When the World is on Edge, Leadership Rises from Unexpected Places

Last week at the PA Leadership Summit in Canberra, I had the privilege of moderating a panel that wrestled with one of the defining questions of our time: what does leadership demand when the world feels like it’s falling apart?

Joined by Andrew Hudson from the Centre for Policy Development, Intrepid Foundation’s Darrell Wade, and Annabelle Chauncy OAM from School for Life Foundation, we explored how global leadership is evolving as traditional aid structures retreat and polycrisis becomes the new normal.

Three themes emerged that I believe define this moment:

• Leadership from Unexpected Places has always been part of my story – from MTV taking on HIV/AIDS to Purpose amplifying voices that traditional institutions couldn’t reach. The panelists embodied this principle: a crisis response expert building coalitions, a travel entrepreneur pioneering sustainability, a backpacker who built an education foundation serving 4,500 students.
• Crisis as Catalyst became our second focus. While the scale of interconnected global challenges – climate, conflict, economic disruption – can feel paralyzing, we discussed how disruption creates space for innovation. The retreat of traditional aid isn’t just loss; it’s an opportunity for locally-led solutions and leaders to emerge.
• Solutions from Communities anchored our final theme. Real change comes from investing in local leadership and recognizing that communities experiencing problems are best positioned to solve them. This isn’t charity – it’s recognizing where expertise actually lives.

Perhaps most importantly, we talked about moving beyond paralysis. Yes, the polycrisis is real. Yes, traditional structures are failing. But the future isn’t written, and our individual and collective action will be what shapes it.  

The future belongs to all of us. We need leaders willing to step up from unexpected places, to see crises as a catalyst, and to trust that solutions will emerge from the communities that need them most.

Simon Goff is Co-CEO of Purpose, building movements for an open, just, and thriving world.