We caught up with John Straccia, Coordinator, Project Delivery at the City of Tea Tree Gully, about what led him to participate in the program, how he's enjoyed it so far, and how he is already seeing positive results within his work environment because of the development opportunity.

Why did you decide to participate in this program?

I joined the Ignite Program because I’m driven to do more than just go through the motions. I want to lead with purpose, challenge how things are done, and help shape a better path forward. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and lose sight of the bigger picture, so I saw this program as a chance to step back, reflect, and grow as a leader.

What have you enjoyed most so far about the program?

What I’ve enjoyed most so far is being exposed to new concepts, ideas, and conversations that challenge the way I think. Hearing different perspectives from other participants has been valuable and has helped shift how I approach certain situations. I’ve also taken away practical tools and techniques that I can apply straight away, which has made the experience engaging and useful, both in theory and practice. 

What is something interesting that you have learnt so far during the program?

I’ve learnt that leadership isn’t always about having the answers, it’s often about asking better questions, listening better, and creating space for others to step up. This shift in mindset has helped me reflect on how I show up in my role and the kind of leader I want to be.

How has/will this program improve your experience in your current role?

The program has given me new ways to approach challenges in my role, particularly around leading through complexity and influencing without authority. It’s helped me step back from task-focused project delivery and think more strategically about how I lead, communicate, and support others. The tools and perspectives I’ve gained are directly applicable to the real pressures of the job and will help me lead with more clarity and impact.