Rising to the Challenge: Jane den Hollander’s Journey from Researcher to Change-Making Vice Chancellor

In this episode ofGlobal Horizons, host Rob Malicki sits down with one of Australia’s most influential higher education leaders,Jane den Hollander, the former Vice-Chancellor of Deakin University. From cutting the heads off flatworms in her research days to spearheading Deakin’s digital revolution, Jane shares a candid, inspiring, and often humorous look at leadership, resilience, and taking bold risks.She reflects on the defining moments of her career, from struggling to break into Australian academia as a migrant to becoming a transformative leader in the sector. Jane unpacks what it takes to drive real change, why she bet big on digital before it was mainstream, and how she navigated tough political and social issues—including her outspoken stance on marriage equality and the Voice referendum.This conversation is packed with wisdom for aspiring leaders, university professionals, and anyone fascinated by the intersection of technology, education, and human connection.🔹How a chance comment at a university event led to her first big break in Australia🔹Why Steve Jobs’ iPhone launch shaped her vision for Deakin’s digital transformation🔹The tough leadership decisions she made—and the one that still haunts her🔹How to embrace risk, handle failure, and stay curious in an ever-changing worldIf you’ve ever wondered how to navigate career pivots, make an impact, or build a culture of innovation, this episode is a must-listen.Global Horizons is a production of The Global Society, Australia’s Learning Abroad support company.The podcast wouldn’t be possible without The Koala News, Australia’s international education news website. This episode is supported by Choosing Your Uni, Australia's unique, AI-powered platform that helps domestic and international students to find the right institution for them, and that helps Australian institutions to access new markets. For guest suggestions and feedback, email ⁠[email protected]⁠Our editor is Len Zamora and our distribution specialist is Gelo Ablao. Rob Malicki is the executive editor and host.