Growing for-purpose organisations through skilful leadership

Samantha Hunter’s career showcases her versatility as a leader and a board director across corporate, professional services, and nonprofit landscapes. She has a profound understanding of how to navigate intricate multidisciplinary landscapes and skillfully manoeuvre complex political terrains.

With a diverse professional background, Samantha has held key positions in various organisations, including Director at Werribee Football Club, Chief Executive Officer at Crime Stoppers Victoria, and Director and CEO at Tomboy Media. Read on for our interview with Samantha!

Describe your career trajectory and how you got to your current position.

My twenties saw me jump around a lot, travel and not really commit to any particular career path. In my thirties, I landed in community relations and communications, and ultimately with Leadership Victoria which really changed both my life and career trajectory. I consulted after that and was approached for my first CEO role at Crime Stoppers Victoria. I think I found that my niche is fixing and growing organisations. Creating change and impact excites me, and there is so much to do to progress the agenda of occupational therapy. What drives me is the positive impacts not just for occupational therapists, but for the impact they have on their clients’ lives.

What does this role mean to you?

For much of my career, I have worked for purpose-driven, values-based organisations, and protecting and promoting the occupational therapy profession is another example of a strong purpose underpinning the work. This role has been incredibly rewarding as we have been able to grow quickly and that has allowed me to work with many of our team to really elevate their career trajectory. We have so many smart people on our team and to grow the organisation and help their careers continue to grow with it is immensely rewarding. I am really passionate about women supporting other women to step into leadership roles, and this role is the perfect vehicle for that.

Take us through a typical day of work for you.

I think everyone knows there is no typical day, which is why it is exciting. However, each week I try to make time to meet and talk to members and industry partners to stay connected with the passion and purpose. I also make time to meet with people not necessarily in my sector. I absolutely love having lunch with smart, interesting and curious people. I really dislike this notion of busyness as a badge of honour so I try to carve out the time for real conversations – balcony chats where you can look at the long view and enjoy a robust contest of ideas. That would be the perfect day.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve encountered in your career, and how did you overcome it?

Being young(ish) and female. Early on it was a challenge, especially on male dominated boards. I overcame it by learning to stand my ground, to speak quietly (make them lean in!), and ultimately by getting older! In some circles of business it never completely goes away. Not so long ago I was asked to take the minutes. It is a good reminder that there is plenty of work still to do to pave the way for the next generation of women coming into leadership roles. It is easier, but still not always easy.

If you could go back in time, what piece of advice would you give yourself as you first embarked on your career? 

Pace yourself. I am very hard on myself which I don’t think is unusual in many leadership roles. I have experienced burnout before, and I didn’t see it until it was too late. I have a great tribe of Leadership Victoria alumni who remind me often to put my oxygen mask on first. Despite my experience of what burnout looks like, I need to be reminded of the safety briefing often.

How do you stay motivated to work in this field?

By making progress. I love goals, I love growth and I love seeing new ideas and products come to life.

How do you unwind after work?

Running, golf, yoga and bubble baths. In no particular order – and a glass of wine with either a dog or a cat on my lap.

What was the last thing you:

Watched – Ted Lasso (again!)

Read – Hidden Potential by Adam Grant for leadership nuggets; and Paul Murray’s The Bee Sting for book club

Listened to: Radio National to keep me informed and true crime podcasts to put me to sleep.