I had the opportunity to sit down with Lucy Saaroni, Executive General Manager of Strategy, Mission & Innovation at Vinnies Victoria. Lucy shared her profound insights on leadership through crises, strategic decision-making, and the essence of community-centric leadership.
📍Q: With your extensive experience, how do you prioritize and manage competing interests in complex situations?
Lucy: “Prioritising in complexity begins with clarity of purpose at the top. In community-based organizations, strategic priorities must deeply reflect the needs and aspirations of the communities we serve. True leadership involves setting adaptable priorities and having the courage to decisively let go of what no longer serves the mission while clearly communicating the ‘why’ behind these changes. It’s about fostering an environment where everyone feels heard, valued, and part of something bigger, thereby nurturing a shared vision.”
📍Q: As an Executive General Manager, how do you balance the strategic needs of the organization with the operational demands of day-to-day management?
Lucy: “Balancing strategic and operational demands involves embracing adaptability while staying anchored to our core organisational values. These values act as a compass during times of change, guiding both strategic and everyday decisions. It’s about continuous testing, adjustments, and creatively overcoming resource constraints. This approach encourages innovation and ensures that both strategy and operations cohesively support our overarching goals.”
📍Q: How can students or young professionals develop effective leadership skills in crisis or community-focused environments?
Lucy: “Drawing from my military and volunteering experiences, I recommend immersing oneself in organisations such as the Victorian State Emergency Service or the Red Cross. These platforms provide robust training, expose you to real-world crises, and offer opportunities to connect with a diverse professional network. Volunteering is a powerful avenue to develop critical leadership skills, adaptability, and resilience, all while making a significant impact in the community.”
📍Q: One message for the world?
Lucy: “Live each day striving for your contributions to leave the world in a better way than you found it.”
✨Key Takeaways:
Lucy’s insights highlight the importance of clear, adaptive leadership and the power of community engagement in shaping strategic and operational success. Her approach underscores the significance of values-driven leadership in navigating complex challenges and fostering sustainable change.
