Crispian Ashby

Who are you?

I have had a varied working life - actor, larder chef, university demonstrator, labourer in a timber boat yard, wharf and bridge builder, shelf stacker, ecological sampler, gear technologist and scientist. I’ve fi nally found my niche and now work as a Programs Manager with FRDC.

How have you changed as a result of the program?

I have learnt that it is okay to make mistakes and that it’s important to learn from them. The ARLP provided me with renewed confidence - there is little to be gained in being a shrinking violet when you could offer assistance. This has led to finding more effective ways to engage and to listen to others.  Sometimes those who are the quietest have the best message and sometimes you can say little with the greatest effect.

How has the ARLP helped you evolve and perform as a leader?

Leadership is not about giving orders in an autocratic system. It is about listening, absorbing, deciding and bringing about change.  The issues facing rural and regional Australia are closely linked, and some are global. There are issues that are sector, community or regionally based and some that cross all of those boundaries.  For me, realising the need to coordinate efforts and find synergies across these areas was like a slap in the face with a wet fish.  There is a real need to break down the silos to yield the most beneficial and efficient result.

I would like to thank my sponsor, the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation for their investment in my development.