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The Future of School Strategy: A new method for Principals and Boards to plan for the unknown

A new method for Principals and Boards to plan for the unknown. Dr Amanda Bell AM, Advisor at Future Leadership, discusses trends-based futures planning for schools. Just as the trends impacting a sector shift and change, grow and ebb, so too do the possible futures developing as a result.

Tanya Buchanan has been appointed to the position of Chief Executive Officer with Dementia Australia

Professor Tanya Buchanan has been appointed to the position of Chief Executive Officer with Dementia Australia. In this position Tanya will be accountable to the Board for leadership, strategy, and operational execution of the strategy to progress its vision, mission, and values. Tanya will play a vital role enabling Dementia Australia to create an inclusive … Continued

Annie Revell has been appointed to the position of Chief Executive Officer with Knoxbrooke Incorporated

Annie Revell has been appointed to the position of Chief Executive Officer with Knoxbrooke Incorporated. In this position, Annie will lead a diverse, skilled and extremely committed team, and drive a people-focused culture of quality and innovation. Annie will champion the purpose of enabling people with diverse abilities to grow and achieve their employment, recreation … Continued

Andrew Cameron has been appointed to the position of Chief Executive Officer with Early Learning Association Australia

Mr Andrew Cameron has been appointed to the position of Chief Executive Officer with Early Learning Association Australia. In this position, Andrew will lead an engaged culture to collaboratively develop solutions with members, governments and partners to ensure excellence in early childhood education and care. Andrew is a distinguished leader with a strategic and values-driven … Continued

A Masterclass in Intentional Governance Leadership

The AHISA Biennial Conference at the Gold Coast in September, provided us with an opportunity to encourage the Heads of independent schools to consider intentionally applying their leadership skills at a governance level. The participant evaluations following the session concluded that further professional development was needed for Heads in this area.

Kate Wheeler awarded AESC’s 2023 Commitment to the Community Award

The Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC) recognised Kate Wheeler, Partner, Social Impact Sector at Fisher Leadership, with the AESC Commitment to the Community Award.

Building Collaborative School Communities

Schools are increasingly the default hub for community connections, where once it may have been the place of the local church parish, the Country Women’s Association or other established community organisations. As a result, schools have an opportunity to take the lead and revisit how they engage, with whom and for what purpose.

Leading Educational Strategy: A Capability vs Competency Approach

Here's three things that impact a harmonious co-existence of public and private schools. Small steps in positive partnerships will help to ensure we deliver the best education to every Australian child.

Kate Wheeler awarded AESC’s 2023 Commitment to the Community Award

The Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC) recognised Kate Wheeler, Partner, Social Impact Sector at Fisher Leadership, with the AESC Commitment to the Community Award.

Talent Trends in Health: Can technology humanise the healthcare experience?

Here's three things that impact a harmonious co-existence of public and private schools. Small steps in positive partnerships will help to ensure we deliver the best education to every Australian child.

How do we find the best employees and keep them?

Here's three things that impact a harmonious co-existence of public and private schools. Small steps in positive partnerships will help to ensure we deliver the best education to every Australian child.

Perspectives as an Interim Principal: Is there a compelling case for it to become the norm?

Having recently completed a four-month period as Interim Principal at Methodist Ladies College (MLC), Perth in 2022, I reflect on the fresh perspectives gained from this type of appointment and whether the ‘Interim Head’ should become the ‘new normal’ for schools to support the successful transition between Principals/CEO.

Is the democratisation of education in Australia an impossible ideal?

Here's three things that impact a harmonious co-existence of public and private schools. Small steps in positive partnerships will help to ensure we deliver the best education to every Australian child.

Fisher Leadership: A Future with Independent School Governance

Discussing transparency of independent schools' governance processes: the opportunities and the challenges with Dr Amanda Bell AM

How can CXO roles help our Social Impact sector scale, more sustainably? Insights from Kate Wheeler

True to form, the Social Impact sector tends to place humans first, but as I see the digital transformation taking place across the adjacent sectors of education, government, health, and of course the private sector, I feel compelled to raise my voice encouraging the Social Impact sector to leverage technology advancements in order to scale more sustainably. How? Enter the Chief Experience Officer.

