Decoding Cultural Leadership

Samuel Cairnduff
  • 5.0 (4)
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Decoding Cultural Leadership is a podcast that explores the intersection between the arts, culture and society and interrogates what it means to be a cultural leader in the 21st century.  In each episode, host Samuel Cairnduff talks with some of the most influential organisational leaders, creators, policy-makers and thought leaders, building an understanding of their approach to shifting the dial in a complex, constantly changing world.  By talking to influential leaders whose voices resonate in the community, Decoding Cultural Leadership seeks to gain a deeper perspective on how cultural organisations see their role in the community, how they make hard decisions, and how they address the needs of multiple stakeholders.  Culture and society are deeply connected. Decoding Cultural Leadership explores this complex relationship through deep conversation with our greatest cultural leaders. Join us as we decode cultural leadership. Decoding Cultural Leadership.Culture. Society. Conversations

  1. Episode 48: RESONATE Participants - Young musicians leading change in neurodivergent-inclusive classical music

    27/08/2025

    Episode 48: RESONATE Participants - Young musicians leading change in neurodivergent-inclusive classical music

    This episode marks a departure from our usual format as we delve into an initiative close to my heart: RESONATE, a programme I've developed with the Australian Youth Orchestra through my consultancy. Rather than interviewing established cultural leaders, we're hearing directly from the next generation of classical musicians who are actively reshaping the industry from within. In this participant-led conversation, violist and composer Sophia Mackson, harpist and composer Paul Nicolaou, and French horn player Milly McAuliffe engage in a candid discussion about neurodivergence in orchestral music. Facilitated by Julia Hill, these four young musicians don't just theorise about inclusion - they're living it, advocating for it, and creating new models for how classical music can embrace neurodivergent artists and audiences. What You'll Hear The conversation moves seamlessly between personal experiences and practical solutions, covering: Understanding neurodivergence - Moving beyond stereotypes to recognise the full spectrum of ADHD, autism, and other conditions, and how they manifest differently in each individualExecutive dysfunction in practice - How time blindness, motivation challenges, and decision-making difficulties affect everything from daily practice routines to orchestral rehearsalsNavigating orchestral etiquette - The unspoken rules that can be particularly challenging for neurodivergent musicians, from section hierarchy to break room dynamicsTransformative teaching approaches - How supportive educators like Patricia Pollet and Alice Giles create inclusive learning environments by adapting to individual needs rather than enforcing rigid methodsInnovative performance design - Paul's groundbreaking "Elemental Resonance" concert, which used sensory elements to create accessible experiences for neurodivergent, elderly, and young audiencesInstitutional culture change - Why policies aren't enough when workplace culture remains exclusionary, and how freelance networking disadvantages neurodivergent musiciansThe diagnosis journey - Honest accounts of seeking assessment, facing dismissive healthcare providers, and the validation that comes with understanding oneselfWorkplace accommodations - From access riders to adequate break times, practical strategies that benefit all musicians whilst supporting specific needs Key Insights "I think accessibility and accommodations should be the baseline... should be a fundamental in rehearsals, but also just talking to people." - Sophia Mackson "The effort that organisations are putting in isn't for this one tiny group, it's for everyone, which includes this tiny group." - Paul Nicolaou "Just assume that there is someone in your ensemble that is neurodivergent. We know the statistics mean that's incredibly likely, if not certain." - Milly McAuliffe "Your experiences are valid and they're real... you know yourself better than anyone else." - Paul Nicolaou Why This Matters This conversation represents a generational shift in classical music. These musicians aren't waiting for permission to create change - they're com Connect with Decoding Cultural Leadership on social media Instagram, Threads, X/Twitter: @DCLPod sc@samuelcairnduff.com samuelcairnduff.com @samuelcairnduff Read Sam's Substack here. Presenter and research: Sam Cairnduff Creative Director: Niloofar Pashmforoosh Presented in association with Limelight Decoding Cultural Leadership | Culture. Society. Conversations

