Search is on for the future leaders of the wine industry

Search is on for the future leaders of the wine industry
Andrew Shedden, graduate of the 2023 Future Leaders program

The search is on for the next generation of change-makers in the Australian grape and wine sector, with applications now open for the Future Leaders 2025 leadership development program.

Future Leaders is offered every two years and is designed for high-performing mid-career professionals with the ambition and capability to drive progress at a personal, business and sector level. Open to applicants in roles across the wine sector’s value-chain, it identifies and empowers individuals who are invested in the future of the sector, equipping them with the skills, networks and insights to lead with impact.

Delivered by leadership program provider Pragmatic Thinking, Future Leaders aims to blend personal and professional growth with an immersive learning experience featuring engaged facilitators and speakers, along with coaching from industry experts and program alumni.

Since its inception in 2006, more than 150 Future Leaders alumni have gone on to influence and shape the sector, from vineyard management and winemaking to marketing, trade and research.

Graduates emerge with a deeper understanding of industry dynamics and the knowledge and skills needed to foster resilient and sustainable businesses. It calls on participants to address some of the sector’s greatest challenges through collaborative and innovative solutions.

Caitlin Davies was sales and marketing coordinator at Jericho Wines when she completed the Future Leaders program in 2023. She most recently took on the role of Commercialisation and Translation Project Manager at the Australian Wine Research Institute.

 

Caitlin Davies, 2023 alumni of the Future Leaders program

 

“Future Leaders has skyrocketed my professional development,” Davies said.

“More importantly, within my cohort we have created a supportive community of lifelong friendships, and an exceedingly valuable professional network.

“Though our industry is facing challenges, as effective leaders our cohort is now well placed to turn them into opportunities. The Future Leaders program will give you all the tools you need to help create the wine sector that you want to work in,” she said.

“Future Leaders is one of the best courses I’ve ever participated in,” said 2023 alumni Andrew Shedden, of Endeavour Drinks. “The bonds that are created during an experience like this are enduring and will not only benefit the participants but hopefully be felt in our wider networks and across the industry in the years to come.”

Wine Australia senior R&D program manager and Future Leaders coordinator Jo Hargreaves said the program was instrumental in fostering resilience and adaptability across the wine sector.

“Now, more than ever, competent leaders are needed who can drive change and create opportunity. Future Leaders continues to evolve and to empower participants with the mindset, confidence and capabilities to navigate the challenges ahead. Graduates are better positioned to implement progressive leadership practices that align with the sector’s long-term vision,” said Hargreaves.

“Because Future Leaders participants are drawn from across the value chain, a diversity of experience is brought to the learning environment, creating a valuable network that alumni draw on many years after completing the program.”

Future Leaders is coordinated and funded by Wine Australia, with the support of Australian Grape & Wine.

Applications for Future Leaders 2025 will close at midday on 24 March. Successful applicants will be announced during the week beginning 12 May 2025.

An information webinar will be held on Wednesday 26 February.

To find out more or to apply visit www.winefutureleaders.com.

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