The Civic Health of Australia: A National Portrait in 30 Charts, published by the Australian Leadership Index and OurVoice, and powered by the Menzies Leadership Foundation, highlights the global retreat of democracy and the challenges facing political systems worldwide. The concept of social capital, which underscores the importance of networks and relationships for a functioning […]
Dedicated to cultivating a new generation of leaders committed to driving positive change, empowering communities, and creating a lasting impact on Australian society and beyond, the Menzies Leadership Foundation is delighted to announce Andreas Zakhari as the 2024 Menzies Global Voices Fellow. Andreas recently represented the Foundation at the prestigious International Monetary Fund (IMF) and
The Menzies Leadership Foundation, in partnership with ANU School of Cybernetics has taken a bold step forward in shaping the future of leadership with the establishment of the ANU Complexity Leadership Lab. As we navigate an era that is characterised by rapid technological change, global challenges, and interconnected systems, the Lab represents a significant investment
The Menzies Foundation is delighted to unveil its refreshed identity as the Menzies Leadership Foundation, signalling a further focus on amplifying a global leadership movement. This evolution reflects the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to fostering impactful, purpose-driven leadership that empowers individuals and communities to navigate the complexities of today’s interconnected world. As we move from the
A Modern Identity for a Modern Mission: Menzies Leadership Foundation Read More »
The Menzies Leadership Foundation is delighted to announce Dr. Thi Kim (Julie) Dao as the 2025 Youth Board Observer, a position created to empower young leaders and amplify their voices within the organisation. Julie’s remarkable accomplishments and unwavering dedication to leadership and ethical challenges position her as an exemplary choice for this role. A Champion
Julie Dao Appointed as Menzies Leadership Foundation 2025 Youth Board Observer Read More »
School systems worldwide acknowledge the vital importance of school leadership in building and enhancing the quality of education, to improve student learning outcomes. With a lens on collective efficacy, the work of the Menzies School Leadership Incubator suggests we need a new approach to leadership that supports school leaders to better manage transformational change and
Building shared approaches to teaching and learning Read More »
The Civic Health of Australia: A National Portrait in 30 Charts, published by the Australian Leadership Index and OurVoice, and powered by the Menzies Leadership Foundation, highlights the global retreat of democracy and the challenges facing political systems worldwide. Recent research has painted a stark and deeply concerning picture of the current state of trust
A Crisis of Trust: The Growing Disconnect Between Australians and Their Government Read More »
The Civic Health of Australia: A National Portrait in 30 Charts, published by the Australian Leadership Index and OurVoice, and powered by the Menzies Leadership Foundation, highlights the global retreat of democracy and the challenges facing political systems worldwide. Recent studies on civic engagement in Australia reveal a complex picture of how Australians perceive and
The State of Civic Participation in Australia: A Changing Landscape Read More »
Authored by: Amber CY Tsai, PhD, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Tasmania, Toby Newstead, PhD, Leadership Scholar and Executive Leadership Coach, and Joseph Crawford, PhD, Organisational Behaviour Scholar. What stands between us and more effective leadership development? From the research-practice gap to emerging challenges like climate change and leader burnout, traditional approaches to leadership development
Challenges & Opportunities in Developing Leadership Read More »
The Civic Health of Australia: A National Portrait in 30 Charts, published by the Australian Leadership Index and OurVoice, and powered by the Menzies Foundation, highlights the global retreat of democracy and the challenges facing political systems worldwide. In recent years, research from the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance has shown a troubling
Global Decline in Democracy: Australia’s Struggle with Polarisation and Trust Read More »
Natasha is driven by a profound passion for both creativity and analytics, a synergy that fosters authentic storytelling in the digital realm with both innovation and integrity.
Throughout her career, she has consistently integrated the overarching marketing and communications narrative with the emotional connections of audiences. She is currently pursuing a Certificate in Society and the Individual from Flinders University, furthering her exploration of human behaviour and the critical importance of connectedness between organisations, individuals, and communities.
Sarah has more than 18 years’ experience in communications and marketing leadership across a range of sectors.
Communications strategy and organisational growth is a continuing theme in Sarah’s career. Most recently, she leads the development of a Leadership Movement, evaluated by Menzies Viral Co-efficient Model; a contribution to the NFP.
