Our Mentors and Coaches

Denise is the founder and Managing Director of the Foresight Management Group (FMG) and of Foresight Global Coaching (FGC) which grew out of FMG’s M&A Advisory business. FGC was launched in 1998 and has an international operation. FGC is recognised internationally as the leading Executive Business Coaching organisation. Denise’s PhD in Cross Border Acquisitions from Imperial College London, School of Economics, her experience as a public company executive, her NED experience, including 10 years as the Chair on a National NFP and her experience and focus on implementation and outcomes, has underpinned her leadership of FGC. FGC’s Coaches are distinguished business executives who are in their post-executive careers. FGC’s Coaches work with organisation’s executive leaders. The FGC robust business model ensures that the Executives’ new knowledge and skills are implemented and applied as it is an iterative process; the Executives learn, apply, adapt and lead. FGC facilitates continuous learning opportunities and a collegiate framework for its Distinguished Business Leader Coaches, to complement the business currency gained and maintained from their Non Executive Directorships. FGC’s Coaches also continue to grow their knowledge of the rapidly changing markets in which FGC’s Executive organisations work. Characterisations of FGC’s robust coaching model are its:

Integrity, Confidentiality for all aspects of its coaching (including the names of the prestigious firms and Executives with whom FGC works) Governance structures and processes breadth of experience and the quality of its coaching teams, Responsiveness and Accountability.

FGC’s unique and robust Business Model includes a support team which engages with Executive’s organisations coaching Sponsors. The Sponsor support team ensures FGC has and maintains a deep understanding of the organisation’s needs from its Executives and hence from FGC’s coaching. FGC delivers the outcomes required and ensures that confidentiality and integrity are maintained. Denise is passionate about her leadership role and of the work of FGC. Denise is very proud of the support the FGC Team has provided to leading Australian and International Executives’ careers and through those Executives leadership to the companies in which they lead.

Dr Denise Fleming AM New South Wales Managing Director and Founder - The more the business environment is challenged and changed the greater is the need for Executives to enhance their leadership strengths and skills. Foresight Global Coaching’s Coaches, distinguished in their own fields, work to augment Executives’ strengths so that the Executives can deliver superior leadership performance and can achieve their organisation’s goals.

FGC was launched in 1998 and has an international operation. FGC is recognised internationally as the leading Executive Business Coaching organisation. Denise’s PhD in Cross Border Acquisitions from Imperial College London, School of Economics, her experience as a public company executive, her NED experience, including 10 years as the Chair on a National NFP and her experience and focus on implementation and outcomes, has underpinned her leadership of FGC. FGC’s Coaches are distinguished business executives who are in their post-executive careers. FGC’s Coaches work with organisation’s executive leaders. The FGC robust business model ensures that the Executives’ new knowledge and skills are implemented and applied as it is an iterative process; the Executives learn, apply, adapt and lead. FGC facilitates continuous learning opportunities and a collegiate framework for its Distinguished Business Leader Coaches, to complement the business currency gained and maintained from their Non Executive Directorships. FGC’s Coaches also continue to grow their knowledge of the rapidly changing markets in which FGC’s Executive organisations work. Characterisations of FGC’s robust coaching model are its:

Integrity, Confidentiality for all aspects of its coaching (including the names of the prestigious firms and Executives with whom FGC works) Governance structures and processes breadth of experience and the quality of its coaching teams, Responsiveness and Accountability.

FGC’s unique and robust Business Model includes a support team which engages with Executive’s organisations coaching Sponsors. The Sponsor support team ensures FGC has and maintains a deep understanding of the organisation’s needs from its Executives and hence from FGC’s coaching. FGC delivers the outcomes required and ensures that confidentiality and integrity are maintained. Denise is passionate about her leadership role and of the work of FGC. Denise is very proud of the support the FGC Team has provided to leading Australian and International Executives’ careers and through those Executives leadership to the companies in which they lead.

Dr Denise Fleming AM New South Wales Managing Director and Founder - The more the business environment is challenged and changed the greater is the need for Executives to enhance their leadership strengths and skills. Foresight Global Coaching’s Coaches, distinguished in their own fields, work to augment Executives’ strengths so that the Executives can deliver superior leadership performance and can achieve their organisation’s goals.

As a Chartered Accountant and former Partner at Deloitte, Graham possesses a wealth of expertise in corporate governance, financial reporting, external audit, compliance requirements, due diligence, and risk assessment.

His professional journey at Deloitte, where he served as a Partner, included membership of the Deloitte Australia Board. Graham's proficiency in financial matters is underscored by his status as a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand.

Graham’s Non-Executive experience includes Chair of Rocky Bay Inc., a leading organisation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities; Board Membership of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research; the Rocky Bay Foundation; North Metropolitan Health Service where he was Chair of the Finance Committee.

Graham’s education includes a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of WA

Graham is married with three adult sons and enjoys spending time with family and friends, contributing to the community through Rotary, golf, yoga and travel.

Barry believes that the keys to personal and professional success are understanding who you are, what you need to do to achieve success in your chosen field and where you have to be to take advantage of opportunities. After completing his Ph.D. at the Royal School of Mines, London, Barry started his professional career as a geologist. He swiftly moved into management roles and thence investment banking; his career has taken him into the boardrooms of the World’s resources giants. His 23 years as an investment banker specializing in the mining industry involved him in some extraordinary deals, particularly in his role as a founding executive director of a Canadian Bank in Australia. Barry is the Chairman of the Foresight Management Group; his leadership, integrity, sense of humour and thoughtfulness ensures that Foresight’s Global Coaching grows professionally. Barry enjoys spending time with his family, playing with his dogs and using tradesman-quality tools to make things.

Andrew Best is a former Managing Director of J P Morgan Australia and their Head of Investment Banking Coverage. From his time at JPMorgan since 1994, Andrew has held senior roles in Sydney, Hong Kong, Singapore and London.

Andrew is a highly respected senior financial services executive with unique long term, multi-cycle, international and domestic leadership experience across banking and markets. Andrew is deeply skilled in Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A), Capital Markets, Markets and Derivatives.

Among Andrew’s many senior executive qualities, is the ability to understand problems, quickly decipher what matters, as well as to focus on the key factors people need to consider when making decisions. This comes from being a good listener and having the ability to build relationships with people. He feels that to be a successful and effective Executive Coach you need to listen, guide, build rapport, explore solutions and to be proactive.

Andrew is driven by involvement with people and has found that building relationships with colleagues or clients has always been the most enjoyable part of his career. Talking to people about their concerns or problems, trying to solve those issues or guiding them in the right direction in their careers, or around specific decisions, provides great fulfilment.

Andrew holds dual degrees - Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Science.

Andrew is married with 4 children. Having grown up in Melbourne, he has a passion for AFL and the Richmond Tigers. He enjoys most sports, playing golf and skiing. He exercises regularly, loves to travel and read, and is a big fan of Art driven by his wife’s passion for the Arts.

