Stephen Roche – Queensland Leadership 2009-2010
Forming an ongoing and meaningful business relationship with a not-for-profit organisation wasn’t high on Stephen Roche’s list of expectations when he applied for the inaugural Queensland Leadership program in 2009.
At the time he was more focused on transitioning his own role at Shine Lawyers—the third largest plaintiff litigation firm in Australia—from Managing Partner to Executive Director and recognised that the program could be of use at this important career crossroad. But when he found himself sitting next to Jennifer Cullen, the CEO of Synapse (formerly the Brain Injury Association of Queensland), he cemented a professional alliance that has been of enormous benefit to both organisations.
As Stephen explains, “I met Jennifer working in a small group where each one of us had to describe an individual, personal leadership challenge we were facing in our lives. We got to know each other and found similarities in the work we did, even though we were attacking it from different angles. We were able to engage our prospective organisations and that continues to today and blossoms and blooms.”
As Jennifer confirms, working closely with Shine Lawyers—who are accredited personal injury specialists—has been a mutual bonus, and is directly impacting her clients’ lives.
“Synapse undertakes assessments for people who have been injured to use in court ... But the part we were missing was the economic analysis and the quality of life. For example, what does it mean for a mum to give up her work to look after her child? Shine is now mentoring us to help capture this information so when the person goes to present in court, they can argue for further claims.” It makes sense, says Jennifer. “They work with people who are injured. We work with people who are injured. Imagine the difference we are going to make to people with brain or spinal injuries because we’ve joined forces.”
Stephen says Queensland Leadership helped him revise his thinking around the power of working across sectors and overcoming stereotypes. “When I first turned up I was viewed by some who worked in the community sector as almost evil…. Of course, this exposed some of my own biases towards the government and not-for-profit sectors. While the biases weren’t always overcome, we became aware and were able to name it ... It opened a pathway.”
“I think the program has made me a better human being. It’s made me aware of other differing points of view that are no less value than mine. I am now more resilient.”
When it comes to his own leadership skills, Stephen says his style has changed for the better. “Before I always tried to provide answers and solutions. If I failed to provide the answers, I wasn’t doing my job. I now know that sometimes leadership means not having the answers.”
Stephen's book Don't Tell, a compelling account of the most important sexual abuse civil trial in Australian history, was recently published by Ginninderra Press.