Sarah’s early career centred around best practice in marketing and communications which later culminated into the establishment of her very own agency. This work extensively spanned across PR, traditional media, event management, strategy, digital marketing, graphic design and business development consultancy.
In 2019, Sarah joined the lean and robust team at the Menzies Foundation. She has since crafted the Foundation’s narrative and communication strategy. The development of this strategic communications platform is essential for ‘movement building’ and requires a strong strategic, management and communication skills set. Sarah has brought so much to this important work, which sits at the forefront of communication practice.
Sarah continues to contribute to the NFP sector through her commitment to Purpose; as she reflects on her own leadership, builds her own leadership capability and contributes to the greater good.
LinkedIn | sarah.jenkins@menziesfoundation.org.au | 0401 880 071
Rohan has 15 years’ experience in facilitating cross-sector collaborations to address complex social and health challenges. He has worked with the World Economic Forum in Australia, led an international conflict resolution field team in Nepal, and directed a 10-year £40m initiative to reduce health inequity in London.
Most recently, Rohan was Major Grants Development Manager at the Ian Potter Foundation. He refined the foundation’s major grants strategy, and co-developed a series of large scale initiatives, including joint philanthropic-government funding for a new national organization to support place-based approaches across Australia.
Rohan has held several non-executive roles, including with an international NGO and with London Funders, the peak body of independent foundations in London. He holds several qualifications including a graduate degree in innovation and strategy from the Judge Business School, University of Cambridge.
When Rohan isn’t exploring Melbourne’s creeks with his partner and 6yo daughter, he’s working on his currently weak Australian accent (after 15 years in the UK).
LinkedIn | rohan.martyres@menziesfoundation.org.au | 0404 505 954
A marketing and communications specialist with over 20 years experience in government, corporate and consumer marketing, Trudy brings her adaptive and organisational project management skills to the Menzies Foundation team.
With a BA degree in Public Relations, Trudy began her career with the City of Melbourne and in magazine publishing, before moving into marketing communications consulting. She has worked in strategic marketing leadership roles with retail brands and enjoys juggling many projects and tasks simultaneously. Her skills were further enhanced when managing her own communications business representing industries across private education, financial services, aviation, government and the health industry.
Trudy is passionate about leadership and all people being encouraged to reach their full potential through research and educational initiatives and opportunities throughout Australia. A skilled and accomplished writer and editor Trudy is enthusiastic about bringing her variety of skills to the Menzies Foundation team.
LinkedIn | trudy.morrison@menziesfoundation.org.au | 0402 361 878
Liz Gillies has had over 25 years experience in a range of fields focused on initiatives for social impact. She has held roles in multiple sectors and academia.
In 2018, Liz was appointed CEO of the Menzies Foundation which aspires to build a leadership movement that supports Australians to pivot to purpose, build their leadership capability and contribute to the ‘greater good’.
Liz joined the Melbourne Business School in 2009 and was instrumental in establishing the Asia Pacific Social Impact Centre (APSIC) and The Centre for Ethical Leadership. In November 2011 she was appointed as research fellow to lead a partnership focused on strategic philanthropy which culminated in the release of the reports: Philanthropy: Towards a Better Practice Model (2018) and the Philanthropy: The Continued Journey to Real Impact and better Practice (2021).
Liz has extensive governance experience, having served on the Board of the Publish Galleries Association of Victoria, Social Firms Australia, Uniting Care Community Options, United Way Australia and the Development Committee of the Towards a Just Society Foundation. She is currently on the Philanthropy Reference Group of Barmal Bijiril and a Director of Philanthropy Australia.
LinkedIn | liz.gillies@menziesfoundation.org.au | 0416 112 703
Natasha is driven by a profound passion for both creativity and analytics, a synergy that fosters authentic storytelling in the digital realm with both innovation and integrity.
Throughout her career, she has consistently integrated the overarching marketing and communications narrative with the emotional connections of audiences. She is currently pursuing a Certificate in Society and the Individual from Flinders University, furthering her exploration of human behaviour and the critical importance of connectedness between organisations, individuals, and communities.
