Executive Fellows Program

Led by a world-class faculty and offering direct engagement with some of the most senior and experienced public sector leaders from across Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand and the broader region, the Executive Fellows Program (EFP) is a transformational experience designed for those ready to lead systemic change and create lasting impact.  

The EFP goes beyond theory. It’s a deeply immersive journey that translates cutting-edge research and experience from the frontline into practical leadership strategies, empowering you to refine your strategic judgement and lead with resilience. You’ll join a curated cohort of senior executives, gaining unparalleled access to a powerful network and cross-jurisdictional dialogue that will challenge your assumptions, shift your thinking and elevate your effectiveness.  

Delivered through an intensive five-day residential workshop and supported by premium online learning, the program will immerse you in the most critical challenges facing contemporary public sector leadership, including how to lead in the grey zone – where complexity, ambiguity, and rapid change are the norm, not the exception.  

While the EFP draws on global expertise, it’s specifically contextualised to the unique challenges and opportunities of Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, ensuring relevance and impact for leaders operating across local jurisdictions. 

The EFP is specifically designed for public servants at a senior executive level (SES 1-3 or equivalent). 

The EFPs learning experience is defined by a curated cohort model, fostering high-trust dialogue and cross-jurisdictional connection to enable deep strategic enquiry and peer learning under Chatham House rules. It is designed to equip senior public sector executives with the confidence and capabilities for driving systemic change to create positive impact. 

Delivered in a blended format, it combines an intensive five-day residential workshop with two premium online synchronous sessions. 

Throughout the program you’ll be personally supported by ANZSOG’s Program Experience team, and gain access to exclusive and ongoing networking opportunities beyond the program. 

Program schedule 

• Orientation: 14 September 2026 
• Residential workshop: 19-23 October 2026 
• Online synchronous sessions: 12 and 13 November 2026 

Collective leadership 

Shifting from individual leadership to hosting networks and stakeholder relationships: 

• Embracing leadership as a dynamic process that extends beyond the individual leader. 
• Cultivating dense networks and collaborative ecosystems. 
• Leveraging stakeholder relationships for shared outcomes that benefit people and place. 

Shaping the conversation 

Influencing positive change at organisational and team levels: 

• Leading with impact during periods of change and crises. 
• Motivating and engaging a diverse and multi-generational workforce.
• Navigating and managing difficult conversations effectively. 

Leading complexity 

Navigating competing priorities and cultural perspectives: 

• Understanding tribalism and division through wayfinding practices.
• Working across diverse cultural, political and moral landscapes.
• Exploring the unknown implications and ethical dilemmas of AI technologies. 

Wisdom in practice 

Applying WQ (wisdom quotient) in decision-making: 

• Integrating knowledge, judgment, and ethics. 
• Acting decisively in ambiguous, high-stakes situations without clear legal frameworks or conscious what is right and what is wrong.  
• Building capacity for wise, discerning and grounded leadership. 

Sustaining leadership 

Building resilience for long-term leadership: 

• Fostering healthy leadership habits. 
• Maintaining energy and focus in the grey zone. 
• Supporting personal and team resilience. 

Character, integrity, and dignity in leadership 

Leading from a place of humility: 

• Recognising and managing unconscious bias and blind spots. 
• Practicing ego-management and integrity. 
• Upholding dignity in leadership actions. 

Creative leadership 

Unlocking new possibilities in complex environments: 

• Embracing adaptive challenges in constrained settings. 
• Innovating within political and bureaucratic systems. 
• Fostering an environment for creativity in teams. 

The EFP will provide you with the essential knowledge and skills to lead with greater impact in rapidly changing environments, with specific emphasis on: 

1. Utilising self-awareness tools and techniques to help you grow your personal and professional effectiveness and confidence. 

2. Applying different frameworks to help you embrace uncertainty, complexity, and challenges associated with leading teams and change in the public sector. 

3. Learning from different places, cultures, and disciplines to help you see new possibilities and perspectives to long-standing problems. 

4. Building healthy and resilient habits to help you sustain yourself on the long-term journey. 

5. Sharing leadership stories to inspire and equip you with the wisdom and lived experience of different journeys. 

As a graduate of the EFP you’ll also join ANZSOG’s Alumni network, an influential cohort of more than 4,000 public sector leaders across 40+ countries, providing access to a suite of exclusive benefits designed to support your ongoing professional development and foster meaningful connections – amplifying your impact in the public sector.    

Program director (academic lead)

• Professor Karise Hutchinson: Professor of Leadership at Ulster University and CEO of Illuminaire Leadership Institute, Karisse has spent more than 20 years in academia and brings deep expertise in leadership, strategy, and public value. An award-winning researcher, author, and advisor, Karise’s work spans government, private, and third sectors organisations. She publishes widely, including through Illuminaire Press and her Leadership Letters on Substack, and serves on several international boards and leadership initiatives.

Program directors (practitioner lead)

• Adjunct Professor Jason Ardler: A Yuin man and co-founder of Thirriwirri, a 100% Aboriginal-owned consultancy, Jason formerly led Aboriginal Affairs NSW, driving reforms in economic participation, land rights, and cultural heritage. With senior experience in government and a deep commitment to self-determination, Jason brings a culturally grounded, systems-focused approach to leadership, policy, and community-led change.

To apply, please submit a formal application detailing your leadership experience and your motivation for joining the program. You’ll receive a notification regarding the outcome within two business days of submission.

$29,800 (inc. GST)

Please note:

• Learners are responsible for their own travel, some meals, and accommodation to and from the residential workshop.
• If a learner has been nominated by a sponsoring agency or government, that sponsor may cover the program fee and associated costs.

Book a 1:1 Consultation to speak directly with a member of our team.