    52 min
  2. Episode 47: Simon Hinton: Leading Merrigong Theatre Company with Vision, Community and Courage

    23/08/2025

    Episode 47: Simon Hinton: Leading Merrigong Theatre Company with Vision, Community and Courage

    Simon Hinton has been Artistic Director and CEO of Merrigong Theatre Company in Wollongong since 2005. Under his leadership, Merrigong has grown from a presenting venue into Australia’s largest regional producing theatre company. With a deep commitment to community, First Nations engagement, and supporting independent artists, Simon has become one of the country’s most respected regional arts leaders. In this episode, Simon reflects on two decades of cultural leadership and what it takes to sustain a regional company that balances commercial realities with artistic ambition. The conversation explores his philosophy of governance, his advocacy for ethical and values-based leadership, and the ways in which Merrigong’s programs—especially MERRIGONGX—nurture and empower independent artists. We also discuss how regional contexts can keep organisations grounded, why long-term community embeddedness matters, and how arts organisations must respond to challenges such as post-COVID recovery, sustainability, and the disruptive potential of AI. Simon shares candid insights into the importance of holding space for ambiguity and resisting the polarisation of public discourse, positioning culture as a rare arena where diverse perspectives can meet. Key Discussion Points Simon’s 20-year journey leading Merrigong Theatre Company Building a producing company in a regional context Rethinking governance and the need for moral leadership in the arts Embedding First Nations voices and self-determined programming The development and impact of the MERRIGONGX artist program Balancing community use, commercial viability, and artistic innovation Post-COVID reflections on how the sector values artists The challenges of sustainability, cultural ecology, and sector competition AI, polarisation, and the responsibility of the arts to hold space for ambiguity Memorable Quotes “It’s not really measured in years. It’s measured in decades… this is a deep tilling of the earth and a planting of seeds to change the cultural landscape.” “We need to work at the speed of trust.” “Maybe we’ll be the last people that hold some space for silence and contemplation, where differing views can coexist.” Links Merrigong Theatre Company MERRIGONGX BlakDance NORPA Create NSW Connect with Decoding Cultural Leadership Instagram: @DCLPod Threads: @DCLPod X: Connect with Decoding Cultural Leadership on social media Instagram, Threads, X/Twitter: @DCLPod sc@samuelcairnduff.com samuelcairnduff.com @samuelcairnduff Read Sam's Substack here. Presenter and research: Sam Cairnduff Creative Director: Niloofar Pashmforoosh Presented in association with Limelight Decoding Cultural Leadership | Culture. Society. Conversations

    59 min
  3. Episode 46: Rosemarie Milsom - Newcastle Writers Festival founder on ethical courage and cultural leadership through crisis

    20/08/2025

    Episode 46: Rosemarie Milsom - Newcastle Writers Festival founder on ethical courage and cultural leadership through crisis

    Due to recent events at Bendigo Writers Festival, we felt it timely to release this episode, recorded earlier this year. Sam reconnects with Rosemarie Milsom, founding director of Newcastle Writers Festival, whose crisis management approach offers a masterclass in ethical cultural leadership. With journalism experience and current role as Walkley Book Award panel chair, Rosemarie navigated unprecedented challenges whilst maintaining commitment to diverse voices. Crisis Leadership Following October 7, 2023, Rosemarie faced escalating tensions with programmed writers holding opposing Israel-Palestine views. The situation required police intervention, including tactical response teams. Her approach emphasised stakeholder engagement over public statements - tailored communication strategies and proactive consultation months before controversy emerged. Despite intense social media campaigns and direct threats, she maintained the festival's commitment to all invited writers without losing a single artist. Cultural Leadership Insights Rosemarie contrasts her approach with recent institutional retreats, arguing many leaders abandon missions due to fear. Her perspective proves powerful given her background as a Bosnian Muslim who lost family to genocide, yet demonstrates separating personal feelings from professional responsibilities. The festival operates without major donors, building grassroots support whilst maintaining ethical positions like refusing coal industry funding. Key Quotes "If you start removing artists from what you do, it's a really slippery slope." "When you're in a leadership position, if you let fear govern your existence, then I think you probably shouldn't be in a leadership position." Links Newcastle Writers Festival: https://www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/ Connect with Decoding Cultural Leadership Instagram: @DCLPod | Threads: @DCLPod | X: @DCLPod Email: sc@samuelcairnduff.com | www.samuelcairnduff.com Presenter and research: Dr Samuel Cairnduff Connect with Decoding Cultural Leadership on social media Instagram, Threads, X/Twitter: @DCLPod sc@samuelcairnduff.com samuelcairnduff.com @samuelcairnduff Read Sam's Substack here. Presenter and research: Sam Cairnduff Creative Director: Niloofar Pashmforoosh Presented in association with Limelight Decoding Cultural Leadership | Culture. Society. Conversations

