Strengthening Leadership Muscles Daily

Leadership is a dynamic and evolving practice, one that Rachael Cook, CEO of Inclusee, exemplifies in her work to reduce isolation and loneliness among older Australians through digital technology. In a recent podcast episode hosted by Tanya O'Shea, Managing Director of IMPACT Community Services, Rachael shared her experiences and insights on leadership, the challenges of a remote workforce, and the power of connection.

The Daily Practice of Leadership

Rachael views leadership as a daily practice that requires continuous effort and reflection. She shared, "I have sort of like a daily reflection where I'll spend a bit of the last five to ten minutes of the day where I'll do a bit of a stop, a pause and think about the day, how it went, did I achieve what I wanted to achieve. Am I happy with how things are going? Is there something or a moment in time that I want to actually think more on or improve on?" This commitment to daily improvement is evident in her approach to leading Inclusee, where the focus is on the mission to reduce isolation and loneliness among older Australians through digital connection.

Tanya shares a very similar view on leadership. She describes it as a daily practice akin to building a muscle. "For me, leadership is like building a muscle. Every day, I have this practice, and I think about the way that I'm turning up as a leader." This mindset of continuous improvement and dedication to leadership is a common thread between Tanya and Rachael.

Recognition of Rachael’s efforts came recently when she was awarded Leadership HQ's Leader of the Year. Reflecting on this achievement, she acknowledged the long journey it took to get there. "It's recognition of leadership work for such a long journey... It's the work that I've been doing in leadership space for over 22 years," she remarked, highlighting the dedication and perseverance required in leadership.

Mission-Driven Leadership at Inclusee

Inclusee's mission is central to Rachael Cook's leadership. "Our mission is very succinct and it's to use the power of connection to reduce isolation and loneliness for Australians," she explained. This mission shapes the organisation's strategy, ensuring all efforts align with their core purpose. Inclusee uses digital technology to create a virtual community, connecting older Australians with volunteers nationwide for social interaction and support.

Rachael tackles the challenge of older Australians' fear of digital technology by making it as seamless and invisible as possible. "We actually want to make the technology invisible for them so that they're trying to not concentrate on the technology and they're concentrating more on the social connection component," she said. This focus helps participants enjoy connecting with others without intimidation.

Advocating for remote work, Rachael recognises its benefits for the organisation and employees. "I'm a huge advocate of remote working... We needed to walk the talk. How do we invest and market and grow a digital front if we weren't doing it ourselves?" she emphasised. This approach attracts a diverse workforce, enhancing innovation and community service. Remote work also broadens recruitment, ensuring access to the best talent and volunteers.

Central to Rachael's leadership is a commitment to organisational values. She led workshops to redefine these values and embed them in every aspect of work. "I took the team on a journey to actually really understand what our values as an organisation were... We actually workshopped and redefined and redeveloped what the organisation's values were," she shared. This process ensured every team member understands and lives by these values, guiding decision-making and maintaining a cohesive team.

Continuous Learning and Authentic Leadership

Continuous learning and reflection are crucial elements of Rachael's leadership approach. She integrates learning opportunities into her weekly schedule, treating them as non-negotiable priorities. "I embed in it my calendar, I embed it in my schedule, first and foremost, and ensure that's part of my week, part of my life, part of my day to day," Rachael explained. This commitment to personal growth ensures that she remains effective and resilient in her leadership role, setting an example for her team. Rachael encourages her team to adopt similar practices, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and lifelong learning.

The journey of leading Inclusee has also taught Rachael the importance of reflection. She often takes time at the end of each day to assess her performance and identify areas for improvement. "I spend a bit of the last five to ten minutes of the day reflecting on how it went, whether I achieved what I wanted, and if there's something I can improve on," she mentioned. This practice helps her stay grounded and focused on her goals, continually evolving as a leader.

Rachael's approach to leadership also includes a strong emphasis on authenticity and vulnerability. She believes that being open about her limitations and willingness to learn from others fosters a collaborative and supportive environment. "When I started at Inclusee, I told everyone, 'I don't know everything about this organisation. I'm new to this industry, teach me, I'm here to learn.'" Rachael recalled. This attitude not only builds trust within the team but also encourages others to share their ideas and expertise, driving innovation and collective growth.

One of Rachael's most significant accomplishments at Inclusee is creating a culture of inclusivity and respect. She has worked tirelessly to ensure that every team member feels valued and heard. This commitment to inclusivity is reflected in the diverse and neurodiverse workforce that Inclusee boasts today. "We have a very large neurodiverse staff network, which is incredible. It has taught us so much about creating supportive environments that cater to everyone's needs," Rachael explained. This diversity not only enriches the workplace but also enhances the organisation's ability to connect with and understand the varied needs of the community they serve.

Rachael's leadership extends beyond the internal workings of Inclusee. She actively engages with the broader community and encourages other organisations to think differently about how they can support their employees and volunteers. "We need to do more to make volunteering accessible. By offering virtual volunteering opportunities, we remove barriers and allow more people to contribute," she said. This innovative approach has helped Inclusee attract a wide range of volunteers, ensuring they can continue to expand their reach and impact.

For those looking to adopt a similar leadership style, Rachael offers some valuable advice. She stresses the importance of breaking down fear and taking calculated risks. "People often create barriers for themselves. You need to ask, 'What have I got to lose?' Usually, it's nothing. Even if you don't reach your goal, you gain knowledge and experience that will help you next time," she advised. This mindset has been instrumental in Rachael’s success, enabling her to navigate challenges and lead Inclusee with confidence and vision.

Rachael also emphasised the importance of creativity and innovation in leadership. She encourages her team to think differently and bring forward new ideas. "Innovation is anything that brings about a great change or impact. It doesn't have to be technology; it can be small things that make a big difference," she noted. This culture of innovation has enabled Inclusee to develop unique solutions to complex problems, ensuring they remain at the forefront of their field.

In conclusion, Rachael Cook’s insights on leadership, as shared with Tanya O'Shea, offer a valuable blueprint for anyone looking to lead with purpose and impact. From embracing technology to fostering a supportive and innovative work culture, Rachael’s approach exemplifies the qualities of a truly outstanding leader.