For the past ten months, Beef Central has followed the journey of one of this year’s Graeme Acton Beef Connections mentoring project participants, in the lead-up to Beef 2024 in Rockhampton held in May.

Phoebe-Eckermann

Using a monthly diary format, South Australia’s Phoebe Eckermann* has outlined her experiences and learnings as part of the program. Today’s final post-event entry sums up her own, and the group’s journey, with five key ‘take-homes.’

Links to Phoebe’s earlier diary entries can be found at the base of this page ….

WHAT an amazing 12 months it’s been for me, as a Graeme Acton Beef Connections mentee.

The program has been a transformative period of growth and discovery, filled with opportunities that have expanded my network, challenged my capabilities, and allowed me to build impactful relationships. I’ve been empowered to launch a careers magazine and develop social media pages dedicated to pathways into the beef industry.

Through this journey, I’ve grown both personally and professionally, learning invaluable lessons along the way. It’s been a life changing experience.

So, it’s time to reflect – here are my top five realisations as a 2024 Graeme Acton mentee …

Mentors Matter

The day had come – the Graeme Acton Beef Connections lunch was finally here. We had all arrived in Rockhampton, ready to go. My nerves were building as I anticipated the event. Speaking to a room full of 440 industry professionals was a first for me – an opportunity that both excited and scared me. How would I face this challenge? Who could help me through?

My fabulous mentor, Samantha Noon – of course! As I approached the Long Paddock at Beef 2024, with a stomach full of butterflies, who was the first person I was greeted by? Sam! Perfectly timed, just when I needed a calming, supportive presence.

After months of Zoom calls, meeting Sam face to face was a highlight. She had played a vital role in helping me prepare for this event, always just a phone call away. Our final Zoom session together was instrumental – her expertise in communications helped me craft just the right message to convey. And now she was here to support me as I navigated the challenge ahead.

I remember the first time I spoke with Sam; her warmth and enthusiasm were immediately reassuring.

Over the months, she guided me through various aspects to support my career journey and project, sharing invaluable insights and practical advice. Her mentorship extended beyond just professional development; she was a constant source of encouragement, helping me build confidence and refine my communication skills. Her belief in my abilities pushed me to strive for excellence.

As I prepared my speech, Sam’s advice echoed in my mind: “Speak from the heart, be authentic, and connect with your audience.” This guidance was crucial in shaping my presentation, ensuring it was not just informative but also engaging and relatable.

As I looked at Sam in the audience at the Beef Connections Luncheon, I felt a surge of confidence. Her presence was a reminder of the journey we had undertaken together and the progress I had made under her guidance. Reflecting on this experience, I now realise how grateful I am for Sam’s mentorship. It was a transformative journey that went beyond professional growth. It was about building self-belief, learning to overcome fears, and understanding the importance of support systems in achieving one’s goals.

This leads to my first realisation: Mentors matter – they’re pivotal in providing reassurance, guidance, and support. They challenge us to be the best version of ourselves. Mentoring is powerful in personal development and in implementing one’s vision. It provides the foundation for growth, the encouragement to push boundaries, and the support to face challenges head-on. As I move forward in my career, I am committed to both seeking out mentorship and offering it to others, understanding it’s profound impact on one’s journey. I’d urge you to do the same!

Communication Awareness

From our first face to face group mentee meeting in Brisbane, the importance of communication was brought to my attention. By deeply exploring our own personality types and sharing insights within the group, I realised how our individual differences shape our communication styles. This program emphasised the importance of understanding these variations and their impact on effective interaction.

My second realisation – Communication is key. Having an awareness of how you and others communicate is vital. Developing this knowledge allows you to implement it in your own life and relationships. Effective communication goes beyond just speaking and listening; it involves understanding the nuances of different communication styles and adapting accordingly.

One of the first steps is recognising your own communication style. Are you direct or more reserved? Do you prefer detailed explanations or concise summaries? Understanding your own preferences helps you convey your messages more clearly. Equally important is recognising and respecting the communication styles of others. This awareness can prevent misunderstandings and foster more meaningful interactions.

So, how did I implement these skills and how you can too?

• Once you have a mentor be proactive in maintaining the relationship.
• Schedule regular check-ins to discuss your progress and any challenges you’re facing.
• Come prepared with questions to maximise the value of your meetings.
• Updating your mentor on your progress not only keeps them informed but also shows that you value their guidance.
• Show appreciation for their time and advice.

Understanding and leveraging communication skills has been a game-changer for me, and it can be for you too. Embrace this learning and watch how it transforms your interactions and relationships, both within your career and beyond.

Stand Together

The moment had come – it was time for us to step onto the stage at the Graeme Acton Beef Connections lunch. Facilitator Jo Eady and mentee Xavier McCluskey did an amazing job opening the celebration, showing no nerves at all. Isobel Heffernan confidently led a panel interviewing Lachlan Smith and Amy Wicks, giving an excellent overview of the program and the field visits in Queensland and New South Wales. Then it was our turn to share about our projects – Emily McNair and Liam Cameron, as facilitators, were joined by Lauren Angus, Xavier McCluskey, and myself.

It was my turn to experience the joy of speaking. I shared the project I’d been working on for the last 12 months called Build Your Beef Future. I entered the program with an idea to showcase the diversity of career pathways in the beef industry. During our first group mentee meet-up in Brisbane, I honed in on the issue: the perception of careers in the beef industry being limited to traditional roles requiring manual labour. In reality, the beef industry hosts a diverse range of careers with numerous opportunities in growing areas such as technology and sustainability.