    49 min
  4. Episode 44: Michelle Leonard OAM- Transforming communities through song

    15/12/2024

    Episode 44: Michelle Leonard OAM- Transforming communities through song

    This week's conversation features Michelle Leonard OAM, founder and artistic director of Moorambilla Voices, discussing her transformative work bringing high-quality music education to regional communities and her unique approach to cultural leadership built on deep connection to country and community. Michelle shares insights from her journey from regional NSW to becoming one of Australia's most influential voices in community-engaged musical practice, and discusses how authentic artistic experiences can transform lives and communities. Key discussion points include: Building sustainable arts programs in regional communitiesThe role of music in developing resilience and connectionCreating genuine engagement with First Nations communities and cultureThe importance of long-term commitment in cultural leadershipDeveloping artistic excellence through community engagementThe transformative power of collective musical experiencesCultural leadership as a force for social cohesionBuilding sustainable arts organizations in regional settingsThe need for authenticity in arts leadershipMentoring the next generation of cultural leadersThroughout the conversation, Michelle emphasizes the importance of creating genuine connections through artistic practice and the need for cultural leaders to work with tenacity and deep respect for community and country. Links: Moorambilla VoicesMichelle Leonard's TED Talk "How can music change a child's life?"The Shape of Sand (Performance video)The Shape of Water (Performance video)About Michelle Leonard: Michelle Leonard OAM is the founder and artistic director of Moorambilla Voices, established in 2006. Her innovative work bringing high-quality music education to regional NSW has been recognized internationally. She received an Order of Australia Medal for her service to the performing arts through music. Her work has been particularly notable for deep engagement with First Nations communities and artists, creating genuine cultural connections through music. Her TED Talk "How can music change a child's life?" has brought international attention to the transformative impact of music in regional communities. Through Moorambilla Voices, she has worked with thousands of children across regional NSW, creating an internationally recognised program that combines artistic excellence with authentic community engagement. Episode Credits: Host: Samuel CairnduffGuest: Michelle Leonard OAM Connect with Decoding Cultural Leadership on social media Instagram, Threads, X/Twitter: @DCLPod sc@samuelcairnduff.com samuelcairnduff.com @samuelcairnduff Read Sam's Substack here. Presenter and research: Sam Cairnduff Creative Director: Niloofar Pashmforoosh Presented in association with Limelight Decoding Cultural Leadership | Culture. Society. Conversations

    1h 3m
  5. Episode 45: Seb Chan - Reimagining cultural institutions for tomorrow's communities

    15/12/2024

    Episode 45: Seb Chan - Reimagining cultural institutions for tomorrow's communities

