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About Us

Institute of impact


25 Years

Developing impactful leaders

We exist to develop impactful leaders

True impact radiates beyond one or two people. It’s felt by strangers, businesses and the next generation. That’s the kind of impact the Leaders Institute empowers.

A not-for-profit association, for 25 years we have been developing leaders by encouraging self-awareness and providing opportunities to understand the big picture and different perspectives.

Through our leadership development programs we help to create a powerful sense of connection between individuals, their organisations and the wider community. This develops leaders with an outward focus and strong collaboration skills, who understand that their greatest value is the impact they can have on the world around them.

Download our latest Leaders Institute Brochure .

Governance Masterclass

How we work: Our expertise

We deliver programs that build adaptive leadership capacity; the practise of mobilising people to tackle tough challenges and thrive.

Adaptive leaders have strategic foresight, thrive in complexity and can integrate multiple perspectives and systems to lead change successfully.

Our lively and experiential programs are designed to engage diverse learning styles and personalities.

Vision, Purpose & Values

Our vision is that South Australia is led by dynamic and holistic leaders in all sectors who work together to advance the State so it is a sustainable, enviable and vibrant place to live, work and do business.

Our purpose is to provide unique and unforgettable development experiences for our State's emerging and established leaders, so they can positively impact South Australia.

Our values

  • Collaborate
  • Inspire others
  • Act with integrity
  • Value diversity
  • Show compassion
  • Act courageously
Governance Masterclass

Creating social impact

We provide opportunities to create social impact and help South Australia thrive.

Community Action Projects

Governor’s Leadership Foundation (GLF) Program participants undertake a Community Action Group Project working with a not for profit organisation on a complex issue. Read more about the range of Community Action Projects here.

Think Tanks

All GLF Program can contribute to their communities by participating in Governor’s Think Tanks, where graduates work together to help address complex issues.

Recognition

Our graduates often drive extraordinary social impact as a result of their program involvement. Some of these are recognised through our celebrated Dennis Mutton Award.

Our Patron

Patron

The Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia is Patron of the Leaders Institute.

Our patron

Patron

The Honourable Frances Adamson AC Governor of South Australia

Our Board of Directors

Todd Roberts Chair

Todd Roberts

Chair

With a career underpinned by financial literacy, Todd has wide expertise in the areas of accountancy, audit and insolvency, corporate,... read more

Shelley Willsmore Board Member

Shelley Willsmore

Board Member

Shelley is the Chief People Officer at Nova Systems Australia and New Zealand. She is responsible for leading the company's people... read more

Peter Stevens Board Member

Peter Stevens

Board Member

Peter is an experienced senior executive with experience in the information technology industry within the university sector. He has served... read more

Monique Newberry Treasurer

Monique Newberry

Treasurer

Monique is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and has been on the leadership team of the SAHMRI... read more

Margo Hill-Smith Board Member

Margo Hill-Smith

Board Member

Margo was elected by the Governor’s Leadership Alumni as a Director on the Board in May 2024. She is an... read more

Jane MacFarlane Board Member

Jane MacFarlane

Board Member

Jane has been the CEO of the Helpmann Academy since 2015, an organisation that supports and empowers South Australia’s most... read more

Greg Knagge Board Member

Greg Knagge

Board Member

I have had the privilege of being involved with the Leaders Institute on a variety levels over a number of... read more

Meet our team


Sarah Cutbush CEO

Sarah Cutbush

CEO

Sarah’s 35+ year career spans leadership roles across a range of sectors, including higher education, financial services, travel, transport, sport,... read more

Sarah Ballantine Program Manager

Sarah Ballantine

Program Manager

Sarah has worked across the wine, engineering and advertising industries in Adelaide and London. Working with organisations that are leaders... read more

Adrienne Worrell GLF Program Manager

Adrienne Worrell

GLF Program Manager

Having been with the Leaders Institute for 4 years, Adrienne stepped into the role of GLF Program Manager in 2023. With 5+... read more

Jo Carrick Relationship Manager

Jo Carrick

Relationship Manager

Jo has over 15 years of experience in relationship and program development in the continuing and higher education sectors. She... read more

Jackie Carletti Administration Coordinator

Jackie Carletti

Administration Coordinator

Jackie is a highly adaptable professional with over 20 years of experience in administration and more than 10 years in... read more

Our Yearbooks

Select year to download a copy of the Leaders Institute Yearbook:

2023 Yearbook 2022 Yearbook 2021 Yearbook 2020 Yearbook 2019 Yearbook 2018 Yearbook 2017 Yearbook 2016 Yearbook 2015 Yearbook 2014 Yearbook 2013 Yearbook 2012 Yearbook 2011 Yearbook 2010 Yearbook 2009 Yearbook 2008 Yearbook

Our commitment to First Nations people

The Institute is committed to the rightful recognition of the ancient sovereignty of our First Nations people and seeing it shine through as a fuller expression of Australia’s nationhood as per the Uluru Statement from the Heart. Our contribution to walking with First Nations people in a movement of the Australian people for a better future includes the following actions:

      1. Meetings and program events are opened with an Acknowledgement of Country and where possible major events include a Welcome to Country.

      2. The Governor’s Leadership Foundation program includes a session on Indigenous knowledge and perspectives facilitated by a leader from the Aboriginal community. Preparation for the session includes pre-reading and video viewing and the session is considered a pre-requisite for program visits to organisations and regions where Aboriginal people are over-represented. In 2020 the program also included a visit to an Aboriginal mission and a panel discussion with Port Augusta’s leading Aboriginal community members. We include these elements as a major part of the program in our attempt to help our participants take responsibility for the history and legacy of the invasion of Australia, and action to work towards a better future.

      3. Aboriginal people are encouraged to apply for the GLF program. The State Government offers two scholarships available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants and we also have philanthropists who support Aboriginal participants. In 2020 there were five Aboriginal women in the program.

      4. Aboriginal people are also encouraged to participate in the Institute’s Integral Leader program and to apply for a scholarship in this program.

      5. Members of Aboriginal communities are encouraged to participate in the Institute’s regional programs. The Institute sought scholarships from the philanthropic sector and six Aboriginal people participated in the 2019 Upper Spencer Gulf program.

      6. We have previously run a think-tank on racism involving alumni, including Aboriginal alumni.

      7. Community Action Projects are regularly conducted on issues which seek to develop a fair and truthful relationship between First Nation Australians and others including examining Australia Day and working with Reconciliation Australia.

Our Rules

Read our official Rules that govern our Association:

Rules for Leaders Institute of South Australia