Decoding Cultural Leadership
Episodes
Episode 48: RESONATE Participants - Young musicians leading change in neurodivergent-inclusive classical music
27 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode marks a departure from our usual format as we delve into an initiative close to my heart: RESONATE, a programme I've developed with ...
Episode 47: Simon Hinton: Leading Merrigong Theatre Company with Vision, Community and Courage
23 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Simon Hinton has been Artistic Director and CEO of Merrigong Theatre Company in Wollongong since 2005. Under his leadership, Merrigong has grown from ...
Episode 46: Rosemarie Milsom - Newcastle Writers Festival founder on ethical courage and cultural leadership through crisis
20 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Due to recent events at Bendigo Writers Festival, we felt it timely to release this episode, recorded earlier this year.Sam reconnects with Rosemarie ...
Episode 45: Seb Chan - Reimagining cultural institutions for tomorrow's communities
15 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week's conversation features Seb Chan, Director and CEO of ACMI and National President of the Australian Museums and Galleries Association, ...
Episode 44: Michelle Leonard OAM- Transforming communities through song
15 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week's conversation features Michelle Leonard OAM, founder and artistic director of Moorambilla Voices, discussing her transformative work b...
Episode 39: Joel Carnegie - Stories, Sound and Community Connection
04 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week's conversation features Joel Carnegie, award-winning storyteller, broadcaster and musician, discussing his journey creating powerful au...
Episode 43: Stephen Block - From ASQ Pioneer to Festival Director
04 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week's conversation features Stephen Block, Director of the Tasmanian Chamber Music Festival, discussing his remarkable journey in arts lead...
Episode 42: Timothy Walker CBE AM - From Tasmania to International Arts Leadership
04 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week's conversation features Timothy Walker CBE AM, former Chief Executive and Artistic Director of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, discu...
Episode 41: Guy Noble - Connecting Audiences Through Musical Storytelling
04 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week's conversation features Guy Noble, one of Australia's most versatile conductors and broadcasters, discussing his perspectives on o...
Episode 38: Jessica Gethin - Cultural Leadership from the Podium
04 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week's conversation features Jessica Gethin, one of Australia's leading conductors and newly appointed Artistic Advisor of Orchestra Vi...
Episode 37: Sumayya Usmani - Food Writing, Cultural Identity and Creative Evolution
04 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week's conversation features Sumayya Usmani, award-winning food writer and author, discussing her remarkable journey from law to becoming a ...
Episode 36: Amy Maiden - Transforming Audience Engagement in the Arts
04 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week's conversation features Amy Maiden, discussing her journey from musical theatre performer to leading audience engagement strategist.Amy...
Episode 33: Christopher Lawrence - Cultural Broadcasting and Leadership in Australian Arts
04 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week's conversation features Christopher Lawrence, one of Australia's most distinguished broadcasters and cultural commentators, reflec...
Episode 35: Umberto Clerici -The QSO’s Chief Conductor: Transforming Orchestra Culture
03 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week's guest is Umberto Clerici, Chief Conductor of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, speaking on the occasion of his contract renewal anno...
Episode 31: Union House Theatre Team: theatre-making in the heart of the University of Melbourne
22 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this exciting episode of Decoding Cultural Leadership, we dive into the vibrant world of student theatre at the University of Melbourne. We speak w...
Episode 32: Professor Ruth Rentschler - A pioneer of arts management studies on cultural leadership
09 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week's guest is Professor Ruth Rentschler OAMRuth Rentschler is a pioneering figure in arts and cultural management education in Australia. ...
Episode 34: Ek Taghdir: cultural leadership in the Iranian diaspora
08 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this powerful episode of Decoding Cultural Leadership, recorded on International Women's Day, we speak with EK Taghdir, a passionate advocate ...
Episode 30: Kim Williams: The new ABC Chair and acclaimed arts leaders on his vision for vitality of the national broadcaster
31 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week's guest is Kim Williams AMKim Williams is one of Australia's most experienced and respected arts and media executives. He is curre...
Episode 29: Claire Edwardes OAM - Percussion virtuoso and artistic director of Ensemble Offspring on leading a thriving arts organisation
25 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Sam speaks with Claire Edwardes OAM, percussionist and artistic director of Ensemble Offspring, about:Claire's journey with Ense...
Episode 28: Naarah: Rising star of musical theatre, singer, actress, educator and cultural leader on her trailblazing journey
18 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Sam speaks with Naarah, a talented young performer and cultural leader from Tasmania. Naarah shares her journey from teaching music i...
Episode 27: Julia Fredersdorff: Founder of Van Diemen's Band on building a world-leading baroque ensemble from the heart of Tasmania
14 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Sam speaks with Julia Fredersdorff, founder and artistic director of Van Diemen's Band, about:- Julia's journey from studyi...
Episode 26: Professor Peter Tregear - Thought leader, writer and academic on confronting change, mythology and meaning in classical music
07 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
My guest today is Professor Peter Tregear.A renowned scholar, performer, and cultural leader in the Australian arts landscape, Peter has had an incred...
Episode 25: Professor Jo Caust: acclaimed academic talks art, politics and contemporary discourse
30 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this insightful conversation, Professor Jo Caust shares her remarkable journey from dedicated arts practitioner to renowned academic and author. Ca...
Episode 24: Brian Ritchie: Violent Femmes bassist and Mona Foma artistic director on playing a pivotal role in creating a cultural powerhouse in Tasmania
23 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Guest: Brian Ritchie, bassist of the Violent Femmes and Artistic Director of Mona FOMASummary: Brian Ritchie first came to Tasmania in 1989 when the V...
Episode 23: Dr Megan Burslem: broadcaster, violist, educator and communicator leading the charge in fresh conversation about music in the contemporary landscapb
16 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Sam sits down with Dr. Megan Burslem, presenter at ABC Classic. Megan has had an incredible journey in music, from her studies as a classic...
