Rural Leaders
Awareness: Learning to Lead by Listening
Matt Norton has always been someone who likes to move quickly, solve problems and keep things progressing. As Director of AgDSA, he helps agricultural businesses navigate complex planning approvals, environmental compliance and government processes. But through his leadership journey, Matt discovered that one of his greatest strengths could also be one of his biggest blind spots. In this episode of Rural Leaders, Matt reflects on how greater self-awareness has transformed the way he leads, communicates and shows up, both professionally and personally. From recognising that he often interrupted others because he wanted to help move conversations forward, to learning how different personalities process ideas in different ways, Matt shares the practical lessons that have changed the way he works with colleagues, clients and his own family. As part of this season's exploration of the ARLF Leadership Practices, this conversation focuses on awareness. Through the National Mentoring Program and the Australian Rural Leadership Program, Matt learned that leadership begins with understanding yourself first. His story demonstrates how awareness is not simply recognising your strengths, but understanding how your behaviours affect the people around you and making conscious choices to create better outcomes. This episode is an honest and practical conversation about self-reflection, communication, vulnerability and the ongoing work of becoming a better leader. Matt's experience is a reminder that awareness is not something you achieve once. It is a practice that continues to shape how you lead every day. Some highlights: How starting a consulting business during COVID unexpectedly created new opportunities for growth Why understanding different communication styles helped Matt become a more effective leader The leadership lesson that came from recognising his tendency to interrupt conversations How Oscar Trimboli's concept of "shrewd listening" gave Matt language for a challenge he had experienced for years What the Australian Rural Leadership Program taught him about leading from the front versus leading from behind Why greater self-awareness has improved not only his professional relationships but also how he parents and supports his family How learning to value quieter voices has strengthened his leadership and decision-making Why awareness is an ongoing practice rather than a destination How growing in self-awareness has given Matt the confidence to advocate for his industry, community and the future of Australian agriculture Our host: Oli Le Lievre is the host of Rural Leaders, an ARLP Course 28 alumni, and the founder of Humans of Agriculture. Resources: AgDSA Australian Rural Leadership Foundation Rural Leaders podcast