Andrew’s post-executive experience includes a Non Executive directorship of AMP Limited, a member of the Investment Committee for Ord Minnett’s Private Opportunities Fund and as a Panel Member of Adara Partners.

Roland Burgman, an internationally renowned expert in strategic management and value-based management methodologies and processes, is an adviser and author in the areas of enterprise change and transformation management.

Roland has held a number of executive positions including Managing Director of a private venture capital fund, Executive Director Finance and Administration of an automobile manufacturing supplier and General Manager of Corporate Development for a large public company. Roland has also held many board positions in the public, private and government sectors including Chairman of the Board and board audit and remuneration sub-committees.

In his role as executive coach, Roland combines his extensive international experience with a contemporary understanding of complex business problems and challenges. The importance of integrity in relationships and an emphasis on the whole person underpins his approach to executive coaching. Ultimately, he believes, coaching benefits are the permanent and fulfilling progression of the executive’s effectiveness and efficiency resulting in enhanced leadership at higher levels of the organisation. Roland empowers his Executive clients to explore their work environment to find new and innovative solutions to intractable problems.

Roland holds a PhD in Strategic Management from Purdue University, a Dip. Treasury Management from Monash University, a M. Commerce (Marketing) Hons. from the University of New South Wales and a B. Agricultural Economics from the University of New England.

Additionally, he has been the recipient of various awards including the Academy of Management and Strategic Management Society Award for Outstanding Research in the Field of Strategic Management (USA), an Academy of Management Doctoral Consortium Fellowship (USA) and a Fulbright Grant to the US.

Roland enjoys travel, rugby, music, the theatre, and modern art.

Craig has worked in six countries, in eight different industries, in multinationals, joint venture businesses, medium-sized businesses and start-ups. With more than twenty years at CEO level, he has a broad breadth and depth of experience which he brings to his coaching.

Craig believes he was fortunate to start his career in large corporations which provided great support and training and access to a broad spectrum of resources. Craig benefitted from that experience enabling him to undertake new challenges in growing new businesses in information services, nutraceuticals, communications, healthcare and clean technology industries.

During his career, Craig was helped by many people and he valued that experience. For him coaching is about repaying those people who helped him, by supporting the development of the next generation of business leaders, so they can be the best they can be.

Craig holds that the main keys to personal success are to never stopping learning, and having integrity, values and balance. He holds that people should have fun along the way. On his journey from sales and marketing through to regional management for NCR Corporation, followed by senior roles within Telstra, and later as either Chairman and/or CEO of a series of 21^st Century businesses, Craig has certainly had plenty of fun, and has never stopped learning.

“I love helping business leaders achieve outcomes that make a difference to their business, whether it be dealing with a major business issue, implementing a major change program or helping a person perform at a level they have not imagined would have been possible.”

Craig is married to Val and they have two children. Val and Craig like to keep active and love to travel, including visiting their daughter in Seattle and their son in Sydney.

Craig’s experience includes being a director of more than 20 listed and unlisted companies in the USA, Canada, UK, Japan, Singapore, UAE and Australia.

Michael brings to his coaching his belief that to succeed one needs passion, dedication, focus, courage plus a lot of empathy.  Michael believes in constant learning. He currently gets a real buzz out of seeing how the mind of an entrepreneur works, how they make decisions, and how the same world looks very different if seen through the eyes of a millennial.

Michael brings to his coaching the breadth of his personal business and transformational experiences, having worked in three industries, Banking, Law and Technology.

As a citizen of both Australia and the UK, Michael has lived and worked in London, New York, Taipei, Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai and Sydney during his career. He has travelled extensively across emerging markets for more than three decades.  His experience has given him a strong global perspective that helps to set issues on a broader canvas.

He spent 25 years as a banker, where he served in a variety of leadership positions across four continents.  These included securing a banking license in Australia, where he was Executive Chairman.

Michael had three years as the first Managing Director of Freehills. Although he studied law at Cambridge University, he never practiced. Subsequently, he became the first non-lawyer to run a major law firm in Australia, with a mandate to turn a legal practice into a legal services business.

Michael spent 15 years offshore. For his last role he was based in Shanghai for 8 years, as IBM’s Vice President, Global Strategy for Growth Markets where he led IBM’s growth strategies in the key hyper-growth markets of China and India.  Subsequently he led the development of IBM’s long-term strategies for growth in the most important and dynamic emerging markets around the world, leveraging their unique talent and innovation for IBM and its Executive clients globally.

Michael is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Non Executive roles include Membership of the Garvan Research Foundation Board and Ambassador Emeritus of Advance.

Michael is married with two daughters and a son; he and his wife have a passion for expeditionary travel to remote (especially polar) regions, and to understand their culture, history, people and wildlife. When he is not coaching, consulting or travelling, he loves to spend time with his grandchildren.

Since 2016, Anthony has been actively involved as the Victorian State Manager for Foresight's Global Coaching (FGC), Australia’s leading Executive Business Coaching organisation.

Anthony's impressive executive career played a pivotal role focusing upon the alignment of workforces with the strategic goals of the company. Roles included serving as Telstra's General Manager and Director of Human Resources, for Telstra’s Finance and other Divisions and as Group Director, Human Resources for Hastings Funds Management.

Anthony’s non-executive experience includes serving as a Trustee Director on the boards of IBMGSA Super Fund, OTC Staff Super Fund, and Telstra Super Pty Ltd.

Throughout his career, Anthony has been a driving force in organisations’ Human Capital strategies; elevating human resource practices and contributing significantly to the success of the organisations he has served.

Anthony’s education includes a Bachelor of Business, Economics and Human Resources from Monash and a Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning from Deakin.

Anthony is married with two daughters and enjoys reading, travel and motor racing.

David Wilkins, a seasoned Senior Leader and Non-Executive Director, has a track record of driving business growth and fostering employee development. David knows that the foundation of success in business is found in the values of honesty, respect and the integrity of its people.

Throughout his career, David has been dedicated to steering national businesses towards their growth goals while simultaneously coaching and mentoring teams to achieve personal and collective success. His leadership style is characterised by collaboration and empathy, measuring success by the accomplishments of those around him.

David’s Executive experience included senior positions at Blackmores, Sigma Healthcare and John Wiley and Sons. He was also Regional Manager at Aspen Pharma Group, achieving the Australian Leader of the Year Award and the 2021 and National Pharmacies Supplier of the Year Award.

A Non-Executive Director experience includes Board Membership of Community Living & Respite Services Inc., an organisation accredited to provide disability services in Echuca, Moama, and surrounding districts and also Chair of St Mary of the Angels Secondary College.

David’s education includes an MBA from the Australian Institute of Business and he is a Graduate of the AICD

David is married with 3 Daughters and he enjoys golf, fun runs, English football and Formula 1 while also finding time for reading, autobiographies and history predominantly.

Rick is a professional director and chairman who has spent 21 years in the oil industry with BP in New Zealand and overseas. He was the CEO of Cable Price Downer which is a diversified industrial group followed by CEO of Tradenz, the NZ Trade Development Board and then CEO of Rangitira, a diversified investment company.

