Adaptive Leadership

Be prepared to think differently, act decisively and cultivate leadership practices that generate lasting impact. Course Summary This program is designed to equip you with the confidence, tools and strategic mindset needed to thrive in uncertainty. Through immersive experiences and real-world challenges, you'll learn to diagnose complex problems, engage diverse perspectives and lead with clarity and compassion — transforming ambiguity into a catalyst for progress and innovation. This program is designed to help you grow as a leader in times of uncertainty and complexity. You’ll develop new mindsets, practical habits and proven frameworks to lead effectively in fast-changing environments. With a strong focus on people and purpose, you’ll learn how to build resilience, stay clear-headed and lead with confidence in Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous (VUCA) conditions. The program also explores how to lead beyond formal authority, experiment with new approaches and drive meaningful change in systems that require creativity, collaboration and courage. As part of the experience, you’ll take part in powerful activities such as Dialogue in the Dark, opens in a new window, designed to challenge your perspective, strengthen empathy and expand your leadership capacity. Duration: 4 Days Delivery Mode: On-campus Course Content You’ll learn to confidently diagnose adaptive challenges, distinguish them from technical problems and apply experimentation as a strategy for progress. Develop the skills to lead beyond formal authority, create systemic impact and engage inclusively across boundaries - enabling you to navigate complexity and drive transformative change. • Adaptive challenges vs technical problems • Productive zones of discomfort • Systems thinking • Authority and followership • Cultural dynamics • Faction mapping and resistance • Identity and thriving • Learning loops and interventions Learning Outcomes By the end of the program, you will emerge with sharpened leadership insight, enhanced adaptive capacity and practical tools to drive meaningful change. You'll be equipped to navigate ambiguity, lead with greater purpose and resilience, and catalyse progress within complex systems and diverse stakeholder environments. Who should attend Professionals looking to confidently diagnose and respond to adaptive challenges, build inclusive environments that foster experimentation and growth and drive organisational transformation through practical leadership tools. What will you receive • UNSW Canberra certificate of completion/Credly badge Instructors Catherine Althaus Professor - AGSM • Catherine brings unmatched global expertise and depth in adaptive leadership across public and cross-cultural systems. • Catherine blends creative, Indigenous and biodynamic methods to enable profound personal and systemic transformation. • Catherine's facilitation style challenges assumptions and empowers leaders to grow with courage, clarity and compassion. Dianne Van Meegen Adjunct Faculty - AGSM • Dianne brings over 20 years of hands-on experience facilitating adaptive leadership development in complex government and organisational systems. • As an expert in designing psychologically safe learning environments, Dianne challenges executive leaders to grow and experiment. • Dianne is recognised for her ability to translate complex theory into actionable insights that support real-world leadership transformation. Max Rixe Adjunct Faculty - AGSM • Max applies evidence-based frameworks to help leaders translate theory into practical, high-impact action. • Max designs dynamic and engaging learning experiences that challenge and empower executive participants. • With strategic focus on developing high-potential talent, Max supports leaders to navigate complexity and accelerate performance.