SMT would like to congratulate our very own Operations Manager, Michelle Dolbey, for graduating from the National Seafood Industry Leadership Program (NSLIP). Michelle is the first SMT employee to complete the program while employed at SMT.

The program is funded by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) and developed, managed and delivered by Affectus Pty Ltd. Now in its 25th year, NSLIP focuses on developing personal, business and national-level leadership skills within the seafood industry. Its aim is to provide participants with the tools and understanding needed to positively influence their own future, their organisation’s future, and the future of the Australian seafood industry.

Michelle was motivated to join the program to deepen her understanding of the industry and strengthen her connections within it. She undertook the program for personal development and to inspire more people at SMT to get involved. Michelle enjoyed meeting new people, gaining exposure to different sectors, and having the opportunity to step away from the day-to-day demands of work to reflect and learn.

Michelle was part of the marketing group, an area she chose specifically because it was outside her comfort zone. Their project, Simple Aussie Seafood, used social media to encourage more people to cook simple and easy Australian seafood recipes. Since launching in Canberra, the project has received significant interest, with aquaculture companies keen to have their products featured. Michelle and her group will continue to manage the project and hope to release an electronic cookbook of the most popular recipes in the future.

The project was both challenging and rewarding for Michelle. She faced her nerves around public speaking, balanced her project commitments with her group’s responsibilities and her own workload, and developed key skills in time management. Completing the program was especially fulfilling as she gained new skills, particularly in social media, and enjoyed working with a variety of personalities, many of whom have become lifelong friends.

Michelle’s biggest takeaway from the program was her personal growth: “I can do more than I think I can, if you push yourself.” When asked what she would say to someone considering the program, her response was: “Go for it. Do it! You’ll be outside your comfort zone, but you will grow.”