15 Minutes with the Boss Why this CEO believes she should’ve spoken up more early in her career
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Feb 23, 2026 Maud Page, director of the Art Gallery of New South Wales and seasoned arts leader, reflects on career turning points and leadership transitions. She discusses morning routines and work-life balance. She shares advice on voicing ambition, navigating restructures with care, and a personal regret about not speaking up while pregnant. She also imagines international First Nations impact work.
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Ask For The Role You Want
- Voice your career ambitions to the right people so they can help make them happen.
- Maud told her manager she might move back to Sydney and the manager then persuaded her to stay and fast-tracked her to deputy director.
Mentor Made The Managerial Leap Possible
- Transitioning from senior curator to deputy director felt terrifying but was eased by a supportive mentor.
- Maud credits having 'someone there' who reassured her and walked the road with her during the leap into management.
Authenticity Beats Forced Gravitas
- Stay true to yourself rather than imitate others; leadership styles must be sustainable for you.
- Maud says trying to adopt someone else's manner (eg, forced gravitas) is hard to maintain and undermines authenticity.