B E Y O N D T H E S C H O O L G AT E S
Vanessa Pigrum (OM 1983) – HSC 1983 School Co-Captain Old Michaelian Vanessa Pigrum (OM 1983) is the CEO of the Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership. Cranlana runs a range of in-person and online programs that help people engage with ideas from critical thinkers (ancient to contemporary) about justice, fairness, power, trust and how to create a better society for all. Many participants are in senior leadership roles. Through moderated discussions in small group settings, the Cranlana programs challenge participants to question their internal unconscious biases and reflect on whether they are truly using their positions of influence in a way that will benefit future generations.
Reflecting on her time at St Michael’s, Vanessa looks back fondly on the encouragement that was provided to her to try new and different things.
“I became the CEO of Cranlana Centre in 2018, after more than 25 years of working in the arts industry; as a producer, director, arts manager, venue programmer and strategic policy maker. After I left school I studied Arts/Law at Monash University but put the final two years of the Law degree on hold to have some time off and explore other options. It was my longoverdue rebellion and I threw myself into the crazy night-time world of being a waitress at the Last Laugh Theatre Restaurant.”
“Care and Compassion are now essential in leadership roles, and very much at the heart of Cranlana’s values too. The old leadership style of ‘control and command’ is now considered very outdated and out of touch with how the next generation of professionals want to work. I think another core value we share is a commitment to considering diverse perspectives before fixing your opinion. Staying open-minded and curious.”
After a couple of years of working odd jobs Vanessa was accepted into the Victorian College of the Arts, and promptly set about working as a freelance director/producer. This led to leading larger and larger festival events and eventually becoming the CEO of Melbourne Fringe Festival in 2000. From that time onwards, Vanessa worked as a lead programmer/producer or Executive Director of a range of arts and cultural organisations; including within Arts Centre Melbourne, City of Darebin and Chunky Move dance company. “Around 2017 or 2018 I was feeling the need to step outside the arts world for a while and test how transferable my skills and experiences were in another sector. Cranlana was a perfect next step as it combines philosophical enquiry with literature, arts and deep discussions to question how we can each contribute to creating the Good Society and promoting ethical leadership decisions in the areas that truly matter.” Speaking about what she loves most about the role, Vanessa says that it’s seeing the real-time change that sparks the biggest sense of pride and satisfaction. “I love the final day of each program. I often have the chance to sit in on the wrap-up session and to hear the way that our programs have affected each individual. Listening to their new insights and the changes they are now going to make is a real privilege. What I am most proud about is the way we have expanded the range of philosophers and thinkers we include in our discussions. There are now more female philosophers in the mix and more Australian indigenous writers and critical thinkers also.” 24
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The Crest Issue 7 2022
“I always felt that St Michael’s had encouraged us to explore our curiosity and there were a range of Extra-Curricular activities we were encouraged to join. I was involved in drama, music and debating competitions. It was a small school back then and no-one was at all precious about how good we were – it was all about having a go. I think that persistent encouragement to try new things prepared me well for an adaptable professional life and a commitment to lifelong learning.” Vanessa sees the correlation between St Michael’s and Cranlana’s values as something that’s important for the next generation of leaders to take with them and understand.
Thinking about her time at the School and what mattered most, Vanessa believes that St Michael’s strong connection to the arts is something that sets it apart from other schools. “What has always struck me about St Michael’s is the way that the arts are respected as being pivotal to personal development and learning, and that they are not sidelined as a hobby activity only. Standout memories for me are the annual trip to Camp Kangaroobie, the school play in the Assembly Hall (no fancy theatre for us back then!), and always coming last in Inter-School Athletics competitions.” As for favourite teachers: “There were a few that meant a lot to me, including Mr and Mrs Ormiston-Smith (Maths and Physics) Mademoiselle Facteur (French, of course), Mr Henderson (Chemistry) and Barbara Venn who was the quintessential bohemian art teacher.” For those students going through VCE Studies and onto future pathways this year, Vanessa finished with some sage advice. “It’s best to tackle the workload consistently rather than in intense bursts. It’s also so important to have some kind of physical outlet to keep you sane and balanced. No matter how well you do or don’t do, that ATAR score won’t mean much to anyone in a few years’ time. But what will set you in good stead is a curious mindset and following whatever path gives you a sense of purpose. You’ll have many careers over the next 30 years – I hope you make them adventurous, purposeful and creative.” We thank Vanessa for her time and the work she does for the future generations of leaders through the Cranlana Centre.
