Overview
Where senior executives and academics meet to lead dynamic change.
This transformational program is the flagship in our series of Leaderships Intensives. The Executive Fellows Program is immersive, demanding, and deeply rewarding – a rare opportunity to step back, widen your lens, and lead with renewed conviction.
Challenge assumptions and test ideas that will have influence
Learn from thinkers shaping public systems worldwide
Apply global insight to Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand
What Alumni Say
Insights from participants across the region.
Alumni from across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand share how the Executive Fellows Program has shaped their leadership, from building strategic insight to cultivating their confidence to lead with impact.
“One of the things I really appreciated about the EFP was that it started with leading yourself. We didn’t go straight into some of the more public policy components, but in fact focused on the building blocks of self-awareness.Paul JamesEFP 2009 alum and Government Chief Digital Officer, Department of Internal Affairs (New Zealand)
Key People
Faculty & Presenters
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.
Who It's For
Experienced, ambitious, ready.
The Executive Fellows Program is a world-class program designed for senior public sector executives navigating the real work of change. An opportunity to refine leadership skills for system reform and strengthen public trust across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
Time to step up?
A catalyst for your leadership ambitions.
You’ve led teams, managed change, and delivered successful outcomes. This program helps you to pause and challenge your assumptions, strengthening the insight, confidence, and composure that define exceptional public leadership.
Step back to assess your leadership perspective
Build conviction and resilience under pressure
Connect with peers across jurisdictions and sectors
Program highlights
Program Structure
Learning designed for balance, focus and connection.
A blended format designed for balanced learning
The Executive Fellows Program combines a five-day residential in Melbourne and online sessions. This structure creates both immersion and flexibility, for deep learning and practical application across contexts.
Residential Workshop
A five-day, in-person workshop in Melbourne anchors the program. You’ll join peers and global experts to explore challenging leadership scenarios through practical exercises and reflective conversation.
Online Learning
Synchronous online sessions extend learning beyond the workshop. These interactive sessions reinforce key concepts and deepen collaboration, helping participants apply insights directly into their day-to-day leadership role.
Program Duration
Spanning three weeks, the program creates space for reflection and real-world integration. Between sessions, participants can apply tools in context, returning ready to lead with renewed perspective.
Learning Approach
Real conversations. Bold ideas. Changed perspectives.
High-Trust Learning
You’ll join a carefully curated cohort of senior leaders who learn as much from each other as from the faculty. Participate in fearless dialogue, shared insight, and genuine cross-jurisdictional connection.
Open Dialogue
Every discussion happens under the Chatham House Rule – an environment built on trust and discretion. It’s where candid insights surface and complex problems begin to unravel.
Immersive Learning
The program blends a five-day residential workshop in Melbourne with live online sessions. It’s designed for focus and flow; structured when you’re together, flexible when you’re apart.
Personal Support
From application to alumni, you’re supported by our Program Experience team. They handle the details so you can focus on what matters: your growth, your network, your leadership.
Beyond the Program
Your learning doesn’t end at graduation. You’ll stay connected through ANZSOG’s alumni network – an influential community of senior leaders who continue to collaborate and drive change across the region.
How to Apply
Ready to join the program?
Your leadership journey starts with one step.
If you’re interested in joining the 2026 program, please submit an expression of interest.
Prefer to start with a conversation?
Talk directly with our Learner Services team about the Executive Fellows Program experience, learning outcomes, and how it fits your career or organisational needs.