Griffith Business School, in partnership with the Blackmore Family Foundation, has brought together senior leaders from across Australia for two transformative Impact Leadership Retreats, creating space for reflection, connection and a deeper exploration of what it means to lead with purpose, understanding leadership thresholds in an increasingly complex world.
Held at Spicers Hidden Vale, the EVOLVE and IGNITE retreats represent two stages of a longer leadership journey. EVOLVE welcomed a new cohort of CEOs, founders and senior executives, while IGNITE brought back leaders from the inaugural retreat to continue deepening their leadership practice.
Led by Professor Andrew White, Blackmore Family Foundation Chair of Business Leadership, the retreats combine executive education, coaching, peer learning and immersive experiences to challenge established assumptions, expand perspectives and help leaders navigate the personal, organisational and systemic thresholds shaping the future of leadership.
“We were joined by leaders from all across Australia. We focused on the personal and organisational challenges and opportunities they faced, as well as those that sit at the level of the wider system. It was incredible to see the progress leaders have made through these conversations.” Professor White said.
A defining feature of the retreats is the space they create for leaders to pause. Away from the demands of daily operations, participants are encouraged to reflect deeply on their leadership, reconnect with their purpose and consider the impact they can have through and beyond their organisations.
Co-facilitator Jen McLaughlin, Founder of Purpose Led, said many participants shared that they had not realised how long it had been since they had taken the time to stop and truly reflect.
“If you don’t take time to take stock and just be, you don’t get that ability to deeply reflect on how you’re going as a leader, on how your team are going, and what course corrections you might need to make to help them through whatever challenge or transformation you’re facing.”
For many participants, this opportunity for deep reflection proved transformative.
Joss Crawford, Chief Executive Officer of EPA Victoria, described the experience as both personally and professionally significant.
“Over the last two days, what’s really been amazing is the self-reflection. Thinking about where I’m at as a leader, and the influence that I have both inside and outside of my organisation. I was also able to explore the systemic issues that I face within my organisation.”
The EVOLVE Retreat also featured a special fireside conversation with Ronni Kahn AO, Founder and Visionary in Residence at OzHarvest, who shared lessons from building a purpose-driven organisation and creating impact at scale.
For returning participants in IGNITE, the experience built on relationships established a year earlier, creating a trusted environment for deeper conversations about emerging challenges, including artificial intelligence, social licence and the future of organisational leadership.
Sheree Young, CEO of Body Science International, said the program offers something increasingly rare in modern leadership.
“The IGNITE program creates space to pause, reflect and reconnect with what really matters. Through thought-provoking conversations, reflective exercises and shared experiences, the learning becomes tangible. Just as valuable are the genuine connections formed with an extraordinary group of leaders, creating a trusted community where we can challenge, learn from and support one another. It leaves you with renewed perspective, clarity and intention about how you lead.”
More than a leadership program, the Impact Leadership Retreats are designed to help leaders expand their capacity to navigate complexity, lead purposeful change and contribute to the broader systems in which they operate.
The partnership between Griffith Business School and the Blackmore Family Foundation reflects a shared commitment to developing leaders who are equipped not only to achieve organisational success, but to create lasting positive impact for their people, communities and society.
Expressions of Interest for the 2027 Impact Leadership Retreats are now open. For leaders seeking greater clarity, perspective and purpose, EVOLVE and IGNITE offer a rare opportunity to step away from the day-to-day, challenge assumptions and discover new ways of leading in a rapidly changing world.
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