APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR FUTURE LEADERS
Following the success of the inaugural Fespa Future Leaders Program last year, applications are now open for 2023, with one candidate set to receive an all-expenses paid trip to Fespa Global in Amsterdam next year.
Applications are now open for prospective candidates, click here for details.
Successful candidates will meet for a hands-on, two-day workshop in Sydney from 1-2 November. They will receive professional coaching, personal development, and mentoring from Carl Harman, who has coached the senior and executive teams and boards of many prominent corporate and government organisations internationally.
The participants will select a Fespa Future Leader spokesperson, who will receive a paid trip to attend Fespa Global Print Expo 2024 in Amsterdam. A mentoring program will follow the course, to ensure that the leadership cohort continues to develop the skills and networks necessary to advance the industry through collective action.
Fespa Australia says the Future Leaders Program is a professional and personal development program “to identify and develop emerging leadership talent to ensure our industry survives and thrives into the next generation”.
The association says that as the industry is ever evolving, driven by technological advancements, there is a need to recruit and retain talent, and address sustainability concerns. Nigel Davies, president of Fespa Australia, said, “Developing and nurturing a pool of visionary leaders who can take a fresh look at these challenges is essential.”
Orafol continues as the Platinum sponsor of the program. Alex McClelland, managing director, of the company said, "Orafol is committed to learning and development, and the Future Leaders Program fits well with our values. We are pleased to continue doing our part to develop future leaders in our industry."
Promoting networking and relationships within the cohort is a key goal of the program. Davies explains current leaders owe a lot to their professional networks, but emerging leaders may lack these deep connections. "Participants in the Fespa Australia Future Leaders Program will have the opportunity to join a closely-knit cohort of like-minded professionals, that will likely prove instrumental to their future professional development. The program's emphasis on collaboration, knowledge exchange, and mentorship will create an environment where participants can draw from each other's expertise, share innovative ideas, and collectively address the challenges that lie ahead."
The program is open to emerging leaders in the specialty printing industry in their early to mid-career years who already demonstrate leadership potential. We invite printers, suppliers, and manufacturers to nominate individuals worthy of development. A selection panel will review applications considering their leadership ambitions, commitment to industry values such as diversity and sustainability, and personal references.
Troy Cavanagh, Fespa Future Leader 2022 said, "The Fespa Future Leaders Program has been an excellent opportunity to meet and network with like-minded people within the print industry. Right from the moment we all met at the leadership workshop, the cohort created an instant bond, more so as we were all experiencing similar workplace issues and looking for similar answers. As the year has progressed, the strong connection within the cohort has remained positive and supportive. It has developed into a wider network amongst suppliers and other print companies."
The Fespa Future Leaders Program is also supported by Gold Sponsors Ball and Doggett, Durst, and Visual Connections; Silver Sponsors Cactus Imaging and Kissel & Wolf; and Bronze Sponsor HVG Graphics Media.