Young leaders from the western suburbs have seized the chance to talk leadership with the public affairs officer of the US Consulate General.
In an address to Whitten Project participants earlier this month the officer, Sue Shultz, drew on her experience in the US foreign service, discussing the value of empowering young people with leadership skills.
“Stepping out of your comfort zone and constantly pushing the envelope goes a long way to achieving your goals,” she said.
“When you’re too comfortable, you become accustomed to settling and this stops personal and professional progression.”
Over the past 15 years, Ms Shultz has served in Turkey, Kenya, India, Slovenia and Washington DC. She came to Australia in 2011 to lead a US-Australian civilian team in a military exercise.
Ms Shultz pointed out that leaders could be found everywhere, not just at the top.
“You can be a leader any time, anywhere in your life,” she said. “Think of yourself as a role model based on who you are, where you are from and what you can achieve.”
The Western Bulldogs-affiliated Whitten Project aims to inspire and develop young leaders in Melbourne’s west to make a positive impact in their community.
