands of a career in arts management and the importance of making time for deeper reflection.Richard has been a supportive mentor for many aspiring arts leaders in the industry, myself included. I hope you enjoy this conversation with Richard Evans.Links:The Australian Chamber OrchestraLive Performance AustraliaThe Cafe CarlyleThe Topp TwinsConnect with Decoding Cultural Leadership on social media Instagram, Threads, X/Twitter: @DCLPod sc@samuelcairnduff.com samuelcairnduff.com @samuelcairnduff Read Sam's Substack here. Presenter and research: Sam Cairnduff Creative Director: Niloofar Pashmforoosh Presented in association with Limelight Decoding Cultural Leadership | Culture. Society. Conversations

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 the discussions of the war in the Middle East - the role and rights of artists to articulate public positions on divisive issues. Greg talks about another area of passionate interest, prisoners’ rights - and how cultural experiences and music in jails can be powerful forces.As Julian Assange's longtime legal advisor, Greg shares how the cultural community can contribute to the quest for his release.Links:Idagio Streaming App:https://www.idagio.com/The Overland open letter: ‘Stop the genocide in Gaza’https://overland.org.au/2023/10/stop-the-genocide-in-gaza/Connect with Decoding Cultural Leadership on social media Instagram, Threads, X/Twitter: @DCLPod sc@samuelcairnduff.com samuelcairnduff.com @samuelcairnduff Read Sam's Substack here. Presenter and research: Sam Cairnduff Creative Director: Niloofar Pashmforoosh Presented in association with Limelight Decoding Cultural Leadership | Culture. Society. Conversations

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 knock on doors to achieve her goals. Bourby also discussed her vision for culture to come front and centre in economics and policy, the power of music to radically transform the world, and her mission since stepping away from Perth Symphony Orchestra - the organisation she founded - in 2022. Links: Bourby’s LinkedIn page:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bourbywebster/?originalSubdomain=auNorth Street Musichttps://www.northstreetmusic.com/Perth Symphony Orchestrahttps://perthsymphony.com/Connect with Decoding Cultural Leadership on social media Instagram, Threads, X/Twitter: @DCLPod sc@samuelcairnduff.com samuelcairnduff.com @samuelcairnduff Read Sam's Substack here. Presenter and research: Sam Cairnduff Creative Director: Niloofar Pashmforoosh Presented in association with Limelight Decoding Cultural Leadership | Culture. Society. Conversations

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 recent referendum for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament and discusses her experience standing as a Greens candidate in the recent national Australian federal elections. She also delves into how the values she has learned from her culture and research have profoundly influenced her approach to leadership.I first met Tjanara at the Communicating the Arts Conference in 2019, where she delivered an inspiring keynote about her research into Sacred Leadership. It was an unforgettable and thought-provoking presentation.To further explore Tjanara's ideas, I've included several links in the show notes that are worth checking out:- Tjanara's TEDx talk from 2018- A video of Tjanara speaking about her research at the Art Gallery of NSW- Her captivating memoir "A Long Way from No Go", which is available on Amazon- And her thesis "Tjukurpa Pulka The Road to Eldership: How Aboriginal Culture Creates Sacred and Visionary Leaders"This episode was researched and presented by me, Sam Cairnduff, with creative direction by the talented Niloofar Pashmforoosh.Connect with Decoding Cultural Leadership on social media Instagram, Threads, X/Twitter: @DCLPod sc@samuelcairnduff.com samuelcairnduff.com @samuelcairnduff Read Sam's Substack here. Presenter and research: Sam Cairnduff Creative Director: Niloofar Pashmforoosh Presented in association with Limelight Decoding Cultural Leadership | Culture. Society. Conversations

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 Television 1995-98 and has had artistic director roles at the Queensland Music Festival and Adelaide Festival of Arts.He has written in multiple genres and worked with numerous artists. As founder of the Australian Art Orchestra, he created several commended projects and collaborations, notably Ringing the Bell Backwards and Ruby - a project he created with Archie Roach as part of their longstanding working relationship. Speaking of collaborations, Paul has recorded some stunning piano vocal duo albums where he accompanies Vince Jones, Kate Ceberano and - most recently - Paul Kelly.He talked to Sam about the various roles he has held; traversing the perspectives of an artist, a leader and an administrator,  and how the principles of jazz guide his approach to leadership. He shared his views on the intersection of art, politics and social change. Links:The Australian Art Orchestrawww.aao.com.auMonash Performing Arts Centrehttps://www.monash.edu/performing-arts-centres/Connect with Decoding Cultural Leadership on social media Instagram, Threads, X/Twitter: @DCLPod sc@samuelcairnduff.com samuelcairnduff.com @samuelcairnduff Read Sam's Substack here. Presenter and research: Sam Cairnduff Creative Director: Niloofar Pashmforoosh Presented in association with Limelight Decoding Cultural Leadership | Culture. Society. Conversations

