62. AMELIA ADAMS

In a recent episode of the Courage to Lead podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with Amelia Adams, a senior reporter for 60 Minutes Australia. With years of experience covering high-stakes global events, Amelia’s career has been marked by a commitment to powerful storytelling, resilience under pressure, and an unwavering curiosity about the world. What struck me most, however, was how her leadership philosophy transcends journalism and offers valuable lessons for anyone in a leadership role. The Power of Storytelling in Leadership At the heart of Amelia’s approach to journalism is the belief that storytelling has the power to change perceptions and create understanding. But Amelia emphasises that storytelling in journalism isn't just about presenting facts. It’s about elevating the voices of those often ignored or marginalised, providing a more nuanced and complete picture of complex issues. For Amelia, leadership in journalism—and in any field—means assuming the responsibility of amplifying diverse perspectives. This involves not only telling the stories of those at the center of major events but also of those on the periphery whose experiences are often overlooked. During the U.S. elections, Amelia noticed how many voters felt ignored and unheard by the political system. By giving these voices a platform, she helped shed light on the emotional undercurrents driving the political landscape. This ability to connect with everyday people and listen to their stories, she argues, is an essential leadership trait. “Empathy is key,” Amelia says. “By building authentic relationships and listening with an open heart, you can create a space for trust and honest dialogue.” Resilience: The Cornerstone of Leadership In an industry as demanding as journalism, resilience is a non-negotiable trait. “Resilience is not about perfection,” she explains. “It’s about adapting, learning from mistakes, and continuing to move forward, even when things don’t go as planned.” In Amelia’s view, resilience is a learned skill—one that is built through experience, failure, and perseverance. A leader must embrace setbacks as learning opportunities and use them to improve and grow. Curiosity: Fuelling Growth and Innovation Amelia’s curiosity is one of the driving forces behind her career. This relentless curiosity has been central not just to her success as a journalist, but to her growth as a leader. Leading Through Change Amelia’s career is a testament to the power of embracing change. From small-town reporting to covering international events, Amelia has always been open to new opportunities, even when they come with uncertainty. For her, leadership is about navigating transitions with courage and adaptability. “Seize opportunities,” Amelia advises. “Growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone.” Kindness: The Unsung Leadership Quality In the fast-paced world of journalism, where high-pressure situations are the norm, it’s easy to become hardened. But Amelia insists that kindness is a crucial leadership trait—one that is often overlooked in demanding fields. “Kindness is a strength,” she says. “In high-stakes environments, it’s easy to become detached or cynical, but leading with compassion creates trust and fosters loyalty.” Final Thoughts: Leadership is a Journey Amelia’s conversation on Courage to Lead was a powerful reminder that leadership is not a destination—it’s a journey. It requires resilience to navigate challenges, curiosity to drive growth, kindness to foster loyalty, and empathy to build trust. The best leaders, Amelia suggests, are those who inspire others while lifting them up along the way. True leadership is about empowering those around you to achieve their potential, not just your own success. As Amelia’s career demonstrates, when we lead with empathy, resilience, curiosity, and kindness, we build not just successful careers but meaningful, lasting legacies.