From Theory to Transformation: New Complexity Leadership Lab to Shape Leadership for the 21st Century

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The Menzies Leadership Foundation, in partnership with ANU School of Cybernetics has taken a bold step forward in shaping the future of leadership with the establishment of the ANU Complexity Leadership Lab. As we navigate an era that is characterised by rapid technological change, global challenges, and interconnected systems, the Lab represents a significant investment in building leadership capacity for an increasingly complex world.

The Lab builds on momentum generated by the recent Complexity Leadership Symposium, where thought leaders, researchers, practitioners, and ‘pracademics’ explored the complex challenges that leaders currently face. Whereas the Symposium provided a platform for connection and inspiration, the focus now shifts to the transformative work the Lab strives to deliver in the months and years to come.

The ANU Complexity Leadership Lab: A Vision for the Future

At its core, the ANU Complexity Leadership Lab is intended to advance the field of complexity leadership.  It’s acknowledged that there are many ways of thinking about complexity, leadership, and complexity leadership.  The Menzies Foundation tends to think of complexity leadership as the particular types of leaders that enable the emergence of leadership that may contribute to navigate the complexities of the 21st century.  This way of thinking of complexity leadership, acknowledges that leadership is not a solo pursuit of individual leaders; rather, it emerges when teams, organisations, and communities align their strengths, work collaboratively, and embrace the intricacies of a highly interconnected world.

The Lab’s mission is to move beyond traditional leadership paradigms to cultivate leadership that can:

  • Adapt to Uncertainty: Develop strategies for decision-making in environments of ambiguity and flux.
  • Foster Collaboration: Build networks and relationships that enable collective problem-solving.
  • Lead Ethically: Embed a commitment to purpose, transparency, and the greater good in leadership practices.

Notwithstanding the importance of this mission, Dr Aiden M. A. Thornton who is one of the founders and co-leaders of the ANU Complexity Leadership Lab, suggests that complexity leadership is relatively nascent as a field of enquiry.  He indicates that there are many complexity leadership theories, yet relatively few of them have been applied to research and practice; there are relatively few ways of measuring complexity in the social sciences which perhaps results in an over-reliance on stages of adult development; research tends to be confined to case studies and qualitative approaches rather than quantitative empirical studies; there is an increasing interest in post-graduate programs that draw on the principles of complexity leadership; there has been a surge of interest in the practice of complexity leadership, but it is unclear whether many of those practices are based on theory, informed by well-validated measurement instruments, or there is a sufficient body of evidence to show that these practices actually lead to development. 

Above: The Leadership: Navigating Complexity podcast series, powered by the Menzies Leadership Foundation and hosted by  Dr. Aiden M. A. Thornton, serves as a critical resource for for those seeking to comprehend the multifaceted and complex dynamics of effective leadership. 

What the Lab Will Deliver

The ANU Complexity Leadership Lab is poised to become a hub to promote the advancement of complexity leadership, offering resources and initiatives that bridge theory, measurement, research, education, practice, and the need for convening critical conversations about leadership and complexity. Key initiatives may include:

  1. Research and Development
    • Producing cutting-edge research to deepen our enquiry into complexity leadership, including peer review studies and actionable insights for leader across sectors.
  2. Global Partnerships
    • Collaborating with universities, think tanks, and industry leaders to share knowledge and scale impactful solutions.  For example, Dr Thornton is already in the process of engaging cutting-edge institutes around the world that focus on complexity, psychometrics, and leadership, etc.
  3. Innovation and Incubation
    • Establishing pilot programs to test and refine leadership approaches in real-world contexts.
    • Creating platforms for cross-sector experimentation to address complex societal challenges

A Leadership Movement for the Greater Good

The Lab is more than a think tank—it’s a catalyst for a global leadership movement, it embodies the Menzies Foundation’s vision to build a world where leadership is grounded in purpose, collective responsibility, and a commitment to fostering systems that allow individuals and communities to flourish.

This establishment marks the beginning of a broader mission to redefine leadership for the challenges of the 21st century,  through integrating innovative approaches to theory, measurement, research, education, practice, and convening conversations, the Lab will deliver tangible solutions and inspire a new generation of leaders capable of navigating the most pressing challenges of our time.

We invite you to join us on this transformative journey. Together, we can unlock leadership potential and create a future where collaboration, complexity, and ethical leadership pave the way for a better, more sustainable world.

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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