A Brisbane Dinner with Heads of Independent Schools and UQ Colleges

There are many common themes impacting both schools and colleges, including quality staff attraction and retention, student and staff wellbeing, leadership development for middle managers and the pathways for secondary students into tertiary life.

Women’s Mental Health Lunch

Pictured L-R: Tamsin Ashdown, Therese Joyce, Gabrielle Sheehan, Dawn O’Neil AM, Deborah Komesaroff, Sharyn Gowans, Sally Trathen. The state of women’s mental health in Australia is in crisis and we need more action. oneinfive are on a mission to cure mental illnesses by funding ground breaking discovery research into the causes of mental disorders. They … Continued

Book Launch Event

In March 2022 Fisher Leadership welcomed a cross-section of the healthcare sector to our St Kilda Rd offices for the official launch of the book ‘Experiences of Health Workers in the COVID-19 Pandemic, In Their Own Words’, authored by Professor Marie Bismark, Professor Karen Willis, Dr Sophie Lewis & Associate Professor Natasha Smallwood. The book … Continued

Fisher Leadership welcome Dr. Amanda Bell, who has joined us as an associate.

Fisher Leadership welcome Dr. Amanda Bell, who has joined us as an associate. Dr Bell is Governor and Chair of Queenwood School, and a director of The Ramsay Centre for Western Civilization and director of Art Exhibitions Australia Ltd. Dr. Bell was previously Principal of Brisbane Girls Grammar School, Principal of The Women’s College within … Continued

The Great Thing About Gig Executives!

What was traditionally called 'interim' and understood as 'gap-filling' is now a competitive solution bringing critical skills to the table at pace. Organisations want to be able to bring in people who have proven experience of a business challenge they are addressing. For example, an organisation might want to expand into a different market and bringing in someone who has done this before, maybe several times for other organisations, allows them to buy in the experience. The pace of business is ever increasing, and new ideas and innovation need to be bought to market with speed and precision.

Strategies to Support Frontline Healthcare Workers and Leaders during times of Crisis

In 2020, the Australian COVID-19 Frontline Health Workers Study examined the severity and prevalence of mental health issues, as well as the social, workplace and financial disruptions experienced by Australian healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. With over 9500 respondents, it was the largest multi-occupation survey globally, and highlighted the need to develop strategies and … Continued

In The Hot Seat: CEO Succession Planning

Read the article in the June 2022 edition of AICD's Company Director magazine. Our Managing Director, Michelle Loader, is interviewed on the future of CEO succession planning. How can we take a systems-level approach to this critical appointment? What groundwork can be laid before the new CEO arrives, and what structures and support are needed to give them the best chance of success when they hit the ground running? Talk to us about a wrap-around solution to keep the 'Hot Seat' warm!

Experiences of Health Workers in the COVID-19 Pandemic: In Their Own Words

Dawn O'Neil, ambassador for the executive mental health program 'Breathing Space' interviews authors of a new book on the experiences of health workers during the pandemic: Marie Bismark, Karen Willis, Sophie Lewis, Natasha Smallwood. The panel covers mental health, gender bias, resilience and the myth of self-care, the cracks in the system and the power of stories to provide a burning platform for change.

Ep 5 | Decoding Future Leadership | Mental Health and Resilient Systems

We now live in a world where talent is rarer than capital. Decoding Future Leadership is an audio-visual podcast breaking open the capabilities, technologies, growth strategies and mental fitness required to lead our future working world. This week, Therese Joyce, Manager Mental Health & Wellbeing at Fisher Leadership, interviews Professor Marie Bismark, public health physician, health lawyer and author.

Ep 6 | Decoding Future Leadership | Systems & Storytelling

We now live in a world where talent is rarer than capital. Decoding Future Leadership is an audio-visual podcast breaking open the capabilities, technologies, growth strategies and mental fitness required to lead our future working world. This week, Adam Kyriacou, Partner at Fisher Leadership, interviews Vipul Mathur, Chief Business Officer, Talent Solutions, PeopleStrong.

Ep 4 | Decoding Future Leadership | Capability and Bias

We now live in a world where talent is rarer than capital. Decoding Future Leadership is an audio-visual podcast breaking open the capabilities, technologies, growth strategies and mental fitness required to lead our future working world. This week, Adam Kyriacou, Partner at Fisher Leadership, interviews Vipul Mathur, Chief Business Officer, Talent Solutions, PeopleStrong.

