Leading Innovation in the Public Sector: A Public Leadership Masterclass Series

Read more from Dr Emma Blomkamp – who trains, coaches and mentors people in co-design for public and social innovation with the ‘Four principles for using co-design in the public sector’.

This masterclass series inspires public leaders to explore strategic vision, practical approaches, and innovation mindsets that can transform how they address complex challenges and create lasting impact in service to the public good.

Based on Nesta’s internationally recognised framework for public sector innovation, this series blends innovative theory with practical leadership applications and is designed to spark curiosity, challenge conventional thinking, and inspire you to continue your learning journey.

Join other forward-thinking public sector leaders as we discover how innovative mindsets can refresh and reinvigorate public leadership for the challenges ahead.

Each Public Leadership Masterclass series features thought leaders who bring a unique blend of theory and practical experience. Speakers vary with each iteration and are announced when a new series is scheduled.

This masterclass series will inspire public sector leaders to: 

• Identify initial opportunities to apply innovation concepts within their own leadership context 
• Discover the potential of systems thinking to transform how they approach complex public challenges 
• Recognize the essential ingredients for building teams that thrive on innovation and creative problem-solving 
• Reflect on the ethical dimensions of their leadership and how they can center diverse perspectives 
• Connect with a community of like-minded public leaders interested in innovative approaches 
• Feel motivated and equipped to take first steps toward more innovative approaches in their organisations 

• Senior public servants in leadership positions 
• Policy leaders responsible for complex program implementation 
• Department and team leaders wanting to foster innovative cultures and practices 
• Department and team leaders navigating institutional transformation 
• Public sector leaders looking to enhance their innovation leadership capabilities. 

Public leaders have always needed to think creatively to solve complex problems and deliver public value to their communities. Now, in a global environment of increasing economic and political uncertainty, it is even more important for you as an emerging public leader to have the knowledge, creativity and confidence required to provide informed and timely advice, and lead others through change. 

ANZSOG’s Public Leadership Masterclass series (PLM) are designed to re-energise and educate hard-working and passionate emerging and current leaders and expose them to fresh ideas. 

The format of the PLM series has changed this year to better facilitate peer-to-peer learning and cross-jurisdictional connection. Each masterclass series features 5 masterclasses that speak to an overarching theme and are structured to allow for ample reflection and discussion with your counterparts from across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Each masterclass will be recorded and made available to participants for three months after the masterclass is scheduled. 

In this series, you will: 

• Explore core leadership values critical for today’s public sector environment. 
• Engage with expert faculty members and gain practical insights tailored to public leadership. 
• Build a toolkit to strengthen your leadership impact and navigate complex public challenges with clarity. 
• Connect with peers across Australia and Aotearoa NZ to share experiences, challenges, and solutions. 

Each 2-hour session in this masterclass series combines inspiring content with interactive discussions and reflection opportunities. They offer thought-provoking concepts, illustrative case studies, and stimulating peer conversations that spark interest in innovative approaches. Participants will be introduced to key ideas and frameworks while connecting with fellow leaders in a supportive environment designed to ignite curiosity and motivation for continued learning and application. 

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Created by and for the governments of Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, ANZSOG creates and delivers education programs tailored to meet the needs of public sector leaders who are currently facing distinct challenges. Our programs are designed with significant government input, for government, and led by renowned academics and respected practitioners. For more information contact engage@anzsog.edu.au.