    This week's conversation features Seb Chan, Director and CEO of ACMI and National President of the Australian Museums and Galleries Association, exploring his innovative approach to cultural leadership and institutional transformation. Seb shares insights from his journey from experimental music and club culture to pioneering digital transformation at major cultural institutions. He discusses how museums and cultural spaces can rebuild trust and relevance in a rapidly changing world. Key discussion points include: Evolving role of cultural institutions in building community trustDigital transformation and preservation challengesDesigning accessible cultural spaces that reduce threshold fearFocus and attention in the age of social mediaCultural translation and community engagementFuture integration of cultural spaces with community infrastructureThe garden metaphor for sustainable digital developmentLeadership versus management in cultural institutionsBuilding intergenerational connections through cultural experiencesThe role of institutions in addressing major societal challengesThroughout the conversation, Seb emphasises the importance of creating spaces for meaningful community interaction and the need for cultural institutions to actively shape conversations about our shared future. Links: ACMIAustralian Museums and Galleries Association (AMaGA)RMIT UniversityAbout Seb Chan: Seb Chan is the Director and CEO of ACMI and National President of AMAGA. His career spans pioneering roles in digital transformation at the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum in New York and the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney. He is recognised internationally for his innovative approach to museum engagement and cultural leadership. Episode Credits: Host: Samuel CairnduffGuest: Seb Chan Connect with Decoding Cultural Leadership on social media Instagram, Threads, X/Twitter: @DCLPod sc@samuelcairnduff.com samuelcairnduff.com @samuelcairnduff Read Sam's Substack here. Presenter and research: Sam Cairnduff Creative Director: Niloofar Pashmforoosh Presented in association with Limelight Decoding Cultural Leadership | Culture. Society. Conversations

    1h 6m
  6. Episode 38: Jessica Gethin - Cultural Leadership from the Podium

    04/12/2024

    Episode 38: Jessica Gethin - Cultural Leadership from the Podium

    This week's conversation features Jessica Gethin, one of Australia's leading conductors and newly appointed Artistic Advisor of Orchestra Victoria, discussing her journey in conducting and perspectives on cultural leadership. Jessica shares insights from her career development as a conductor in Australia, from her early days with Perth Symphony Orchestra through to her current roles with Orchestra Victoria and West Australian Ballet. She offers a unique perspective on building an international conducting career whilst remaining based in Australia. Key discussion points include: The pathway to conducting in AustraliaBuilding an entrepreneurial approach to career developmentThe role of mentorship and education in conductingChallenges facing conductors in AustraliaGender discrimination in classical musicThe evolution of orchestral cultureProgramming for diverse audiencesOrchestra Victoria's unique position in Australia's cultural landscapeBalancing artistic excellence with accessibilityThe importance of regional touring and community engagementThroughout the conversation, Jessica emphasises the importance of authentic leadership and building trust between conductor, musicians and management. She advocates for a more inclusive and sustainable approach to orchestral culture. Links: Orchestra VictoriaWest Australian BalletWA Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA)About Jessica Gethin: Jessica Gethin is the Artistic Advisor of Orchestra Victoria and Principal Conductor of the West Australian Ballet. She is also Head of Orchestral Studies and Conducting at the WA Academy of Performing Arts. Her career spans opera, ballet and symphonic conducting across Australia and internationally. Episode Credits: Host: Samuel CairnduffGuest: Jessica Gethin Connect with Decoding Cultural Leadership on social media Instagram, Threads, X/Twitter: @DCLPod sc@samuelcairnduff.com samuelcairnduff.com @samuelcairnduff Read Sam's Substack here. Presenter and research: Sam Cairnduff Creative Director: Niloofar Pashmforoosh Presented in association with Limelight Decoding Cultural Leadership | Culture. Society. Conversations

