Menzies Leadership Forum

How do ordinary professionals demonstrate extraordinary leadership? Leadership is not confined to titles, positions, or prestige. This episode shines a light on the everyday professionals—teachers, nurses, police, first responders—whose quiet integrity and consistent service have profound impact. It explores how responsibility and trust are exercised daily in workplaces across Australia, and how seemingly ordinary actions carry extraordinary weight in strengthening communities. The conversation underscores that leadership is less about authority and more about the choices people make to do what is right, fair, and needed. Key Themes & Talking Points: Leadership beyond titles and formal roles. Everyday choices that shape leadership impact. Responsibility and trust as foundations of leadership. Why everyday leaders matter in Australia’s future. Cory Tutt OAM, Founder and CEO of DeadlyScience, empowering Indigenous students through STEM education and national outreach. About the series Voices of Leadership, Extraordinary Impact is a collaboration between the Order of Australia Association and Menzies Leadership Foundation, bringing to life the stories and insights of Australians recognised for their contribution and service. Hosted by The Hon Vicki O’Halloran AO CVO FAICD, former President of the Order of Australia Association (2023-2026), the eight-part series explores the lived experiences, values and leadership lessons of Order of Australia recipients and what their stories can teach us about leading in service of others.

What unique strengths do women bring to leadership, and why does it matter? Women have always been at the forefront of social progress, but their contributions are often under-acknowledged. This episode highlights the courage, persistence, and creativity of women leaders across sectors. It explores how women navigate barriers to authority and influence, how they challenge inequities, and the distinctive ways women lead—drawing on empathy, collaboration, and fairness. The discussion emphasises the importance of representation and inclusion, and the ripple effect created when women’s leadership is supported and celebrated. Key Themes & Talking Points: Barriers faced by women in leadership. How women’s leadership styles differ from traditional models. The importance of representation and equity. Advice for the next generation of women leaders. Kathryn House AM, Chair of Impact100 SA and prominent philanthropist dedicated to building kinder, fairer, and more connected communities. About the series Voices of Leadership, Extraordinary Impact is a collaboration between the Order of Australia Association and Menzies Leadership Foundation, bringing to life the stories and insights of Australians recognised for their contribution and service. Hosted by The Hon Vicki O’Halloran AO CVO FAICD, former President of the Order of Australia Association (2023-2026), the eight-part series explores the lived experiences, values and leadership lessons of Order of Australia recipients and what their stories can teach us about leading in service of others.

How are young Australians redefining leadership for a new generation? Young Australians are reshaping what leadership looks like—challenging outdated models, amplifying inclusion, and driving innovative solutions to the issues that matter most to their peers and communities. This episode explores the unique energy, vision, and courage that young leaders bring to the national conversation. It examines the challenges they face in being recognised, the new forms of leadership they are pioneering, and the role intergenerational collaboration plays in ensuring youth voices influence the future. Key Themes & Talking Points: Youth perspectives on leadership and change. Challenges young leaders face in being heard. Innovation and inclusivity as hallmarks of next-gen leadership. Inspiring peers to step into leadership roles. Dr Jo Newton OAM, agricultural scientist and youth advocate recognised nationally for leadership, research excellence, and championing young people in agriculture. About the series Voices of Leadership, Extraordinary Impact is a collaboration between the Order of Australia Association and Menzies Leadership Foundation, bringing to life the stories and insights of Australians recognised for their contribution and service. Hosted by The Hon Vicki O’Halloran AO CVO FAICD, former President of the Order of Australia Association (2023-2026), the eight-part series explores the lived experiences, values and leadership lessons of Order of Australia recipients and what their stories can teach us about leading in service of others.

What happens when communities take the lead in shaping their future? Communities hold extraordinary power when leadership is shared and local voices are amplified. This episode highlights the principles of grassroots leadership—how empathy, listening, and action rooted in community priorities create lasting transformation. It considers the role of trust and collaboration in bringing people together, the pride that grows when communities see themselves reflected in change, and the ripple effects that extend beyond local boundaries. By exploring examples of community-led initiatives, the discussion shows why leadership begins close to home and builds towards collective strength. Key Themes & Talking Points: The role of grassroots leadership in social change. Listening as a powerful leadership practice. Building civic pride and resilience. The ripple effects of community-led action. Cathy Chong AM, President of Chinese Welfare Services SA and long-serving multicultural, healthcare and community advocate. About the series Voices of Leadership, Extraordinary Impact is a collaboration between the Order of Australia Association and Menzies Leadership Foundation, bringing to life the stories and insights of Australians recognised for their contribution and service. Hosted by The Hon Vicki O’Halloran AO CVO FAICD, former President of the Order of Australia Association (2023-2026), the eight-part series explores the lived experiences, values and leadership lessons of Order of Australia recipients and what their stories can teach us about leading in service of others.

