A professor in food science valued the chance to participate in an experiential learning program to develop the practical skills to become a team-focused leader

When 12-year-old Chris Blanchard became captain of his primary school, he could not have foreseen his journey to becoming a leader in grains research.

Fast-forward 20 years – armed with a GRDC-supported PhD from Charles Sturt University (CSU) – the young lecturer dedicated himself to becoming a leader who inspires others.

Hoping to improve his skills, he applied for the Australian Rural Leadership Program (ARLP) and was excited to receive GRDC sponsorship to take part.

The ARLP provides hands-on learning in challenging situations, time for reflection, and the chance to develop as intuitive leaders. It emphasises the need to influence and create a positive impact – skills essential for anyone determined to drive change.

Dr Blanchard’s journey through the ARLP spanned 18 months. It included four in-person sessions, online collaborations and travel to Western Australia, Sydney, Adelaide and South America.

Wilderness experience

His ARLP learning experience began in WA’s rugged Kimberley region, where practical assignments awaited.

On arrival at 9pm, tired and hungry, the group immediately tackled its first assignment: creating a presentation for an unknown audience.

Dr Blanchard says completing the task well was crucial because it affected how much equipment and money the team had for the next two weeks. Teamwork became the key to completing the task and falling into bed by 3am.

Self-awareness

The next two weeks included abseiling, caving and camping, facilitating self-awareness and allowing participants to assess their performance under pressure.

“I experienced unparalleled sleep deprivation and hunger,” he says.

“Leading is easy when everything is going well. This experience taught me how to navigate tough situations, supported by a fantastic group that worked together.”

Dr Chris Blanchard with former Charles Sturt University PhD students Dr Christina Chin and Dr Kyle Reynolds. Photo: Paul Jones

Clarified mission

Dr Blanchard says his Kimberley experience clarified his mission to help regional communities prosper.

Growing up in the small town of Junee, he witnessed the devastating impact of local businesses shutting down and residents moving away. It ignited his determination to play a role in revitalising regional areas.

My food science research aims to enhance grain quality, and I have always encouraged businesses to consider local processing. This creates economic opportunities for small communities.

Varied sessions

After returning from the Kimberley, Dr Blanchard and his ARLP cohort strengthened their cohesion further as they attended events in various locations.

In Adelaide, they engaged in interactive sessions, exploring personality types and collaboration techniques for both personal and professional spheres.

In Sydney, he learned vital lessons about privilege and community responsibility by spending a night with a Salvation Army soup van and distributing food to people in need.

“Helping the less fortunate was an eye-opening experience that reinforced the importance of community service,” he says.

Industry service

After completing the program, Dr Blanchard joined the GRDC Southern Panel, serving as deputy chair from 2008 to 2015, motivated by a continuing desire to give back.

Charles Sturt University (CSU) Professor of Psychology Anthony Saliba, with former CSU Postdoctoral Research Fellow Dr Siong Tan and CSU Distinguished Professor of Food Science Dr Chris Blanchard, who ran a baijiu tasting session as part of a GRDC research project. Photo: Nicole Baxter

Since then, his leadership efforts have included seven years as the director of the Australian Research Council Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Functional Grains and three years on the GRDC board.

“I believed I could help regional communities thrive by encouraging GRDC decision-makers to consider the social implications of their choices,” he says.

Another six-year project he led was an Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research investment that involved helping small landholders in Pakistan increase their pulse production.

To do this, he took a team of Australian women with experience in pulses to Pakistan to mentor female landholders. He also took a group of Australian men to share with male landholders their experiences of growing pulses.

Research and supervision

Now a Distinguished Professor of Food Science, Dr Blanchard leads many projects, one of which is a GRDC investment exploring how wheat quality, particularly protein, changes when grown after a pulse.

He also supervises up to six PhD students annually, mentoring and helping to shape the careers of future grains researchers.

Reflecting on his ARLP experience, he says it was an “amazing opportunity” that exceeded his expectations.

As an ARLP alumnus, he actively promotes the program, identifying and encouraging worthy candidates who would gain from participation.

“Many capable individuals could gain a confidence boost through this program,” he says. “Everybody has the potential to be a leader.”

More information: Chris Blanchard, cblanchard@csu.edu.au; Katelyn Lubcke, katelyn.lubcke@grdc.com.au

Resources: Australian Rural Leadership Program.