We caught up with one of this year’s Emerging Leaders Program cohort, Laura Gamble, Senior Records Management & Accredited FOI Officer at Town of Gawler to find out how she found the program.

What made you sign up for the Emerging Leaders Program?

I was considering undertaking some kind of leadership course, I just hadn’t chosen one yet when my Team Leader suggested the ELP, and I’m so glad she did. The program has been fantastic, and I would highly recommend it to anyone thinking about their next step in leadership.

Can you give us your top three highlights from the program? 

I think the first highlight would have to be our first face-to-face module. This doesn’t sound very exciting, but during the year of COVID-19 we have learnt to appreciate the little things! After only communicating through zoom for so long we finally got to put personalities to faces and our cohort just clicked.

Secondly, the Leading Change module, facilitated by Marguerite Kolar at the UniSA City West Campus, was my personal favourite. Change is a part of life and although there will always be those who resist the change, through this program, we have now been given the tools on how to overcome resistance and keep moving forward, making sure no one is left behind.

Lastly, our recent overnight stay at the Monastery, which included our presentations, graduation and final module was a fantastic way to conclude the year. We were able to celebrate the completion of the program while also reflecting on the past 7 months. It also gave us a chance, as a cohort, to further strengthen our bonds and networks for the future. I’m very grateful to have been given this opportunity.

What is your advice for someone who is thinking of undertaking this program in 2021?

Absolutely do it. You have nothing to lose, but everything to gain! It has given me knowledge outside of what I can learn in the workplace while also opening doors for further study opportunities. Tahlia and the LG Professionals SA team have done an outstanding job this year keeping the program running, and I can’t wait to see it further influence the actions of many other hopeful leaders, much like myself.