Menzies Leadership Forum

What kind of leadership does the next chapter demand? In environments of heightened scrutiny and institutional fragility, leadership requires moral clarity and disciplined restraint. Through a Defence or national service lens, this episode explores how leaders remain anchored in purpose when obligations are formal, stakes are high and public legitimacy must be protected. The series concludes by examining leadership as guardianship — holding authority on behalf of others and sustaining institutional trust in times of uncertainty. Key Themes: Duty and obligation Ethical reasoning in high-stakes environments Institutional legitimacy under pressure Leadership as guardianship Jo Tarnawsky, Former Chief of Staff to the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia

How do we know when leadership development actually makes a difference? Leadership development is often promoted as the answer to major social, organisational, and global challenges. But how can we tell if it is truly effective? This episode explores how researchers, practitioners, and communities define “evidence,” from measuring individual growth to evaluating broader systems change. Listeners will hear what it takes to design, deliver, and assess programs that not only build capability but also deliver tangible outcomes for society. Key Themes & Talking Points: The diversity of leadership programs and the problems they aim to address. What counts as “evidence” of leadership development. Balancing research perspectives with practitioner experiences. Measuring transformation: from personal leadership growth to systemic change. With Toby P. Newstead from University of Tasmania Professor Nathan Eva from Monash Business School; Benny Callaghan from Systems Collaboration Partners

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

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

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

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

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