Into the Arena
Climate Leadership Accelerator
Applications open for our April 2024 program
Supported by
Do you feel compelled to influence climate leadership in your organisation or community? Learn from experts, navigate new pathways, and join an incredible network shaping this defining challenge of our times.
Join us on a transformational learning journey to deepen your understanding of the systems operating within the climate crisis, extend your network with leaders across disciplines, challenge your assumptions and develop a hopeful framework for action.
Through an interactive combination of knowledge building across sectors, expert climate mentorship, peer learning and personal development, this program cultivates the agency we all need to bring strategic climate leadership to our communities, businesses and beyond.
‘Into the Arena’ brings unparalleled content backed by an Advisory Group and Honorary Wisdom Council of some of the most prominent international experts in the intersection of climate, business and policy.
The course will facilitate an understanding of the climate context while developing a personalised action framework that provides a pathway to making change in your sphere of influence; and beyond.
Climate impacts are upon us, and we are being called to respond. This program invites individuals who are ready to deepen their knowledge base in order to take meaningful climate action.
The curriculum
Connect with other leaders, challenge assumptions, get curious about how the world is changing, and develop a hopeful framework for action.
Through an interactive blend of live virtual sessions, group work with expert climate advisors, coaching and a transformative retreat we will explore the role and nature of climate leadership, the power of storytelling and communication, the critical importance of systems thinking as we delve broaden our understanding through topics like infrastructure and energy transition, farming, biodiversity and natural capital and the influence of the political economy, culminating in a framework for action.
On completion of this course, you’ll walk away with:
Knowledge of the environmental, social, economic, political and ethical challenges and opportunities facing the world today
A vision, ambition and practical action framework to effect change in your organisation, industry or community
New capacities to lead transformational initiatives
A community of like-minded peers across sectors with a shared vision
New collaborations that push boundaries to identify new solutions to complex challenges
An ability to hold the complexity of competing perspectives and apply this learning across industries
Access to a global community of climate leaders
The opportunity to join Small Giants Academy fellows community
Our Guides
Guided by thought leaders and internationally renowned guest presenters
Matthew Nation
Founder, Nation Partners
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As the founder of Nation Partners, I wanted to create a business that was Purpose Driven and that had a strong environmental and social conscience. By being a profit with purpose business, I knew that we would attract certain types of people that shared a vision of doing more than just growing a consulting firm.
“Leading the change to a better way of doing business” was our mantra for many years, and as we have evolved we have defined what this looks like. Distributed leadership, self-management, capability building and a reward and progression system that transparently sees us all share in the business’ success.
We are recognised as a leading provider of professional services in environmental, infrastructure and stakeholder engagement advisory services. We are curious and genuinely care about the work we do and the outcomes we achieve.
We are employee owned, and that has always been an important part of the plan. Having control over our destiny is important and creates a model where all staff can be business owners. This will ensure that we can direct our collective energy (and profits) towards solving some of the planets most challenging problems.
Libby Davidson
Non-Executive Director, Sustainability Leader
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After many years of leadership experience in global branded consumer businesses, I have seen first-hand the value created by aligning around an ESG agenda. At Lion, I led the Sustainability, Legal, Government Relations, Communications and Container Deposit teams in a beverage and dairy company with operations across Australia, New Zealand and the US.
Over the last 5 years, our Force for Good ESG strategy became fundamental to Lion’s identity with our people, our customers and our consumers. I look forward to sharing the real-world challenges and rewards of bringing climate action and purpose to life across a large complex international business.
To quote Jane Goodall, “What you do makes a difference; you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make”. A member of Chief Executive Women and a Vincent Fairfax Ethical Leadership Fellow, my current directorships include the Board of law firm Sparke Helmore and the Advisory Board of the University of Technology Sydney Business School.
Why step Into the Arena?
Lead in the next chapter and influence a better future.
