About Ben
With over a decade of experience leading complex projects across multiple sectors, I help organisations navigate change. My background bridges technical expertise with deep understanding of how complex systems adapt and grow.
My Approach.
My approach is grounded in the study of complex adaptive systems and practical experience leading change in complex environments. This understanding, informed by direct work with world-leading systems thinkers and practitioners, allows me to help organisations create lasting positive change in uniquely effective ways.
Over the years, I've had the privilege of studying with and learning from world-leading practitioners across multiple domains. Each has deepened my understanding of how complex systems work and change:
Over a decade of engineering and technical experience has given me practical methods for translating understanding into concrete outcomes
Study and practice with Regenesis Group and the Centre for Living Environments and Regeneration helped me learn how to facilitate change as part of complex, adaptive systems
Study with Nora Bateson deepened my understanding of how relationships and contexts shape possibilities
Learning from Margaret (Meg) Wheatley informed my view of how organisations function as complex adaptive systems
Study and practice with Richard Freeman and Mary Taylor (and others in the Ashtanga Yoga tradition) revealed how subtle awareness and attention influence system behaviour
Study and practice with Dr. Annie Brook (covering somatic psychology) helped me understand how early, pre-verbal experience lays the foundation for our future development
Study and practice – including assisting on his Mindful/Somatic Approaches to Trauma Therapy training – with Dr. Paris Williams (covering humanistic psychology) helped deepen my capacity to work with our inherent drive towards health
Learning to skilfully navigate the complex realities of life isn't about collecting different approaches. It's about developing increasingly sophisticated ways to:
See patterns in complex systems clearly
Understand how change actually happens
Work with rather than against the natural system dynamics present in your context
Help others develop these capabilities
Professional Background.
As a Chartered Engineering Technologist, I've led complex projects across multiple sectors, learning valuable lessons about what works and what doesn't in creating positive change. From 2013-2019, I worked in various engineering and sustainable design consulting roles in Sydney and Melbourne, experiencing firsthand the challenges of implementing change in complex organisations. In 2019, I went out on my own as an independent consultant and have been providing facilitation, consulting and coaching support to organisations ever since.
My journey hasn't been a straight line – I've faced setbacks and learned crucial lessons about my own role in creating both positive and negative outcomes. This understanding of how our own ways of working and being shape results has deeply informed my approach. Since relocating to Aotearoa New Zealand, I've:
Co-founded Living Systems Development and Toa Homes, developing innovative approaches to housing
Led Hutt City Council's Housing and Development team
Supported numerous organisations and projects
Developed practical methods for helping teams navigate uncertainty
Current Work
Based in Whaingaroa / Raglan, Aotearoa New Zealand, I support projects and teams globally in creating solutions that are both technically sound and deeply meaningful. My work focuses on:
Leadership coaching for individuals and teams
Strategic advisory for organisations
Project delivery support
Capability development
Let's Connect.
Every engagement begins with understanding your specific context and needs. I invite you to schedule a free 30-minute conversation to explore how we might work together.
Based in Whaingaroa / Raglan, Aotearoa New Zealand, I support projects and teams globally in creating solutions that are both technically sound and deeply meaningful.
Ready to explore how we might work together?