Changemaker Spotlight – Kym Langill: An Approach to Transformative Leadership
“Sometimes, you have to ‘lead from behind’ — but that doesn’t mean relinquishing responsibility. It’s about strategic support, accountability, and letting others shine.”
In the evolving landscape of human services, leaders who drive change with empathy, strategy, and authenticity are essential. Kym Langill, a seasoned consultant specialising in service system design and reform, exemplifies these qualities. With over 30 years of experience spanning government, non-government organisations, and consultancy, Kym has proven herself as a capable leader in child and family services sector reform and advocacy. She also serves as the Board Chair for PeakCare QLD, a leading body in child protection.
Kym’s journey began in government roles where she learned the importance of evidence-based decision-making. While those years helped her build strategic and political expertise, she ultimately moved to the non-government sector to follow her passion for community-centred approaches.
“Government taught me the importance of making decisions grounded in evidence,” Kym shares. “But to really make a difference, I needed to be where my heart truly was — working directly with communities.”
Leadership Philosophy: Leading from Behind
Kym’s leadership philosophy centres on creating an environment where people can thrive through empowerment, curiosity, and shared responsibility. “Good leaders don’t pretend to know everything. They’re curious, they ask questions, and they listen,” she explains. By fostering trust, transparency, and openness, Kym aims to build her team’s capacity and confidence. “Sometimes, you have to ‘lead from behind’ — but that doesn’t mean relinquishing responsibility. It’s about strategic support, accountability, and letting others shine.”
Her approach is also shaped by adaptability and compassion. Kym often uses sayings like, “Wrap your arms around them,” to emphasize unwavering support, and “Change the seat in the bus,” to highlight the importance of finding the right path for each individual’s strengths.
“When communication is clear and consistent, it empowers the team to work cohesively and confidently,” Kym adds. “It’s about building a culture of shared responsibility where growth and adaptability are encouraged.”
Navigating Sector Complexities
Kym is keenly aware of the complexities within the child and family services sector. From cost-of-living pressures and leadership changes to ongoing reforms, the sector continues to face numerous challenges.
“There’s so much reform still needed, but also so much positive change happening right now. The people who work in this sector are incredibly resilient. They’re accepting, non-judgmental, and motivated to continue to create the change that is needed,” Kym reflects.
Despite the challenges, her optimistic outlook is clear. Kym enjoys working with people, building relationships, and witnessing the growth of her teams. Watching her staff gain confidence through empowerment is a driving force behind her continued passion for the sector.
What Makes a Good Leader
When asked what makes a good leader, Kym’s answer is both simple and profound: “Fall back on your ethical values in decision-making.” For her, leadership is about integrity, curiosity, and building relationships grounded in mutual respect and trust.
“I love getting to know people, hearing their stories, and being part of their growth,” Kym says. “When you build a trusting relationship within the team, the impact becomes far greater than any single person’s contribution.”
The Legacy of Leadership
Kym Langill’s words and work remind us that transformative leadership is not about authority; it’s about serving others, fostering growth, and constantly adapting to create a lasting, positive impact. Her thoughtful leadership style, built on openness, compassion, and trust, continues to shape the sector she is so passionate about.