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The Governor’s Leadership Foundation Program

SA's premier leadership development program. Apply now for 2027.

Are you ready to take your leadership development to an exceptional new level?

The Governor’s Leadership Foundation is our flagship 10-month leadership program focussed on maximising an individual’s outward impact throughout the rest of their life.

Through immersive experiences alongside fellow participants from diverse backgrounds, you develop the leadership knowledge, lasting connections and deep awareness essential to effect genuine and widespread positive change.

One person can start a change. Several can build momentum. And over 900 GLF alumni are leading a movement toward a sustainable, prosperous future for South Australia.

Governor's Leadership Foundation Program Video
View testimonial
Andrew Reed
It is without a single hesitation that I am publicly endorsing the GLF program.

The Leaders Institute exists to develop impactful leaders. It has been operating for over 20 years which just happens to be the same time I have been in the recruitment industry trying hard to identify impactful leaders for our clients. Very early in my recruitment journey I started noticing the benefits of the Institute’s work. I observed some genuine differences in what I came to recognise as the GLFers. The candidates who had been through this mind opening program had noticeably more self awareness and were also clearly committed to considering the bigger picture, doing something worthy and leading with the utmost integrity.

At Hender, we specifically design interview questions to explore authenticity, humility, integrity, empathy, collaboration, courage, vision, diversity and a range of other important contemporary leadership qualities. It is obvious to me that the Institute genuinely develops these precious traits in its participants. I have now seen too many success stories in the GLF graduates for this to be an accident. It must be doing something right. As a consequence, I always notice it positively on any executive’s CV.

My advice to any executive (emerging or proven) who has not considered the GLF program is to ask anyone who has graduated about the difference it has made to the way they lead.
–Andrew Reed, General Manager Hender Consulting

26

years of developing impactful
leaders in South Australia

958

Governor's Leadership Foundation Program graduates making an impact

110

community action projects completed
to help not-for-profit organisations

Darren Ball
The Governor’s Leadership Foundation Program
leaves a permanent impression on your life.

Its effects are life-changing.
–Darren Ball, Partner KPMG (FGLF 2007)

Is the Governor’s Leadership Foundation Program right for you?

The GLF Program is designed for established leaders who are committed to accelerating their leadership capability through an immersive program.

This holistic and practical leadership development program focuses on developing you as an individual to think more broadly, gain new perspectives and develop new and practical approaches to problem-solving.

The program is competitive with a rigorous selection process.

Successful applicants need to commit to an intensive program schedule: 2026 GLF Scheduled Dates

How will you benefit?

Many leaders today are unprepared to meet the adaptive challenges we face in a world of escalating complexity and ambiguity. The Governor’s Leadership Foundation Program (GLF) is designed to develop the consciousness needed to lead amid our complex world.

Participants have an immediate positive impact through greater leadership capability and maturity, improved judgement, interpersonal awareness, and a more balanced view of the world as well as courage, spirit and a connection to their purpose.

How will you develop?

The GLF is like no other leadership program, uniquely designed to equip participants with a new leadership framework and broader perspective so they can develop into impactful leaders.

Dynamic and interactive format

Topical seminars, field trips and retreats. Lively discussions and group case study work.

Leading experts

Hear from over 30 guest speakers who are leaders in their field including the Governor, political, industry and community leaders and entrepreneurs.

Immersive experiences

Visits to Government House, regional areas, Aboriginal communities, leading industries and social service providers. Helping a community organisation tackle a complex problem.

Reflection – reading, thinking, discussing

Undergo a 360 degree Leadership Circle and receive individual coaching. Grow via others’ experiences and reflecting on personal learnings.

Chris Dickson
My advice to individuals that are thinking of applying for the GLF, is to jump in wholeheartedly and prepare to be vulnerable as this will provide you with an opportunity to learn the most about yourself. This course is life changing and worth committing to.

For employers who are looking to sponsor a leader in this course, the benefit to your organisation will be one of harmonious and courageous leadership, motivated by engagement and action.

–Chris Dickson, GLF Alumni 2022

The Leaders Institute 2024 Impact Study

Learn more from independent research conducted by Social Ventures Australia (SVA)

The outcome of this social impact study is a story about the value of change created... the Leaders Institute of South Australia has demonstrated that it is an Institute of Impact.

GLF information sessions

Keen to learn more?

Our upcoming information sessions where you will hear from alumni and learn more about the program. Bookings open soon.


# Date Time Where
1 GLF Info Session 30th June 2026 12.30 - 1.30pm via Zoom  
2 GLF Info Session 28th July 2026 12.30 - 1.30pm via Zoom  
3 GLF Info Session 25th August 2026 4.30 – 5.30pm Finlaysons  
4 GLF Info Session 22nd September 2026 4.30 - 5.30pm Finlaysons  

GLF Program details

Facilitators

Participants will learn from experienced facilitators and hear from over 30 guest speakers who are experts in their fields throughout the program.

Commitment

The GLF is a 10-month intensive leadership development program that runs from February to November each year and involves approximately 2.5 days face-to-face course time each month, as well as compulsory retreats and home reading and reflection time.

Register your interest to be notified of future programs.

Investment and scholarships

The program fee for 2026 is $15,400 (plus GST). Several full and partial scholarships are available for those working in the not-for-profit sector, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and people with a disability. Please indicate on your application your interest in a scholarship.
Payment plans are also available. Please email us for more information or call us on (08) 8302 0048.

Delivery locations

GLF Program sessions are delivered at a range of field visit locations throughout South Australia and at Adelaide University, City West Campus.

GLF Program schedule

The next GLF Program begins in February, 2027. Download the 2027 GLF Scheduled Dates

How to apply for the GLF

Places in the GLF are competitive. The Leaders Institute seeks a diverse range of applicants from the private, government and not-for-profit sectors. Leaders with a disability or from the disability sector, regional and Aboriginal leaders are encouraged to apply. Contact us for more information.

GLF Alumni
Lifelong Learning and Leadership Impact

Professional
Development

GLF alumni who have not already completed an MBA can receive two credits towards an Adelaide University MBA. 

GLF Connect

As a GLF Alumni you become a part of GLF Connect—the lifelong leadership community of 900+ graduates spanning 26+ years. Alumni‑led and supported by the Leaders Institute of South Australia, GLF Connect keeps you connected, learning and making impact.

Experience thought‑provoking events, cross‑sector relationships, opportunities to create community impact, and ways to give back - engage in your way, at your pace, for life. 

Find out more about GLF Connect. 

Community Action
Projects

A key element of the GLF Program is developing and implementing a Community Action Project (CAP). Participants work in small groups on an action learning project of their choice from early in the program and are provided with a range of workshops to help develop the skills needed to successfully deliver the project.

Read about the impressive range of recent GLF Alumni Community Action Projects.

The Dennis Mutton
Awards

The prestigious Dennis Mutton Award recognises graduates of the GLF Program who have demonstrated outstanding contribution to the community through leadership excellence. Read more about Dennis Mutton, and about past recipients and their inspiring community programs.

To apply for the individual or group award please complete the respective application forms:

Dennis Mutton individual application form
Dennis Mutton group application form