Wine Australia and Australian Grape & Wine have teamed up once again to search for the next generation of change-makers in Australia’s grape and wine sector, opening up applications for leadership development program, Future Leaders 2025.
Offered every two years and designed for high-performing mid-career professionals with the ambition and capability to drive progress at a personal, business and sector level, the Future Leaders program is open to applicants in roles across the wine sector’s value-chain. It aims to identify and empower 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 blends personal and professional growth with an immersive learning experience featuring engaged facilitators and speakers, along with coaching from industry experts and program alumni.
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,” said Hargreaves.
“Graduates are better positioned to implement progressive leadership practices that align with the sector’s long-term vision. 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.”
Source: Wine Australia
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 grow 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.
“Future Leaders has skyrocketed my professional development. More importantly, within my cohort we have created a supportive community of lifelong friendships, and an exceedingly valuable professional network,” said Davies.
“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.”
Applications for Future Leaders 2025 will close at midday on 24 March, with successful applicants to be announced during the week beginning 12 May 2025. An information webinar will be held on 26 February, head to winefutureleaders.com to find out more.
