An interview with Lara Stephenson
Tell us about your role
It’s a great new role that’s been created to support the whole national alum community, creating opportunities for them to network, learn, share skills and be supported – including through events, peer learning opportunities, workshops, and helping them stay informed and connected through newsletters and our LinkedIn community.
Since joining, I’ve already been involved in planning three alum events featuring Pathways to Politics alums: Dr Josephine Okurame (Campaign Intelligence for Women in Politics), Georgie Purcell MP and Hayley van Loon (Showing Up More Safely Online, alongside Social Protect founder Shane Britten). And next up is our Leading with Integrity session with Professor Gabrielle Appleby.
What were some of experiences that got you here?
A genuinely life-changing experience for me was co-directing the ASEAN-Australia Emerging Leaders Program (A2ELP) from 2021-24, and seeing the experiences and journeys of those participants and alumni, and the opportunities that came about as a result of learning and connections during (and after) the program. Running A2ELP convinced me of the importance of creating spaces around personal and professional development in like-minded cohorts, and the role of public diplomacy and making friends across borders or differences in creating a better world for everyone. Since then I’ve had my eyes out for a chance to be part of something similar where I can continue to cultivate an environment that supports connection, aspiration for the future, and supports women in leadership.
What does a thriving alum community look like to you?
I like thinking about networks within networks – people having strong core networks alongside broader, more diverse connections. That way, there’s always someone to turn to for support who’s been through a similar situation and knows you well, in addition to trusted people from entirely different spheres who can open up new perspectives. Helping each other unlock perspectives, feel supported, and ultimately work towards a better world together is what comes to mind first.
Secondly, having a group where you already share experiences and a level of warm introduction can be incredibly helpful as you progress professionally, whether in politics, community leadership, or business.
Having access to that kind of community is a superpower – and one of the greatest opportunities we have is to build a network of Pathways to Politics alums that grows stronger and more valuable with every new connection.
What’s one thing you’re hoping to learn from the Pathways to Politics alum community?
This community is full of extraordinary leaders, and I’m looking forward to learning what we can offer that isn’t available elsewhere in community spaces or in professional life. What can we facilitate or create a platform for, so that Pathways to Politics alums can share the depth of their experience, learn from each other, feel refreshed and supported, and create change together on a scale that none of us could achieve alone?
What can alums look forward to over the next 12 months?
We have lots of ideas! Including more online masterclasses, and introducing peer learning circles curated around shared interests or experiences, to continue building stronger connections across our national community.
Beyond the bio:
What would people be surprised to learn about you? I’ve been a social entrepreneur for 10 years and worked in my own businesses all my working life. So I’ve learned most things from experience, including the importance of likeminded supportive networks in order to flourish.
Coffee or tea? Both! Also love an iced tea-coffee as a bubble tea.
Cats or dogs? Cats. But I enjoy making friends with other peoples’ dogs.
Book or podcast you’ve been enjoying? This Jungian Life – the presenters are psychoanalysts and have a depth of symbolic and archetypal experience that’s really nourishing and good for a change of perspective.
Go-to way to recharge after a busy week? Farmers markets, eating something delicious like gozleme, then walking along coastal paths looking for flowers and birds.