Past roles have included Chairman of AgResearch, member of the Growth and Innovation Advisory Board, director of Tourism Holdings, Wakefield Hospital and the NZ Pork Industry Board.

Rick has a strong sports, media and arts track records, as being a past director of TV NZ, a founding director of the NZ Symphony Orchestra and past President of Chamber Music NZ.

Rick is married with three adult children and lives in Wellington.

Tony’s extensive experience, with over 20 years with top ASX Listed Company CSL Limited, culminated in ten years as Executive Finance Director. During those 20 years, CSL, now a global market leader, grew its biopharmaceutical organisation into a major international enterprise, following an IPO in 1990.

Tony’s Australian Executive and Directorship experiences were enhanced with accountabilities in the USA and Europe, now the location of the majority of CSL’s business. Tony was a Main Board CSL Director for 10 years and the Executive Finance Director. In his post-Executive career Tony has been Chair of Audit and Risk Committees of ASX listed Navitas, Healthscope, and Skilled.

Tony’s broad and deep experience has given him exposure to both domestic and global corporates in regulated industries, manufacturing and service sectors. His involvement in significant merger and acquisition projects has given Tony first-hand experience in dealing with corporate change and cultural fit, which enrich the experiences he brings to his coaching.

For Tony, the keys to personal and professional success are integrity, honesty, empathy and respect; underpinned by the ability to harness, apply and communicate insights and business acumen with clarity and always to strive for superior performance.

Tony believes his strongest coaching assets are an ability to listen and the confidence to question; to identify and prioritise problems and opportunities; to be patient and having a sense of humour.

Tony’s own aspirations are to continue to learn and to extend himself through exposure to new experiences and challenges whilst continuing to make a positive difference to others.

Tony is married with three daughters who also love and challenge life. He enjoys watching high level soccer, domestic and international travel and photography.

Anthony brings extensive experience and leadership to his Executive Coaching. Formerly a Professional Services Partner with a National Leadership role in Energy & Resources and a Non-Executive Director in the Resource sector.

Anthony’s expertise in corporate governance, strategic thinking, and team leadership makes him a valuable coach for executives seeking to maximise their potential. His focus on organic growth, acquisitions, and fostering collaborative cultures reflects his commitment to driving success in both business and people development.

Anthony ‘s clients benefit from the knowledge and experience Anthony has gained leading teams, establishing positive, collaborative cultures and growing knowledge through an exploration of human-capital dynamics. Anthony finds it very rewarding assisting executives to build their confidence, to be their best self, and to believe in the value they offer an organisation.

Anthony brings to his coaching very strong experience based on the fundamentals of business; a deep understanding of what works and what can go wrong, and what steps need to be taken to turn opportunities into success.

Anthony’s non-executive director experience includes Lead Independent Director and Chair of the Audit Committee for ASX 100 company Liontown Resources Limited.

Anthony is married with one child. He has a keen interest in AFL, fishing and horse racing. In addition to spending quality time with family, Anthony likes to keep fit and healthy and often takes long walks!

Neil Cochrane is a well-recognised leader in the Australian superannuation industry.

In a career which has spanned decades in financial services, Neil’s Executive Leadership experience includes Deputy CEO and Global Head of Business Development at Colonial First State Global Asset Management (CFSGAM); CEO of the Retail Employees Superannuation Trust (REST Industry Super) and CEO of Southern Asset Management in South Africa.

Neil’s non-executive experience includes Director and Fellow of the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA), independent adviser to Auscoal Superannuation (now Mine Super), Chair of Aware Super Pty Ltd and its Governance and Nominations Committee, and member of the Investment Committee and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST).

Neil’s Non Executive experience also includes roles within the retail banking, investment management and superannuation industries. Neil chaired the Superannuation Complaints Tribunal Advisory Council, the Fund Executive Association Ltd (FEAL), the Commonwealth Bank Group Super and the Commonwealth Bank (UK) Staff Benefits Scheme.

Michael has seen the benefits of coaching from both sides. “As a sponsor of many coaching Executive clients, I saw people blossom and boost their self-confidence while being coached, and saw how the outcomes of their coaching were sustained throughout their careers.”

Michael’s post-executive career includes engagements as a Director, Non Executive Director and Chairman including as a Chair of the Audit Committee of Macquarie Group Limited; Chair, Bingo Industries Limited; Director and ARC Chair, Legal Aid NSW; Planet Ark Environmental Foundation; Governor Centenary Institute; Membership of the Audit Committee of the Reserve Bank of Australia; Director of The Belvoir Street Theatre Foundation, Commonwealth Government's Financial Reporting Council the Institute of Company Directors, and State Councillor of the NSW State Council.

Michael’s executive leadership experience includes Head of KPMG’s risk and regulatory activities in Australia and the Asia Pacific region, through the challenges of the global financial crisis and he knows the demands crises can have on leadership. As National Managing Partner for Risk and Regulation Michael was responsible for the processes dealing with client risk, professional conduct and compliance during a time of increasing regulatory requirements. His leadership included the successful integration of state-based assurance practices into a single national practice and as Senior Audit Partner.

Michael’s experience as a National Managing Partner, as the Regional Leader for Asia Pacific Quality and Risk Management allowed him to develop the listening skills needed to understand the nuances of different legal structures and cultures and to understand the other person’s point of view - the skills needed to build consensus between two sides of any debate.”

Michael has enjoyed the intellectual stimulus of working with organisations and people and has benefitted enormously from working with and encouraging people of all age groups, across a wide range of cultures.

Married to Anne with two adult children, Michael enjoys improving his sailing skills and observing the growing presence in the world of his grandchildren.

With more the thirty years of executive and leadership experience in financial services in Australia and internationally, Peter has a gift for supporting people to develop and improve their performance, in ever demanding environments.

As the Australian General Manager of Business Banking and 8 years as Head of Private Wealth Management, Peter led a team of more than 3,500 people at a time of significant industry transformation. “Sustained business success requires cutting edge leadership - leaders who are self-aware, open to learning, inspiring, motivating and, above all can build trusted relationships.”

Executives with these skills are fully equipped to deliver, and are constantly challenged to lift their strength and to develop new ones to meet the demands of ever-changing business environments.”

Peter believes executive coaching provides quantifiable value to executives and their organisations, by assisting executives to rapidly accelerate their development, and to challenge themselves to achieve outstanding outcomes. By maximising and leveraging an executive’s own skills, executives are able to build their people, their organisation and its resources.”

Leadership was the critical factor in Peter’s business performance and he found that one-on-one coaching provided the most effective key.” Throughout his career, Peter has held numerous directorships on internal, external and joint venture boards.

Peter’s other passions in life includes his wife Trish, his daughters and a love of fitness. Peter is a keen marathon runner and uses this sport to keep fit and raise funds for charity.  He also enjoys travel, reading, boating and one day hopes to write an international best-seller!

With a thirty-year career in banking, finance and business, Harvey has seen the peaks and lows of the market.

