New Leadership and Cultural Affinity
Professional services firms are not merely program or personnel providers; they are partners in shaping the future success for their clients. For schools and colleges, appointing exceptional leaders is a paramount objective, and Future Leadership is keen to play a pivotal role in achieving this through genuine collaboration.
With an executive search team comprising four highly experienced educators – each with a proven track record in leading schools across Australia and internationally – our consultants bring unparalleled insight into the nuanced needs of educational institutions seeking to enhance transformative leadership and governance.
For instance, the recent appointment of Natalie Devenish as Principal of St Dominic’s College in Kingswood, NSW is both a successful step-up in her leadership career and a customised appointment for the College. This ground-breaking placement – the first female principal to lead this all-boys college – exemplifies our commitment to matching leaders with institutions where their talents and values can thrive. Natalie’s journey – a Catholic education in her formative years, leadership roles at Christian Brothers’ High School Lewisham and St Mary’s Cathedral College Sydney, and a deep cultural affinity with St Dominic’s – positioned her as the ideal candidate to lead the College through its next strategic challenges and opportunities. Her connection to St Dominic’s runs deep, influenced by her father Graham’s tenure as Principal (1994–2002). Her professional growth within Catholic schools uniquely complements the College’s liberal education model, based in compassion, opportunity, and discovery.
For Principals and Boards exploring new opportunities or seeking insights into recruitment strategies, Natalie’s success story showcases the transformative impact of aligning leadership qualities with institutional culture – a cornerstone of Future Leadership’s approach.
Context is Crucial
Since our origins as Jo Fisher Executive/Fisher Leadership in Melbourne, Future Leadership has cultivated long-term relationships with valued clients. This legacy has underscored the importance of understanding the unique contexts of educational jurisdictions across Australia – an expertise that has become the foundation of our nationwide growth and success.
Our recent growth in Sydney has yielded outstanding outcomes for our clients, with multiple executive placements in leading independent schools. Large metropolitan schools such as Queenwood School for Girls, Methodist Ladies’ College (MLC), Loreto Kirribilli, Knox Grammar School, Pymble Ladies College, Cranbrook School, Malek Fahd Islamic School, and Edmund Rice Education Australia NSW (EREA have trusted us to identify and secure leaders who align with their strategic aspirations and institutional ethos, as well as assistance with governance enhancement projects). The secret to our success is simple yet acutely important: we prioritise understanding the capabilities, contexts, and leadership needs of our clients, enabling us to draw from a deep and diverse pool of exceptional expertise.
We invite our clients to reflect on the power of strategic leadership appointments – how the right leader, at the right time, can transform an institution for the better. Whether seeking to advance a leadership career or enrich an existing team, Future Leadership is ready to work alongside you through every step of the process.
Why Future Leadership?
Our strength lies in our ability to match strategy with leadership qualities, ensuring that every placement and/or project is an investment in each client’s future. With a proven track record, a nationwide presence, and a commitment to understanding the distinctive character of each school and location, we are more than professional services specialists – we are partners in ensuring educational excellence.
Let us help you shape the next chapter of your leadership journey or the evolution of your institution. Together, we will achieve extraordinary outcomes.
Liam King, Senior Partner: [email protected]
Kirsti Hitz-Morton, Associate Partner: [email protected]