Business dynamism and unlocking talent: a state of constant evolution.

By Michelle Loader As momentum into 2022 builds, leaders are summoning their courage and pulling purpose into sharp focus as we frame up the challenges and harness the changed reality. As a people solutions company interacting with hundreds of leading executives each week, we believe the faster we realise ‘normal’ is now increasingly a fluid … Continued

Ep 3 | Decoding Future Leadership | Performance and Productivity

We now live in a world where talent is rarer than capital. Decoding Future Leadership is an audio-visual podcast breaking open the capabilities, technologies, growth strategies and mental fitness required to lead our future working world. This week, Adam Kyriacou, Partner at Fisher Leadership, interviews Vipul Mathur, Chief Business Officer, Talent Solutions, PeopleStrong.

Gig Executive: Hybrid Happily Ever After

From pandemic management response to a preferred work arrangement, remote and hybrid work is here to stay. It’s time to evolve our thinking beyond ‘temporary arrangement’ and think about how we successfully and sustainably make this our workplace ‘modus operandi’. Adam Kyriacou interviews Greg Bott, who shares his experience and insights on why the future of work is hybrid and how best to lead the way in agility, flexibility and resilience.

Ep 2 | Decoding Future Leadership |The Talent Economy

For the first time in history, capital is easier to access than talent. Companies of all sizes are struggling to keep and find people during the disruption caused by the pandemic, it’s more important than ever for leaders to identify and prioritise exactly which talent might be lacking. How can leaders leverage new systems to recognise and harness the latent talent within their organisations? This episode explores the HR tech non-negotiables that will support your hybrid talent strategy: customer experience, data-driven decision-making support and employee empowerment.

Mr. Dave Peffer has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer at Canberra Health Services

Dave joined Canberra Health Services in August 2019 as Deputy Chief Executive and fulfilled the role of Interim CEO prior to his recent appointment.  Before this, Dave was the Deputy Director-General with Access Canberra where he worked to help shape Canberra and the future of government service delivery.  Before this as the Deputy Director-General, Policy … Continued

Gig Executive: The Ultimate Hybrid Talent Model 

Somewhere between the Great Resignation or the Great Realignment, the hybrid workforce is gathering momentum. The way people want to work is changing, and the way organisations need to engage talent has reached an inflection point. It’s time to think more flexibly about flexible work, because it’s here to stay. Read Adam Kyriacou's latest thought leadership piece on 'Four Top Tips Why Gig Executives are the Ultimate Hybrid Talent Model'.

Announcing the acquisition of the Centre for Leadership Advantage

Announcement: Deal to acquire Centre for Leadership Advantage supercharges the CogNative Advisory and Assessment Offering  Fisher Leadership’s Managing Director, Michelle Loader announces the acquisition of the Centre for Leadership Advantage (CLA) this week. The move will significantly boost Fisher Leadership’s advisory capability under the CogNative brand and strengthen its delivery of future of work executive … Continued

Announcing Adam Kyriacou as our new Partner, heading up Gig Executive

Adam Kyriacou has joined Fisher Leadership as Partner for the firm’s Interim Management business, Gig Executive. A specialist in Interim Management, Adam has held numerous executive leadership roles in the UK and Australia and partnered with a range of high calibre clients for over 20 years. Adam has found his niche helping clients find people … Continued

Mental Health Whitepaper: what is the leadership call to action?

Disclosure of a mental health condition remains very low in most workplaces4. A psychologically safe culture that promotes mental health must first be championed by leaders. This includes Boards as well as Executives. It can no longer be the responsibility of the Human Resources team alone. Strong governance, risk management and investment is crucial particularly in the face of an event such as the current pandemic when increased vigilance must to be sustained.

CEDA’s EPO21: What does leadership look like in the new economy?

Fisher Leadership was proud to partner with CEDA at the Victorian Trustees event as part of their two-day Economic and Political Outlook (EPO) 2021. As a firm working with executives to build solutions every day, we thought we’d share our predictions and takeaways for future leadership.

