Groundbreaking initiative Cultivate returns to develop next female-identifying music leaders
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02.10.2019

Groundbreaking initiative Cultivate returns to develop next female-identifying music leaders

Words by Christie Eliezer

A dedicated initiative for women leaders in the Victorian contemporary music sector.

After the success of the first Cultivate program, the Victorian government and Music Victoria have announced its second instalment. Cultivate teaches leadership and management skills, as well as confidence, to female-identifying people who are established in the music industry.

Some may have had mentoring from within the music industry, but Cultivate stands apart by picking mentors from the larger business world – those who’ve already burst through the glass ceiling, worked around the boys’ clubs, dealt with emotional quotient and learned to spot and encourage potential.

Cultivate project manager Sarah DeBorre says two elements made it work so well. It analyses each music exec that needs to take the next step, and then finds the right mentor. “That brings a different perspective on leadership.” Secondly, it is kept small, to five music execs and five mentors.

It creates “a different dynamic, a lot more sharing and a lot more open and honest conversations,” DeBorre explains. “From the beginning, everyone felt they were in a safe place; this allowed us to really workshop the issues and help each individual from a group perspective. They knew everything was confidential, and wouldn’t be discussed elsewhere.”

When Dallas Frasca talked of her dreams (the flame-haired singer-songwriter is also director of A Hitch to the Sticks festival), it was obvious she needed an entrepreneur who had created her own businesses. This was Amanda Walker, who owns Lord of the Fries and Weirdoughs.

Walker comments, “By joining forces within the space of trust, respect and collaboration, we have built a new platform for women across industries to rise up, break new ground and build even bigger dreams.”

Frasca declares, “Cultivate has been one of the most rewarding opportunities of my career to date and given me a wealth of great leadership skills that I will apply for years to come in the music industry. Having the one-on-one support and guidance from handpicked coaches and mentors has nurtured my growth and facilitated some hugely positive results, both personally and on a grand business scale. Cultivate has totally changed the game.”

Bad Apples label manager Coco Eke’s plan to set up a not-for-profit organisation to empower First Nations communities received guidance from Leonie Morgan AM, whose work across education, media and government included similar community initiatives.

The Push CEO Kate Duncan’s work with young people saw her tone up her skills with Sarah Davies, CEO of Philanthropy Australia. Other music executives were Katie Besgrove, co-owner of Look Out Kid and general manager of Barely Dressed Records; and Sally Mather, music and marketing manager of venue operators Corner Group.  Other mentors were Jackie Antas, general manager of Ticketmaster/Live Nation Entertainment Australia and NZ; and Mia Klitsas, co-founder and director of Moxie  Products and The Brand Maketh.

DeBorre sums it up, “The relationships were personal and private, but many had ground breaking revelations which they’ve since instilled into their careers.”

To be a part of the Cultivate program apply via musicvictoria.com.au/cultivate before 5pm on Friday October 18.