A national mentoring program to increase the number of women in agricultural leadership positions pairs 12 aspiring women leaders with experienced mentors for six months to help them build their skills and confidence.
Now in its third year, the Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Mentoring Program developed and delivered by the National Farmers Federation (NFF) is supported by Prime Super.
CEO of Central West Farming Systems (CWFS), Diana Fear, was chosen as a mentee for this year’s program which culminated with graduation in November 2020. Diana’s mentor was Prime Super’s General Manger Strategy, George Kogios.
“I am always wanting to improve my leadership skills and this program looked really interesting,” said Diana.
“The program has been a great learning experience and I have met so many inspiring people in the agricultural sector. I look forward to using this experience to give back to the industry and to encourage others to participate in programs like these.”
Women make up 41 % of the workforce in the agriculture industry, only 18 % have management roles. The NFF introduced the program three years ago as part of a broader strategy to double the number of women in agricultural leadership and increase farm gate output to $100 billion by 2030.*
This is the second year that George has been a mentor for the program. He is currently responsible for the organisational and divisional strategy at Prime Super and has 25 years of senior management experience in education and health with expertise in corporate governance, strategic planning and financial management.
“I am very happy to show Prime Super’s commitment to the community in this role,” he said.
“I enjoy mentoring people and have had lots of mentors myself over my career. I am more than happy to share my experiences and resources.”
Diana would like to thank George for his generous mentorship, which always provided invaluable advice and support. Diana would also like to thank Prime Super for their ‘loan’ of George; and NFF and President Fiona Simson and Laureta Wallace for developing and realizing this program into a terrific platform to increase the leadership opportunities for women.
If anyone would like to know more about his program, please contact Diana on 0427 897 530 or NFF on nff.org.au.