    1h 7m
  7. Episode 39: Joel Carnegie - Stories, Sound and Community Connection

    04/12/2024

    Episode 39: Joel Carnegie - Stories, Sound and Community Connection

    This week's conversation features Joel Carnegie, award-winning storyteller, broadcaster and musician, discussing his journey creating powerful audio narratives and live performances that deeply connect with communities. Joel shares insights from his groundbreaking national tour of 'Stardust & The Mission', which combined storytelling, music and community engagement through collaborations with local brass bands across Australia. He reflects on the challenges and opportunities of creating cultural work in a post-COVID landscape. Key discussion points include: The evolution from musician to storyteller and producerBuilding sustainable creative careers through multiple streamsDeep community engagement through local collaborationsThe impact of digital distraction on cultural consumptionRethinking elite musical training institutionsCreating accessible and inclusive artistic experiencesThe role of story in shaping Australian cultural identitySustainable models for arts funding and creationSupporting artists through career challengesDigital platforms' impact on cultural productionThroughout the conversation, Joel emphasises the importance of authentic storytelling that connects with place and community. He advocates for more sustainable and inclusive approaches to cultural creation and consumption. Links: ABC ClassicThe Storymakers InstituteHell's GatesStardust & The MissionAbout Joel Carnegie: Joel Carnegie is an award-winning storyteller, audio producer and musician. His work spans radio, podcasting, theatre and music, with a focus on telling uniquely Australian stories. He currently hosts evenings on ABC Classic and produces The Storymakers Institute podcast. Episode Credits: Host: Samuel CairnduffGuest: Joel Carnegie Connect with Decoding Cultural Leadership on social media Instagram, Threads, X/Twitter: @DCLPod sc@samuelcairnduff.com samuelcairnduff.com @samuelcairnduff Read Sam's Substack here. Presenter and research: Sam Cairnduff Creative Director: Niloofar Pashmforoosh Presented in association with Limelight Decoding Cultural Leadership | Culture. Society. Conversations

    59 min
  8. Episode 41: Guy Noble - Connecting Audiences Through Musical Storytelling

    04/12/2024

    Episode 41: Guy Noble - Connecting Audiences Through Musical Storytelling

    This week's conversation features Guy Noble, one of Australia's most versatile conductors and broadcasters, discussing his perspectives on orchestral leadership and audience engagement. Guy shares candid insights from his extensive career conducting major Australian orchestras and working with international artists. He reflects on the evolution of orchestral culture, programming challenges, and building connections with audiences. Key discussion points include: The changing role of orchestras in contemporary societyProgramming for diverse audiences whilst maintaining artistic standardsOrchestra musicians' evaluation of conductorsBuilding sustainable careers in classical musicThe impacts of COVID-19 on performing artsSupporting emerging Australian conductorsThe future of orchestral performanceThroughout the conversation, Guy emphasises the importance of balancing artistic excellence with accessibility and entertainment value. He advocates for a more inclusive approach to classical music that maintains high standards while engaging broader audiences. Links: Australian Youth Orchestra REPLA.Y.O ProgrammeAbout Guy Noble: Guy Noble is one of Australia's most experienced conductors, having worked with all major Australian orchestras as well as leading international ensembles. He is also a respected broadcaster, pianist and presenter known for his ability to connect classical music with diverse audiences. Episode Credits: Host: Samuel CairnduffGuest: Guy Noble Connect with Decoding Cultural Leadership on social media Instagram, Threads, X/Twitter: @DCLPod sc@samuelcairnduff.com samuelcairnduff.com @samuelcairnduff Read Sam's Substack here. Presenter and research: Sam Cairnduff Creative Director: Niloofar Pashmforoosh Presented in association with Limelight Decoding Cultural Leadership | Culture. Society. Conversations

    44 min
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About

Decoding Cultural Leadership is a podcast that explores the intersection between the arts, culture and society and interrogates what it means to be a cultural leader in the 21st century.  In each episode, host Samuel Cairnduff talks with some of the most influential organisational leaders, creators, policy-makers and thought leaders, building an understanding of their approach to shifting the dial in a complex, constantly changing world.  By talking to influential leaders whose voices resonate in the community, Decoding Cultural Leadership seeks to gain a deeper perspective on how cultural organisations see their role in the community, how they make hard decisions, and how they address the needs of multiple stakeholders.  Culture and society are deeply connected. Decoding Cultural Leadership explores this complex relationship through deep conversation with our greatest cultural leaders. Join us as we decode cultural leadership. Decoding Cultural Leadership.Culture. Society. Conversations

Information

  • Creator
    Samuel Cairnduff
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    48
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Decoding Cultural Leadership
  • Show Website
    Decoding Cultural Leadership