Exploring Leadership Development; Menzies Foundation partners with UTAS for dynamic new series

/ News / By

Albert Einstein’s view that “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them” underscores the need for a deeper consideration of the leadership we need for the future. The Menzies Foundation is delighted to announce a new partnership with the University of Tasmania; with “Talking Leadership Development” webinar series, a platform focused on addressing key issues, challenges, and opportunities in leadership development research and practice in Australia and beyond.

“Leadership development is critical to navigating the complexities of our modern world. This collaboration will create a platform for researchers and practitioners to share insights, challenge assumptions, and develop innovative approaches to leadership,” said series host Dr. Toby Newstead of the University of Tasmania.

The “Talking Leadership Development” series will feature 60-minute online panel discussions, each focusing on different aspects of leadership. Internationally respected leadership scholars and practitioners will share their diverse perspectives and experiences, inviting audience participation to facilitate meaningful dialogue among researchers and practitioners.

“This work is a significant step in our efforts to explore and build capability around leadership development. Through combining academic and practical perspectives, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of effective leadership in today’s dynamic world.” said Liz Gillies, CEO of the Menzies Foundation

The series will delve into these key themes

Defining Leadership: Challenging traditional notions and exploring diverse viewpoints on what leadership truly means. Leadership is recognized as a multifaceted phenomenon that varies across cultures, industries, and contexts.

Leadership Development Goals: Examining the aims and objectives driving leadership development initiatives, questioning the true intentions behind these programs, and distinguishing between educating, training, and developing leaders.

Challenges and Opportunities: Addressing the real-world challenges faced by those nurturing future leaders, such as funding issues, lack of robust evidence, and access to research samples. The series will propose innovative solutions and provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of leadership development.

Register now for Episode 1 – What is Leadership?

The series will produce various outputs, including podcast episodes, and written insights, ensuring the knowledge shared are accessible to a broader audience. For more information and to register for the series, please stay connected.

Facebook Twitter Linkedin Instagram

Supporting a Leadership Movement for the Greater Good

*Coming Soon*

‘Leadership for the 21st Century: a series of perspectives’ will explore the various dimensions of leadership from diverse perspectives, reinforcing the Foundation’s commitment to identifying the essential qualities and attributes required for effective leadership in both Australian and global contexts.

‘Talking Leadership Development’ is part of this broader series by the Menzies Foundation, aiming to explore leadership from multiple lenses, including:

  • Leadership: Pivot to Purpose with Peter Collins: Focusing on individual purpose, ethics, and connectedness.

  • Leadership: Navigating Complexity with Aiden Thornton: Focusing on building leadership capability.

  • Talking Leadership Development with the University of Tasmania: Focusing on leadership development.

  • Leadership: Cultivating Organisational Cultures for the Greater Good with Michelle Bloom: Focusing on leadership and culture.

Related Posts

Natasha Eskinja

Digital Communications Coordinator

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.

LinkedIn | natasha.eskinja@menziesfoundation.org.au

Sarah Jenkins

Strategic Communications Manager

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 Martyres

Director, Strategy and Partnerships

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

Trudy Morrison

Operations Manager

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

Chief Executive Officer

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 Eskinja

Digital Communications Coordinator

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.

natasha.eskinja@menziesfoundation.org.au