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, including Sydney Youth Orchestras and the State Opera of South Australia, before leading the QSO since 2022. She spoke to Sam about the state of cultural leadership in Australia, picking up from Wesley Enoch’s eponymous Platform Paper, Take Me To Your Leader (2014). She discussed legacy, purpose, role and how she has used her leadership brand to turn around organisations and lead cultural change.LinksQueensland Symphony Orchestrahttps://qso.com.au/Opera Australia / QSO: The Ring Cyclehttps://qso.com.au/events/2023/featured/the-ring-cycleTake me to your leader : the dilemma of cultural leadership / Wesley Enochhttps://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/6538552Connect with Decoding Cultural Leadership on social media Instagram, Threads, X/Twitter: @DCLPod sc@samuelcairnduff.com samuelcairnduff.com @samuelcairnduff Read Sam's Substack here. Presenter and research: Sam Cairnduff Creative Director: Niloofar Pashmforoosh Presented in association with Limelight Decoding Cultural Leadership | Culture. Society. Conversations

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. Simon's role is no small feat, overseeing a portfolio of five orchestras, each with its own rich history and cultural significance.Simon's journey in music began as a cellist, working in orchestras across the UK, Portugal, Hong Kong, and Ireland. His experience as a musician undoubtedly informs his approach to leadership, providing him with a deep understanding of the inner workings of orchestras.Before assuming his current position, Simon served as Director of the BBC Philharmonic starting in 2014. His tenure in this role equipped him with invaluable experience in management and leadership within the orchestral realm. In 2020, he was elected Chair of the Association of British Orchestras, further solidifying his influence in the industry.One of the defining moments of Simon's leadership at the BBC came in 2023 when he announced the temporary closure of the BBC Singers, one of its six salaried performing groups. The decision sparked significant public outcry, prompting Simon to reconsider and ultimately reverse the move. This episode underscores Simon's commitment to honouring public expectations of the national broadcaster while navigating the complexities of institutional change.Despite these challenges, Simon remains steadfast in his vision for the BBC orchestras. He's implemented strategic changes, including new management appointments and initiatives aimed at expanding the reach of these esteemed institutions. His dedication to fostering innovation and meaningful change shines through in our conversation.Join us as we delve deeper into Simon Webb's remarkable journey and gain valuable insights into the dynamic world of international orchestras. LinksBBC Orchestras and ChoirsRadio 2's Piano RoomConnect with Decoding Cultural Leadership on social mediaInstagram, Threads, X/Twitter:@DCLPodsc@samuelcairnduff.comsamuelcairnduff.com@samuelcairnduffPresenter and research: Sam CairnduffCreative Director: Niloofar PashmforooshPresented in association with LimelightConnect with Decoding Cultural Leadership on social media Instagram, Threads, X/Twitter: @DCLPod sc@samuelcairnduff.com samuelcairnduff.com @samuelcairnduff Read Sam's Substack here. Presenter and research: Sam Cairnduff Creative Director: Niloofar Pashmforoosh Presented in association with Limelight Decoding Cultural Leadership | Culture. Society. Conversations

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 currently happening in orchestras. He discusses the changing face of leadership and governance and how orchestras contributed to and participated in the debate about some of the burning social issues of recent years: Black Lives Matter, the Me Too movement, and the current geopolitical conflicts in the world.  Links:League of American Orchestrashttps://americanorchestras.org/Symphony https://symphony.org/about-symphony/Simon’s Medium pagehttps://simonwds.medium.com/Seattle Symphony connects with city’s homeless populationhttps://symphony.org/seattle-symphony-connects-with-citys-homeless-population/Chicago Symphony Orchestra: Notes for Peace programhttps://cso.org/performances/22-23/civic-orchestra/notes-for-peace/#:~:text=Notes%20for%20Peace%20is%20an,create%20original%20songs%20of%20tribute.The Art of Relevance, Nina Simonhttps://artofrelevance.org/Connect with Decoding Cultural Leadership on social media Instagram, Threads, X/Twitter: @DCLPod sc@samuelcairnduff.com samuelcairnduff.com @samuelcairnduff Read Sam's Substack here. Presenter and research: Sam Cairnduff Creative Director: Niloofar Pashmforoosh Presented in association with Limelight Decoding Cultural Leadership | Culture. Society. Conversations

