SHINE’ing the Spotlight on… Leanne Layfield
Leanne has enjoyed many years leading profit-for-purpose membership-based organisations. It takes a particular attitude and know-how to work successfully in environments where there are multiple stakeholders, competing interests, and people at the beginning, middle, and end of every decision. There is immense satisfaction in the success and achievements of not-for-profit organisations, despite all of the challenges.
While technically retired, Leanne remains heavily involved in the Sunshine Coast community contributing to several government and not-for-profit committees, and a private company advisory board. Leanne is an advocate for the small-business community and their role in economic development and community prosperity.
Leanne, you’ve worked in so many areas and have held many notable roles over the years; can you tell us a little about these roles?
I’ve contributed to some great organisations in the tourism industry at state, regional, and local levels, starting as a travel consultant and then progressing onto destination marketing and destination development roles. At Tourism Sunshine Coast in 2000, we won the Queensland Tourism Award for best regional tourism organisation!
I had some breaks along the way teaching and tutoring at Sunshine Coast TAFE and USC in tourism-related subjects, but always seemed to arrive back at the coalface working with operators to build a more vibrant and resilient industry. I had the good fortune to be invited into the executive officer’s role with the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce, and that was the love of my life. Combining everything that I’d learnt working inside membership-based not-for-profit organisations with business and economic development, I was in heaven. I had a fabulous crew around me, and we kicked some almighty goals alongside the people who mattered most, our members. I carried a heavy load for years and eventually said that enough is enough. I need to find some balance. I retired!
What guided you towards working to assist others in the business community?
I wholeheartedly believe that we are all stronger together. There’s great value in connection and collaboration. I’m a Virgo, so I need to be purposeful and productive, so now I’m a hands-on volunteer in my local chamber of commerce and several other regional committees that support the business community and the Sunshine Coast region. I can balance my volunteer commitments with my role as a wife, mother and grandmother, friend, and traveller.
How important is volunteering, community and business collaboration in a region?
I see positive outcomes every day—business leaders and managers who actively participate in their community. The time and effort they invest cost them money, but the intrinsic rewards that manifest out of the connections are worth every bit.
What traits and qualities do you admire in a leader?
Inspirational and engaging! I see leaders and managers differently. I think I was always a strong manager in developing my leadership skills. And I’m still working on both in a different context now. Leaders need to be creative, encourage risk, and dream a lot. Managers need to build confidence, know how to execute, and be consistent and tenacious working with a team. Both need to be inspirational and engaging.
You are now technically retired but still do so much in your community. How important is that to you, and why?
For me, volunteering is a natural thing to do to engage with my community and contribute. You never stop learning and challenging yourself, which I find is vital to my outlook and personal satisfaction. It all keeps me young!
And what’s next on the agenda for Leanne Layfield?
I love project management, so I’ll keep looking for specific projects to sink my teeth into.
Favourite movie and why?
Pride & Prejudice (2005). Historical romance is my favourite genre, and this story has all the twists and turns that I love when I’m reading or watching for some escape time.
What’s one thing that you do for yourself every day?
Drink coffee and cuddle my cat.
What mantra do you live by?
A new favourite that I saw recently: ‘Stay positive. Attitude is everything.’ It certainly applies in 2021.
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