I collected the stories of beef industry professionals across the supply chain, showcasing them in the first edition of the Act On magazine – which is now live! Through these interviews, I developed a theory, and with the guidance of mentor Sam, I prepared to share it with the audience. Would anyone engage? Could I get a crowd of 400+ on their feet? Gee, was I nervous about this. “Bring the energy” was running through my mind. It was time to share my theory, and here’s how it went:

“Raise a hand if you believe that working in the beef industry allows opportunities to travel Australia and the world.” Hands began to pop up (phew).

“Keep your hand up if you believe working in the beef industry allows for opportunities to network and build lifelong friendships.” Even more hands went up (wooo).

“Stand up if you believe that working in the beef industry fulfills a purpose greater than oneself, providing high-quality beef to the world.” The crowd rose to their feet! (woooohoo!!) Wow, I got 400+ people standing together. United by my theory that we follow diverse pathways into the beef industry and we stand together in our reasons why. Traveling the world, connecting with lifelong friends, and continuing to provide the world with high-quality protein – it’s time to stand together and expand the perception of a career in agriculture.

A crowd on their feet – this was an empowering moment. Captured with a quick selfie, of course. I officially launched the first edition of Act On: a beef career magazine showcasing the diversity of career pathways in the beef industry. It was a momentous occasion for me, and I was delighted to have multiple discussions following lunch about the importance of this idea. These conversations reinforced the significance of my project and the impact it could have on broadening the understanding of career opportunities within the beef industry.

Our afternoon ended with Georgia Patterson gracefully facilitating a conversation with Jean Liebenberg about the mentoring journey. Their discussion provided further insights and inspiration, highlighting the invaluable experiences and growth we had all undergone throughout the program with our mentors.

This leads to my third realisation: it’s time to stand together to create a positive image of the opportunities on offer in the beef industry. By uniting our efforts, we can showcase the diverse and rewarding careers available, transforming perceptions and inspiring future generations to explore the wealth of opportunities in this dynamic field.

The Value of Values

Our final morning together as a group with our facilitators was a memorable one. All the mentors and mentees came together for an impactful ending, a mentoring power hour. We had the opportunity to sit down with each mentor and pick their minds, soaking in their advice and experiences. This was a vital learning opportunity, and one key point that came up repeatedly for me was the importance of values.

Values play a crucial role in both life and leadership. They serve as the foundation upon which we build our actions and decisions. In the context of developing teams and fostering collaboration, shared values are essential. They unite people under a common vision, driving them to perform and excel. When values align with personal goals, they create a sense of purpose and motivation that propels individuals and teams forward.

Realisation 4: Understanding the importance of defining your own values. This learning has underscored the need to be clear about my own values and to seek alignment with those I work with. This alignment fosters a cohesive and committed team, all working towards shared objectives with passion and dedication. Values are the guiding principles that shape our interactions, our work, and our impact on the world.

Vision For the Future

Through the program, I’ve developed a personal vision for my life, guided by my values. This vision isn’t just about personal success; it’s about making a meaningful impact on the industry I’m passionate about. I’ve also crafted a leadership vision for the beef industry: to evolve the perceptions of the sector by showcasing the diversity of careers it has to offer. The beef industry is more than just traditional roles and manual labour. It encompasses a wide array of opportunities in technology, sustainability, and beyond. Now, I’m faced with the next challenge: how to create a shared vision? This is where you come in. I believe that collectively, we can transform the narrow perceptions of our industry and foster a diverse, inclusive, and thriving Australian beef industry. Here’s how you can help:

Follow @buildyourbeeffuture on Instagram and Facebook: Stay updated with the latest stories, insights, and opportunities in the beef industry. By following, you’ll be part of a community dedicated to change and innovation.

Share the Act On Magazine: Spread the word about the diverse career pathways available in the beef industry. The magazine is a powerful tool to educate and inspire the next generation of beef industry professionals.

Realisation 5: Engage and Participate – Your involvement is crucial.

Engage with our content, share your own experiences, and participate in discussions. Together, we can create a narrative that highlights the vast potential within our industry.

I’d like to extend my thanks to Beef Australia and the incredible work of our RuralScope facilitators Jo Eady and Wendy Agar. Your efforts have made this journey possible. A special thank you to Jon Condon, James Nason, and Beef Central for providing me with this platform to reflect and share my experiences within the beef industry – it has been a great highlight of mine.

To my fellow mentees, who have been an integral part of this journey and have enhanced the experience with their passion and dedication:

• Amy Wicks
• Emily McNair
• Georgia Dale (Patterson)
• Isobel Heffernan
• Jean Liebenberg
• Lachlan Smith
• Lauren Angus
• Liam Cameron
• Xavier McCluskey

Thank you for your camaraderie and support. Our collective efforts and diverse projects have showcased the multifaceted nature of the beef industry.

For those who have been along for the journey, reading each article, and engaging – thank you. Your support and interest have been invaluable.

Let’s continue to stand together to build a bright future for the beef industry, one that is inclusive, innovative, and thriving.

Phoebe

Phoebe’s previous diary entries

May 2024: The importance of communication and speaking success

April 2024: The Build Your Beef Future project journey

March 2024: Beefing up Innovation, and how you can too

February 2024: Embracing change and seizing opportunities

December 2023: Riverina families inspire

November 2023: The power of collaboration, opportunities and preparation

October 2023: Being, Balancing and Building Brilliance

September 2023: Meeting our mentors 

August 2023: Our journey begins

* Diarist Phoebe Eckermann works with NextGen Agri, a genetics and management consultancy company working with beef and sheep producers across Australia. She is one of ten 2023/24 Graeme Acton Connections Program mentees. Phoebe’s project vision is to create a web-based resource where people can explore the endless career pathways available in the modern beef industry. She has been engaged with the beef industry since her early teen years, having established her own Limousin stud and shown cattle, winning championships at the Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne Royal Shows.