As Chief Financial Officer for the West Australian-based Challenge Bank, Harvey had executive responsibility for the bank’s treasury, finance, corporate strategy and investor relations functions. He was also responsible for managing major equity and debt raisings in the Australian and international capital markets.

In addition to his operational roles, Harvey has extensive experience in managing key stakeholder relationships including institutional investors, industry bodies and government and regulatory authorities.

His personal resilience is built on the foundations of this experience.  For Harvey coaching is a powerful tool in building his Executive clients’ resilience. Harvey believes “a life lived well is a life that is physically, emotionally and spiritually healthy, and it is a life lived well in a range of contexts – personal, family, community and business.”

As a coach, he enables his Executive clients to explore the various aspects of their life and develop frameworks for maintaining overall life health with a focus on achieving their business and personal goals.

Harvey’s board experience has included Chairman of Bankwest Limited, private health insurer, HBF Inc, and listed international education services provider, Navitas. Harvey also served for 15 years as Chairman of Hagar International, an international NGO working with women and children who are victims of severe human rights abuses. Board member of Save the Children Australia and Chairman of Insitor Partners Pte. Ltd, a Singapore based impact investment fund manager.

Harvey’s diverse experience has given him the ability to get across issues quickly and to see the whole picture.

Harvey and his wife Heather have seven adult children and a growing brood of grandchildren. Harvey enjoys reading, music, photography and travel.

Rebecca has deep experience as an executive leader with over 20 years CEO and Senior Executive experience across Retail, New Technology and FMCG, in the Asia Pacific, ANZ and USA.
With a strong focus on leadership enhancing strengths, Rebecca’s coaching style emphasises empathy, communication and clarity.

Rebecca’s experience as a Non-Executive Director includes BlueScope, Australian Foundation Investment Company (AFIC), GrainCorp and Energy Australia. Her expertise in governance, strategy, and leadership development has been instrumental in driving positive change within organisations.

Rebecca was named one of Australia’s Most Influential Women (Winner Board and Management Section) at the Westpac AFR Women of Influence Awards. Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) and a Distinguished Alumni Award from Monash University and is a member of Chief Executive Women.

Rebecca was a Fellow at the University of Melbourne and was an inaugural Member of the Business Advisory Board at Monash Business School.

Rebecca is married and has two children. Rebecca enjoys horse riding and spending time with her family, and friends on her farm. Outside of her professional commitments, she practices meditation, yoga, and loves to read and cook.

The success David Garrard has found in his own career in equity capital markets is predicated on the very traits that make a good coach – strong people skills and the ability to listen. These traits have seen him in various roles with JP Morgan both here and overseas for over 24 years of his working life. David brings to the coaching relationship a deep knowledge of organisational dynamics and how they play out over time – through periods of significant change. “The coach’s role is to be a good listener,” he says, “and to provide feedback to help the Executive client find the right answers.”

His career demonstrates his keen ability to adapt, grow, innovate and prosper in that one organisation. David’s experience includes Managing Director, Head of Corporate Broking, JP Morgan (Sydney), where he worked on a broad range of advisory work including equity advice on capital raisings, mergers and acquisitions and market feedback to public-listed companies. As Head of Australian Equities and Derivatives, he improved departmental performance, established financial controls and introduced new business initiatives, achieving market share gains.

Other experience includes Head of Sales at JP Morgan (London) where he established the Edinburgh Conference, recognised by the Australian Investor Relations Association as the premier overseas investor forum for Australian companies; Chair of Vinva Investment Management Compliance Committee; Director of Homestart Finance; member of The Salvation Army Investment Board, the Securities Institute (London); South Australian Economic Development Board and Port Adelaide Football Club where he Chaired the Business Advisory Board.

In his past role as Chairman of Flemings Global Mining Group, he built a highly professional and effective team from the businesses of Ord Minnett, Flemings and Fleming Martin. David is also a member of JP Morgan Australia’s Advisory Council.

Married to Sheila, David has three children and enjoys tennis, golf, skiing, surfing, music, reading and wine.

Tony is Life Fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia having spent over 35 years in the banking and finance industry in Australia including offshore postings to London, Hamburg and New York holding executive positions in government, regional and major banks as well as building societies and stock broking.

In 1991 he moved to Perth from the east coast to take up the role as Managing Director of Challenge Bank Limited.  Tony’s experience includes involvement in Private Equity as a Non-Executive Director and he has also been involved with the Private Equity acquisition and turnaround of Alinta Energy and was a former Non-Executive Director of Wesfarmers Limited.

Tony’s career has been very wide ranging in geography, industry type and size, leadership, business, sport, education and public policy. He believes the essential qualities of a successful coach are listening, respect, confidentiality, experience and wisdom.

Tony served on the University of Western Australia Senate for 12 years, and was an inaugural Chairman of the University Club and was a key driver in the creation of the UWA Business School where he led the Fund Raising and served as Deputy Chair for over a decade.

Tony ‘s community involvement included Chairman of Western Australian Rugby Union; inaugural Chairman of the Committee for Perth; President of both the Western Australian and Australian Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the International Chamber of Commerce of Australia.

In 2002 Tony was made an officer of the Order of Australia for service to business and commerce, to the banking and finance sector, and to the community. In 2005 he was awarded WA Citizen of the Year in Industry and Commerce and in 2003 was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of WA where he held the position of Adjunct Professor in Financial Management.

Tony is married with two boys who both played rugby for Western Australia and four grandchildren. Tony and his wife are keen wildlife photographers and golfers, which form the basis for their travel adventures.

As a CEO for 21 years, Andrea Hull understands the complexities and bottom-line accountability of life at the top. Having held CEO positions in government and at the Victorian College of the Arts, and as a Director of the Australia Council, Andrea is regarded as a creative visionary who has led Australian cultural institutions to national and international prominence, nurturing creative talent while using her business strategy acumen to deliver long-term results.

At the Victorian College of the Arts Andrea drove a comprehensive modernisation program including people management and development, administration and infrastructure.

Key to her distinguished career is her understanding of the difference between leadership and management and the need for the leader to set the vision and the strategy to achieve it.

As a coach, Andrea believes clarity about goals and the capacity to deliver them effectively are critical to success. “Coaching offers an opportunity to nurture, challenge and extend possibilities to assist executives achieve new insights and fulfil their potential.”

“Anyone in or in pursuit of a leadership role can benefit from a space where ideas, problems and issues can be raised and thoughtfully discussed and challenged in a confidential context.”

Andrea has brought her skills as a creative and strategic thinker to the boards of several of Australia’s largest and most successful cultural and health organisations.  Andrea has served as Chair of the Melbourne Recital Centre; Chair of the ABC Advisory Council; Chair of the Melbourne Forum; Deputy Chair of the National Museum of Australia; Deputy Chair of Breast Cancer Network of Australia and a member of the Boards of The Florey Institutes for Neuroscience; the National Gallery of Victoria; the Arts Centre; the Melbourne Theatre Company, the Australian National Academy of Music; the Australia Korea Foundation; the Australia Japan Foundation and a wide variety of other federal and state  cultural and educational bodies.