AVI. Your license to operate in the new economy.

At Fisher Leadership we are pulling the threads of diversity and inclusion, future skills, adaptable mindset and change-ready leadership together to form a new way of assessing and connecting to talent.

Mental Fatigue & Burnout

Our world is changing fast. Our work rhythms are disrupted. Our workplaces are being redefined. Our work is requiring us to be more human. Is this a bad thing?

Human Resource Directors in Independent Schools

Source: Image provided by Melbourne Grammar School From the Head of Melbourne Grammar School, Philip Grutzner As little as 15 years ago, Human Resource Directors were unheard of in independent schools. The HR responsibilities were usually amongst the Principal’s responsibilities. Despite their best efforts, not many Principals(Heads) were able to do this well, as they … Continued

Managing through change

When departing Headmaster of Melbourne Grammar School, Mr Roy Kelley, approached Fisher Leadership to secure a high performing Human Resources Director to lead the function for a 13-month period, the Gig Executive team stepped in. Their high calibre, fast-turn-around solution has clearly brought immense value. Have you ever wondered how a senior leader steps into an interim role? There is much to be learned from these change-ready leaders who come in at a moment’s notice and take the reins with ease. Take a moment to hear from Malcolm Leigh-Smith on his recent experience.

Our Breathing Space program features in AFR

Breathing Space is a leadership and mental health program helping leaders create the space to balance high performance with high pressure. Not commuting, working from home and being deskbound for longer are contributing to the stress and burnout many executives now face. But although many are experiencing higher levels of anxiety and depression, there are plenty of programs and actions that can help instill a sense of calm and ease even during this difficult time.

Everybody Needs a Home – and Australia needs a National Homelessness Strategy.

This week is #HW2020: Homelessness Week. The theme is Everybody Needs a Home. However as Melbourne goes into stage 4 lockdown, many don’t have a home to retreat to. Who is looking after those with no defence against winter, violence, hunger – let alone Coronavirus? Mary’s House At Fisher Leadership we know what it takes … Continued

Emergency Services – Strength in Flexing

Paula McCabe, Manager Client Development What a year 2020 has been. And none have felt it more so than Australia and New Zealand’s Emergency Services sector.  MIND, the mental health charity has found that nearly 90% of emergency service staff have experienced stress, low mood and poor mental health at some point while working for the emergency … Continued

The power of positive stories

COVID-19 silver linings… As we flip the switch from surviving COVID-19 to reimagining a world of work in which we all thrive, we thought it would be a good idea to start gathering and sharing positive stories that result from our current circumstances. In order to do so, we need your help. So, if you … Continued

Managing your international recruitment through COVID-19

Written by Kirsten Henderson, Associate Partner, New Zealand Our clients are having to come up with creative solutions to manage international appointments at this time due to the current border restrictions. What happens when clients have executive appointments and contracts signed? Do we reassess the start date or consider onboarding remotely? What does best practice … Continued

Who’s missing from your leadership table?

At Fisher Leadership, we’ve been connecting on-demand, executive talent with future-facing organisations for nearly a decade. What was traditionally called ‘interim’ and understood as ‘gap-filling’ is now a competitive solution bringing bringing critical skills to the table at pace. Our framework is ‘Right talent. Right table. Right time.’ We have the following Gig Executives ready … Continued

Remotely in Control of Mental Health?

In a high-pressure, high-stakes, highly volatile business environment, the mental health and wellbeing of our decision-makers is crucial.  Fisher Leadership has introduced Breathing Space, an executive mental health and wellbeing program that can be delivered remotely or in person, enabling leaders to maintain perspective, empathy and creativity while navigating change.  Prior to COVID-19, the direct cost … Continued

COVID-19: Open for business with innovation ahead of change

CLIENTS’ MOST REQUESTED SERVICES IN THESE CHALLENGING TIMES: Gig Executive   As organisations adjust to a new way of working, the Gig Executive team is deploying highly qualified, credentialed and immediately available leaders that can join your team to deliver in-demand skills such as change management, crisis communications and organisational redesign immediately. Read more.     … Continued

Mental Health and Wellbeing: the tradeoffs

How do leaders prioritise and build good mental health and wellbeing in a fast-changing environment? The upside is both personally and professionally compelling. Leaders who are mentally well make better decisions, maintain clearer perspective, are more innovative and build fruitful relationships. Organisations with leadership wellbeing strategies reduce health risk factors and stress by up to 56% ​(Ahrens, McCarthy, Almeida, 2011)​.

