Menzies Leadership Forum

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 

As the legal sector rapidly evolves, leaders are faced with difficult decisions about ethics, technology, and tradition. Episode three will explore how courageous leadership can help reshape legal frameworks to keep pace with social and technological advancements. From the implications of artificial intelligence to innovations that improve access to justice, this episode will explore how purpose-driven leadership can balance digital transformation with social responsibility. Key Themes & Talking Points: How technology is reshaping the legal landscape — and what this means for leadership. The courage required to challenge traditional legal frameworks and embrace innovation. Balancing technological advancements with ethical practice and justice. How leaders can embed purpose and trust in digital transformation strategies. Dr Peter Collins from Peter Collins and Associates: Terri Mottershead from Mottershead International Pty Ltd 

Reconciliation requires leadership that is bold, thoughtful, and committed to creating meaningful change. Episode two will explore how courageous leadership can foster new approaches to Indigenous engagement, including strengthening partnerships between public, private, and community sectors. Reflecting on the importance of building trust, this exploration will promote cultural understanding, and amplify Indigenous voices to create positive social impact. Key Themes & Talking Points: How public and private sectors can collaborate to advance Indigenous reconciliation. The courage required to challenge stereotypes and build inclusive frameworks. The power of Indigenous knowledge in addressing contemporary societal issues. Strategies for embedding Indigenous voices in leadership and decision-making. Dr Peter Collins from Peter Collins and Associates: Dr Terri Janke from Terri Janke and Company 

How do we build the courage to challenge tradition and embrace new ways of thinking? Episode one will explore how leaders can step away from established norms to create more adaptable, purpose-driven institutions. Reflecting on how higher education, governance, and leadership frameworks are evolving, this episode will examine how leaders can embrace disruption while maintaining a clear sense of purpose. Expect insights on the risks, resistance, and rewards that come with leading differently in a complex world. Key Themes & Talking Points: How global shifts are impacting educational institutions and leadership in academia. The role of universities in fostering civic engagement and social impact. Courageous decision-making in navigating the tension between tradition and innovation. Insights into how education leaders can prepare students for complexity and uncertainty. Dr Peter Collins from Peter Collins and Associates: Dr Rufus Black, University of Tasmania 

In this episode of Cultivating Cultures for the Greater Good, host Michelle Bloom speaks with Jennifer Robertson about the board's role in sustaining cultural and ethical integrity, beyond compliance. Jennifer discusses the importance of boards aligning culture with corporate purpose and values, shifting from “can we” to “should we” in contemporary governance. She shares insights on how boards can influence organisational culture, including examples from the recent Qantas culture report, and the role of leadership in driving cultural change. Michelle Bloom from ANSTO; Jennifer Robertson from Board Matters

In this episode of Cultivating Cultures for the Greater Good, host Michelle Bloom speaks with Quentin Jones from Culture Capital about addressing and transforming toxic cultures. Quentin explores the role of ethical leadership, transparency, and accountability in turning around toxic environments. He discusses why focusing only on “bad apples” doesn’t solve the issue and how leaders can create sustainable change by addressing the wider organisational culture and relational dynamics. Michelle Bloom from ANSTO; Quentin Jones from Culture Capital 

Matt Howell, former CEO of Tomago Aluminium, shares his transformative journey of cultural change within the aluminium smelting industry. He highlights how a focus on care and safety led to exceptional employee welfare and efficiency, making Tomago the largest and most effective smelter in Australasia. Howell discusses the importance of leadership in driving sustainability and integrating clean energy initiatives while navigating tough challenges. His insights emphasize the need for a supportive culture that prioritizes collective good, accountability, and proactive communication.

In this episode of Cultivating Cultures for the Greater Good, host Michelle Bloom speaks with Siobhan Toohill, a corporate sustainability expert, about strategies that benefit shareholders, customers, and society. Siobhan explores the alignment of ethical business practices and profitability, the rise of ESG factors in investment decisions, and how sustainability influences organisational culture. She also discusses the moral obligation of businesses to address social justice issues and the impact on corporate culture. Michelle Bloom from ANSTO; Siobhan Toohill a corporate sustainability specialist 

In this episode of Cultivating Cultures for the Greater Good, host Michelle Bloom speaks with Amie Wallis, Chief of People and Culture at the Australian Olympic Committee, about their cultural transformation journey over the past 8 years. Facing significant challenges, the AOC conducted a comprehensive review leading to reforms in governance, people development, transparency, and accountability. The result? A cultural shift that has positively impacted both the organisation and the broader Olympic community. Michelle Bloom from ANSTO; Amie Wallis from the Australian Olympics Committee