Today we’re joined by Susi Tegen, Chief Executive of the National Rural Health Alliance in Australia. Susi is deeply passionate about rural and remote communities, and her work spans health, economic development, primary industries, agriculture, and education across Australia.
Susi is a strategic and energetic leader, currently serving on the Distribution Working Group for the Australian Government’s Department of Health and Aged Care. She’s also a member of the Advisory Network of the National Rural Health Commissioner and part of the Aged Care Working Group for the Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority.
And those are just a few highlights from her 36 listed roles and experiences on LinkedIn!
In the vast, challenging expanses of rural Australia, resilience isn't just a quality—it's a necessity. Through her life and career, Susi exemplifies the power of resilience. Her story is one of overcoming personal and professional challenges, fostering strong community ties, and advocating for better healthcare in rural regions. In this episode Susi shares her journey from immigrating to Australia as a teenager to her leadership role today.
So, let’s dive in.
Key moments in the podcast:
01:11 Meet Susi Tegen: Advocate for Rural and Remote Australia
02:32 Susi's Early Life and Immigration Experience
06:50 Educational Journey and Career Beginnings
10:24 Challenges and Resilience in Rural Australia
14:02 Daily Rituals and Personal Insights
18:04 Career Dilemmas and Ethical Challenges
25:35 Leadership and Advocacy in Rural Health
36:44 Current Focus and Future Directions
Here is what stays with us from this conversation:
1. Resilience is Forged Through Lived Experience
Embrace adversity as a catalyst for growth.
Draw strength from early life transitions and immigrant experiences.
Learn from hardship to build inner capacity.
2. Leadership Begins with Community
Cultivate deep roots in rural places.
Listen to and learn from those at the grassroots.
Shape leadership values through local engagement and shared hardship.
3. Integrity Guides the Toughest Decisions
Know when to walk away from misaligned environments.
Hold firm to ethical standards, even at personal cost.
Let values, not ego, drive career choices.
4. Collaboration is the Cornerstone of Impact
Surround yourself with wise and capable people.
Build networks that reflect diversity of thought.
Lead by listening, not controlling.
5. Advocacy is Rooted in Equity and Vision
Challenge systemic gaps in healthcare and funding.
Elevate rural voices in national conversations.
Use data and storytelling to influence policy.
6. Adaptability is a Strategic Superpower
Pivot purposefully across sectors and disciplines.
Respond to new opportunities with curiosity, not fear.
Redefine success at each stage of the journey.
7. Leadership is Both Personal and Political
Bridge personal story with public responsibility.
Use life experience to inform broader systems change.
Lead from authenticity, not authority.
Connect with Susanne (Susi) Tegan) and National Rural Health Alliance
Listen to this podcast on Spotify or Apple or subscribe to it on Substack. We would love it if you would leave us a comment, screenshot the episode and tag us on social, and share this episode with your community so that they can better navigate their forks in the road.
This is an original podcast by Flyntrok. We help organisations, communities and individuals change and adapt to a new world. You will Find Flyntrok on LinkedIn, Instagram and X.
Hosted by Stephen Berkeley and Anne Boland
Produced by Rajeev Nedumaran of Studior.
Music by Damian Smith of Bespoke Music.
Art work by Ben Tibbin of Mozmo Creative and
Social Media Creations by Alana Rauert of Muse Communications.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this episode were those of the hosts and the guest, not of any entity they work for or with.
Share this post