They say everyone has a story. People want to hear stories that resonate with them and have an authentic voice and tone. They want to hear stories that excite and inspire.
In Australian agriculture, history suggests that men have traditionally told the stories, but are women making up lost ground? One of the new group of female storytellers is Tegan Buckley.
While Tegan grew up in rural South Australia, her current career was not an immediate choice; she started a teaching degree before falling in love with marketing and business. The pull toward agriculture kicked in from an early age through her grandparents, and of course developed throughout her work with Agribusinesses. From there she met her partner Clay, a broadacre farmer based in the Victorian Mallee, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Tegan has dedicated her career to helping improve the lives of Australian rural people through her marketing and business skills and experience.
“When it comes to running a business, it can be exhausting to do everything, so through Mallee Marketing we help business owners better structure their marketing to remove the sense of being overwhelmed. My career path has certainly tapped into my passion for working with farmers and rural people and has now expanded through to my role on the Business Development Team at Farm Owners Academy.”
As a young, ambitious woman in the agricultural industry striving for more experience and working in leadership roles, Tegan embraces imposter syndrome.
“I hear people say, “fake it until you make it,” but in my opinion, going down that road comes at the risk of losing my authenticity and what makes me, 'me'! Instead, I always think of 'facing it until I make it', because everyone’s definition of 'success' can be different. Meeting myself where I am at, throughout all stages of my career growth and development I feel is important as it creates a healthy relationship around imposter syndrome in my profession.
Transparency and honesty are important values to me, so I never pretend to know everything and own where I’m at.
The great thing about working in agriculture is that you earn respect and foster positive relationships by being genuine and transparent in how you interact and do business.
I also don’t have to be “one of the boys” or “tough and hard” in my demeanor.
Yes, I have had to develop a stronger skin to handle situations and varying personalities, but I try to be warm and approachable and know when and where to set boundaries.”
Based on her experience, Tegan is enthusiastic about encouraging more women to develop their leadership capabilities and confidence in business and agriculture.
“It takes courage to step out and promote yourself. Tall poppy culture is very real here in Australia with many people, especially in agriculture, being incredibly humble and private about what they can do and the value they bring to the table.
Hearing more stories from women on how they overcame their challenges will go a long way to help empower those who are watching in awe from the sidelines. You never know who is inspired by your story. Be brave and share it!”
Tegan said she has noticed a massive shift in women in Ag leadership roles during her working career, which is exciting for the coming generations.
“Generations of women gone by perhaps didn’t know or were not fully appreciated for the incredible impact that they bring to the Ag industry. Times are changing and with the rise of digital platforms and social media, there has been a shift with younger women stepping into their full potential, owning their unique talents, and developing their leadership skills to help contribute to the broader Australian Farming community. They are also unafraid to be themselves, ask questions, and seek help when required. It is an exciting mix, given people in agriculture generally love helping people.”
For anyone following in her footsteps, Tegan suggests slowing down to speed up.
“Invest in your foundations and own where you are at, and things will evolve from there. Be gentle with yourself and be okay with making mistakes, building experience, and asking for help. Surround yourself with people who help you think bigger and encourage you to strive to be the best version of yourself.”
