By Dr. Aiden M.A. Thornton “System complexity is an ever-increasing challenge for leaders… I feel like the level of overwhelm being experienced by leaders is increasing.” This powerful quote from Leading in Complexity: An Initial Enquiry in Tasmania expresses something many leaders are feeling but perhaps struggling to articulate: the creeping weight of complexity, and […]
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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
In a world where cultural change is too often attempted through metrics, off-the-shelf tools, and superficial symbols, Dr. Josie McLean offers a refreshing and deeply human counterpoint. As the author of Purposeful Cultures and Big Little Shifts: A Practitioner’s Guide to Complexity for Organisational Change and Adaptation, Dr. McLean brings over two decades of hands-on
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 »
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.
