15 Minutes with the Boss Why this CEO insists on 2 referee checks, and often does them herself
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Nov 17, 2025 Rita Butera, Chief Executive of BreastScreen Victoria, is a seasoned public health leader known for her focus on cancer screening. She shares insights on her rigorous hiring practices, emphasizing the need for thorough referee checks and a beyond-skills approach. Rita also discusses her transformative career journey, the launch of the 1800 My Options helpline, and a whimsical desire to swap roles with an AFL team. Additionally, she reflects on the joys and challenges of parenting twins and imagines a creative life in Italy.
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Skills Aren't Enough For Fit
- Rita Butera says technical skills alone aren't enough to guarantee a good hire.
- Value alignment, attitude and willingness to learn often determine long-term fit.
Thrown Into Leadership Early
- Rita recounts getting a coordinator role she hadn't run before and having to learn fast.
- She relied on mentors, reading and public speaking to survive and grow into leadership.
Don't Burn Bridges
- Avoid burning bridges when you disagree with stakeholders.
- Rita learned to use diplomacy because you never know where people will appear again.