Rachael Robertson

Leader of the 58th Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition

Rachael Robertson is a dynamic leader and superbly strategic thinker under the most challenging circumstances. She successfully led the 58th Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition to Davis Station - only the second female to lead a team at the Station and one of the youngest-ever leaders.

Faced with nine months of total isolation, with 18 people she hardly knew, this was no ordinary leadership role for Rachael Robertson. Antarctica in winter is totally inaccessible - once the last ship leaves at the end of February; no one can leave the base under any circumstance (even terminal illness or death) until the ship returns in November.

As a keynote speaker at many national and international conferences, Rachael Robertson shares what it was like to be a leader in such an intense and unique situation - and the many valuable leadership lessons she learnt during this time of exploration and discovery.

More about Rachael Robertson:

As Station Leader, for 12 months, Rachael Robertson was responsible for everything from the safety and welfare of over 80 expeditioners, to the delivery of the Australian Government's $10m science program. Her diverse role included managing the complicated logistics of using airplanes and helicopters to deploy scientists thousands of kilometres away deep into remote Antarctica. Equally challenging was the need to manage a team of tradespeople as they delivered a maintenance program for station infrastructure with an adequate supply of power and water. She found even herself managing a highly complex operation with the added challenge of isolation and extreme risk to life. There was never a dull moment.

In any circumstance, this would be a very tough role. The fact that she was a female working in a very male dominated environment, certainly added to Rachael's challenge!

Prior to the expedition Rachael held senior operational management roles for 16 years in a range of complex and challenging environments. She returned to Australia in 2006 and undertook studies for an MBA. She now works in the field of leadership development.

Clients who have heard Rachael's story include NAB, AXA, Westpac, BHP Billiton, IBM, Minter Ellison, Crown Casino, CPA Australia, Wesfarmers, BP, Choice Hotels and Melbourne Water.

Rachael Robertson talks about:

Rachael Roberson reveals her experiences as a team leader in the highest, driest, coldest and windiest place on earth. With breathtaking photographs and plenty of humour she describes the events she experienced and lessons she learnt from her most challenging leadership role to date -and how these lessons can be applied to life and business. 

Her story of success and achievement explores the ability to adapt to a changing environment and themes that include:

• Leading through adversity and change
• Building a safety culture
• Learning to lead and being authentic
• Building a resilient and successful team
• Creating & harnessing diversity
• Leading in isolated environments
• Managing difficult people
• Looking after yourself