

Social Purpose Leadership
For many of us, the work we do and the leadership roles we play, are more than just a job. We want to be the best organisational leaders we can be, but we are committed, more broadly, to using our professional competencies to help make the world better in some way. We are living through a period when the institutions that have supported a healthy economy and society, and the thinking that formed them, appear to be unravelling around us. What does this ask of us as leaders? Our organisations are not operating in a vacuum, but in complex and unpredictable contexts. Do we continue doing what we've always done, or do these times ask us to lead differently? I believe the answer is 'yes', we need to lead differently.
This Program brings together two dimensions of effective leadership in these times. The first is good leadership within our organisations. The second is about understanding the leadership implications of the rapidly evolving social and economic environment within which we are working and living. Together, these dimensions help us understand the conditions that ensure organisational health and success, and inspire confidence in ourselves and our leadership.
Alongside content that supports our technical development as leaders so we can more effectively achieve our organisational goals, we spend time exploring a deeper question, "Who do we choose to be?" Vocate programs invite participants to bring their whole selves to the table, an invitation that facilitates authentic connection with other participants and potentially with their true selves.
"As a relatively new executive, I found the timing of this course perfect. The intimate size meant there was no hiding behind theoretical concepts of leadership, but rather an opportunity to be vulnerable with other leaders to help me develop a stronger sense of my personal leadership style and be challenged on what I can do differently (or not!). Col was an amazing facilitator and the format of the course was fantastic - from the 3 night retreat to the communication I had with Col and other participants. I’m walking away from the course with a stronger sense of self, a stronger sense of my leadership style, a renewed optimism for the social purpose sector and a lifelong expansion of my professional and personal networks. Highly recommended!"
2025 participant Zach Iaali, CFO Australian Volunteers International
Program details
-
Group size of 8
-
Books: Patrick Lencioni's The Advantage, and Margaret Wheatley's Restoring Sanity
-
Dates listed are for two programs which will run in parallel in 2027.
All sessions will be hosted at The Pines (Barwon Heads)
-
Cost: $7000 (ex GST) all inclusive (sessions, catering, accommodation, books and materials).
-
$1000 deposit to secure your spot
-
Balance due 1st Feb 2027
-
A subsidised spot is available in each Program for leaders who don't have an organisation to support their participation. If you are interested, please reach out.
-

Title | Content | Program 1 dates | Program 2 dates |
|---|---|---|---|
Session 1 | Intros and story telling | Tues 16th Feb, 3pm - 7pm | Wed 17th Feb, 3pm - 7pm |
Retreat |
| Mon 1st Mar 5pm - Thurs 4th Mar 10am | Mon 15th Mar 5pm - Thurs 18th Mar 10am |
Session 2 | Case Clinic 1 | Tues 4th May, 3pm - 7pm | Wed 5th May, 3pm - 7pm |
Session 3 | Case Clinic 2 | Tues 1st June, 3pm - 7pm | Wed 2nd June, 3pm - 7pm |
Session 4 | Case Clinic 3 | Tues 6th July, 3pm - 7pm | Wed 7th July, 3pm - 7pm |
Session 5 | Case Clinic 4 | Tues 3rd Aug, 3pm - 7pm | Wed 4th Aug, 3pm - 7pm |
Session 6 | Review and next steps | Tues 7th Sept, 3pm - 7pm | Wed 8th Sept, 3pm - 7pm |
Expression of interest
If you are interested to find out more or register, send me an email.