At Allara, leadership isn’t just about strategy — it’s about people, culture, and consistency. That’s why we invest in the development of our leaders. Recently, our Chief Operating Officer, Chris Hill, travelled to Melbourne as part of his professional development and had the opportunity to hear directly from Craig Bellamy, the long-time head coach of the Melbourne Storm.
Craig has led one of Australia’s most successful sporting teams for over 25 years. What stood out to Chris wasn’t tactics or hype — it was the grounded, values-led, and consistent leadership that defines both Craig’s approach and the Storm’s sustained success.
Here’s what Chris took away — and how it deeply reflects The Allara Way.
🏗️ Building a Great Culture (The Allara Way)
1. Good people first
Craig shared the principles he was raised on: “hard workers get lucky” and “treat people how you want to be treated.” For him, character is the cornerstone of culture. “It’s not the jersey that makes the player — it’s the player that makes the jersey.” At Allara, we feel the same. Our culture is shaped by people who care, show up, and act with intent.
2. Role clarity and interdependence
Craig used a simple analogy: the kicker and the chaser. One can’t succeed without the other. Great teams are built on mutual accountability. Everyone needs to know their role, understand how it links to others, and be clear on what happens when we don’t show up for each other. That’s collaboration, the Allara way.
3. Actions over words
“Don’t tell me, show me.” The Storm’s success isn’t built on slogans — it’s built on consistent effort. At Allara, we champion those who get on with the work, lead through action, and bring their best without needing recognition.
4. Consistency wins
Chris was struck by Craig’s message: “Great teams do the little things right, every day.” It’s not flashy, but it’s what builds trust and results over time. That same daily consistency — in standards, behaviour, and follow-through — is what powers Allara’s momentum.
👥 What Great Leadership Looks Like
1. Leadership is behaviour
Craig shared a moment when a new CEO asked the team for attention, then sat and looked at his phone. Craig called it out. Why? Because people follow what you do, not what you say. At Allara, our leaders know they must live the values to inspire belief and buy-in.
2. Leaders know their role — and do it well
It’s not about volume. It’s about consistency. Craig spoke about how effective leaders are clear, steady and reliable. That’s how you build alignment. At Allara, our leaders take their roles seriously — and show up for their teams, every single day.
3. Leaders model the culture they want
If we want engaged, respectful, dependable teams — we have to lead with those traits ourselves. Great leadership starts with example-setting, not instruction-giving. That principle sits at the heart of The Allara Way.
🎯 One Final Lesson: Keep It Simple
Chris also highlighted how Craig Bellamy didn’t try to be impressive — he kept things simple, clear, and structured. His rule of thumb?
Focus on two things: one thing you’re doing well, and one thing you want to develop.
That clarity and humility are what made his message so powerful — and so relevant to the way we lead at Allara.