Andrea’s experience also includes working as an international adviser in the diverse fields of education, trade, health, urban renewal and tourism.

In 2003, Andrea was honoured with an appointment as Officer in the Order of Australia for services to the arts, arts education and cultural policy. In 2004, the Committee for Melbourne awarded Andrea the Melbourne Achiever's Award.

Married with a daughter and a passionate arts and music fan, Andrea is relishing ‘Act 3’ of her career and enjoys hiking, reading and travel.

As Managing Director of Johnson and Johnson Pacific for 19 years, Max Johnston developed a team of people and a culture that proved to him that the only true difference in a company’s performance is the quality and determination of its people.

With Johnson and Johnson and in senior executive roles at Unilever and United Distillers, Max gained invaluable experience leading businesses in Australia, throughout the Asia Pacific, Europe and Africa.

It is this experience that has taught Max that “relationships are the most important asset anyone will ever have. Building solid, trusting and productive relationships is the foundation of everything else we accomplish.”

Max believes everyone who wants to implement positive change needs some form of coach to stay on track. “This is especially true where the person is under multiple pressures, the challenges are significant or the change task is not clear.”

Max’s board experience includes Granite Holdings, the Photon Group and Chair of Probiotec and AusCann. Non Executive Director of Medical Developments International, PolyNovo and Enero and Inoviq. Max has also held several prominent industry roles, including as a past President of ACCORD Australasia Limited and former Vice Chairman of the Australian Food and Grocery Council.

As Max says “in the first phase of my career I was lucky to work for great companies in an era when long-term senior executives had sufficient tenure and time in their roles to mentor the next generation of executives coming through. They were the coaches”.

“In the second phase of my career, running companies, I was privileged to work with great people who proved that the only true difference in a company’s performance is the quality and determination of its people”.

“Now in the third phase of my career, I get enormous pleasure through coaching by providing an opportunity for reflection and a confidential sounding board for my Executive clients.

“The three companies I spent my career with all shared a common value of doing the ‘right thing’ and managing for the long term. Some 40 years of living this philosophy allows you to clearly separate the real issues from the noise and equips you with a strong inner compass to help clients navigate the way forward.”

Married to Michelle with two daughters, Max is passionate about the land and enjoys working on his cattle farm.

A common thread in Andrew’s career has been his ability to re-create businesses to ensure their survival and success in an ever-changing marketplace.

An engineer with more than 40 years’ experience as a business leader in a broad range of manufacturing and distribution industries, Andrew has been a driving force in reinventing corporate cultures and financial results.

Andrew’s experience includes Chief Executive and Managing Director roles with a particular focus on achieving business turnaround and significant cultural change.

Andrew developed and implemented innovative strategies to address technological changes in the market and overcome the complacency of market leadership. Andrew says the challenge of re-creating companies requires a quick appreciation of the whole business environment, thorough analysis, coupled with flexibility and innovation in developing strategies and solutions.

It’s this enquiring mind and extensive experience Andrew brings to his coaching. He believes coaching offers clients the opportunity to develop new capabilities and hone existing skills to enable a fresh attack on previously intractable issues and tackle new challenges with confidence. Andrew draws on his creativity, empathy, energy and diagnostic skills to help his clients take on challenges that may seem daunting, and succeed.

Andrew’s roles have included member of the New South Wales Manufacturing Council and a Board member of the Australian Gas Association, the Federal Government Enterprise Connect Board and President of Making Waves Foundation.

Married to Libby, Andrew enjoys sailing, surfing and tennis. Andrew enjoys travel with family and friends and spending time with their adult sons and growing tribe of grandchildren

“In a world where change is the accepted norm, business leaders need to continually adapt and develop. We can all benefit by seeing issues through other people’s eyes. Coaching is a dialogue where experience meets reality”.

Jim believes that the key to successful executive coaching is to listen effectively, analyse quickly, and communicate concisely within a framework of enthusiasm, energy, optimism and flexibility.

A proven business leader and relationship builder, Jim has spent more than 30 years leading and managing major multinational corporations in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. Experience includes Managing Director Foster’s Asia, Carlton & United Breweries, and Kraft Foods, where he was President (Asia Pacific) based in Hong Kong.

As a seasoned senior business executive with extensive experience in fast moving consumer goods, he has proven capabilities in successfully guiding organisations through strategic change. Jim has a strong track record in people management and in developing new and emerging talent. Jim offers invaluable assistance to executives seeking first-rate results.  “To succeed, you need to aim high.”

Jim is an experienced Non Executive Director having served on a number of ASX listed public companies, including JB Hi Fi Ltd, Navitas, Pacific Brands, Trust Company and Lovisa. Jim has also served on several sporting and charity boards in Melbourne.

Married with three children and 9 grandchildren, Jim enjoys golf, investing, reading, and snow-skiing.

“People want to succeed in life but are limited in the level of their success by issues they cannot deal with alone,” says Adrian Kloeden. “An experienced person with coaching skills can help them succeed at a higher level than they could achieve alone.”

Adrian’s experience includes Chairman and Director of several businesses, Council Member and Deputy Chancellor of Deakin University.

“I see coaching in the same way as I see my chairman and director roles, to assist executives and their organisations to perform to high levels.”

Coaching developed organically for Adrian, growing out of the personal transformations he made in his career that traversed the fields of forestry, agribusiness, packaging manufacture, retail, intellectual property and government business enterprises.

“I recognised the vital role of colleagues and others in generating exceptional performance and so committed myself to assisting Executives and CEOs to achieve their potential,” he says.

For Adrian, the foundation of personal and professional success comes from having a strong set of values and a sense of your own definition of success. “Long- and short-term goals are also required to enable you to deliver on that success. You need to be closely connected to people who are part of your aspirations and who can guide and assist you in the pursuit of your goals.”

The successful executive has a “sense of optimism, resilience and adventure in the pursuit of new opportunities”.

Married to Judy with three children, they enjoy bike riding, travel, opera, ballet and cooking.

After sixteen years in senior roles with major commercial and investment banks, followed by nineteen years at NSW Treasury Corporation, with the last ten as the Chief Executive, Stephen Knight is a successful and respected professional within the Australian finance industry. He sees himself as being very fortunate to have been an integral player within the industry during a period of immense and dynamic change.

Stephen’s experience across both the private and public sectors gives him a unique perspective as to what drives people. The need for balanced views, the importance of listening and the value of personal development resonate strongly with him.

Stephen owes his success to his collaborative leadership style, to seeking solutions through teamwork rather than conflict and above all through listening, listening and listening!

Stephen holds that the main keys to personal success are integrity, values and balance. He says “People who succeed typically have a strong personal compass. They must of course also have the leadership abilities   cutting through complexity and ambiguity to provide clear and seemingly simple strategies and messaging”.

“I love seeing businesses and people grow, and being a contributor to that story. Values alignment is hugely important to me, and became more so as my career progressed.”

Stephen gets great satisfaction from leading a successful strategy, the human interaction and continuous learning aspects of business, the development of people and most of all from witnessing the success of the people he has developed.

