Lessons in Authentic Leadership from Boys to the Bush
What does it really take to turn a grassroots idea into something that changes lives? For me, the answer often comes back to authentic leadership. The kind that puts people first, values consistency, and leads with heart.
This is the story of Boys to the Bush, an organisation that has grown from a handful of camps into a movement reaching thousands of young people across regional Australia. At its heart is something simple yet profound: giving kids time, consistency, and a sense of belonging.
For me, this isn’t just another story. My wife and I are foster parents, and I know firsthand how much it takes to provide young people with a safe place to land. It’s not just about meeting their physical needs. It’s about showing up, being patient, and proving time and again that you’ll be there when it matters.
That’s why my conversation with Adam DeMamiel, the Co-Founder and CEO of Boys to the Bush, resonated so deeply. The insights he shared about working with young people mirror the same lessons I’ve seen in parenting and leadership.
From Camps to Communities
Adam didn’t set out to build a large organisation. It began with a simple idea, such as taking boys out of challenging environments and giving them opportunities to experience something different.
They worked on farms, visited local businesses, and became part of communities where they could see positive role models in action. On the surface, it looked like mending fences, camping under the stars, or lending a hand at the local butcher. But beneath those activities was something far more significant: trust, values, and belonging.
Today, Boys to the Bush has more than 100 staff working across 11 communities in New South Wales and Victoria, reaching nearly 20,000 young people. Despite the growth, Adam says every decision still comes back to a single question: What’s in the best interests of the kids? For leaders in any field, that’s a powerful reminder: scale and recognition matter far less than staying anchored to your purpose.
The Realities of Leadership
What I appreciated most about my conversation with Adam was his honesty. He never set out to be a leader. In fact, he only realised people were looking to him for leadership when the organisation hit challenges like financial pressures, shifting government policies, and the uncertainty that comes with growth. His team was now depending on him to navigate forward.
What struck me most was Adam’s honesty. Even now, with more than a hundred staff, he admits he sometimes wonders if he measures up against other leaders. Yet, that humility is his strength. Leadership, as Adam models, isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about being real, consistent, and grounded in values.
But that very authenticity is what inspires trust. As Adam put it, kids in particular have the best radar for insincerity. If you’re not genuine, they’ll see through it instantly. And the same is true for teams in any workplace. People need real, grounded leadership.
Developing Leaders at Every Level
How often do we as leaders overlook the opportunity to affirm our own teams in the same way?
One of the most inspiring aspects of Adam’s approach is how he encourages leadership in others. For the young people, it often shows up in small but important choices: making a different decision, standing up for themselves, or keeping a promise. His team celebrates those wins because they know those moments are the building blocks of leadership.
The same applies to his staff. Adam recognises that they aren’t just employees — they’re role models in their communities. Part of his role is to remind them of the impact they’re making and to encourage them to see themselves as leaders in their own right.
The Importance of Presence
How do you build trust?
Adam’s response was simple yet powerful: “You just keep showing up.” Trust isn’t established through one-off gestures; it’s built slowly, through consistency. It’s following through, even on the small commitment, being available and attentive, even in busy seasons, or proving over time that your word can be relied upon. That principle applies as much in leadership and business as it does with vulnerable young people.
The irony of leadership is that the more an organisation grows, the further leaders are pulled from the front line. For Adam, that means more time in meetings and systems, and less time with the kids who first inspired the mission. He’s learning to delegate and empower his senior team while still carving out space to remain connected at ground level. That’s a challenge many leaders will recognise: the balance between strategy and presence.
Because in the end, presence matters more than perfection. It’s about recognising where you’ve drifted, adapting, and finding balance. For business leaders, that’s a refreshing reminder: growth should never come at the cost of connection.
Balancing Heart and Accountability
Like any mission-driven organisation, Boys to the Bush faces the tension between grassroots work and the business of survival. On one side, the work is deeply human: sitting by a river with a kid, sharing silence, showing up. On the other hand, there are reports to file, donors to satisfy, and outcomes to measure.
Walking that line takes courage. And sometimes, leadership means saying no to opportunities that don’t align with the mission, even if they look attractive on paper.
Community-Led in Action
What I admire most about Boys to the Bush is that it isn’t built on outsiders “saving” kids. Instead, it’s about communities stepping up for their own young people.
That looks like local mentors kids can genuinely relate to, and opportunities for businesses, schools, and families to get involved. It’s practical, everyday people playing a role in shaping brighter futures.
This is the essence of being community-led: creating belonging right where kids live, so they’re seen, valued, and supported by their own people. And when kids feel that sense of belonging, everything starts to change.
In fact, the ultimate goal of Boys to the Bush is to one day make themselves redundant. That may sound unusual, but it speaks to their heart. They are empowering communities to stand on their own, to build the networks, trust, and support systems that last long after the organisation steps back. That’s what true sustainability looks like.
Authentic Leadership Builds Trust and Belonging
As a foster parent, I see firsthand how much impact consistency, patience, and presence can have on a young person’s life. Listening to Adam reinforced that truth in ways that were both humbling and inspiring.
Boys to the Bush isn’t just changing kids’ lives. It’s changing communities. And for those of us in leadership roles, there’s so much to learn.
Not from strategy decks or management books. But from the simple act of showing up, again and again, with purpose and care.
Reflecting on my conversation with Adam, three leadership lessons stand out:
Clarity comes before performance. Great leaders don’t leave people guessing. They set the vision, define success clearly, and make sure everyone knows their role. When the fog lifts, teams move with confidence.
Coaching beats micromanaging. Instead of checking every task, confident leaders build skills. They give feedback, create growth opportunities, and empower their teams to take ownership.
Walk the talk. The best leaders model what they expect—showing up prepared, keeping promises, and owning mistakes. That consistency builds trust and inspires the whole team.
My conversation with Adam reminded me that the simple things like time, consistency, and presence are what truly change lives. That’s how grassroots ideas become movements. And that’s how leaders, in any field, create lasting change.
What are your thoughts on this topic? Let us know in the comments below or on YouTube.
If you want more insights from my conversation with Adam, you can listen to the full podcast episode here: Lessons in Authentic Leadership from Boys to the Bush