Episode 22: Kimbali Harding: Australian Youth Orchestra CEO on the the power of youth orchestras: shaping lives through musical participation.
09 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As the CEO of the iconic Australian Youth Orchestra (AYO), Kimbali Harding has a unique vantage point on shaping the future of classical music in Aust...
Episode 20: Joanne Kee: National Theatre of Paramatta's Executive and Creative Producer on creating theatre and leadership in the rich cultural landscape of Sydney's Western suburbs
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week's guest on Decoding Cultural Leadership is Joanne Kee, Executive and Creative Producer of the National Theatre of Parramatta, Joanne s...
Episode 21: Kim Goodwin: How do we inoculate against Zombie leadership in our sector? Tropes and traps of the leadership obsession.
02 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week's guest is Dr. Kim Goodwin,An academic at the University of Melbourne, her research focuses on career development, employability, and h...
Episode 19 Julian Louis: NORPA's artistic director on leadership and reframing purpose in crisis
26 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Julian Louis, CEO and Artistic Director of NORPA (Northern Rivers Performing Arts), shares his journey of leading a regional theatre company through m...
Episode 18: Greta Bradman: Psychologist, researcher, writer, broadcaster, and performing artist on the true meaning of finding values
19 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
My guest today is Greta Bradman.Greta has made significant contributions across multiple fields. A registered psychologist, researcher, writer, broadc...
Episode 17: Esther Anatolitis: Influential thought leader and Meanjin editor on cultural leadership
12 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
My guest today is Esther Anatolis.With an impressive career spanning various art forms and practices, including literature, publishing, broadcasting, ...
Episode 16. Richard Evans: One of Australia's foremost cultural leaders on career, current issues and leading change and innovation
05 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week’s guest is Richard Evans AMA highly respected arts leader, Richard has had an extensive career in arts management, leading some of Austral...
Episode 15: Greg Barns: Celebrated Lawyer, Leader and Author Talks Cultural Leadership and Social Justice
28 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we catch up with renowned barrister, spokesperson, and human rights advocate Greg Barns SC, as he shares how music has been a driving force...
Episode 14. Bourby Webster: Perth Symphony Orchestra Founder Reflects on Her Journey and radically transforming the world through music
21 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Sam connects with Perth Symphony Orchestra founder, cultural visionary, and innovator Bourby Webster. Bourby discusses her trajectory from ...
Episode 13. Tjanara Goreng Goreng: Sacred Leadership and How We Can Learn From First Nations Cultural Leadership
14 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we are privileged to be joined by the remarkable Dr Tjanara Goreng Goreng, an accomplished author, academic, and cultural leader. Tjanara will ...
Episode 12. Paul Grabowsky: Cultural Leadership Across Genres
07 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Sam is joined by one of Australia’s most distinguished artists: Paul Grabowsky, pianist, composer, arranger, and conductor. Paul has had ...
Episode 11. QSO's Yarmila Alfonzetti: Redefining Cultural Leadership
31 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It was great to catch up with Queensland Symphony Orchestra CEO Yarmila Alfonzetti, during the monumental Brisbane production of (not just) the Ring...
Episode 10: BBC Orchestras and Choirs' Simon Webb: Change and Innvovation across BBC's orchestral landscape
26 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, we're continuing our exploration of the fascinating world of international orchestras and the leaders who guide them. If...
Episode 9. League of American Orchestra's Simon Woods: Cultural Leadership and the Contemporary American Orchestra
24 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week Sam spoke to Simon Woods, President and CEO of the League of American Orchestras. Simon has led an ambitious change agenda for American orch...
Episode 8. Frances Rings: Bangarra Dance Theatre’s Artistic Director and Co-CEO on new horizons, continuing conversations and starting where you stand
17 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
8. Frances Rings: Bangarra Dance Theatre’s Artistic Director and Co-CEO on new horizons, continuing conversations and starting where you stand"...
Episode 7. Claire Spencer and Ali Mirza: Cultural Transformation at the Barbican
10 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Claire Spencer AM left her role at Arts Centre Melbourne in 2022 to become the first-ever CEO of the world-renowned Barbican Centre. Claire joined us ...
Episode 6. Aubrey Bergauer: How to Run it Like a Business
03 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Aubrey Bergauer is a true changemaker in the world of performing arts management. Hailed as ‘the Steve Jobs of classical music’ (Observer) and ‘...
Episode 5. Wesley Enoch: Revisiting Cultural Leadership Perspectives
25 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Our guest on this episode is a true luminary of Australia’s arts landscape, theatre director, playwright, festival director and thought leader Wes...
Episode 4. Sydney Opera House's Louise Herron: Cultural Leadership and the Opera House at 50
18 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we welcome Louise Herron AM, CEO of the Sydney Opera House, who talks about the multiple cultural leadership considerations of running the ...
Episode 3. Conductor Benjamin Northey: Music is About Joy
11 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Celebrated Australian conductor Benjamin Northey talks to Sam just after the 20th anniversary of his association with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra...
Episode 2. Opera Australia's Fiona Allan: Cultural Leadership and Opera in Australia
04 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Decoding Cultural Leadership, we meet Opera Australia CEO Fiona Allan, who talks about cultural change and transformation at one of...
Episode 1. Michael Lynch: Legendary Australian Arts Leader is Looking to His Next Challenge
28 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week’s guest is renowned arts leader Michael Lynch, AO CBE. Michael talks about his long and celebrated career, running some of the most iconic...
Episode 0. Introduction to Decoding Cultural Leadership
15 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Unlock the secrets of Cultural Leadership with our preview episode. Dive into the pulse of what the podcast is all about with our preview episode. Jo...