How do we know when leadership development actually makes a difference? Leadership development is often promoted as the answer to major social, organisational, and global challenges. But how can we tell if it is truly effective? This episode explores how researchers, practitioners, and communities define “evidence,” from measuring individual growth to evaluating broader systems change. Listeners will hear what it takes to design, deliver, and assess programs that not only build capability but also deliver tangible outcomes for society. Key Themes & Talking Points: The diversity of leadership programs and the problems they aim to address. What counts as “evidence” of leadership development. Balancing research perspectives with practitioner experiences. Measuring transformation: from personal leadership growth to systemic change. With Toby P. Newstead from University of Tasmania Professor Nathan Eva from Monash Business School; Benny Callaghan from Systems Collaboration Partners

How do we build the courage to challenge tradition and embrace new ways of thinking? This episode explores why traditional 20th-century models of leadership are no longer fit for today’s realities. By examining the rise of adaptive, collaborative, and ethical approaches, we’ll consider how leadership development must evolve to serve a complex, interconnected world. Listeners will gain insight into what “leadership for the greater good” means in practice—and the risks, resistance, and rewards of reshaping leadership development for a future defined by change. Key Themes & Talking Points: Why outdated “hero leadership” models no longer serve today’s challenges. The rise of adaptive, ethical, and collective leadership approaches. The influence of global trends on how we develop leaders. Guardrails to ensure leadership development creates positive, future-focused impact. With Toby P. Newstead from University of Tasmania Professor Ron Riggio from Claremont McKenna College + Dr Polly McGee from DisCo | Disruptive Consulting

As this eight-part series concludes, we reflect on the leadership Australia needs to meet this moment — bold, purpose-driven and future-focused. In the final episode of A Purposeful Edge: Leading in Uncertainty, Dr Peter Collins is joined by Rob Scott, CEO of Wesfarmers and former Olympian, to explore how courage, purpose and reform can shape Australia’s future. Listeners gain insights on leading through uncertainty and redefining long-term value creation.; challenging leaders to think generationally, act collaboratively, and lead for the greater good. Key Themes & Talking Points: The kind of leadership needed to navigate uncertainty and drive reform. How courage and clarity of purpose build resilient teams and systems. The private sector’s role in creating shared, long-term value. Lessons on discipline, focus, and leadership under pressure. Dr Peter Collins from Peter Collins and Associates: Rob Scott from Wesfarmers

Science is a powerful force for addressing the world’s most pressing challenges — but courageous leadership is needed to drive meaningful change. This episode will explore how leaders in science can play a transformative role in responding to complex global issues such as climate change, pandemics, and social inequality. Listeners will gain insights into the role of purpose in scientific inquiry, how to overcome resistance to innovation, and strategies for mobilising science to influence policy and public trust. Key Themes & Talking Points: The role of scientific research in tackling 'wicked problems' like climate change and public health crises. Why courage is essential in pushing the boundaries of scientific inquiry. Navigating public trust in science during times of polarization. How purpose-driven science can shape a more sustainable and equitable world. Dr Peter Collins from Peter Collins and Associates: Dr. Megan Clark AC

Business leaders are navigating an increasingly volatile world where financial instability, social unrest, and environmental concerns are reshaping corporate responsibility. This episode will explore how courageous leaders in the private sector are redefining success by blending commercial imperatives with social impact. Highlighting the importance of embedding purpose and adaptability into corporate strategies, plus its role in building resilience and supporting employee well-being - driving sustainable outcomes during challenging times. Key Themes & Talking Points: How business leaders can manage economic uncertainty while maintaining social responsibility. Strategies for balancing financial performance with values-driven leadership. The importance of adaptability in fostering innovation and resilience. How corporate leaders can engage employees and customers in purpose-driven strategies. Dr Peter Collins from Peter Collins and Associates: Linda Mellors from Regis Aged Care 

Social divisions are widening across the globe, placing increasing pressure on leaders to foster inclusion and strengthen community ties. This episode will explore how courageous leadership can address social fragmentation, counter misinformation, and foster empathy. Examining the complexities of navigating migration, asylum, and social cohesion in turbulent times — listeners will hear insights on practical strategies for building trust, promoting intercultural understanding, and creating inclusive environments where communities can thrive. Key Themes & Talking Points: How leaders can navigate tensions surrounding migration, asylum, and cultural divides. Practical strategies for building trust and strengthening social cohesion. Countering misinformation to create inclusive and informed communities. Supporting displaced and marginalized communities through purposeful leadership. Dr Peter Collins from Peter Collins and Associates: Paris Aristotle AO from Foundation House Victoria 

Meaningful change in mental health requires courageous leadership that embraces both resilience and compassion. This episode will explore the complexities of mental health reform, with a focus on the long-term commitment required to shift systems, reduce stigma, and improve access to care. Listeners will hear how purpose-driven leadership can inspire sustained change, promote community resilience, and address the increasing mental health challenges facing individuals and families. Key Themes & Talking Points: Why mental health reform requires long-term resilience and courageous leadership. The growing mental health crisis and its impact on individuals, families, and communities. How leaders can champion mental health reform in workplaces and public policy. Personal reflections on leadership through adversity and systemic inertia. Dr Peter Collins from Peter Collins and Associates: Rachel Green from SANE Australia 

