“However generous the donors or hardworking the non-profits, there is no assurance – nor even any likelihood – that supporting under funded, non-collaborative and unaccountable approaches of the countless small non-profits struggling to tackle an issue will actually lead to workable solutions for large scale problems.” – Gates Foundation.
At the recent Philanthropy Australia Conference, the Menzies Foundation hosted a compelling Masterclass focused on Systems Change, Challenge-Led Innovation, and Systems Entrepreneurship, bringing together global experts to explore bold approaches to tackling some of the most pressing challenges of our time. At a capacity filled room, this event, now available for viewing, offered delegates an opportunity to delve into the complexities of systemic issues and learn from real-world case studies and expert insights.
The session began with Liz Gillies, CEO of the Menzies Foundation, who underscored the critical need for systemic approaches to address large-scale challenges. Gillies emphasised the importance of cross-sector collaboration and adaptive leadership in driving equitable outcomes and accelerating innovation.
Gillies also explored the Menzies Foundation’s role as a System Entrepreneur, actively engaging in creating and sustaining systemic change. She described how the Foundation operates beyond traditional funding roles, acting as a catalyst and connector to build networks, leverage resources, and foster deep collaboration across sectors. This approach amplifies the impact of their initiatives, ensuring each effort contributes to broader, sustainable, and equitable systemic shifts. Her insights highlighted how the Foundation not only drives individual projects but also strengthens the overall ecosystem, enabling long-term, transformative change.
In a standout session on Challenge Led Innovation, Professor Ingrid Burkett, a leading authority in social innovation, shared examples from her extensive work. Burkett emphasised prioritising ‘better’ over ‘new’ innovations, urging participants to focus on improvements that genuinely meet the needs of those affected rather than pursuing novelty for its own sake. She also stressed the critical role of context in driving meaningful and sustainable change, illustrating how well-coordinated, collaborative efforts can tackle even the most entrenched social issues. Her session called on leaders to embrace this approach to achieve more impactful and lasting results.
The Masterclass also featured Lija Farnham from the Bridgespan Group, who provided a comprehensive analysis of Field Building for Equitable Systems Change. Farnham traced the evolution of social change fields from fragmented efforts to achieving sustained systemic impact. She highlighted the role of ‘field catalysts’—entities that drive progress by coordinating efforts and bridging gaps across various actors within a system. By uniting these elements, Farnham illustrated how field catalysts transform isolated initiatives into powerful movements capable of addressing complex challenges at scale.
Mark Cabaj, in his session on Understanding and Evaluating Results of Systems Change, offered a thought-provoking critique of traditional evaluation methods, which often fall short in capturing the complex and dynamic nature of systems change. Cabaj introduced innovative approaches, such as contribution analysis and outcome harvesting, that better reflect the reality of systemic interventions. His session provided participants with practical tools to measure and understand the true impact of their work, challenging them to rethink how they assess success in driving systemic change.
The event concluded with a dynamic panel discussion moderated by Liz Gillies. The panel featured Belinda Morrissey, CEO of the English Family Foundation, who discussed the role of philanthropy in systems change through Social Enterprise Australia; Chris Vanstone, Chief Innovation Officer at TACSI, who shared insights from the National Futures Program; and Kaj Lofgren, CEO of Regen Melbourne, who discussed fostering collaboration and building regenerative systems.
Throughout the discussion, panellists explored the challenges and opportunities inherent in driving systemic change, emphasising the importance of adaptive leadership, collaboration, and a deep understanding of context. They shared practical insights and lessons learned from their work, offering the audience valuable guidance on how to effectively navigate and contribute to systems change initiatives.
The Masterclass provided a unique platform for learning and discussion, offering delegates practical tools and strategies to address complex challenges at scale. The recorded sessions are now available for viewing, along with detailed resources and content to support further exploration of the topics covered.
This series represents a significant step forward in the global conversation on systems change, innovation, and entrepreneurship, equipping leaders with the insights they need to make a lasting impact.
Explore the full Masterclass series and join the conversation on systemic change.
