Harnessing AI to build thriving organisational cultures: Insight to impact
Consultant.
Researcher.
Thought Partner.
What I do
Consulting
I partner with leaders to navigate complexity, drive cultural alignment, and deliver practical, values-led solutions in real-world settings.
Research
My current focus explores how AI, leadership, and organisational culture intersect – pushing the boundaries of insight to shape the future of work.
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
Shaping Modern Australian Workplaces: A Detailed Journey Through Industrial Relations (1974-2024) Part 2
Industrial relations isn’t just about legislation—it’s about navigating human relationships through change. From managing Drayton’s 1997 restructure to building Yancoal’s workforce and creating CleanCo’s unified culture, the key has been balancing technical excellence with human understanding. After fifty years, the lesson is clear: trust, respect, and genuine dialogue remain fundamental.
The Great Shift: 50 Years of Australian Industrial Relations (1974-2024) Part 1
From filing cabinets and typewriters in 1974 to today’s digital workplaces, Australian industrial relations has undergone a remarkable transformation. Through roles at Education Queensland, MIM Holdings, CIG Gases, and into the coal industry, I’ve witnessed the evolution from rigid centralised systems to flexible enterprise arrangements. Yet one truth remains: successful industrial relations is always about people.
Reflections from an HR Veteran: My Journey Through Five Decades of Change
From a fresh graduate with a calculator in 1974 to mentoring tomorrow’s leaders today – what a journey through HR’s evolution! We’ve moved from shuffling papers to shaping futures, from typewriters to AI, from adversarial battles to collaborative partnerships. But one thing hasn’t changed: at its heart, HR has always been about people and their potential.
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
“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.