Climate change is the defining challenge of our time, driving profound societal transformation across sectors. Regardless of the industry, corporate, education, policy, or any other field, the direct impact of climate change is evident.
Our existing operational frameworks have propelled us beyond the thresholds of our planetary limits. Whilst the prospects for substantial climate leadership in business, policy and local communities remain largely unexplored, the opportunities for positive change are great. If you’re committed to taking action, and understanding the change you can make, this program is for you.
Who is this program for?
We are seeking people who care about the impacts of climate change and are ready to step into the arena in their spheres of influence.
Our Climate Leadership program is targeted at those who care about the impacts of climate change and are ready to step into the arena in their spheres of influence. We are seeking a diverse group of individuals. This program is open to people from all sectors, industries, and backgrounds. Participants could include (but are in no way limited to): Participants could include (but are in no way limited to):
C-suite at a large or listed company interested in their organisation pioneering climate leadership
SME leaders who want to take their business and industry toward climate solutions
A school teacher or principal wanting to engage students, families and staff buliding a climate resilient school community
A political incumbent or advisor curious to understand the climate movement and deepen their climate policy
A neighbourhood community member wanting to strengthen local climate education, preparedness and adaptation
First Nations leaders caring for Country and community resilience
Investors and philanthropists wanting to understand our rapidly changing economic context and impactful points of leverage
You (are you ready to bring your business or community with you to create the climate leadership we need?)
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena”
Theodore Roosevelt
Speech at the Sorbonne, Paris, April 23, 1910
The Program Structure
Where solutions meet action
The program starts with a two-day in-person retreat in Melbourne, where you'll delve into the foundational climate science, build a more comprehensive understanding of the climate crisis, and connect with your peers. We then transition into weekly 3.5-hour online sessions, where thought leaders and climate mentors will join with us as we examine specific climate systems and develop our individualised plans.
Throughout this journey, you will pin point tangible points of influence for your professional and personal leadership growth. These areas will be nurtured and refined through guided group huddles throughout the program. With the support of climate mentors in climate policy, industry, advocacy, and storytelling, and equipped with resources, you'll be poised to step into the arena - to take action within the businesses and communities you are involved in.
Program dates
Our inaugural 16-week program will commence in April 2024 and conclude in June 2024. The program will start with a two-day, in-person retreat in Melbourne, followed by online course delivery each week.
In person retreat
Friday 12th – Saturday 13th April in Melbourne
Online course delivery
Wednesday afternoons, 3 hour sessions (4-7PM) 17th April - 24th July
Honourary Wisdom Council, a global network of exemplary climate leaders
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Dr Vandana Shiva
Author, Environmental activist, and President of Navdanya International
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Tim Flannery
Campaigner & author
For employers
Invest in transformational climate leadership development that makes real difference to your organisation
While the focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles remains imperative for businesses, accelerating the personal and professional development of your top talent in climate leadership including an action plan to integrate learning into your business will help build a resilient and agile organisation that is ready for the future.
Sponsor your employee to complete our Climate Leadership Accelerator and join a fellowship of outstanding leaders re-imagining business for a rapidly changing world.
Our Advisory Group
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Kirsty Gold
Investor & Philanthropist
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Lesley Hughes
IPCC Scientist
The Fellows Community
Into the Arena connects you to a rich community of fellows – a network of thinkers and leaders building a better future together.
Completing this program is just the beginning of your journey with Small Giants Academy. Our Fellowship is made up of leaders who integrate wisdom and action to support each other, co-create learning opportunities and actively collaborate on impactful projects for a more hopeful future.
Your investment
What does the program cost?
AUD $4960 inc GST*
Upfront and interest-free monthly payment plans are available.
Partial scholarships are based on financial need and will be allocated after acceptance into the program.
*Accomodation and travel not included for the in-person retreat
Connect with us
Talk to the Small Giants team
If you’re interested in learning more about Into the Arena, we’d love to speak with you.
Book a call with our team, or sign up to learn more about the journey.