Canberra Region Joint Organisation

women in planning Leadership masterclass progarm

OrganisationAL Profile

The Canberra Region Joint Organisation brings together member councils across southeastern New South Wales to collaborate on strategic regional priorities. Acting as a strong regional voice, CRJO supports intergovernmental partnerships, advocates for shared interests, and drives initiatives that foster sustainable growth, regional development, and improved services for local communities.

With a focus on collaboration, innovation, and long-term impact, CRJO works across areas such as economic development, infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and regional planning—helping to strengthen the prosperity and resilience of the Canberra region as a whole.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The CRJO Women in Planning Leadership Program was designed in partnership with the Australian Leadership Academy (ALA) to support and strengthen the leadership capabilities of women working across the planning profession. Tailored specifically for this cohort, the program provided a focused and engaging environment for participants to explore their leadership identity, deepen self-awareness, and build the skills needed to lead with clarity and confidence.

At the heart of the program was ALA’s unique agenda-setting process, which empowered participants to surface and prioritise their most significant adaptive challenges. This co-created approach ensured that the learning experience remained directly relevant to real-world contexts and professional aspirations.

Throughout the program, participants engaged with key concepts in adaptive leadership, explored communication preference styles, and developed practical skills in peer coaching and feedback.

Teamwork and collaboration were central, with a strong emphasis on building networks of support and shared leadership. The result was a dynamic and highly personalised program that not only enhanced individual capability, but also contributed to a stronger, more connected leadership community within the planning sector.

Women in Planning Leadership Masterclass Delegates

women in planning LEADERSHIP mastercLASS program Feedback

ALA’s leadership program was motivational and challenging?

99% strongly Agree

ALA’s approach supported the needs of the Women in Planning deleagtes?

98% strongly Agree

The Women in Planning delegates actively participated in the program?

96% strongly Agree

ALA’s leadership facilitator was credible and effective?

100% strongly Agree

“very engaging, informative and well stuctured…10/10”

“This has been life-changing”

Jules Bray, Women in Planning Leadership Masterclass Delegate

To what extent would you recommend the Australian Leadership Academy?

98% highly recommend

Program outcomes FEEdBACK

Personal Responsibility and Growth
Participants embraced the importance of taking ownership of their leadership journey, committing to self-reflection and ongoing development
Deeper Self-Awareness
The program supported increased understanding of individual leadership styles, values, and impact—laying the foundation for more intentional leadership
Adaptive Leadership in Practice
Participants explored the principles of adaptive leadership, learning how to navigate complexity, lead through change, and remain grounded under pressure
Courageous and High-Performance Conversations
Through structured frameworks, participants developed the confidence and capability to engage in challenging conversations with clarity and purpose
The Power of Listening and Questions
A strong focus was placed on asking meaningful, non-directive questions and practising patience in active listening—reducing the need to ‘fix’ and instead enabling others to grow
Everyday Application
Skills and insights from the program were immediately transferable, with participants noting relevance to daily interactions, team dynamics, and broader professional contexts
Commitment to Conscious Leadership
The program sparked a shift toward more mindful, deliberate leadership—opening the door to lasting behavioural change and a deeper sense of purpose

“absolutely incredible”

Ashley Sullivan - Women in Planning Leadership Masterclass Delegate

program Approach

At the Australian Leadership Academy (ALA), learning doesn’t follow a script—it happens live, in real time, and is shaped by what matters most to the people in the room.

We don’t arrive with prepackaged answers. Instead, we ask bold questions, challenge assumptions, and co-create each experience with participants. Our facilitators guide, listen, and adapt—but the leadership emerges from within the group.

Through this collaborative process, individuals and teams are supported to go beyond surface-level fixes. We help uncover the root causes of complex challenges and work together to design courageous, practical solutions that are deeply aligned with personal values and organisational purpose.