Executives today need Breathing Space – a mental health and wellbeing program for leaders.

CogNative Advisory, powered by Fisher Leadership, launches an executive mental health and wellbeing program to protect high performance leaders operating in high pressure environments.

Cognitive Diversity – a way to overcome “Diversity Fatigue”?

Is diversity fatigue really a thing? Apparently so. You may have seen the article in The Australian recently, highlighting ‘diversity fatigue’, that trended on LinkedIn? Following closely, was another article on ‘diversity and inclusion fatigue’ in response to the release of the WGEA scorecard. As proponents of the value a diverse mix of leaders bring … Continued

Inventing a corporate ‘drone’ challenge!

Corporate Drone Challenge Fisher Leadership and UAVISUALS™ have come together to create a revolutionary and exciting corporate drone challenge. The customisable designed team activity amplifies cross-functional innovation, courage in approaching new technology and communication under pressure. We designed the entire experience around our digital strategy and core business value. The best part? Our team had … Continued

A new way to access talent – the Gig Executive

A world of difference FISHER LEADERSHIP HAS LEVERAGED ITS DEEP EXPERIENCE IN BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER WITH FRESH IDEAS TO CREATE  A NEW WAY TO ACCESS TOP TALENT.  AICD CEO Magazine Our workforce has entered a period of profound change. The onset of new technologies is disrupting industries and the pace of change within business is … Continued

RUOK? or worse… R U ‘fine’?

We acknowledge that #RUOKDAY was created to prevent the silent suicide. Many of us have been in the shoes of the person who says ‘but they seemed fine.’ The truth is, that ‘fine’ is the barrier to many things. It’s the barrier to us looking ourselves in the eye and asking if we are living each day … Continued

Crafting the Future – Designing our Work

Last month we invited Rob Baker, Job Crafting expert from the UK to come and speak to People leaders about empowering employees to design their own work. Excerpts from Rob Baker… We live in a world where the personalisation of goods, services and activities is becoming ever more prevalent and popular. From the comfort of … Continued

Fisher Leadership, embracing change from within.

Media Release July 29, 2019: Founding Director of Fisher Leadership, Jo Fisher, launches new Gig Executive business and Strategic Advisory practice, announcing Michelle Loader as Managing Director to lead teams across all three operations.  Niche Executive Search and Advisory firm Fisher Leadership today announces Founder and Director Jo Fisher is joining forces with HR advisory … Continued

Jo Fisher contributes to Deakin MBA program.

The strength of an MBA program can be determined by its strong and current links to industry. In the Deakin MBA, students develop insider knowledge and industry connections through their relationships with our carefully selected industry adjunct professors. According to MBA Course Director Associate Professor Colin Higgins, the industry adjunct professors offer a mix of … Continued

The Trade & Investment Commisioners ​representing us overseas…​

What are the attributes needed to take Australia to the world? Leadership on the international stage is key in today’s hyper-connected world. In recent months, Fisher Leadership has helped successfully appoint two Commissioners to influential postings. We are proud to play a role in Australia’s representation overseas, negotiating business with the kind of global mindset … Continued

Does your leadership team desire more agile working solutions?

Does your leadership team desire more agile working solutions? Gig Executive talent will unlock the opportunities you are able to offer your most valuable people. Many individuals and companies are fast recognising that the benefits of a ‘Gap Year’ extend beyond university graduates when it comes to developing engaged, innovative and adaptable leaders at every level. Flexibility around work and employment arrangements is a business imperative in the contest to retain great talent at the executive and managerial levels.

Fisher Leadership places Professor Tanya Monro as Chief Defence Scientist at DST Group

Professor Tanya Monro is the new Chief Defence Scientist at the Defence, Science and Technology (DST) Group, where she will provide high level policy and scientific advice, manage a significant budget and lead some of Australia’s brightest and most innovative scientists, engineers and IT specialists. Over 20 years as an academic, Tanya has displayed an … Continued


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