Applications open for FESPA Australia Future Leaders 2023

Following the success of the inaugural FESPA Future Leaders Program in 2022, applications are now open for 2023.

The FESPA Future Leaders Program is a professional and personal development program. It identifies and develops emerging leadership talent to ensure our industry survives and thrives into the next generation. 

“Our industry is ever evolving, driven by technological advancements, the need to recruit and retain talent, and sustainability concerns,” says Nigel Davies, President of FESPA Australia, adding  “developing and nurturing a pool of visionary leaders who can take a fresh look at these challenges is essential.” 

ORAFOL Australia is the Platinum sponsor of the program. "ORAFOL is committed to learning and development, and the Future Leader's program fits well with our values. We are pleased to continue doing our part to develop future leaders in our industry," says Alex McClelland, Managing Director, ORAFOL Australia.

Promoting networking and relationships within the cohort is a key goal of the program. Davies explains current leaders owe a lot to their professional networks, but emerging leaders may lack these deep connections. ''Participants in the FESPA Australia Future Leaders program will have the unique opportunity to join a closely-knit cohort of like-minded professionals that will likely prove instrumental to their future professional development. The program's emphasis on collaboration, knowledge exchange, and mentorship will create an environment where participants can draw from each other's expertise, share innovative ideas, and collectively address the challenges that lie ahead."

Troy Cavanagh, FESPA Future Leader 2022 participant agrees, "The FESPA Future Leaders Program has been an excellent opportunity to meet and network with like-minded people within the print industry. Right from the moment we all met at the leadership workshop, the cohort created an instant bond, more so as we were all experiencing similar workplace issues and looking for similar answers. As the year has progressed, the strong connection within the cohort has remained positive and supportive. It has developed into a wider network amongst suppliers and other print companies." 

 The program is open to emerging leaders in the specialty printing industry in their early to mid-career years who already demonstrate leadership potential. FESPA invites printers, suppliers, and manufacturers to nominate individuals to the program. A selection panel will review applications considering their leadership ambitions, commitment to industry values such as diversity and sustainability, and personal references.

Successful candidates will meet for a hands-on, two-day workshop in Sydney from 1 -2 November 2023. They will receive professional coaching, personal development, and mentoring from Carl Harman, who has coached the senior and executive teams and boards of many prominent corporate and government organisations internationally.

The participants will select a FESPA Future Leader spokesperson who will receive a paid trip to attend FESPA Global Print Expo 2024 in Amsterdam. A mentoring program will follow the course to ensure that the leadership cohort continues to develop the skills and networks necessary to advance our industry through collective action.

The FESPA Future Leaders program is also supported by Gold Sponsors Ball & Doggett, Durst and Visual Connections; Silver Sponsors Cactus Imaging and Kissel & Wolf; and Bronze Sponsor HVG Graphics Media.

Applications are now open at https://fespaaustralia.org.au/leadership/