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
Turning Crisis into Collaboration: A Coal Mine’s Transformation
Two phones sat on my desk – one for lawyers, one for building an employment centre. With coal prices halved overnight and 220 jobs at stake, I asked the unions, “Which call should I make?” While other mines faced 16-week strikes, we chose collaboration over confrontation. Sometimes your biggest crisis becomes your proudest achievement.
Paper to Digital: My Days at the Copper Refinery
Picture this: 1981, walking into Copper Refineries, a subsidiary of then MIM Holdings – Australia’s largest company – to find HR still running on foolscap ledger cards. As the only degree-qualified HR person, my job was dragging us into modern times. These days, you’re not a rock star without Workday, but back then, suggesting computerised records was revolutionary stuff!
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 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.