Alison Green, CEO & Founder, Pantera Press
While Australia boasts a highly regarded education system, there are still discernable disparities within its structure, leading to pockets of low literacy rates in some communities. In a country recognized for delivering educational excellence and promising opportunities through learning, these instances of inequality are poignant reminders of the ongoing challenges and the work that still needs to be addressed.
Alison Green’s, eyes were opened to this very issue with a visit in 2007 to a remote indigenous community in Queensland’s far north. Alison was surprised by the lack of accessible education in the region. And soon discovered this wasn’t an issue confined to remote corners, it seeped into the very heart of bustling metropolitan cities. This revelation struck Alison, who had always been taught and firmly believed that “education is the key to opportunity”. At a similar time, her father’s journey as a writer in the complex realm of Australian publishing unveiled some of the hurdles faced by emerging authors. These challenges encompassed issues like traditional publishing structures that favoured established or international authors and a scarcity of support for those looking to break into the literary world.
Determined to instigate change, Alison embarked on an audacious journey. Instead of pursuing the conventional route of charitable work or the creation of a non-profit organization to uplift literacy rates, Alison and her team realized they could wield far more influence by founding a mission aligned company capable of financing the societal transformations they aspired to achieve. This realization came to fruition in 2008 with the birth of Pantera Press, a company seamlessly blending purpose with profit, poised to reshape the destinies of emerging authors and future readers, and writers, alike.
Pantera Press: Igniting Change Through Literature & Education
Pantera Press began its journey in the tumultuous time of the 2008 Global Financial Crisis. At this moment in history, other organizations, including in book publishing, were looking to reduce their risks and tighten their belts. Armed with an innovative business model, Pantera’s mission was crystal clear: to spark imagination, encourage conversation, and motivate significant change in Australia and beyond.
To accomplish this mission, Pantera Press took a multifaceted approach. They actively supported emerging Australian writers, giving opportunities to authors often overlooked by traditional publishers. Their wide range of publications encompassed both fiction and non-fiction, addressing complex and pressing issues while ensuring they were accessible to a diverse readership. Additionally, Pantera Press demonstrated an unwavering commitment to supporting charities and nonprofit programs dedicated to bridging the literacy gap. They firmly believed that literacy served as the cornerstone of societal transformation, and this belief permeated every aspect of their operations.
Since its inception, Pantera Press has made remarkable strides in reshaping the literary landscape. Their dedication to promoting a culture of writing has nurtured both established and emerging authors. Impressively, 78% of the authors they have published were previously unknown, a testament to their commitment to fostering literary talent.
However, Pantera Press is not merely a publishing company, it’s a catalyst for positive change. Through their integrated approach that combines social impact with business success, encapsulated in the term ‘Good Books Doing Good Things,’ they inspire minds and hearts alike. Pantera Press embodies the belief that literacy is not just a key to opportunity but also a transformative force capable of shaping a brighter future for all.
Humanity At The Helm
Alison Green’s leadership approach presents a refreshing departure from conventional corporate paradigms, underlining the enduring importance of placing people at the forefront of the workplace. In today’s fast-paced and competitive business world, where success is often equated with vertical career progression, Alison’s approach highlights the often overlooked aspect of succeeding horizontally. This means prioritizing and ensuring the well-being of individuals, addressing their physical health, mental wellness, and work-life balance.
Alison firmly believes that a company’s most valuable asset is its people. These individuals constitute the driving force behind growth, the architects of innovation, and the engines of productivity within any thriving organization. In stark contrast to businesses fixated on immediate productivity and relentless demands, Alison recognizes the enduring value of investing in people’s well-being. Her holistic approach not only benefits employees but also paves the path to sustainable success for the entire organization.
Alison’s leadership ethos underscores the shared responsibility of individuals and employers in cultivating a robust work-life equilibrium. This extends to providing flexible work arrangements, promoting self-care practices, and acknowledging the significance of setting clear boundaries. In Alison’s vision, fostering a work environment that prioritizes the well-being of its members transcends the pursuit of mere productivity, laying the foundation for lasting career success and enhanced overall productivity.
The Authentic Leadership
Alison has championed the notion that success lies not in conforming to traditional leadership molds but in embracing one’s individuality. In an era when the business world often demands conformity, Alison’s unwavering commitment to authenticity sets a powerful example for aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders. Her message is clear: the path to success is paved with the bricks of self-acceptance and the courage to defy stereotypes.
Through her journey, Alison Green has imparted invaluable lessons to fellow women entrepreneurs. She emphasizes that vulnerability, often seen as a weakness, is the wellspring of innovation. Her advocacy for empathy and emotional intelligence challenges the misconception that such qualities are liabilities in the corporate world. Instead, she underscores their pivotal role in talent acquisition, client engagement, and understanding human behavior. Alison’s approach to empowering others by trusting their expertise has yielded profound results, and her emphasis on active listening has allowed for deeper human connections and business partnerships.
By sharing her experiences and wisdom, Alison lights the way for a new generation of leaders, unburdened by the limitations of stereotypes. She encourages leaders to redefine the narrative, embarking on a journey characterized by authenticity, resilience, and innovation, ultimately reimagining the landscape of entrepreneurship itself.
Forging A Global Pathway To Purpose-driven Publishing
Alison Green set her sights on an ambitious and promising future. Incorporating an integrated business model that harmonizes financial success with a greater societal impact will mark a path of growth and expansion. This will be an exciting phase for Pantera Press as it envisions a future where its influence transcends borders and reaches international shores.
This new chapter heralds a transformative era for purpose-driven publishing on a global scale, where Pantera Press will continue to lead the way, inspiring change far beyond the Australian landscape.