How can resilience and courage turn obstacles into leadership opportunities? Barriers—whether systemic, cultural, or personal—can derail leadership or strengthen it. This episode explores how leaders emerge through adversity, reflecting on the determination it takes to persist when doors are closed or opportunities are denied. It examines the inner resources people draw on to persevere, how setbacks become lessons, and why resilience often shapes the most authentic and impactful leaders. By unpacking stories of challenge and perseverance, the discussion reveals how courage in the face of obstacles can inspire others and create lasting change. Key Themes & Talking Points: The barriers faced by leaders from diverse or marginalised backgrounds. How resilience strengthens character and influence. Finding strength in the face of systemic challenges. Lessons for others navigating similar struggles. Annette “Floss” Roberts AM, former Executive Director of Royal Life Saving NT, celebrated for her leadership in drowning prevention and remote community water safety. About the series Voices of Leadership, Extraordinary Impact is a collaboration between the Order of Australia Association and Menzies Leadership Foundation, bringing to life the stories and insights of Australians recognised for their contribution and service. Hosted by The Hon Vicki O’Halloran AO CVO FAICD, former President of the Order of Australia Association (2023-2026), the eight-part series explores the lived experiences, values and leadership lessons of Order of Australia recipients and what their stories can teach us about leading in service of others.

How does serving others define leadership and strengthen communities? Leadership begins with service. This episode explores how acts of service, whether large or small, become the foundation of trust, connection, and resilience in communities. It considers the values that motivate people to dedicate themselves to others, the sacrifices such choices often require, and the transformative impact that flows when leadership is rooted in generosity and responsibility. From volunteering and mentoring to long-term civic contribution, the conversation highlights why service remains at the core of leadership for the greater good. Key Themes & Talking Points: Why leadership rooted in service matters now more than ever. The sacrifices and rewards of dedicating oneself to others. Stories of community transformation through service. How small acts of service create national impact. Dr Peter Rogers AM, Engineer, Educator, and Community leader recognised for advancing women in engineering and contributing to Indigenous and community development.  About the series Voices of Leadership, Extraordinary Impact is a collaboration between the Order of Australia Association and Menzies Leadership Foundation, bringing to life the stories and insights of Australians recognised for their contribution and service. Hosted by The Hon Vicki O’Halloran AO CVO FAICD, former President of the Order of Australia Association (2023-2026), the eight-part series explores the lived experiences, values and leadership lessons of Order of Australia recipients and what their stories can teach us about leading in service of others.

What kind of leadership does the next chapter demand? In environments of heightened scrutiny and institutional fragility, leadership requires moral clarity and disciplined restraint. Through a Defence or national service lens, this episode explores how leaders remain anchored in purpose when obligations are formal, stakes are high and public legitimacy must be protected. The series concludes by examining leadership as guardianship — holding authority on behalf of others and sustaining institutional trust in times of uncertainty. Key Themes: Duty and obligation Ethical reasoning in high-stakes environments Institutional legitimacy under pressure Leadership as guardianship Brigadier John Fenwick (Retd), Adjunct Professor at the University of Canberra in the faculty of Business, Government and Law, and a moderator/facilitator with the Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership  

How do institutions hold purpose across time, not just performance cycles? Some institutions are designed to steward capital, assets or public trust across generations. Their decisions shape not just quarterly performance, but long-term national resilience. This episode examines how leaders balance fiduciary discipline with broader responsibility — particularly when volatility and political pressure compress decision-making timeframes. What does ethical reasoning look like when trade-offs unfold across decades? How do leaders remain anchored in purpose when market cycles and media cycles pull in different directions? Stewardship is reframed not as caution, but as leadership maturity — the discipline to hold long horizons in short-term environments. Key Themes & Talking Points: Intergenerational accountability Governance under volatility Ethical reasoning across time horizons Trust sustained over decades Will Hetherton, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer - Future Fund

How do leaders of global organisations align performance, trust and long-term responsibility? Leadership at scale carries a particular gravity. Decisions made in boardrooms ripple through workforces, communities, capital markets and national systems. The larger the enterprise, the wider the consequence. This episode explores the tension between performance and responsibility in global organisations operating under intense scrutiny. How do leaders sustain commercial discipline while maintaining social licence? How do they navigate transition, geopolitical complexity and stakeholder expectation without eroding institutional trust? Purpose is examined not as a statement of values, but as a stabilising anchor when competing pressures intensify. When every decision carries reputational, economic and societal implications, ethical judgement must operate in real time. The conversation surfaces what leadership capability looks like at scale — and how legitimacy is built, sustained or lost. Key Themes & Talking Points: Social licence and institutional legitimacy Ethical reasoning under competing stakeholder claims Navigating transition in global systems Trust as a leadership outcome Caroline Cox, Chief Legal, Governance and External Affairs Officer - BHP

What kind of leadership does the next chapter demand? In environments of heightened scrutiny and institutional fragility, leadership requires moral clarity and disciplined restraint. Through a Defence or national service lens, this episode explores how leaders remain anchored in purpose when obligations are formal, stakes are high and public legitimacy must be protected. The series concludes by examining leadership as guardianship — holding authority on behalf of others and sustaining institutional trust in times of uncertainty. Key Themes: Duty and obligation Ethical reasoning in high-stakes environments Institutional legitimacy under pressure Leadership as guardianship Jo Tarnawsky, Former Chief of Staff to the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia