Learning from leading Australia’s national science agency

Meet Kirsten Rose, Executive Director Future Industries at CSIRO. Kirsten was recently acting Chief Executive at CSIRO for three months before new Chief Executive Dr Doug Hilton joined the organisation in October 2023.

As part of our Friday Fellows series, she shares her reflections of her time in the role and what she learnt from the experience of stepping up to lead Australia’s national science agency.

The three months I spent acting in the Chief Executive role at CSIRO absolutely flew by, and many people have asked me about the step-up, and what I learned.

The short answer is -- a lot!

1 – Listen to diverse voices

As I engaged across the whole of CSIRO and with our external stakeholders and collaborators, I was always cognisant of the importance of listening to diverse voices, and ensuring CSIRO is a safe and inclusive place to work. When you’re a leader making decisions that impact other people, it’s a responsibility to listen to diverse voices as part of good decision-making. Diversity is also the key to innovation, creativity and growth – all essential ingredients for every thriving organisation.

For example, as part of the National Science and Technology Council, I joined an important discussion about science that involves Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, communities, and organisations. The conversation included Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (tag), Industry and Science Minister Ed Husic (tag), Australia’s Chief Scientist Dr Cathy Foley (tag), Mikaela Jade of Indigital (an Indigenous owned profit-for-purpose company creating digital capability)(tag), and CSIRO's Director of Indigenous Science and Engagement Chris Bourke (tag), as well as the other eminent members of the Council. I learned so much listening to Mikaela and Chris – and I am excited about CSIRO continuing to strengthen our science and our impact by doing more to integrate Indigenous knowledge and voices in our work.

I’m proud to be a member of Chief Executive Women (CEW), and I had the opportunity to meet some incredible women at the CEW Leadership Summit in early September. The presentations and conversations were focused on intersectionality and empowerment when it comes to gender equality and opportunity. It was good to reflect on CSIRO’s contribution in this space, most notably as a founding member of the Science in Australia Gender Equity program, as well as catch up with ATSE’s Kylie Walker (tag) and other impressive STEM leaders.

2 – Be curious

I have always loved meeting new people and learning about what they are working on and have found that, at CSIRO, these conversations are especially valuable (and enjoyable!) because there are so many people who genuinely love what they do. In the CE role I got to shift this up a gear by applying my curious mindset to getting an organisation-wide perspective on the impact CSIRO creates through our collective curiosity, collaboration and connection.

I especially enjoyed meeting many new CSIRO colleagues (in fact, just over 50 per cent of CSIRO have been here for five years or less). Most of the people I talked to were drawn to CSIRO, and stay at CSIRO, because we work in collaborative and multidisciplinary teams to solve big challenges.

3 – The community at CSIRO is an amazing source of support

I couldn’t have left my usual role without knowing it would be in the very capable and safe hands of Dr Michael Robertson FTSE (tag), who was a fantastic Executive Director, Future Industries while I was acting. Of course, the impacts were more far-reaching than just one person, and I am incredibly grateful to all the other people who have been acting or changed roles during this transition.  The community at CSIRO is really an amazing source of support, which makes doing hard things that little bit less scary.

4 – Don’t be afraid to fail, be afraid not to try

On a more personal note, I’ve really learned about the power of not being afraid to do hard things. When I was asked to step into the CE role, I shared that I was excited, but also a bit terrified – and I have to admit, that feeling stayed with me through most days.

I didn’t let it stop me though. There were certainly challenges, but I had the fantastic support of all of CSIRO, Executive Team and our Leadership Team, and our Board every step of the way. I’ve learned from my missteps in the role, and from the moments when I backed my judgment and experience and our team to make some tough decisions.

It’s been a fantastic development and growth opportunity and a great reminder: never shy away from doing hard things.