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 RingsOur guest this week is Artistic Director and Co-CEO of Bangarra Dance Theatre, Frances Rings.Frances made her main stage choreographic debut with Bangarra with the work Rations (Walkabout, 2002) and received outstanding critical acclaim. Frances has followed this by creating or co-creating a further seven works for the company: Bush (2003, co-choreographed with Stephen Page), Unaipon (2004), X300 (2007), Artefact (2010), Terrain (2012), Sheoak (2015) and SandSong (2021, co-choreographed with Stephen Page).Frances Rings became Artistic Director in 2023, after Stephen Page stepped down from the role after 33 years. She also leads the company as co-CEO alongside Louise Ingram. Links:Bangarra Dance TheatreFirestarter: The Story Of BangarraA powerful documentary about Bangarra, made to commemorate its 30th anniversary. Frances features prominently.NAISDANAISDA Dance College is Australia's premier Indigenous training collegeConnect with Decoding Cultural Leadership on social media Instagram, Threads, X/Twitter: @DCLPod sc@samuelcairnduff.com samuelcairnduff.com @samuelcairnduff Read Sam's Substack here. Presenter and research: Sam Cairnduff Creative Director: Niloofar Pashmforoosh Presented in association with Limelight Decoding Cultural Leadership | Culture. Society. Conversations

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 embedded issues, and Claire and Ali generously shared their bold agenda and strategies for change. The Barbican is an institution like no other - firmly planted in London’s Square Mile and a monument to Britain’s postwar culture- but how does it engage new audiences and respond to its environment's diverse and unique makeup? Claire and Ali share their innovative approach to creating an organisation that is vibrant, inviting and vital to its community.Claire also reflects on her time at Arts Centre Melbourne,  and the ongoing impact of the Arts Wellbeing Collective, a ground-breaking initiative for artists that she championed. Trigger warning: the topic of suicide is raised in this episode.Links:The Barbican Centrehttps://www.barbican.org.uk/Arts Centre Melbournehttps://www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/The Arts Wellbeing Collectivehttps://artswellbeingcollective.com.auConnect with Decoding Cultural Leadership on social media Instagram, Threads, X/Twitter: @DCLPod sc@samuelcairnduff.com samuelcairnduff.com @samuelcairnduff Read Sam's Substack here. Presenter and research: Sam Cairnduff Creative Director: Niloofar Pashmforoosh Presented in association with Limelight Decoding Cultural Leadership | Culture. Society. Conversations

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 Symphony included doubling the size of its audience and nearly quadrupling its donor base. In 2019, she stepped into a different role as a sought-after speaker, writer, consultant and thought leader, bringing her progressive, results-driven, customer-centric, data-obsessed pursuit of changing the narrative to performing arts organisations around the world. She has just captured some key principles, ideas and case studies that guided her approach in her first book, ‘Run It Like a Business’ (now available on Amazon). In this lively and wide-ranging conversation, Aubrey joins Sam to talk about her leadership journey and unique take on the burning challenge of bringing our organisations up to speed with contemporary society to be more connected and reach more audiences than ever before.Links:Aubrey’s new book, Run It Like a Business - available at AmazonHer podcast, ‘The Offstage Mic’ is available on major podcast platformshttps://www.aubreybergauer.com/podcastAubrey’s website: www.aubreybergauer.comConnect with Decoding Cultural Leadership on social media Instagram, Threads, X/Twitter: @DCLPod sc@samuelcairnduff.com samuelcairnduff.com @samuelcairnduff Read Sam's Substack here. Presenter and research: Sam Cairnduff Creative Director: Niloofar Pashmforoosh Presented in association with Limelight Decoding Cultural Leadership | Culture. Society. Conversations

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 corporatisation has had on arts organisations, and provides a valuable perspective on the intersection of cultural discourse and politics in the recent Voice referendum. He talks about other burning social issues like cultural appropriation in the arts and provides reflections on his landmark Platform Paper, Take Me To Your Leader - 10 years on from its publication. From his breakthrough in the 1990s with acclaimed productions like "The 7 Stages of Grieving," co-written with Deborah Mailman, to his tenure as the director of the Sydney Festival from 2017 to 2021, Wesley has had a significant impact on Australia’s cultural landscape. In addition to his Sydney Festival role, he was artistic director at the Queensland Theatre Company, where his visionary productions, including "The Sunshine Club," earned him the 2000 Matilda Award and the 2001 Deadly Award for Best Director.He has been represented on the national stage  with productions like "The Story of the Miracles at Cookie's Table" , the original stage production of "The Sapphires," a phenomenal success that earned the 2005 Helpmann Award for Best Play and toured internationally to Korea and London,  and  "Black Diggers" and "Black Cockatoo," at Sydney Festival.In his influential 2014 Platform Paper, Take Me to Your Leader, Wesley spoke of being tired of the narrative that says we're not good enough, that we don't do enough for artists, and that we just need more money.According to Wesley, artists are the dream weavers, the visionaries -  the ones who can shape the future and carry the creative aspirations of a nation. But he posed  a crucial question – where are they?So please enjoy this conversation with Wesley Enoch.Links:Take me to your leader: the dilemma of cultural leadership / Wesley Enochhttps://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/6538552Connect with Decoding Cultural Leadership on social media Instagram, Threads, X/Twitter: @DCLPod sc@samuelcairnduff.com samuelcairnduff.com @samuelcairnduff Read Sam's Substack here. Presenter and research: Sam Cairnduff Creative Director: Niloofar Pashmforoosh Presented in association with Limelight Decoding Cultural Leadership | Culture. Society. Conversations

