Top 100 CEO Interviews
Issue No. 18 - August/September 2004
Pathfinders point way to a bright future
The young people of South Australia have had their say about the future of the State. The Pathfinders survey, developed by the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) and Deloitte, presents the views of 156 young people between the ages of 20 and 40.
"These are our leaders of the future," says Rob Chapman, Managing Director of BankSA and President of CEDA South Australia. "They are clearly calling for change to help generate a more vibrant economy and retain the very best people to lead the State forward."
The Pathfinders were selected from the CEDA young leaders’ forums, held following the release of various reports by the State Economic Development Board. Most of them are executives and professionals, the kinds of people that will lead the "Top 100" companies in years to come.
They see the present climate to be peaceful, safe and conservative, whereas, in 10 years’ time, they envisage the State to be vibrant, creative and prosperous.
To enable the transformation, Pathfinders are calling for a shift in mindsets. They seek to discard the shackles associated with intolerance and conservatism, and to focus on a future that allows for innovation and dynamism.
"And they are keen to walk the talk," says David Hill, a Partner in Deloitte Corporate Finance. "They have a clear desire to take responsibility for this change and to start their own businesses. But they look to government for facilitation and leadership."
Here are a few of the report’s findings.
The principal driver for Pathfinders to live and work in South Australia is family and friends. Lifestyle ranks second, while "rewarding employment" is identified by only 12 per cent of participants. Arts and culture is ranked by 30 per cent as the least influential factor in their decision to be based in the State.
Unprompted, over one third of all Pathfinders identify South Australia’s affordability to be its competitive advantage, encouragi...
