Mrs. Anne Tonkin (South Australia) – Women Entrepreneur Award for Social Impact – Nonprofits (South Australia)
by The Leaders Today, 14 Nov 2025
Mrs. Anne Tonkin
Women Entrepreneur Award for Social Impact – Nonprofits (South Australia)
Awarded by Bizox Media Network as a “Women Entrepreneur Award for Social Impact – Nonprofits (South Australia)” at Global Leaders awards 2025– Conclave & Summit recently held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The Global Leaders Awards 2025 is one of the world’s most distinguished corporate recognition platforms, celebrating exceptional leaders, visionary companies, and outstanding organizations for their innovation, perseverance, creativity, performance, and excellence.
Who has influenced your life and leadership style most profoundly?
My life and leadership style are profoundly shaped by the principles of my late father. His values—never giving up, challenging what isn’t right, and being the change you wish to see—guide every decision I make. I lead with purpose, integrity, courage, and critical thinking, always seeking smarter, more inclusive solutions. I believe in deep listening, acting genuinely to help others, and leading with love for humanity, while staying connected to global trends and opportunities. My leadership is defined not by title, but by creating meaningful, lasting change that uplifts people and strengthens communities.
When the options are unclear and the risks are great, how do you make challenging decisions?
When faced with unclear options and high risks, I approach decision-making with a blend of reflection, consultation, and intuition. I talk with trusted friends and experts in their fields, gather diverse perspectives, and write everything down to organise my thoughts. I think deeply, analysing outcomes to identify the most effective and efficient solutions. Yet even with careful planning, I trust my instincts—following my heart and gut when choices are complex or uncertain. This approach ensures my decisions are both strategic and authentic, balancing rational analysis with the courage to act decisively. Then I am confident to jump right in!
Which book or piece of fiction has influenced your perspective the most?
The books and stories that have shaped my perspective span my entire life. In primary school, I Can Jump Puddles first made me aware that people could end up in wheelchairs, planting the seeds of empathy and inclusion. As a mother, I’ve learned the resilience and creativity required to navigate life’s challenges. The Harry Potter series inspired me to see how worlds can be imagined and brought to life through creativity, and how different thinking attracts different minds. As a lecturer, Kris Cole’s Supervision resonates deeply: “When it is not measured, it is not done,” reminding me that impact requires intention, action, and accountability. Together these combine to creatively help those with disabilities, with creative thinking and developing the first community inclusion metrics, so no one is left behind.
What is the biggest sacrifice you have ever had to make for your job or career?
The biggest sacrifice I have had to make for my career was balancing ambition with immense personal responsibility. In 2008, shortly after my husband was diagnosed with myotonic dystrophy, my father passed away, and I was working full time while raising our two boys. Despite these challenges, I won a scholarship to pursue my Master’s degree, but I had to make the difficult decision to prioritise my mental health while managing caregiving, work, and family responsibilities. I had to pass on my scholarship. The journey was far from easy—after my first attempt, I returned to complete my second attempt at my own cost, driven by determination and the belief that education would empower both me and those I support. This experience taught me resilience, the importance of self-care, and that true achievement often requires sacrifice, courage, and unwavering commitment to both personal and professional goals. Timing is everything. I am stronger for getting my timing right.
Which values would you like to pass on to the next generation?
What I would like to pass on is the importance of living by your values. My own are rooted in integrity, courage, and empathy, guiding both my personal and professional life. I believe in challenging what is not right, acting with kindness and authenticity, and removing barriers so others can thrive. I value lifelong learning, curiosity, and critical thinking, staying connected to global trends while leading with love for humanity. I believe in helping bring out the best in people. I prioritise my mental health to maintain resilience, accountability, and meaningful impact, ensuring my actions uplift communities and create inclusive, equitable spaces. Above all, I strive to listen deeply, act genuinely, and foster opportunities for others to succeed.
While some values can evolve over time, the core principles instilled early in life serve as your compass, guiding decisions, shaping character, and influencing the legacy you leave behind.
How does your personal life and family affect your leadership style?
My personal life and family profoundly shape my leadership style. Surrounded by love and support, I have learned the importance of instilling values such as working hard, creating your own happiness, and striving to be your best every day—even when some days are incredibly tough. Children, in particular, make you look at things differently, challenge your beliefs, and expand your critical thinking, showing that there are many options and that you are not always right—there are often multiple versions of “right.” A good sense of humour, drawn from personal stories and family experiences, is equally essential; humour can break down barriers, ease tension, and build connection. Together, these experiences shape a leadership style grounded in compassion, integrity, authenticity, and resilience.
How would you differentiate your leadership style from others?
My leadership style is unique because it blends humour, quick thinking, and kindness with deep empathy and resilience. Drawing on personal and family experiences, humour allows me to break down barriers, ease tension, and connect authentically with others. Quick thinking enables me to navigate complex challenges and make effective, timely decisions, while kindness ensures that every interaction is grounded in respect and support. Combined with my values of integrity, courage, and critical thinking, this approach fosters an environment where people feel seen, heard, and empowered, creating a leadership style that is both impactful and distinctly my own.
Which three personal attributes do you think were most important to your success as a leader?
My three most important personal attributes as a leader are integrity, empathy, and resilience. Integrity ensures that every decision I make is principled, transparent, and aligned with my values. Empathy allows me to understand, connect with, and support others, creating inclusive and trusting environments. Resilience enables me to navigate challenges, adapt to change, and continue pursuing meaningful impact even in difficult circumstances. Together, these qualities form the foundation of a leadership style that is authentic, compassionate, and effective, empowering those around me to thrive while driving positive, lasting change.
