Stewards on the Couch with Samay Zhouand, the Public Trustee of Queensland
About this Event
On the 5th June 2023, IPAA Queensland invited the public purpose community to attend the latest event in our flagship Stewards on the Couch series.
This event saw Samay Zhouand, the Public Trustee of Queensland take to the couch for an in-depth and candid conversation about his diverse public purpose career. From his time as Chief Inspector of Queensland Corrective Services to his current role as the Public Trustee and CEO, Samay is no stranger to pressure and high-profile public interest. We were fascinated to hear more about the challenges he has faced and how he has steered both himself and organisations through these successfully.
During this conversation with Russell Fairbanks, Managing Director of Luminary, attendees heard more about Samay’s career, his leadership journey, reflections, insights and his priorities for the Public Trustee; as well as the profound transformation he has led during his short time leading this important public organisation.
To find out about the insights and personal experiences that have shaped Samay’s sense of purpose and strongly held values as a public purpose leader in Queensland, read our blogs on the event “Firm on values and having a broader purpose – The Public Trustee on the couch” and “Relationships, humility, service and swimming – The Public Trustee on the couch”.
IPAA members can also view the full recording of the event on their member portal.
ABOUT THE STEWARDS ON THE COUCH SERIES
Stewards on the Couch is a regular and high-demand feature of IPAA’s annual event program, where one or more chief executives is joined by a respected interviewer or facilitator ‘on the couch’ for an in-depth conversation-style interview.
These events provide the IPAA Queensland community an opportunity to learn more about the influences, priorities, and core values of stewards leading public purpose work along with the key challenges and opportunities facing their organisation and/or sector. Guests are invited to stay for networking and refreshments after the interview.
ABOUT OUR STEWARD
Samay Zhouand, a key public sector leader with over two decades of experience in legal, accountability, governance, and risk management. Samay has shown consistentand strong leadership and innovation in government. Starting his career as a lawyer with the former Department of Employment, Training and Industrial Relations, Samay has had an extensive impact on key sectors and disputatious environments.
As the longest-serving Chief Inspector of Queensland Corrective Services, Samay led impartial, evidence-based examinations of Queensland’s correctional system. His work included notable collaborations with national and international research institutions and inspectorates including in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia.
Samay’s leadership and initiatives in governance, performance management, and operational effectiveness have particularly and positively impacted administrative and customer outcomes. His achievements include establishing an independent Probation and Parole inspection framework (a national first), developing implementing behavioural economics experiments in partnership with the University of Queensland, and conducting Australia’s first full MQPL+ Survey in collaboration with Cambridge University and Griffith University.
While at the Queensland Public Trustee Service, Samay established the sector’s first Customer Advocate Office, a Supported Decision Making Framework in partnership with Latrobe University (a national first for the Financial Administration Sector), an Independent Complaint Review Mechanism ( a national first for the Financial Administration Sector), a Financial Independence Pathway for vulnerable customers, and key collaborations with customers and advocacy groups.
Admitted as a barrister, Samay holds a Bachelor of Laws with Honours, a Bachelor of Arts, and qualifications in business and government. He also holds a Masters in Business Administration, graduated from the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and serves as a member and director of the Australian Guardianship and Administration Council. Samay is a member of the AICD, and the Institute of Public Administration Australia – Queensland. Samay Zhouand’s accomplishments, knowledge, and dedication make him a respected figure in his field.
ABOUT OUR MODERATOR
Russell Fairbanks, Managing Director of Luminary
With over 20 years in senior executive roles at leading global consulting firms, Russell founded Luminary™ in 2019 to provide leadership advisory services to Queensland’s most respected organisations.
Russell works with senior executive leaders, supporting them in their leadership development and career transitions or helping them build high-performing teams.
Luminary™ has developed a track record of success as identifying leaders for positions such as Chairperson and Non-Executive Directors, Chief Executive Officers and Directors-General as well as senior executive positions across public and private sectors.
He holds degrees from the University of Sussex and the University of London. He has professional qualifications in leadership and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Russell is a non-executive director, has founded two businesses and is a regular presenter on workforce trends, leadership and organisational design, including a guest spot on Sky News Business and ABC Radio.
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