Stephen’s experience includes Chair of the ASX Clearing and Settlement Boards; non-executive director of Hall & Wilcox, Primary Ethics, and the Sydney Financial Forum; Chairman of the Audit & Risk Committee for the Australian Office of Financial Management (AOFM); Chairman of the Commonwealth Government’s Affordable Housing Implementation Taskforce, which led to the establishment of the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation (NHFIC), Chairman of the Bond Due Diligence Committee at NHFIC.

Stephen is also a member of AOFM’s Advisory Board and the Advisory Board for Nomura Australia Ltd.

Stephen is married with one daughter. He swims in the surf, is a keen golfer and an occasional snowboarder. A lover of wine and music, Stephen also is a fan of cryptic crosswords, and is a regular compiler of crosswords for online publications and The Big Issue magazine.

David Knox and FGC began working together in 2008. David’s objective throughout his Non Executive career is to use his experience to make a difference. David’s executive career began in the Oil and Gas Industry in 1982 with Shell with engineering roles in Scotland, Norway and the Netherlands, followed by 10 years with ARCO in the USA and the UK, then 7 years with BP and finally 7 years as CEO of Santos where he transformed an Australian East Coast gas producer into an Australian and Asian Oil and Gas company.

During his executive career David built great teams and his enthusiasm and energy was at the core of his leadership. With BP, David managed the Risk, Benchmarking and Project Excellence teams which led to BP selecting MIT to partner BP as they developed the BP Project Academy. The Academy focused on David’s Team’s work analysing the Project Outcome of major BP Projects and establishing the methodologies for the benchmarking and reduction of Major Project risk.

David graduated with a BSc Hons in Mechanical Engineering from Edinburgh University and completed an ACPMM at Cambridge and an MBA from Strathclyde. He is a member of FIE Australia and the AICD.

David’s non-executive career includes Chair of Snowy Hydro, Chair of TACSI the Australian Centre for Social Innovations, Deputy Chair of the CSIRO, and Chair of Micro-X. David was Deputy Chair of the SA Economic Development Board and for 5 years a Member of the Prime Minister’s Science Council.

David and his wife Clare have 4 adult children.

Stephen was the Executive Chairman and Founder of Quickflix, a home entertainment business specialising in the delivery of online movie entertainment. Quickflix was a leader in the emerging IPTV sector in Australia and New Zealand. Stephen drove the business planning, strategic partnerships with major retail brands, licencing with major Hollywood studios, business development and capital raising.

Stephen was also the Chairman and Founder of Change Corporation, a technology consultancy, where he oversaw an aggressive growth strategy and ultimate successful vend and exit. The business provided consultancy, technology delivery with key competencies in business strategy and planning, enterprise architecture, systems integration, process and change management and the application of leading edge information technologies. He grew the business to over 100 staff which was honoured with a Deloitte Fast 50 growth company award.

Stephen is now a highly experienced Non-Executive Director using his executive experience to enrich his coaching clients, providing mission, drive and purpose during all phases of a company lifecycle.

Stephen believes a good Executive Coach is engaged, forthright and enquiring. They have empathy, a sense of humour and act with equanimity. These qualities manifest in asking the right questions.

Married with two children, Stephen enjoys an active life including tennis, swimming, running and kayaking. His passions also include hiking and trekking, current affairs, reading, movies and cooking.

Trevor Matthews’ wide international and local experience, along with his genuine interest in people and a passion for the customer, enables him to be an effective and enthusiastic coach.

Trevor moved back to Australia in 2013 after a very successful and fulfilling global executive career and is now enjoying the stimulation of a number of chairman and non-executive director roles.

Trevor’s experience includes chairman roles at the NSW State Insurance Regulatory Authority, FNZ Asia Pacific, CMC Markets Australia, AMP Life, 1st Group, Hound (a fintech start-up) and non-executive director roles at Covermore, Bupa Asia Pacific, Resolution Life Australasia, Prudential Assurance Malaysia, Tokio Marine Asia and Edelweiss Tokio Life (India)

Trevor has extensive financial services experience in Australia, Canada, Japan and the UK.  He was previously an Executive Director of Aviva, in charge of their UK businesses and prior to that Group Chief Executive Officer of Friends Provident.

Other Chief Executive positions include Standard Life UK, Manulife Financial in Japan and Canada and Legal & General in Australia. In addition, Trevor ran National Australia Bank’s Australian retail financial services business in the late nineties. Trevor has served as a Commissioner for the UK Commission for Employment and Skills, Chairman of the Financial Skills Partnership in the UK, President of the Chartered Insurance Institute and President of the Institute of Actuaries of Australia. In 1989 he was recognised as Australia’s Actuary of the Year.

Trevor holds an MA in Actuarial Studies and is a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries in both Australia and the UK and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Happily married to an actuary, Trevor has three children and enjoys travel, music and reading.

David is a lawyer whose distinguished career has spanned three key areas of interest: law, business and the community. He has worked alongside professional, political and business leaders learning valuable lessons along the way which underpin his approach to executive coaching – the most powerful way to unlock and enhance hidden potential.

David’s leadership experience as an executive included Managing Partner of the Melbourne law firm Maddocks and Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner of the national law firm Corrs, which became Corrs Chambers Westgarth. At Corrs he successfully restructured the partnership bringing together 120 partners in five major Australian Offices. As well as establishing the Australian business with a focus on building the brand, business development, marketing initiatives and people, David guided Corrs’ international affiliations.

David’s non-executive leadership experience includes President of the Law Institute of Victoria and President of the Law Council of Australia, liaising both nationally and internationally and with state and federal governments on legal and community issues; service on a number of councils and foundations including as the Australian representative on the Council of the International Bar Association and Chair of the Global Foundation.

His Chair roles include the Federal Government’s Innovation Australia Board, Uniseed Management Board, a joint venture of Australia's leading Universities and LegalSuper. He was the Deputy Co-Chair of the Committee for Melbourne and a member of the Australian National University Council.

Other experience includes engagement by the Federal Government over a number of years to review and report on Innovation initiatives, the Venture capital industry and the operation of Cooperative Research Centres. Chair of the Australian Motor Sport Appeal Court and a member of the International Court of Appeal for Motor Sport

After establishing a successful film production company in his twenties, Justin became one of Australia’s first internet executives.

Justin’s executive appointments have included senior roles in telecommunications, marketing and media. From 2002 to 2010 he was Group Managing Director of Telstra’s broadband and media businesses, and headed up Telstra’s BigPond new media businesses in China. He was also the former Chief Executive Officer of OzEmail and the Microsoft Network in Australia.

It’s his business experience that Justin brings to his coaching, which provide his Executive clients with “an authentic and hard-won view of how to succeed in an ever-faster world.”

As head of BigPond Broadband Justin turned the business from an ISP with declining market share in 2002, to an example of how a large telecommunications company can successfully compete in the market, significantly increasing its market share whilst improving profitability.

