In many organisations, leadership development begins mid‑career, once people have already stepped into bigger roles. At GrainCorp, we take a different approach.

We invest in leadership capability from day one, helping graduates and early‑career employees build confidence, self‑awareness and influence from the moment they join.

That philosophy was at the heart of a recent two‑day Emerging Leaders workshop held at GrainCorp’s Sydney office, led by Training Development & Delivery Specialist Malcolm McKenzie.

Bringing together participants from across the business, the workshop  focused on practical leadership – what it looks like at GrainCorp and how people can lead through behaviour rather than authority.

Malcolm encouraged the group to look beyond job titles and see themselves as contributors to culture and performance now, not at some distant career milestone.

Across the two days, participants explored themes including leading with accountability, shifting from purely technical work to people‑focused thinking, coaching as a core skill and setting clear expectations. They also reflected on their personal leadership style and how their actions shape the way our teams collaborate.

For Junior Data Analyst Corcino Bernardo Costa Silva, who grew up in a farming region of Brazil, the workshop emphasised that influence isn’t limited to senior positions.

“It reinforced that leading by example and communicating well can have an impact even early in your career,” he says.  

“Building trust and empowering others were key lessons I’ll carry forward into my career.”

Demand Planner Will Hogg, who balances his role with commerce studies at the University of Sydney, says the workshop highlighted the importance of confidence and self‑awareness.

“You don’t need formal authority to influence people. Supporting colleagues and reinforcing shared priorities helps to build trust and delivers strong outcomes, as I’ve experienced firsthand in my role,” Will says.

For fellow Demand Planner Jess Woodgate, the biggest takeaway was simple:

“The workshop reminded me that leadership is action, not a title. Curiosity and resilience are essential qualities, especially for working in agriculture,” she says.

The workshop also strengthened connections between participants, creating relationships that will support collaboration long after the session ended.

Malcolm says the session is designed to give emerging talent the mindset and tools to meaningfully contribute from the outset.

“When people recognise their influence early, they collaborate more effectively and help build a strong culture,” he says.

“By holding these sessions with our young leaders, I hope to teach them that leadership isn’t something they have to wait to practise.”

By nurturing leadership capability early, GrainCorp is developing a new generation of people who understand both the technical and human skills required to succeed in agribusiness.

And if the enthusiasm and insight in the room were anything to go by, that next generation is already stepping forward with confidence.