CARWARP-based Tegan Buckley is determined to give the Mallee’s agricultural industries a new voice to tell its stories.
Tegan says everyone has a story, a story people want to hear, which resonates with them and has an authentic voice and tone.
They want, she believes, to hear stories which excite and inspire – and that’s her goal through her business Mallee Marketing.
In Australian agriculture, history suggests men have traditionally told the stories, but Tegan is the face of the new group of female storytellers.
Growing up in rural South Australia, her current career was not an immediate choice; she started a teaching degree before falling in love with marketing and business.
The pull toward agriculture kicked in from an early age through her grandparents, and of course developed throughout her work in agribusinesses.
Tegan has dedicated her career to helping improve the lives of Australian rural people through her marketing and business skills and experience.
“When it comes to running a business, it can be exhausting to do everything, so through Mallee Marketing we help business owners better structure their marketing to remove the sense of being overwhelmed,” Tegan says.
“My career path has certainly tapped into my passion for working with farmers and rural people.
“Everyone’s definition of success can be different, so meeting myself where I am at, throughout all stages of my career growth and development, I feel is important as it creates a healthy relationship around imposter syndrome in my profession.
“Transparency and honesty are important values to me, so I never pretend to know everything and own where I’m at.”
Tegan says the great thing about working in agriculture is you earn respect and foster positive relationships by being genuine and transparent in how you interact and do business.
She says even better, she doesn’t have to be “one of the boys” or “tough and hard” in her demeanour.
“Yes, I have had to develop a stronger skin to handle situations and varying personalities, but I try to be warm and approachable, and know when and where to set boundaries,” Tegan says.
Based on her experience, Tegan is enthusiastic about encouraging more women to develop their leadership capabilities and confidence in business and agriculture.
“It takes courage to step out and promote yourself,” she says.
“Tall poppy culture is very real here in Australia with many people, especially in agriculture, being incredibly humble and private about what they can do and the value they bring to the table.
“Hearing more stories from women on how they overcame their challenges will go a long way to help empower those who are watching in awe from the sidelines.
“You never know who is inspired by your story. Be brave and share it!”
Tegan says she has noticed a massive shift in women in agriculture-leadership roles during her working career.
“Generations of women gone by perhaps didn’t know or were not fully appreciated for the incredible impact that they bring to the ag industry,” she adds.
“But the times really are changing and with the rise of digital platforms and social media, there has been a shift with younger women stepping into their full potential, owning their unique talents and developing their leadership skills to help contribute to the broader Australian farming community.
“They are also unafraid to be themselves, ask questions and seek help when required. It is an exciting mix, given people in agriculture generally love helping people.”
Tegan says at Mallee Marketing she works hard to “excel at big thinking and perfecting the small things that impact client brands and market perception”.
“After working with Mallee Marketing, we believe our clients are better equipped to confidently market and sell more of their products and services, to amplify their impact due to having clear strategies and streamlined marketing and sales processes,” she says.
“Agribusinesses are potentially missing opportunities to gain the attention of new customers, which affects their sales because they are continuing to use outdated marketing methods.
“Our clients are able to increase new customer leads and visibility of their brand into new regions, through using a marketing and sales strategy and system that attracts and warms up new prospects.”
