E6 | Susan Benedyka on Rural Leadership, Purpose and Contribution

Few people understand the power of regional leadership quite like Susan Benedyka.

A passionate advocate for rural and regional Australia, Susan has spent decades helping communities, organisations and leaders create lasting impact. Her governance journey has taken her from community committees to influential board and leadership roles, all underpinned by a commitment to ensuring regional voices are heard where decisions are made.

In this episode of our 20 Years of Women on Boards podcast series, Susan joins Claire Braund to reflect on her leadership journey, the lessons she's learned from years in the boardroom, and the advice she now shares with aspiring directors.

Susan also discusses the evolving role of boards, the importance of understanding the broader environment in which organisations operate, and why diverse experiences and perspectives will be critical to the future of governance.

Along the way, she shares how Women on Boards has supported her journey and reveals the three words that best capture her approach to leadership and contribution.

Listen hear Susan's inspiring story and practical insights for current and future directors.

About Susan Benedyka

Susan Benedyka brings more than three decades of governance, leadership and regional development experience across government, regulatory, education, community and economic development sectors. Her board portfolio includes appointments to national regulatory bodies, local government, regional development organisations, higher education advisory boards and community-led initiatives.

She currently serves as an Administrator of Moira Shire Council, helping oversee governance, leadership, community engagement and delivery of the Council Plan. She is also a Board Director and community member of the Psychology Board of Australia, part of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), contributing to the regulation of the psychology profession and protection of the public.

Susan has chaired and served on numerous boards and advisory bodies, including Regional Development Australia Hume, the North East Integrated Water Management Forum, La Trobe University's Albury-Wodonga Regional Advisory Board, the Community University Centre Ovens Murray and Development Victoria's Junction Place Community Reference Group. Earlier in her governance career, she held appointments to national advisory bodies and government boards, helping ensure rural and regional perspectives were represented in decision-making.

Alongside her board work, Susan is Managing Director of The Regional Development Company, a consultancy she founded in 1997. Through this work she has led more than 1,800 projects across local government, community and private sectors, building a reputation as a trusted advisor in governance, strategy, leadership development and community engagement.

Her governance experience is underpinned by a lifelong commitment to strengthening rural and regional communities, developing future leaders and creating lasting impact through effective governance and collaboration.

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