Menzies Leadership Forum

What kind of leadership do we need to shape the future we want? The final episode looks ahead, asking what a national platform for leadership development should look like in order to meet critical transitions across health, education, climate, and productivity. Do these adaptive challenges demand a new way of leading? And if so, how do we build the individual and collective capabilities required to enable that shift? This conversation will leave listeners with insights into what it will take to ensure leadership development genuinely creates impact for the greater good. Key Themes & Talking Points: The critical transitions ahead and what they demand of leadership. The capabilities leaders must develop to navigate these transitions. What a national platform for leadership development could look like. How to ensure leadership development is impactful, inclusive, and future-focused. With Toby P. Newstead from University of Tasmania and Professor Rufus Black from University of Tasmania 

What happens when leadership is shared, not centralised? Impact at scale requires collaboration across governments, business, philanthropy, and communities. This episode explores real-world stories of distributed leadership, including Indigenous and citizen-led approaches that demonstrate how collective leadership can create more just and sustainable outcomes. Listeners will hear practical lessons on building trust, sharing power, and mobilising diverse groups towards common goals. Key Themes & Talking Points: The value of distributed leadership across sectors. Indigenous and citizen-led models as exemplars of collective leadership. Building trust and partnerships to drive systemic change. What collective leadership teaches us about the future of leadership development. With Toby P. Newstead from University of Tasmania and Jack Manning from AIME and Liz Gillies from Menzies Leadership Foundation

Professor David Snowden, a pioneer in complexity science, joins Toby Newstead from the University of Tasmania to discuss leadership in an era marked by polycrisis. They explore how leaders can thrive amidst challenges like climate change and social division. Key topics include the importance of resilience, systems thinking, and collaboration. Snowden emphasizes developing these capabilities through education and highlights the need for leaders to adapt their strategies and embrace a more complex understanding of organizational dynamics.

Join Dr. Toby Newstead as he chats with Professor Nathan Eva, a Fulbright scholar focusing on servant leadership, and Benny Callaghan, founder of Systems Collaboration Partners. They dive into what measures truly signify effective leadership development. Discover the nuances between corporate and community programs, the importance of objective data over perceptions, and how leadership can thrive even outside hierarchical structures. They emphasize the ethical responsibilities of educators and the need for ongoing growth beyond initial programs.

Join Professor Ron Riggio, an expert in transformational leadership from Claremont McKenna College, and Dr. Polly McGee, a pioneer in trauma-responsive leadership from Disruptive Consulting. Together, they explore why traditional hero leadership is outdated. They advocate for adaptive and ethical approaches, emphasizing collective sense-making to tackle complex challenges. Polly highlights the importance of psychological safety and leadership grounded in connection. Gain insights into evolving leadership development and the need for continuous human capability over mere titles.

As this eight-part series concludes, we reflect on the leadership Australia needs to meet this moment — bold, purpose-driven and future-focused. In the final episode of A Purposeful Edge: Leading in Uncertainty, Dr Peter Collins is joined by Rob Scott, CEO of Wesfarmers and former Olympian, to explore how courage, purpose and reform can shape Australia’s future. Listeners gain insights on leading through uncertainty and redefining long-term value creation.; challenging leaders to think generationally, act collaboratively, and lead for the greater good. Key Themes & Talking Points: The kind of leadership needed to navigate uncertainty and drive reform. How courage and clarity of purpose build resilient teams and systems. The private sector’s role in creating shared, long-term value. Lessons on discipline, focus, and leadership under pressure. Dr Peter Collins from Peter Collins and Associates: Rob Scott from Wesfarmers

Science is a powerful force for addressing the world’s most pressing challenges — but courageous leadership is needed to drive meaningful change. This episode will explore how leaders in science can play a transformative role in responding to complex global issues such as climate change, pandemics, and social inequality. Listeners will gain insights into the role of purpose in scientific inquiry, how to overcome resistance to innovation, and strategies for mobilising science to influence policy and public trust. Key Themes & Talking Points: The role of scientific research in tackling 'wicked problems' like climate change and public health crises. Why courage is essential in pushing the boundaries of scientific inquiry. Navigating public trust in science during times of polarization. How purpose-driven science can shape a more sustainable and equitable world. Dr Peter Collins from Peter Collins and Associates: Dr. Megan Clark AC

Business leaders are navigating an increasingly volatile world where financial instability, social unrest, and environmental concerns are reshaping corporate responsibility. This episode will explore how courageous leaders in the private sector are redefining success by blending commercial imperatives with social impact. Highlighting the importance of embedding purpose and adaptability into corporate strategies, plus its role in building resilience and supporting employee well-being - driving sustainable outcomes during challenging times. Key Themes & Talking Points: How business leaders can manage economic uncertainty while maintaining social responsibility. Strategies for balancing financial performance with values-driven leadership. The importance of adaptability in fostering innovation and resilience. How corporate leaders can engage employees and customers in purpose-driven strategies. Dr Peter Collins from Peter Collins and Associates: Linda Mellors from Regis Aged Care 

Social divisions are widening across the globe, placing increasing pressure on leaders to foster inclusion and strengthen community ties. This episode will explore how courageous leadership can address social fragmentation, counter misinformation, and foster empathy. Examining the complexities of navigating migration, asylum, and social cohesion in turbulent times — listeners will hear insights on practical strategies for building trust, promoting intercultural understanding, and creating inclusive environments where communities can thrive. Key Themes & Talking Points: How leaders can navigate tensions surrounding migration, asylum, and cultural divides. Practical strategies for building trust and strengthening social cohesion. Countering misinformation to create inclusive and informed communities. Supporting displaced and marginalized communities through purposeful leadership. Dr Peter Collins from Peter Collins and Associates: Paris Aristotle AO from Foundation House Victoria 

Meaningful change in mental health requires courageous leadership that embraces both resilience and compassion. This episode will explore the complexities of mental health reform, with a focus on the long-term commitment required to shift systems, reduce stigma, and improve access to care. Listeners will hear how purpose-driven leadership can inspire sustained change, promote community resilience, and address the increasing mental health challenges facing individuals and families. Key Themes & Talking Points: Why mental health reform requires long-term resilience and courageous leadership. The growing mental health crisis and its impact on individuals, families, and communities. How leaders can champion mental health reform in workplaces and public policy. Personal reflections on leadership through adversity and systemic inertia. Dr Peter Collins from Peter Collins and Associates: Rachel Green from SANE Australia