In a world where many pursue personal ambitions, some individuals dedicate their lives to uplifting others. Manda Hatter, a champion of change at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), personifies this spirit of selfless service. As the driving force behind ABC Pride, the organization’s internal LGBTIQ+ network, Hatter has revolutionized workplace inclusivity for the LGBTQ+ community.
Hatter’s initiatives have been both innovative and far-reaching. From integrating LGBTQI+ representation into mentorship programs to orchestrating vibrant celebrations of queer culture, her efforts have woven acceptance into the fabric of ABC’s corporate culture. Her leadership has not only nurtured a safe space for LGBTQ+ staff but has also positioned the ABC as a progressive force in Australia’s media industry.
Recognized as one of Deloitte’s Top 50 Outstanding LGBTI Leaders, Hatter’s impact extends beyond the ABC’s walls. By championing participation in events like Wear It Purple Day and the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, she has amplified LGBTQ+ voices and visibility on a national scale.
Hatter’s journey exemplifies how one person’s passion can catalyze institutional change, proving that when diversity is embraced, everyone benefits. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the positive ripple effects that inclusive leadership can generate in the workplace and in society at large.
Let’s explore her story in depth!
Lights, Camera, Passion
In a career spanning nearly four decades, Hatter has become a respected figure in the television and content creation industries. Her journey, marked by determination and a passion for her craft, serves as an inspiration to aspiring media professionals.
Hatter begins her story with a respectful acknowledgment of the traditional owners of the land where she resides. “Before I tell more of my story, I’d like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land I’m on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, pay my respects to their elders past and present, and extend that respect to anyone Indigenous reading this from wherever you are today,” she says.
Growing up in a rural area with limited access to television stations, Hatter’s dream of working in TV seemed distant. However, her determination led her to seize an unconventional opportunity during her high school years. She began working with a “stringer,” a freelance journalist who provided news stories and footage to various TV stations. “I really wanted to get into television, so I did this every weekend, missing out on trips away and other fun stuff,” she recalls.
Hatter’s persistence extended to her job search. She repeatedly contacted a Sydney television Network’s Chief Operating Officer until she secured a meeting. During this encounter, she received valuable advice that would shape her career path. The executive suggested she gain experience in various production and operations roles to develop a comprehensive understanding of the industry.
Following this guidance, Hatter’s first break came when she landed a job at a local TV station shortly after high school. Her experience with the stringer and her research about the station gave her an edge in the application process.
Hatter’s entry-level position at WIN TV Wollongong, NSW, Australia, was in the “On Air Tapes” department. Her responsibilities included managing program tapes and ensuring they aired at the correct times and in the proper order. “That was scary because you alone were responsible for ensuring all the programs and commercials went to air at the right time and in the right order,” she reflects.
The ABC of Australia
Hatter explores the history and significance of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), a cornerstone of Australia’s media industry. The ABC, as she explains, has deep roots in Australian history, tracing back to July 1, 1932, when it was established as the Australian Broadcasting Commission by an act of federal parliament. This new entity effectively took over from the Australian Broadcasting Company, a private enterprise that had been providing programming for A-class radio stations since 1924.
Hatter emphasizes the importance of the ABC’s statutory powers, stating, “The ABC was given statutory powers that reinforced its independence from the government and enhanced its news-gathering role.” This independence has been crucial in establishing the ABC as a trusted and respected institution within Australian society.
As a public broadcaster, the ABC carries significant responsibilities. Hatter highlights the expectation for the ABC to be a leader in producing independent and high-quality content across all its platforms. This mandate is enshrined in the ABC’s charter, which outlines three primary objectives: to inform, to educate, and to entertain.
The charter also emphasizes the need for content and programming that reflect Australia’s diversity. Hatter explains, “That means we need to embrace the different characters, successes, lives, and concerns of all Australians.” This commitment to representation is not just about inclusivity; it serves a broader social purpose.
Hatter argues that this approach contributes to national unity, stating, “By reflecting diverse lives, cultures, and stories, we build understanding, and we contribute to the strength that lies in uniting our communities.”
Integrity in Action
Hatter emphasizes her leadership philosophy and the core values that guide her work and that of her teams at the ABC. She describes herself as a value-based leader who builds value-based teams around her. “Integrity, trust, honesty, and transparency are key principles to which we hold dear,” she states. These principles not only guide individual behavior but also shape the collective mindset of her teams. She believes that each team member has a responsibility to uphold these core values and to hold their colleagues to the same high standards. This mutual accountability ensures that the entire team operates with a shared sense of purpose and ethical commitment.
She further emphasizes the importance of building and maintaining strong connections with these stakeholders, which could include government bodies, community organizations, content creators, and the Australian public at large. Central to building these relationships is a commitment to follow-through and reliability. “Always doing what we say we will do” is a mantra that Hatter and her teams live by, reinforcing their credibility and trustworthiness in the eyes of their stakeholders.
The 6-Hour Sprint
Continuing her reflection on her career, Hatter recounts one of the most challenging projects she faced, which showcases her leadership skills and problem-solving abilities.
The project required delivering 6 hours of live television within a tight 3-month timeframe. The unique aspect of this project was the use of a remote control room located 20 kilometers away from the ‘studio floor,’ which was actually a converted surf club. Despite the numerous challenges, Hatter and her team successfully delivered the project on time, within budget, and without any technical faults during broadcast.
Hatter recalls the moment she knew the project would succeed: “The day I knew it was going to work was the first day of rehearsals. I was standing in the ‘rack room’ at the surf club, watching our pictures being fed back to us in HD.”
The project presented a multitude of challenges that required Hatter’s negotiation skills and diplomatic approach. She had to liaise with various stakeholders, including the City Mayor and her staff, surf club officials, and local residents. The latter group was particularly crucial as the production would disrupt their usually quiet beachfront with noise and lighting.
Technical challenges also abounded. The project involved installing what was then the largest tempered glass window in the southern hemisphere. However, this led to unexpected complications when they discovered that the tempered glass had a polarizing effect when ND filters were used during bright sunlight.
Despite these obstacles, Hatter attributes the project’s success to the strength of her team and her leadership approach. “When you build great teams around you who are diverse in thought, create a safe space for everyone to have an opinion, and have great relationships with others, you can overcome almost anything,” Hatter states, encapsulating her philosophy on teamwork and leadership.
Crafting the Future of Content
Hatter’s love for her profession is evident in her words. She expresses a deep satisfaction in creating content and takes particular joy in watching her teams succeed. Her focus is always on delivering the best possible content to the ABC’s audiences across all platforms.
“I love Creating Content!” Hatter exclaims, emphasizing her passion with enthusiasm. This love for her work extends beyond personal satisfaction to a genuine delight in seeing her teams thrive and achieve their goals.
Looking towards the future, Hatter articulates a clear vision for her ongoing role at the ABC. She states, “I would love to continue creating content and removing any barriers for the ABC to continue to deliver the best content for all Australians and our audiences around the world.”
Hatter has even crafted a personal mission for herself within the organization. She aims to have the ABC’s facilities and crews working at maximum capacity, stating, “My self-created mission is to have our facilities (studios) and our incredible crews working around the clock to do this.” Her vision encompasses not just the Australian audience but also recognizes the ABC’s global reach.
