This month we spoke with Mike Ravnö, Director — Development & Community, Adelaide Plains Council, about his career journey so far, his involvement in our General Managers and Directors Network, and what he's looking forward to as part of the Executive Leaders Program this year.

What is your role and how long have you been in local government?      

My role is Director — Development & Community. I have worked in local government for 25 years. I started in the Field Staff team at the City of Playford in 1999, before moving indoors and taking a position as Technical Officer Traffic. With further part-time studies under my belt, I progressed from Traffic to Land Development and from Mitcham Council to the City of Port Adelaide Enfield. After a brief hiatus in the private sector at a consulting engineering company, I joined the Adelaide Plains Council as Asset Engineer in 2019. I then undertook a role as a Group Manager for a period, before being appointed as Director Development & Community in November 2023.

You have attended a few of our Network Forums. What’s been the most valuable thing you’ve learnt from the General Managers and Directors Network?    

Networking with peers has been the best part of attending the Network Forums. Being relatively new to the executive management level in local government, I am always interested to hear about similar issues that are being faced at the executive level, by other councils. I have also enjoyed the content of the Network Forums, particularly those focused on challenges facing the local government sector in general.

You’re also joining us this year in the Executive Leaders Program (XLP)! What are you most looking forward to?    

I am super excited to be taking part in XLP 2025. I am keen to explore and understand complex problem-solving techniques, in order to equip myself to embrace necessary change, using effective strategies. Innovative leadership in local government is fundamental to fostering a healthy team-focused culture, where everyone enjoys and celebrates the achievements of each team member.

Why is professional development important to you?    

Professional development is essential to address complex challenges, enhance leadership skills, and drive organisational success. It equips leaders with tools for strategic thinking, effective communication, and decision-making in a dynamic environment. Being relatively new to executive management, I feel that professional development is critical for me to expand my thinking and leadership impact.

Tell us something about you that we don’t know?

In 1996, I coached Prince Harry in the Under 11”B” cricket team at Ludgrove School in Berkshire, England, where I was working, during my backpacking years. I also taught him how to throw a "frisbee”! He was actually a remarkably down-to-earth kid.