For Justin, the people who succeed in business, sport or personal life are able to listen, incorporate new ways of doing things and to endure the discomfort of changing bad habits to better ones. “Succeeding always requires an ability or willingness to get out of the comfort zone and into a difficult transition zone, which can lead to greater performance,” he says.

Justin’s post-executive experience includes a director of Tabcorp Ltd, Chairman of NetComm Wireless Ltd, MYOB Ltd and the ABC; director of Members Equity (ME) Bank, SMS Ltd, Basketball Australia and the National Basketball League.

Justin is married with five children. He is a competitive Masters rower and dedicated cattle farmer. In his spare time, Justin is writing an historical novel set during the Napoleonic Wars.

When he was managing director and CEO of AMP, the iconic financial services company went through an intense and lengthy period of crisis. Andrew made the tough decisions needed to turn it around, stabilised the company and set it up for strong, profitable growth.

“You learn a lot more from the tough times than you’ll ever learn when you’re in cruise control,” he says. “You learn about yourself, your values, beliefs and capacities.” Andrew groomed his successor and handed over to him when he was judged by the Board to be ready to take on the role. Now Andrew values coaching as the perfect means of sharing his experiences.

But getting a coach isn’t for everyone, cautions Andrew. “To benefit from coaching, you have to truly know you want to improve. You’ve got to believe you can benefit from the wisdom and experience of another person.”

For Andrew, the key to success is the ability to know when you are not progressing and to have the courage to make real change.

“Humility is essential. Without it, people can easily lose their perspective and listen to what they want to hear rather than what they need to hear.”

“You also need a goal, a cause to strive for. Otherwise, how can you truly achieve your full potential?”

Andrew admits his own drive for success “borders on perfectionism”, which he has had to manage to prevent it becoming obsessive. But that spark and energy have to be there for success to be possible. “It helps me focus and strive for better and better outcomes,” he says.

Andrew’s experience in Non Executive director roles include the Commonwealth Bank for eleven years, Australia’s largest and most highly rated financial services group and Chairman of Export Finance Australia for six years.

Andrew is married to Marilu and they have four adult children. He enjoys playing tennis and golf.

David Nott brings to his coaching a solid base in the fundamentals of business, a deep understanding of what works and what can go awry, and what steps need to be taken to turn potential into success.

David served for almost 30 years as a partner with a leading global professional services firm providing leadership in Australia and internationally. David is now giving something back through his coaching, believing that there is no substitute for learning from someone who has been there before you.

David has been a National Managing Partner in Australia and internationally; he has an enviable track record in both strategic planning and in implementing those plans in critical situations quickly and profitably.

David has substantial experience at the highest level acting as an independent investigating accountant, reporting on capital markets transactions including IPO’s, schemes of arrangement and mergers and acquisitions. David is justifiably proud of the growth and success of the Transaction Services Division where he was the National Managing Partner.

David’s Non Executive experience has included director of the Sydney Children's Hospital Network and as Chairman of the Audit Committee of Southern NSW Local Health District.

David is married with two adult children and five grandchildren. He is a keen sailor and hobby farmer who enjoys reading and travelling abroad.

John brings to coaching a successful career in equities research, funds management and as a long serving Non Executive director. He has developed a strong appreciation of effective leadership styles and communication; in particular the approach taken to senior executives, shareholders and other key stakeholders. He has worked on three continents since his career began, experiencing changing corporate dynamics at a leadership level.

John’s career began in South Africa, moving to Australia with Ord Minnett (JP Morgan). After 5 years as an executive director of County Natwest (Citigroup) John was one of the founders and executive directors of Saltbush Capital Markets. He jointly managed a successful equities fund, under the Pengana brand.

John’s Non Executive experience includes as a director of listed investment company Gowing Bros Limited and is also chair of the audit and risk committee.

“Coaching is an investment in executives who are highly valued by their organisations. I seek to provide executives with both close support and the tools to approach challenges with an open mind and empathy. I achieve this through careful listening and thoughtful questioning.”

Married to Sally, John has two sons, two grandchildren and enjoys reading, surfing, sailing, skiing, hiking, photography and music.

An actuary by profession and a Rhodes Scholar, Ian believes everyone has substantial untapped potential and his objective as a coach, is to see that potential unleashed and bear fruit in all of his Executive clients.  This is core to his last two books “Investing in Your Life” and “Mental Spinach” with previous books authored by Ian on corporate finance.

Ian has been coaching with Foresight for over 20 years. For Ian, everybody is different so every coaching assignment is treated as special and individual. Seeing his Executive clients achieve their goals and grow along the way provides Ian with enormous pleasure. He brings to his coaching assignments expertise in global leadership, strategic development, business planning, capital allocation and investment, and corporate governance derived from over 40 years ‘experience in executive, Non Executive and corporate advisory roles.

Ian’s career in the financial services sector has been particularly diverse, with roles as an advisor to many institutions in strategic and technical matters and as a Non Executive director of several financial institutions.

Ian’s experience includes Chairman of life reinsurer RGA Australia and Chairman of the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists. He has also chaired a number of substantial companies in the wholesale and retail sectors; Corporate Express Australia, Just Group and Billabong International, and other industries such as the wholesale and retail sectors.

Ian rose through the ranks to become Managing Director of an investment bank, Development Finance Corporation. He founded and was Managing Director of the investment company, Development Capital of Australia (DCA).. During this time, Ian developed an important and effective role as a coach to the chief executives of the portfolio companies.

Married with three children and four grandchildren, Ian is a keen sportsman and was once a member of the Australian Davis Cup squad. His other interests include travel and languages, bridge and family pets.

Jenni has extensive experience as an accomplished executive leader, with a distinguished career spanning a variety of sectors and continents, and demonstrates insights and a keen perception of individuals. Jenni’s extensive experience includes roles such as an international ASX senior Executive Director and Group Executive Officer, People and Communications for a large global organisation, which included global leadership of communications in 37 different countries, in their own languages.

Jenni also spent four years with Telstra Corporation in Sydney and Hong Kong, and prior to that Jenni worked in the UK broadcasting industry at ONdigital and Carlton Television.

Jenni’s broad leadership experience, including working with regulators, the investor community and proxy groups also includes a broad range of Non Executive Directorships spanning Retail, Self-managed Superannuation Funds, Registry Services, and Tertiary Education. Jenni’s experience with the media during times of uncertainty and low shareholder confidence, is also very valuable to the Executives she coaches.

Courage is also a defining trait in Jenni’s character, her willingness to consider risks and champion innovative solutions, is built on a remarkable ability to uplift individuals and an innate talent to recognise the true potential in the executives she coaches. Jenni’s astute awareness of political environments, empowers her to support well-informed decisions that drive positive change for executives and their organisations.

In her post executive career, Jenni also supports Chairman, Board committees and CEOs in areas of culture, leadership, performance and remuneration.

John Stanhope brings to his coaching his vast experience, his ability to identify styles and behaviours, and his ability to identify the modification and realignment needed for success.

John’s leadership experience includes as Director of Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Group Managing Director, Finance & Administration. John was an integral part of the privatization of Telstra and its subsequent transformation from Government owned utility to telecommunications giant.  John was a change agent in an organisation under continual change.

