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Episode 69 – Lessons in leadership from Fiji’s COVID response with Bernadette Welch

Show Notes

W\hen you’re managing a crises, you need well-structured governance and communication framework in place. This will ensure all stakeholders are on the same page and working towards the same goal. Empowering team members with knowledge and delegating tasks is key. But we also need to be willing to take charge and get things sorted out when resources or support are needed.
This week’s guest is Bernadette Welch, a retired public servant with a long career in Australia and Fiji. She coordinated Fiji’s initial COVID response and organised the largest international meeting the country had ever hosted. She’s been the CEO 6,000-person organisation, and Permanent Secretary for Civil Service and Health in Fiji.
Takeaways from Dan and Pia
  • Well-structured governance and communications frameworks are essential when dealing with complex projects.
  • When you’re clear about your purpose and setup a climate of safety, people find it easier to work together because they can see and identify the boundaries.
  • “The discipline of the process creates freedom of choice.” – Solid structures allow for autonomy within individuals.
  • While effective leaders take responsibility, it’s important to strike a balance between protecting your team from distractions, and removing some of their potential agency.
Meet the guests
Bernadette was a public servant for nearly 30 years in Australia and Fiji in eight different departments. She was the Head of Operations for Australia’s G20 Presidency in Prime Minister and Cabinet and worked in the Treasury for eight years, where she was awarded the Public Service Medal for outstanding public service. Prior to her recent return to Australia, Bernadette was Fiji’s Permanent Secretary for Health and led Fiji’s multi-agency coordinated planning, preparation and response to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Bernadette has held several board positions and has a Master of Business and Technology from the University of New South Wales. She has recently been certified as Rescue Diver and has previously sung in a band and been a slam poet.
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