By Dr. Aiden M.A. Thornton This quote conveys a sentiment that echoes across boardrooms, communities, and political spaces alike. It’s not just disillusionment—it’s exhaustion. Perhaps it’s an admission that some systems we’ve relied on, and some leaders who steward them, may no longer be up to the task. And yet, this experience of complexity, while […]
When Leadership Fails; Restoring Trust in Uncertain Times Read More »
Jordyn Gray is not just an advocate for survivors—she is a trailblazing leader driving policy reform to ensure institutional accountability and meaningful change. With expertise in governance, policy implementation, and survivor-centred advocacy, the 2025 Global Voices Menzies Fellow is reshaping military and veteran support systems to prioritise survivor well-being at their core. As the Founder
The Menzies Leadership Foundation, in partnership with Global Voices, is delighted to announce Jordyn Gray and Adjoa Assan as the 2025 Global Voices Menzies Fellows. These exceptional young leaders will represent Australia on the world stage, attending two influential international forums: the 69th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in New York
School leaders today face a tough challenge: balancing the everyday demands of the education system while navigating an increasingly complex landscape. From shifting student needs to changing expectations, the role of school leadership has never been more important—or more demanding. Since 2019, the Menzies School Leadership Incubator has been working alongside educators to explore new
From Insight to Impact: How the Menzies Incubator is Redefining School Leadership Read More »
A new report by Tasmanian Leaders highlights the increasingly complex role of leaders across all industries. Leading in Complexity: An Initial Enquiry in Tasmania by complexity leadership expert Dr. Aiden M. A. Thornton delves into the distinctive challenges and opportunities for developing leadership within the Tasmanian context. Through an in-person workshop and survey, the report draws on the
Leading in Complexity 2024: An Initial Enquiry in Tasmania Read More »
We are thrilled to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Dr. Greg Stewart, MedTech Actuator Menzies Fellowship alumnus, as he takes a bold step in revolutionising mental health treatments. As Chief Scientific Officer of Phrenix Therapeutics, Greg and his team have successfully secured major seed investment from leading biotech venture capital firms Curie.Bio (US) and Brandon
From Fellowship to Breakthrough: Dr. Greg Stewart’s Impact in Mental Health Innovation 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. The Talking Leadership Development webinar series has been an exciting journey addressing key questions such as What is Leadership?, Leadership Development for What?, and Challenges & Opportunities
The Answers to Your Leadership Development Questions Read More »
Trust in leadership is in crisis. Across government, business, and non-profit sectors, people are increasingly sceptical of those in power. The 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer found that a growing number of individuals believe leaders are “purposely trying to mislead” the public through misinformation or exaggeration. Institutional trust has hit historic lows, driven by political polarisation,
Trust in Leadership; Global Failures and a Path Forward Read More »
The future demands bold leadership. New Challenges, New Leaders: Collaborative and Human-Centric Leadership for Better Outcomes How can leaders navigate complexity and build a more resilient future? In an era of rapid technological advancements, geopolitical uncertainty, and climate crises, leadership must evolve to meet these challenges. Powered by the Menzies Leadership Foundation, this report from
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
Reflection on the Civic Context in Australia 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.
