Harnessing AI to build thriving organisational cultures: Insight to impact
Consultant.
Researcher.
Thought Partner.
What I do
Research
My current focus explores how AI, leadership, and organisational culture intersect – pushing the boundaries of insight to shape the future of work.
Consulting
I partner with leaders to navigate complexity, drive cultural alignment, and deliver practical, values-led solutions in real-world settings.
Thought leadership
I write, speak, and build models that cut through noise – offering frameworks, field-tested wisdom, and honest perspectives for leaders and teams.
Here's what I've been thinking, writing, working through lately.
Some recent reflections
From Microfiche to Mayhem: My Early Days at the Public Service Board
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 rapid rise even led to changing Queensland’s Public Service Act. Not bad for someone who started out researching office machines for the library!
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 Public Service Board. Sometimes the best career moves happen at a AHRI event.
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 building’s now the Treasury Casino in Brisbane, which perfectly captures how far we’ve come in HR.
The Governance Compass™: Turning complexity into clarity
Born in the field, not the classroom – this framework started at Yancoal, helping align a corporate centre with ten mine sites. It set clear rules of engagement, defined decision rights, and built a shared foundation for growth.
Now, I help other organisations build their own compass – to sharpen roles, align behaviours, and scale trust across teams and functions.
About Tom
The human behind the research
I’ve worked with leaders in mines, boardrooms, and beyond – helping them make sense of complexity and lead with character.
Now, I’m combining 40 years of lived experience with fresh eyes on the future.
I keep a guitar nearby – not to play, but to think better.
What others say
“Tom doesn’t just diagnose problems – he gives us a compass and a path.”
“Straight-talking. Values-led. Strategically sharp.”
“A powerful mix of wisdom and practicality.”
Let’s talk
Whether you’re planning a transformation, leading a team, or just trying to make sense of the noise – I can help you find clarity and traction.
Let’s have a conversation that moves things forward.