For John, the keys to personal and professional success are integrity, honesty, transparency, humility, authenticity and vision.

John’s Non Executive Board experiences include Chancellor of Deakin University; Chair of the Port of Melbourne, Chair of Australia Post, NED of AGL Energy, Executive Director of Telstra and Chair of the Melbourne International Jazz Festival; Chairman of the Bionics Institute and Deputy Chair of the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC).

John is married with three adult children; he is actively engaged with the Geelong Cats AFL Club and enjoys travelling and playing the drums.

Ian Stone’s extensive leadership experience across the financial services and insurance industries, equipped him with the ability to support Leaders to navigate complex organisational challenges and to drive for successful outcomes.

Ian brings empathy, commercial acumen, and decades of real-world experience to every engagement. His leadership experience spanned large-scale operational management and complex strategic execution. His success also required an understanding of the nuances of leadership in different cultural and regulatory environments. The contexts in which the organisations operated, included both the need for organic growth and strategic partnerships, also the establishment of Operations, when based in local and international markets.

Ian is a story-teller, and he shares his real-world experiences—both the wins and the hard lessons—with honesty and humility.  Ian believes there is as much to learn from what went well, as there is from what didn’t.

With over 20 years at the RAA, which included the role of CEO, Ian’s leadership delivered sustained organisational growth. The RAA organisation was transformed into a diversified business with an enviable reputation for trust, customer value and financial strength. Under Ian’s leadership, the RAA evolved from a traditional motoring club into one of Australia’s most respected and successful member organisations, operating across sectors including insurance, travel, hospitality, mobility and home services.

Prior to joining the RAA, Ian held senior executive roles at Insurance Australia Group in Australia.

Ian has served on numerous industry boards, including as a Director and Chair of the Australian Automobile Association.

Ian’s NED experience includes Chair of Australian Automotive Service and Repair Authority, Deputy Chair of RAC Insurance, and as a Non Executive Director at MIGA (Medical Insurance Australia) and Bedford Group.

Ian holds a Bachelor of Economics and is a Fellow of both Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia and the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Ian studied at the Columbia Business School, the University of Oxford and the University of Adelaide.

Ian is married with two daughters and enjoys most sports, but his passion is soccer following the EPL very closely.  He plays soccer, and enjoys walking and listening to music.

Sue Thomas combines her inquiring mind with entrepreneurial shrewdness.  Sue built a start-up investment and superannuation company into a successful organisation.

A founder and Chief Executive Officer of FlexiPlan Australia, Sue saw an opportunity in the financial services market and developed and implemented a strategy to build the company into one of Australia’s fastest growing master trusts. Sue sold Flexiplan Australia to the National Australia Bank.

Sue’s legal background also gives Sue the ability to absorb complex information, identify the key issues, analyse risks and to decide on a solution which could be implemented.

Sue is a strategic problem solver, particularly in the development of IT solutions within complex organisations.  For Sue, “coaching is a process, building an Executives ability to see new perspectives, to develop insights and to build a personal toolkit of skills to assist them in resolving issues.

“In my Executive career I saw senior Executives who were technically brilliant and just needed an opportunity and a space to develop a broad range of leadership and managerial strengths. Coaching provides that opportunity.”

As a coach, Sue is pragmatic, straight forward and honest. She uses her naturally inquisitive nature to challenge her clients to explore ideas, options and approaches. She derives great satisfaction from seeing them achieve outcomes they didn’t know were possible.

An experienced company director, Sue is mother to three adult children and enjoys competitive tennis and has competed in the national Master’s Competition. She also enjoys the physical challenge of competing in Western Australia’s iconic Rottnest Channel Swim.

Paul’s global executive experience includes CEO APAC & Middle East for Capgemini where he was responsible for 9,000 staff across all of Capgemini’s global disciplines – consulting, technology and outsourcing. A lot of Paul’s time was spent establishing, building and transforming country practices to align with the digital acceleration in the market.

Paul’s experience allows him to bring a wide perspective to his coaching: “I think having the opportunity to work in industry as a line manager on the shop floor to then drive intense project environments and subsequently run huge multicultural/next generation teams has been a great learning experience.  Operating in a 44 country, matrix model of country, industry and offerings certainly teaches you how to find the right stakeholders and arguments to make things happen.”

Paul’s approach to his coaching reflects his career experience: “My approach is to develop people, who firstly must sincerely want to improve, from typically outstanding technical individuals, to executive leaders and then to match their talents with the right opportunities.” Paul has found that one of the most frequent barriers to personal growth is to miss the bigger picture and the context.

“I’ve learnt that you have to be very straightforward with people and once, and it can take time, you’ve created a trusting relationship, you need to be as precise in your feedback as possible. I try very hard through the coaching process to motivate individuals to want to do even better tomorrow, than they did yesterday.”

“I think the first attribute of a successful coach is listening skills, followed by asking the right questions. From there it’s about suspending judgement and jointly developing a full understanding of the challenges and hurdles that may be limiting the growth potential of an individual or an organisation.

Then it’s finally all about working together creatively, intuitively and analytically on finding solutions and more effective working approaches.”

Paul is married with three children. Paul enjoys keeping fit, is a big fan of theatre; and a keen reader. Paul enjoys playing the guitar and is passionate about Rugby Union having attended numerous Rugby World Cups.

With more than 30 years’ experience in leading Australian businesses across a broad variety of industries, Michelle Tredenick has specialised in complex strategy development, business operations and technology implementation, with some of Australia’s leading listed companies. 

Her executive experience spans time as Chief Information Officer (CIO) at some of Australia’s largest companies and roles in strategy, marketing, corporate superannuation, insurance and funds management.  With a long career in the technology industry, Michelle is recognised as an industry leader, having twice been awarded CIO of the Year in Financial Services.  

Today, Michelle’s lengthy Non Executive Director career, includes board roles on a number of listed and private company boards with a diverse portfolio from large listed companies, in heavily regulated industries to smaller private companies and public institutions, both globally and in Australia.  Industries include Insurance, Banking, Health, Consulting, Technology and Education.   Michelle has also served on the Senate of the University of Qld, the Australian Cricket Board and the Ethics Centre.

Michelle has been a driving force leading technological and cultural changes in the financial services and technology industries, including company-wide integration programs post mergers and acquisitions.  Michelle believes that leaders’ ability to build strong relationships with their stakeholders and to establish credibility and respect with both boards and senior executives, is crucial to their success. With a focus on strengthening these valuable skills, coupled with her intuition, wisdom and experience, Michelle shapes her coaching approach, enabling Executives to reach their goals and to create a meaningful impact in their professional endeavours. 

Michelle has a life-long quest for learning and loves to see “ordinary people achieve extraordinary things.” Michelle also believes coaching offers Executive clients the opportunity to better understand themselves and others, and it provides a “refreshing” confidential space in which to explore ideas and opportunities.

Michelle believes in balancing work with a fulfilling life. She is married, enjoys travelling and renovating.