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 700 GLF alumni are leading a movement toward a sustainable, prosperous future for South Australia.
It is without a single hesitation that I am publicly endorsing the GLF program.
–Andrew Reed, General Manager, Hender Consulting
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.
years of developing impactful
leaders in South Australia
Governor's Leadership Foundation Program graduates making an impact
community action projects completed
to help not-for-profit organisations
The Governor’s Leadership Foundation Program
–Darren Ball, Partner, KPMG (FGLF 2007)
leaves a permanent impression on your life.
Its effects are life-changing.
The GLF Program is designed for established leaders who are committed to accelerating their leadership capability through an immersive program.
This holistic and practical 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: 2024 GLF Scheduled Dates
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 (GLF) Program 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.
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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.
Topical seminars, field trips and retreats. Lively discussions and group case study work.
Hear from over 30 guest speakers who are leaders in their field including the Governor, political, industry and community leaders and entrepreneurs.
Visits to Government House, regional areas, Aboriginal communities, leading industries and social service providers. Helping a community organisation tackle a complex problem.
Undergo a 360 degree Leadership Circle and receive individual coaching. Grow via others’ experiences and reflecting on personal learnings.
Learn more from independent research conducted by the University of Adelaide’s School of Business.
The GLF has the strongest imaginable positive endorsement from its graduates ..... overall impact for the vast majority was profound, even life-changing.
Participants will learn from experienced facilitators and hear from over 30 guest speakers who are experts in their fields throughout the program.
The GLF Program is a 10-month intensive course 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.
The program fee for 2024 is $14,450 (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.
GLF Program sessions are delivered at a range of field visit locations throughout South Australia and at UniSA, City West Campus.
The 2023 program is underway. The next GLF Program begins on Thursday 15 February, 2024. Download the 2024 GLF Scheduled Dates
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. Apply now for our 2024 program, contact us for more information.
GLF alumni who have not already completed an MBA can receive two credits towards a University of South Australia MBA. As a graduate, you will also receive invitations to attend alumni social events, and to attend discounted events at:
Alumni are invited to participate in Governor's Think Tanks — where graduates work together to help address complex issues that organisations bring to us. Groups of diverse leaders provide deep analysis, new perspectives, and ‘out of the box’ thinking to generate new ways of addressing these issues.
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 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