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What does it mean to live well in today's complex and changing world? And how are we to lead well, to offer direction and cultivate environments where others can be at their best?

I work behind the scenes to help people, and social change leaders in particular, to feel supported, connected and energised. I do this by hosting and facilitating gatherings that bring people together to learn from each other in environments of trust, to explore responses to the questions above, and inspire each other to live better and to be better leaders.

Alongside my paid work, I host a smorgasbord of community gatherings designed to bring people together to have conversations worth having and to do things that engage us with the rhythms of nature.

Scroll and use the menu for details.

Social Purpose Leadership Program

Instead of answering the question, "What skills do I need to become a better leader?", the Social Purpose Leadership (SPL) Program offers a response to a different question.

Increasingly complex operating environments challenge not only our technical capacities, but our sense of who we are as people, and what we're supposed to be doing in our roles of influence. Are we able to behave in ways that match our aspirations not just for what we want to achieve, but also for who we want to be? The SPL Program not only offers content to support our technical development, but spends time exploring the deeper question, "Who do I choose to be?"

The Program draws on these elements to create a regenerative experience.

Reading, two seminal books; it's a bit like a book club.
Six ½ day group sessions; it's a bit like a work group.
A multi-day (3 night) gathering; it's a bit like a few days away with friends.

If you are an experienced leader who sees your role as a way to make a positive contribution to society, are attracted by an opportunity to slow down and think deeply about your contribution and influence, the Social Purpose Leadership Program is for you. Find out more here.

Mentoring & Coaching

If you are in a leadership role, and are navigating a transition or responding to an opportunity or challenge, then I offer independant coaching support. Typically, this looks like a monthly session (over 3 or 6 months) supplemented by whatever else is needed in your particular situation. More information is available here.

Vocate Community

Alongside hosting the Social Purpose Leadership Program and supporting my coaching clients, I host small group community gatherings. I enjoy conversations worth having, and doing things that plug me into the rhythms of nature.

Vocate Community Gatherings are an invitation to join me.

Find out more about the gatherings and how to participate here.

Next Meetup

Col Duthie

I work to help leaders of social change feel supported, connected and energised. I am a convenor and facilitator. I am interested in patterns and connections.

The roles from within which I have done this are:

As host and facilitator of gatherings of social purpose leaders.
As a coach and mentor to business and civil society leaders.
As a board member and specialist Chair of social purpose organisations.
As a designer and facilitator of programs to create strategic clarity, cultivate leadership cohesion and develop board effectiveness.

I have worked with senior leaders within the Victorian Legal Services Board and Commission, VicWater, World Vision Australia, Victoria Legal Aid, Salvos Stores, The Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission, Baptcare, Social Ventures Australia, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Justice Connect, Ethinvest, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Corporation, Australian Communities Foundation, VicHealth and dozens of other for-purpose organisations. Until recently I have been Executive Chair of Donkey Wheel Ltd and Chair of The Give Where You Live Foundation. I am currently Chair of Neighbourhood Economics.

I have various professional accreditations, am a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Good Design Australia Ambassador. There are testimonials here.

Most, if not all, of our social, economic and environmental woes stem from living as if we are not intrinsically connected to others or our planet. And ... we are busy. Our lives tend towards being full and cluttered. My work is therefore designed to cultivate 'oases of connection'; safe and significant spaces for social purpose leaders to be fully themselves and engage meaningfully with others. We slow down, help each other declutter, and reconnect with what matters most to us. A shared journey that spirals towards radical wholeness and integrity.

If you'd like to explore these ideas more deeply, follow my Substack. If you'd like to subscribe to my mailing list so you get first round invitations to my Community Gatherings, please send me an email.

I also have websites and blogs at colduthie.net (personal), and at colduthie.au (previous professional).

I live and work most of the time on the lands of the Kulin Nation. I pay my respects to their Elders past and present and recognise their ongoing custodianship of country and the associated stories and wisdom.

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