007 Speaking up to protect vulnerable people & bringing your team on the journey - Viv Allanson OAM

Summary

In this episode, Lauren Eyles speaks with Viv Allanson OAM, a trailblazing CEO in the Australian aged care and health sector, about how to lead with courage and love.

Viv emphasizes the importance of knowing one's true north and the courage to speak up for what is right, especially in challenging situations. She talks about what it was like to speak up for aged care residents during the pandemic, making national headlines when she challenged the approach of the then Prime Minister.

They discuss the importance of influence in leadership, how to build your team and bring them on the journey, and the need to be courageous and challenge the status quo.

In this conversation, Viv shares her journey of commitment to sustainability in building a new nursing home, and how she plans to continue contributing to the aged care sector after retirement including supporting those who care for older Australians.

Takeaways

• Leadership is fundamentally about influence.
• Influence is built on credibility and authenticity.
• Storytelling is a powerful tool in leadership.
• Leaders must have a personal vision to inspire others.
• Servant leadership involves supporting others' visions.
• Trusting your team is essential for growth.
• Avoid micromanagement to foster creativity and enthusiasm.
• Challenging the status quo can lead to innovation.
• Advocacy for aged care is crucial during crises.
• Women in leadership should back themselves.
• Knowing your true north is essential for integrity.
• Recognition of staff is important for morale.
• Being a good human is good business.

Chapters

00:00  Introduction to Leadership and Influence

02:47  The Power of Influence in Leadership

07:00  Building and Renovating Teams

10:51  Servant Leadership and Personal Vision

11:46  Balancing Oversight and Empowerment

15:31  Sustainability in Leadership

21:35  Advocacy for Aged Care During the Pandemic

26:55  The Importance of Authenticity in Leadership

32:48  Survival Tips for New Executives

37:32  Looking Ahead: Retirement and Future Contributions

 

Sound Bites

• "Influence starts from the floor up."
• "I don't abide micromanagement."
• "Ask yourself what's good for your people."
• "Challenge the status quo."
• "You must keep speaking up."
• "Know your true north."
• "If you lose everything, what do you do?"
• "I was carpeted for that action."
• "It's good business to be a good human."

Keywords

leadership, influence, servant leadership, team building, sustainability, empowerment, vision, clinical oversight, excellence, mentoring, sustainability, aged care, leadership, advocacy, personal growth, innovation, crisis management, retirement, women in leadership, healthcare

Guest bio

Viv Allanson OAM is the CEO of Maroba, a large aged care organisation in Newcastle, Australia.

She is a passionate advocate for the rights and dignity of older people… You may remember seeing Viv on the news during the pandemic where she spoke up to protect age care residents. At the time, the then-Prime Minister wanted nursing homes to allow more visitors.

Described as “a CEO who never accepts the status quo”, Viv has been recognised as the Australian Game Changer of the Year three times, as well as Visionary CEO of the Year.

Her leadership skills were forged in acute and aged care nursing and leadership roles over several decades, and she has been a CEO for 24 years.

Now Viv leads a team of 220, with a focus on teaching, strong clinical oversight and a commitment to excellence.

Viv Allanson on LinkedIn

Maroba Caring Communities 

 

Host Bio 

An Executive Coach and Mentor, Lauren Eyles is a trusted guide to new and experienced Executives, helping them navigate times of growth and change. She also helps leaders find calm amid chaos, bringing extensive experience as a Board Chair, Non Executive Director and Executive Leader, having worked across the ports and logistics, utilities, health and medical research, NFP and tourism sectors. 

Lauren is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has Masters degrees in business and sustainability and qualifications in coaching, change management, communication and project management.

Lauren would love to hear what you think of the podcast and what topics you'd like her to cover next. Please reach out via LinkedIn or Instagram.

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