About

 
 

Susan PIzzati

Susan has built her career around helping people working within the for-purpose sector to build meaningful, sustainable and highly impactful careers and organisations.

Through her personal experience working both in and on the sector over the last 15 years, as well as through her PhD research, she understands the unique complexities and challenges of the for-purpose sector and is particularly interested in supporting for-purpose organisations to:

  1. Ensure their organisational objectives and design are fit for purpose, both for today and in readiness for the future;

  2. Enable them to radically adapt and innovate where necessary, both in terms of organisational structures and operational approach;

  3. Improve their results in attracting, retaining, supporting and building the capacity of outstanding people who are capable of moving the organisation closer to achieving its purpose.

Susan’s work assists for-purpose organisations to undertake effective organisational adaptation, organisational design, leadership development services and programs. She works at both an organisational and individual level to provide research, insights and advice; as well as to support those working in for-purpose organisations to effectively navigate the complexity and challenges involved in their work through coaching and professional development initiatives.

In addition to working within her own coaching and consulting business, Susan is currently the Principal Industry Fellow (Social Impact) at the Centre for Social Impact, Swinburne University of Technology, where she contributes to both the educational and research objectives of the Centre.  Susan is Course Director of the Centre's post-graduate and executive education programs; lectures in topics including Strategic Philanthropy, Social Investment, Leadership, and Governance for Social Impact; leads a portfolio of social impact research projects; and heads up the translation and engagement function for the Centre, including hosting a new podcast launching in June 2024, titled 'Research for Social Impact'.

Susan is an accredited Workplace and Leadership Coach; holds Bachelor degrees in Business and Communications; a Master's degree in Social Investment and Philanthropy; and is currently completing a PhD through the Centre for Social Impact titled ‘Navigating Complexity and Paradox: Leading Business Model Innovation in Social Purpose Organisations’.