As the legal sector rapidly evolves, leaders are faced with difficult decisions about ethics, technology, and tradition. Episode three will explore how courageous leadership can help reshape legal frameworks to keep pace with social and technological advancements. From the implications of artificial intelligence to innovations that improve access to justice, this episode will explore how purpose-driven leadership can balance digital transformation with social responsibility. Key Themes & Talking Points: How technology is reshaping the legal landscape — and what this means for leadership. The courage required to challenge traditional legal frameworks and embrace innovation. Balancing technological advancements with ethical practice and justice. How leaders can embed purpose and trust in digital transformation strategies. Dr Peter Collins from Peter Collins and Associates: Terri Mottershead from Mottershead International Pty Ltd 

Reconciliation requires leadership that is bold, thoughtful, and committed to creating meaningful change. Episode two will explore how courageous leadership can foster new approaches to Indigenous engagement, including strengthening partnerships between public, private, and community sectors. Reflecting on the importance of building trust, this exploration will promote cultural understanding, and amplify Indigenous voices to create positive social impact. Key Themes & Talking Points: How public and private sectors can collaborate to advance Indigenous reconciliation. The courage required to challenge stereotypes and build inclusive frameworks. The power of Indigenous knowledge in addressing contemporary societal issues. Strategies for embedding Indigenous voices in leadership and decision-making. Dr Peter Collins from Peter Collins and Associates: Dr Terri Janke from Terri Janke and Company 

How do we build the courage to challenge tradition and embrace new ways of thinking? Episode one will explore how leaders can step away from established norms to create more adaptable, purpose-driven institutions. Reflecting on how higher education, governance, and leadership frameworks are evolving, this episode will examine how leaders can embrace disruption while maintaining a clear sense of purpose. Expect insights on the risks, resistance, and rewards that come with leading differently in a complex world. Key Themes & Talking Points: How global shifts are impacting educational institutions and leadership in academia. The role of universities in fostering civic engagement and social impact. Courageous decision-making in navigating the tension between tradition and innovation. Insights into how education leaders can prepare students for complexity and uncertainty. Dr Peter Collins from Peter Collins and Associates: Dr Rufus Black, University of Tasmania 

In this episode of Cultivating Cultures for the Greater Good, host Michelle Bloom speaks with Jennifer Robertson about the board's role in sustaining cultural and ethical integrity, beyond compliance. Jennifer discusses the importance of boards aligning culture with corporate purpose and values, shifting from “can we” to “should we” in contemporary governance. She shares insights on how boards can influence organisational culture, including examples from the recent Qantas culture report, and the role of leadership in driving cultural change. Michelle Bloom from ANSTO; Jennifer Robertson from Board Matters

In this episode of Cultivating Cultures for the Greater Good, host Michelle Bloom speaks with Quentin Jones from Culture Capital about addressing and transforming toxic cultures. Quentin explores the role of ethical leadership, transparency, and accountability in turning around toxic environments. He discusses why focusing only on “bad apples” doesn’t solve the issue and how leaders can create sustainable change by addressing the wider organisational culture and relational dynamics. Michelle Bloom from ANSTO; Quentin Jones from Culture Capital 

In this episode of Cultivating Cultures for the Greater Good podcast, host Michelle Bloom speaks to Matt Howell, the former Chief Executive Officer of Tomago Aluminium. Matt shares the incredible turnaround story of Tomago, an aluminium smelter in the Hunter Valley, NSW, where he served as CEO for nine years. He discusses the cultural change journey that not only resulted in significant financial returns but also improved safety standards to world-class levels, increased efficiency, and enhanced working conditions for employees. This transformation created the largest and most efficient aluminium smelter in Australasia, all underpinned by the value of care. Matt shares how he and the executive team led both the culture and business turnaround, the lessons learned, and key insights on how to architect and cultivate a culture for the greater good. Michelle Bloom from ANSTO; Matt Howell from Nystar

In this episode of Cultivating Cultures for the Greater Good, host Michelle Bloom speaks with Siobhan Toohill, a corporate sustainability expert, about strategies that benefit shareholders, customers, and society. Siobhan explores the alignment of ethical business practices and profitability, the rise of ESG factors in investment decisions, and how sustainability influences organisational culture. She also discusses the moral obligation of businesses to address social justice issues and the impact on corporate culture. Michelle Bloom from ANSTO; Siobhan Toohill a corporate sustainability specialist 

In this episode of Cultivating Cultures for the Greater Good, host Michelle Bloom speaks with Amie Wallis, Chief of People and Culture at the Australian Olympic Committee, about their cultural transformation journey over the past 8 years. Facing significant challenges, the AOC conducted a comprehensive review leading to reforms in governance, people development, transparency, and accountability. The result? A cultural shift that has positively impacted both the organisation and the broader Olympic community. Michelle Bloom from ANSTO; Amie Wallis from the Australian Olympics Committee

