“Leadership is standing beside those who are most unseen by the system.” When Kaylee Neil talks about the law, she speaks with the measured clarity of someone who has sat across from it on behalf of others — not in a courtroom, but in the quiet, often overwhelming moments when a woman tries to understand […]
Justice at the Edges: What Leadership Means for Women Escaping Violence Read More »
What does purpose look like for the next generation of leaders? The future of leadership will not be defined by titles, but by the ability to navigate complexity, build collective momentum, and turn purpose into action. In Episode 5 of Purpose in Action: Redefining Leadership for the 21st Century, Thomas Walker — CEO of Think
Individual Intent to Collective Impact Read More »
Purpose isn’t a solo act — how do we co-create meaning and impact together? There is a persistent myth in leadership — that impact is driven by individuals.That change is the result of singular vision, authority, or control. But in complex, high-stakes environments, the opposite is true. Impact is collective.And leadership, at its most effective,
Shared Power, Shared Impact Read More »
“Leadership means knowing your place — and serving it.” When Nicholas Drew talks about leadership, he means it literally. Not leadership as an abstract quality to be cultivated, but leadership as a practice rooted in place — in the specific geography, community and complexity of where you come from and who you are accountable to.
Bridging the Distance: Rural Advocacy and the Future of Regional Leadership Read More »
“We’re not the leaders of tomorrow — we’re leading now.” When Elina Forsyth talks about human rights, she is not speaking in the abstract language of conventions and frameworks. She is speaking about voice — the fundamental right of every person to be heard in the decisions that shape their life, and the persistent reality
The Power of Voice: Why Human Rights Start with Youth in Governance Read More »
“Good data is important — but purpose gives it direction.” When Andreas Zakhari speaks about cities, he does not begin with spreadsheets or economic models. He begins with people — the families navigating broken infrastructure, the communities underserved by planning decisions made far from where they live, and the persistent gap between what data can
Data with Purpose: How Evidence-Informed Policy Can Build Just and Sustainable Cities Read More »
Across Australia, communities are grappling with rising division, eroding trust and a sense that our social fabric is under strain. Yet, again and again, we also see something quieter and more powerful at work: people choosing care, restraint and responsibility toward one another, even in moments of shock, grief and disagreement. This opinion piece, written
The quiet power: how community shows up when life gets heavy Read More »
A powerful new suite of research, released today by the Menzies Leadership Foundation and First Australians Capital, highlights the systemic challenges, and the transformative leadership, of Indigenous women entrepreneurs in the Kimberley. Funded by the Menzies Leadership Foundation and First Australians Capital, the research supports Future Weavers, a movement led by Kimberley Jiyigas founder Natasha
By Dr. Aiden M.A. Thornton “We are a small community. Leading change will typically upset members of your social circle or even family. That makes leadership in Tasmania particularly challenging – but we need it!” This quote reflects a reality that many Tasmanian leaders know all too well: change isn’t just an organisational process, it’s
Leading Change in Close-Knit Communities – The Tasmania Challenge Read More »
The legacy of Sir Ninian Stephen — a jurist, diplomat, and civic leader of the highest calibre — continues to shape the future of Australian legal leadership. His life’s work reminds us that law, at its best, is a force for principled engagement with the world’s greatest challenges. It is in this spirit that the
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.
