From recommending microfiche systems for the State Library to analysing processes in the Homicide Squad – talk about a career curve! With Tom Tolhurst’s mentorship and a Governor’s Warrant in my hand as a Public Service Inspector, I learned about power and influence. My…
Tom McAtee
Curious by nature, grounded by experience – I explore the intersection of AI, culture, and leadership, drawing on four decades in heavy industry and high-stakes organisations. These days, I’m diving deep into research, building tools for thinking, and sharing personal reflections along the way. I also happen to love golf, music, cycling, travel, food – and building elegant things with Divi.
Posts by Tom McAtee
The Power of a Handshake: How One Evening Changed My Career
One evening at Perry Park changed everything. A chance meeting, a few handshakes, and suddenly my career took an unexpected turn. From a quick chat with Roly Livingstone to meeting Ted Love, then Leo Pitt and Ken Shea – three months later, I’d left Education for the Pub…
From Rebel to Reformer: My First Days in HR
Imagine the irony: a former school rebel who’d been twice asked to leave for questioning authority, now working in the most hierarchical place imaginable – the Education Department’s Personnel Section. No computers, just old wooden desks and endless paperwork. That buil…



