For a third year Outlook was delighted to award two scholarships to the Rotary Challenge to Lead program held in May this year.
The deserving recipients for 2021 were Stephanie Rock and Darryl Maher.
From Left to Right: Outlook employee Stephanie Rock, Facilitators Lisa Galbraith, Alan Colvin, Natasha Focci, Outlook employee Darryl Maher.
Challenge to Lead is an interactive, practical, and intensive residential leadership program designed for emerging and new leaders. This program provides managers and supervisors in an organisation with the tools, skills, and approaches to develop their leadership skills for now and into the future.
The course is organised and led by Doncaster Rotary and the 2-day residential program was conducted by professional facilitators Alan Colvin, Lisa Galbraith, and Natasha Focci.
Despite the COVID disruption of 2021, this year the program had a record 21-participants from a wide range of sectors, including not-for-profit, councils, and business.
The Challenge to Lead program means participant challenges are addressed and leadership solutions are practiced. Participants share experiences and are supported with information, practical exercises, and references. This approach enables easier transfer and use of learning back in the work environment.
Outlook participant Stephanie Rock said, ‘Being put forward for this scholarship is fantastic. It shows me that Outlook is always thriving to support their workers ensuring they are given the best opportunities.’ Equally, Darryl Maher was thrilled to be selected for the program, ‘It is a privilege to be one of the first few recipients of this program from Outlook, to be nominated by management gives a sense of achievement’.
When asked how they believed the learning would impact them, Darryl said bringing in new ideas, or refining old ideas will help guide, instruct and inform his team. Leading by example was also a key takeaway. On a personal front, Darryl believes that continuous learning can only help open your mind to different ideas and thoughts at home and with friends.
Stephanie agrees and encourages people considering the scholarship to go for it, ‘anything that will help you achieve your goals and improve your career is something that can’t be missed’
Both Darryl and Stephanie are grateful for the opportunity Outlook has awarded them. ‘Just want to say how grateful I am that Outlook have put me forward for this scholarship, it shows that we aren’t just another ‘number’ within the workplace. They want us to achieve and learn’, Stephanie shared.
Looking back at the recent experience, Darryl expressed that no matter how old or experienced one is, anyone can learn, ‘There is never a silly question’.
Outlook has also reaped the rewards of the program. Anne McCormick, Deputy CEO Outlook VIC is a strong advocate or the leadership course, ‘Our managers who have attended Challenge to Lead have seen their leadership skills develop following the program. We have now introduced an annual Scholarship where two managers or supervisors will attend the program. As a social enterprise we support the program as all the profits go to Rotary projects that make a positive difference to the world’
Class of 2021 Rotary Challenge to Lead program