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What does it mean to live well in today's complex and changing world? And how are we to lead well, to offer direction and cultivate environments where others can be at their best?
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I work behind the scenes to help people, and social change leaders in particular, to feel supported, connected and energised. I do this by hosting and facilitating gatherings that bring people together to learn from each other in environments of trust, to explore responses to the questions above, and inspire each other to live better and to be better leaders.
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Vocate Programs
It never feels like a good time to step back and focus on things that we know are important, but which get crowded out by our hectic schedules. Unfortunately, it often takes a crisis to remind us of what matters. This is your invitation not to wait for that moment.
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Through Vocate, I host, facilitate and guide through programs designed to help you step back from your busy schedule. You will take time out to work with others and think deeply about important areas of life and work.
The programs currently on offer are listed here. ​
Mentoring & Coaching
Alongside these programs, I am also pleased to offer 1:1 mentoring and coaching. I am grateful for the privilege I have had over the years to guide organisational leaders through opportunities or challenges.
If you are in a new leadership role, navigating a transition or responding to an opportunity or challenge, then I'd love to offer some independant support. Typically, this looks like a monthly session (over 3 or 6 months) supplemented by whatever else is needed in your particular situation. Send me an email and let's talk about what this might look like in your scenario.​
Tables
​​Periodically I host a small gathering called a Table. Six to eight people around a lunch or dinner table in a lightly facilitated conversation. We share how we're thinking and feeling about what's going on in the world and I typically offer a provocation in the form of a question. The discussion stretches our thinking and expands our hearts. Ultimately, it is about encouraging each other to live better.
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Come as you are. Tables are welcoming environments. There's no charge, just pay for your own food and drinks. It's like getting together with friends; there is no need to perform or be smart. Leave your cape at the door and check in your phone.​
​Send me an email to find out when the next Table is scheduled.
No events at the moment
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Col Duthie
I work to help leaders of social change feel supported, connected and energised. I am a convenor and facilitator. I am interested in patterns and connections.
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The roles from within which I have done this are:
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As host and facilitator of gatherings of social purpose leaders.
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As a coach and mentor to business and civil society leaders.
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As a board member and specialist Chair of social purpose organisations.
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As a designer and facilitator of programs to create strategic clarity, develop leadership cohesion and cultivate stakeholder buy-in.
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I have worked with senior leaders within the Victorian Legal Services Board and Commission, VicWater, World Vision Australia, Victoria Legal Aid, Salvos Stores, The Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission, Baptcare, Social Ventures Australia, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Justice Connect, Ethinvest, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Corporation, Australian Communities Foundation and dozens of other for-purpose organisations. Until recently I have been Executive Chair of Donkey Wheel Ltd and Chair of The Give Where You Live Foundation. I am currently Chair of Neighbourhood Economics.
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I have various professional accreditations, am a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Good Design Australia Ambassador. There are testimonials here.​
Most, if not all, of our social, economic and environmental woes stem from living as if we are not intrinsically connected to others or our planet. And ... we are busy. Our lives tend towards being full and cluttered. My work is therefore designed to cultivate 'oases of connection'; safe and significant spaces for social purpose leaders to be fully themselves and engaged meaningfully with others. We slow down, help each other declutter, and reconnect with what matters most to us. A shared journey that spirals towards radical wholeness and integrity.
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If you'd like to explore these ideas more deeply, follow my Substack. If you want to stay up to date on what I'm doing with Vocate, please send me an email and I'll add you to my mailing list. (occasional updates)
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I also have websites and blogs at colduthie.net (personal), at colduthie.au (previous professional), an emerging thought experiment at patternwisdom.net and a cooking/food journal at potsandvans.net.
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I live and work most of the time on Wadawurrung Country, and also on Wurundgeri and Bundjalung land. I pay my respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their ongoing custodianship of country and the associated stories and wisdom.