In this episode of Cultivating Cultures for the Greater Good podcast, host Michelle Bloom speaks to Professor Kristy Muir is the CEO of the Paul Ramsay Foundation and a Professor of Social Policy at UNSW Sydney Business School on how leaders can cultivate and embed social value into their organisational cultures.   There’s a growing societal expectation that organisations – and organisational leaders – should take a more active role in creating social value, not just for shareholders or customers, but for everyone, particularly those most marginalised.   Given trust is at the core of social license to operate and building social value, we will explore the erosion of trust by many Australian organisations and what leaders can do to increase the trust, confidence and the social value of their organisations.   Kristy shares her insights on how senior leaders need to balance their fiduciary responsibility, keeping the organisational purpose at the core, the role of values and how to balance social responsibility in economically difficult times.   Michelle Bloom from ANSTO; Kristy Muir from Paul Ramsay Foundation

In this episode of Cultivating Cultures for the Greater Good podcast, host Michelle Bloom speaks to Somali Cerise on the art and science of measuring culture. We explore the tools and metrics available to measure culture, off the shelf options, versus a research approach and if it is indeed possible to measure organisational culture at all. We discuss if we are all on the same page in what we mean by culture, what is being measured and the purpose and value of measurement.   Shareholders, investors, regulators are all interested in understanding the culture of an organisation, as poor culture very often leads to poor outcomes for investors and consumers, it impacts on the integrity of the Australian financial markets, and erodes investor, consumer trust and confidence, impacting the wider eco system in which it operates.   Somali shares her practical experience in how to measure and understand this mercurial concept of culture.  Michelle Bloom from ANSTO; Somali Cerise from Elizabeth Broderick & Co

In this episode of Cultivating Cultures for the Greater Good podcast, host Michelle Bloom speaks to Yolanda Saiz, CEO of St Vinnies, NSW about the foundational role that leadership plays in defining organisational culture. Culture is most typically defined as “the way we do things around here”. It is communicated in several ways through symbols and language such how people dress and talk to each other. It is also communicated through the organisational values that are deemed good and inform how people behave and make decisions. But culture is also shaped by the unspoken agreements, the shadow values within the organisation that drive unintended behaviours and consequences and really determine “the way things get done around here.   Yolanda shares some examples of how she and the leadership team at St Vinnies have cultivated a culture for the greater good. She also shares the transformational journey of the “Vinnie’s stores”, underpinned by the “no mission without margin” mantra.   Michelle Bloom from ANSTO; Yolanda Saiz from St Vinnies

Episode eight: In this episode of Leadership: Navigating Complexity, host Dr. Aiden M.A. Thornton is joined by a distinguished panel of leadership scholars and practitioners to explore the evolving challenges of leadership in an era of rapid change. Featuring Professor David V. Day, Professor Samuel Wilson, Dr. Kerry Elliott, and strategist Scott Ko, the discussion delves into key issues such as social divisiveness, polarized thinking, epistemic complexity, and burnout in a world of constant disruption. The conversation examines the struggle to align diverse worldviews, the limitations of binary thinking and quick fixes, and the role of connection and shared meaning in fostering progress. With insights into the transformative impact of AI on leadership, this episode offers thought-provoking perspectives for leaders, strategists, and anyone navigating complexity in an ever-changing world. Dr Aiden M. A. Thornton from The Australian National University (ANU); Professor David V. Day from Kravis Leadership Institute at Claremont McKenna College; Professor Samuel Wilson  from Swinburne University of Technology; Dr. Kerry Elliott from ACER; Scott Ko from ColourSpace Gallery  Resources:  Professor Day’s article on systems-based approach to development: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-328X/14/7/548 ANU School of Cybernetics white paper on Cybernetic Leadership: https://cybernetics.anu.edu.au/projects/cybernetics-leadership/  

The Answers to Your Leadership Development Questions: What constitutes truly effective leadership development? With an abundance of theories, frameworks, and methodologies available, how can we discern which approaches are most effective—and in what contexts? More critically, how do we measure genuine developmental progress in leaders? In this episode of Talking Leadership Development, we present key insights from the February 21st webinar. Hosted by Toby Newstead, PhD, the conversation involved leading scholars and experienced practitioners who engaged in a rigorous discussion on these pressing questions. Whether you are responsible for designing leadership programs, teaching leadership, developing others, or enhancing your own capabilities, this conversation offers research-driven perspectives and practical strategies to elevate leadership development in complex and evolving environments. Hosted by Dr Toby Newstead from the University of Tasmania, the panel included Dr. Ruchi Sinha from Nanyang Technological University Singapore; Dr. Scott Allen from Cox School of Business Executive Education, Southern Methodist University; Prof. Ronald Riggio from Kravis Leadership Institute - Claremont McKenna College