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 launched for the opera house. She discusses her journey in arts leadership following a successful career as a lawyer, working in investment banking and as a corporate adviser. Taking us through her eye-wateringly busy schedule, Louise says how she could hardly sleep for the first year running the opera house - such was her excitement at its possibilities.Links:The Sydney Opera Househttps://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/Connect with Decoding Cultural Leadership on social media Instagram, Threads, X/Twitter: @DCLPod sc@samuelcairnduff.com samuelcairnduff.com @samuelcairnduff Read Sam's Substack here. Presenter and research: Sam Cairnduff Creative Director: Niloofar Pashmforoosh Presented in association with Limelight Decoding Cultural Leadership | Culture. Society. Conversations

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 Conductor. Ben talks about the role of orchestras and orchestral music in our society, developing and training for aspiring Australian conductors and how arts and culture has become more influential in national discussions. Ben reminds us to celebrate Australian talent and that - ultimately - music is about joy. Links:Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: https://www.mso.com.au/Christchurch Symphony Orchestra: https://cso.co.nz/Connect with Decoding Cultural Leadership on social media Instagram, Threads, X/Twitter: @DCLPod sc@samuelcairnduff.com samuelcairnduff.com @samuelcairnduff Read Sam's Substack here. Presenter and research: Sam Cairnduff Creative Director: Niloofar Pashmforoosh Presented in association with Limelight Decoding Cultural Leadership | Culture. Society. Conversations

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 Australia. She discusses where cultural leaders could contribute outside the cultural sphere to areas like economic and tourism development. Fiona talks about her journey into arts leadership, how childhood glimpses of the sails of the Sydney Opera House inspired her arts leadership ambitions, her early days as a clarinettist, and how bringing a producer’s mindset to her leadership practice has been a core component in her career.Links:https://opera.org.au/Birmingham Hippodrome https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/Connect with Decoding Cultural Leadership on social media Instagram, Threads, X/Twitter: @DCLPod sc@samuelcairnduff.com samuelcairnduff.com @samuelcairnduff Read Sam's Substack here. Presenter and research: Sam Cairnduff Creative Director: Niloofar Pashmforoosh Presented in association with Limelight Decoding Cultural Leadership | Culture. Society. Conversations

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 led the Sydney Theatre Company and was CEO of the Sydney Opera House before taking up the role of Chief Executive of London’s Southbank Centre and later CEO of Hong Kong’s  West Kowloon Cultural District, where he oversaw a multi-billion dollar development. He sat on the board of the ABC, and when we spoke, he was just departing his role as chair of Circa to take on yet another international opportunity. Michael is known for his robust views on the importance of culture in Australian society and the role the arts play in social change. He talks to us about all this, as well as his next leadership adventure.Links:Southbank Centrehttps://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/West Kowloon Cultural Districthttps://www.westkowloon.hk/en/Circa https://circa.org.au/people/chair/Connect with Decoding Cultural Leadership on social media Instagram, Threads, X/Twitter: @DCLPod sc@samuelcairnduff.com samuelcairnduff.com @samuelcairnduff Read Sam's Substack here. Presenter and research: Sam Cairnduff Creative Director: Niloofar Pashmforoosh Presented in association with Limelight Decoding Cultural Leadership | Culture. Society. Conversations

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 thought leaders in the cultural sphere.Decoding Cultural Leadership is available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and wherever you listen to your podcasts.Connect with Decoding Cultural Leadership on social media Instagram, Threads, X/Twitter: @DCLPod sc@samuelcairnduff.com samuelcairnduff.com @samuelcairnduff Read Sam's Substack here. Presenter and research: Sam Cairnduff Creative Director: Niloofar Pashmforoosh Presented in association with Limelight Decoding Cultural Leadership | Culture. Society. Conversations