The official launch of the VCCC Alliance Leadership Academy in late March was the perfect start for the new initiative, which will offer future-focussed networking and educational events for the next generation of leaders in cancer.
High-calibre keynote speakers the Hon. Jaala Pulford and Dr Stephen Parnis have led the way for Victoria in numerous aspects over a long period of time, and both delivered phenomenal talks to the room full of established and emerging leaders.
The Hon. Jaala Pulford, former Victorian MP, was the first woman to serve as Minister for Agriculture and the first Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy. Jaala also lives with the everlasting memory of her daughter Sinéad, who died from a rare cancer just 12 weeks after diagnosis.
In a wide-ranging talk, Jaala described the reality of being a pioneering woman at the coalface of politics and learning how to back yourself to overcome imposter syndrome. She also opened up about dealing with loss and the stages of grief, and how to steady the ship in the midst of personal trauma.
Finally, Jaala encouraged young leaders never to downplay their own achievements or roles – something she struggled with – and to always take every opportunity to make new connections: “Invest in one another and allow other people to invest in you. Be brave, and trust your instincts.
Dr Stephen Parnis, an emergency physician, spoke candidly about his own experiences working in an ED during the 2016 thunderstorm asthma event, and how to show resilience in the face of adversity and overcome self-doubt as a leader.
"Don't let your leadership be defined by insecurity. If we are honest, we learn as much from our juniors as they do from us."
A familiar face in the media thanks to his work lobbying against euthanasia in Victoria and more recently as a voice for burnt-out healthcare workers, Dr Parnis closed with some stirring words on never forgetting to be grateful for what we have.
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