Charlotte Mills, a seasoned executive in the Australian thoroughbred racing industry, emphasizes the need for authentic, vulnerable, and commercially astute leadership to build trust and drive progress. With numerous recent leadership changes across state racing authorities and clubs, Mills warns against populism and the misconception that leadership is about power. Instead, she advocates for leaders who make tough, sometimes unpopular decisions and prioritize mentoring emerging talent to empower the industry’s future.

Mills highlights the fragmented nature of the industry, divided by competing interests and a federated structure that hampers national cooperation, especially evident during the COVID-19 crisis. She calls for more decisive action rather than endless discussion, particularly on critical issues like gambling advertising and equine welfare, where progress is possible with the right people in leadership roles. Ultimately, Mills urges industry leaders to be brave, authentic, and focused on results to navigate the complex challenges ahead.