Jane Schwager

Jane Schwager has had a leadership role in the Australian not-for-profit sector for 25 years, including 8 years as CEO of the Benevolent Society. She started  a number of social initiatives including Sydney Leadership and Social Ventures Australia. In 2003 she helped establish Nonprofit Australia, assisting the $70bn nonprofit sector to improve governance, efficiency and sustainability. She co-authored a study leading to better funding for the Australia Council. In 1995 she assisted the South African Government to establish a Ministry of Culture. She founded the Sydney Children’s Choir in 1988, known as one of three outstanding children’s choirs internationally. She was awarded an Order of Australia (AO). Her leadership is built on pursuing the greater good, vision, humility, and relationship.

For me leadership is about achieving a vision which is bold, significant and changes the shape of history for the better. A bold vision also needs to be achieved in a way which aims to be peaceful and respectful of humanity … Leadership is about transformation.