Decoding Cultural Leadership is a podcast that explores the intersection between the arts, culture and society and interrogates what it means to be a cultural leader in the 21st century. In each episode, host Samuel Cairnduff talks with some of the most influential organisational leaders, creators, policy-makers and thought leaders, building an understanding of their approach to shifting the dial in a complex, constantly changing world. By talking to influential leaders whose voices resonate ...
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Episode 29: Claire Edwardes OAM - Percussion virtuoso and artistic director of Ensemble Offspring on leading a thriving arts organisation
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In this episode, Sam speaks with Claire Edwardes OAM, percussionist and artistic director of Ensemble Offspring, about: Claire's journey with Ensemble Offspring from its student beginnings to becoming a leading new music organisation The challenges and rewards of running a small arts organisation, including managing staff and juggling multiple proj…
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Episode 28: Naarah: Rising star of musical theatre, singer, actress, educator and cultural leader on her trailblazing journey
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In this episode, Sam speaks with Naarah, a talented young performer and cultural leader from Tasmania. Naarah shares her journey from teaching music in underserved communities to studying musical theatre at the prestigious Royal Academy of Music in London. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of building a career in the arts, the importance of…
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Episode 27: Julia Fredersdorff: Founder of Van Diemen's Band on building a world-leading baroque ensemble from the heart of Tasmania
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In this episode, Sam speaks with Julia Fredersdorff, founder and artistic director of Van Diemen's Band, about: - Julia's journey from studying baroque violin in Europe to founding Van Diemen's Band in Tasmania - The challenges and rewards of starting a period instrument ensemble in Tasmania - Van Diemen's Band's mission to introduce audiences to l…
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Episode 26: Professor Peter Tregear - Thought leader, writer and academic on confronting change, mythology and meaning in classical music
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My guest today is Professor Peter Tregear. A renowned scholar, performer, and cultural leader in the Australian arts landscape, Peter has had an incredibly varied and distinguished career. After completing his doctoral studies at the University of Cambridge, he went on to hold prestigious appointments as a Fellow at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, …
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Episode 25: Professor Jo Caust: acclaimed academic talks art, politics and contemporary discourse
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In this insightful conversation, Professor Jo Caust shares her remarkable journey from dedicated arts practitioner to renowned academic and author. Caust discusses her early experiences grappling with gender inequality in the arts industry, which motivated her to delve deeper into issues of leadership and power dynamics. Key Takeaways: Caust's traj…
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Episode 24: Brian Ritchie: Violent Femmes bassist and Mona Foma artistic director on playing a pivotal role in creating a cultural powerhouse in Tasmania
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Guest: Brian Ritchie, bassist of the Violent Femmes and Artistic Director of Mona FOMA Summary: Brian Ritchie first came to Tasmania in 1989 when the Violent Femmes played a sold-out show at the Hobart City Hall, sparking his long-standing connection to the state. He and his wife Varuni later moved to Tasmania in 2005, initially drawn by Varuni's r…
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Episode 23: Dr Megan Burslem: broadcaster, violist, educator and communicator leading the charge in fresh conversation about music in the contemporary landscapb
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This week, Sam sits down with Dr. Megan Burslem, presenter at ABC Classic. Megan has had an incredible journey in music, from her studies as a classical violist to her current role as a leading voice in Australian classical radio. Megan speaks candidly about her path into broadcasting, the imposter syndrome she felt coming from a regional backgroun…
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Episode 22: Kimbali Harding: Australian Youth Orchestra CEO on the the power of youth orchestras: shaping lives through musical participation.
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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 lege…
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Episode 20: Joanne Kee: National Theatre of Paramatta's Executive and Creative Producer on creating theatre and leadership in the rich cultural landscape of Sydney's Western suburbs
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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 …
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Episode 21: Kim Goodwin: How do we inoculate against Zombie leadership in our sector? Tropes and traps of the leadership obsession.
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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 resear…
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Episode 19 Julian Louis: NORPA's artistic director on leadership and reframing purpose in crisis
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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 t…
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Episode 18: Greta Bradman: Psychologist, researcher, writer, broadcaster, and performing artist on the true meaning of finding values
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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 incredi…
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Episode 17: Esther Anatolitis: Influential thought leader and Meanjin editor on cultural leadership
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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 caree…
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Episode 16. Richard Evans: One of Australia's foremost cultural leaders on career, current issues and leading change and innovation
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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 conver…
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Episode 15: Greg Barns: Celebrated Lawyer, Leader and Author Talks Cultural Leadership and Social Justice
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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 …
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Episode 14. Bourby Webster: Perth Symphony Orchestra Founder Reflects on Her Journey and radically transforming the world through music
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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…
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Episode 13. Tjanara Goreng Goreng: Sacred Leadership and How We Can Learn From First Nations Cultural Leadership
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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,…
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Episode 12. Paul Grabowsky: Cultural Leadership Across Genres
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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 Commi…
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Episode 11. QSO's Yarmila Alfonzetti: Redefining Cultural Leadership
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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 majo…
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Episode 10: BBC Orchestras and Choirs' Simon Webb: Change and Innvovation across BBC's orchestral landscape
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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 Or…
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Episode 9. League of American Orchestra's Simon Woods: Cultural Leadership and the Contemporary American Orchestra
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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 …
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Episode 8. Frances Rings: Bangarra Dance Theatre’s Artistic Director and Co-CEO on new horizons, continuing conversations and starting where you stand
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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 Ou…
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Episode 7. Claire Spencer and Ali Mirza: Cultural Transformation at the Barbican
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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 mass…
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Episode 6. Aubrey Bergauer: How to Run it Like a Business
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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 leg…
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Episode 5. Wesley Enoch: Revisiting Cultural Leadership Perspectives
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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 controve…
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Episode 4. Sydney Opera House's Louise Herron: Cultural Leadership and the Opera House at 50
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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, stakeholde…
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Episode 3. Conductor Benjamin Northey: Music is About Joy
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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 Chris…
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Episode 2. Opera Australia's Fiona Allan: Cultural Leadership and Opera in Australia
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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 pe…
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Episode 1. Michael Lynch: Legendary Australian Arts Leader is Looking to His Next Challenge
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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 …
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Episode 0. Introduction to Decoding Cultural Leadership
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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 …
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