Leadership shaped by service. Tested by responsibility
I have spent more than 25 years leading in environments where decisions carry real consequences—from military service and emergency response to executive offices, boardrooms and communities.
My work is grounded in a simple belief: leadership is not defined by a title. It is demonstrated through the clarity, courage and responsibility we bring to the moments that matter.
From Soldier to Executive
My leadership journey began in the United States Army, where I served for more than eighteen years. Military service taught me the value of preparation, discipline, accountability and calm decision-making under pressure. It also showed me that leadership is ultimately about people—earning trust, creating clarity and helping others perform when conditions are difficult.
When I transitioned into civilian life, I discovered that many of those principles were equally relevant within organisations. The environments were different, but the leadership challenges were often remarkably similar: uncertainty, competing priorities, cultural resistance, difficult decisions and the responsibility of bringing people with you.
I went on to serve in senior roles including Chief Executive Officer, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Associate Vice-Chancellor and General Manager. Across government, higher education, health, infrastructure and the community sector, I have led workforces of more than 400 people, managed budgets exceeding $250 million and held responsibility for substantial public assets and essential services.
Those experiences have reinforced my belief that effective leadership requires both strength and humanity. Leaders must be prepared to make difficult decisions, but they must also listen carefully, act with integrity and understand the effect their leadership has on others.
Leadership Experience
My leadership experience spans public administration, organisational transformation, governance, emergency services, workforce development and community leadership. I have worked with executives, elected representatives, boards, frontline teams and communities navigating significant change.
Today, I continue to serve in senior public leadership and governance roles while developing leaders through writing, speaking, mentoring and the Compass & Summit Leadership Institute.
Why I write about leadership
I write because leadership is rarely as simple as it appears in textbooks.
Real leadership involves competing obligations, incomplete information, difficult conversations and decisions that can affect people’s livelihoods, wellbeing and futures. It requires judgement, self-awareness and the ability to remain grounded when expectations and pressure continue to rise.
My books explore different dimensions of that responsibility.
Soldier to Executive examines how military leadership principles can be applied within civilian organisations.
The Leadership Path provides practical guidance for leading yourself, your team and your organisation.
The Leader You Are explores the emotions that shape how leaders make decisions, build trust and respond under pressure.
Together, these books reflect the lessons I have learned from service, leadership, failure, recovery and the ongoing challenge of becoming a better leader.
Beyond the boardroom
I am based in Tasmania, where I live with my family and remain closely connected to the communities I serve.
Outside work, I am drawn to places and experiences that test endurance, perspective and resilience. I enjoy climbing, hiking, scuba diving, camping and fishing. These pursuits have taken me from the mountains of the United States to the Himalayas and have shaped much of my thinking about leadership.
In 2026, my son James and I climbed Lobuche East in Nepal (6,119m/20,075ft) to support the Leukaemia Foundation. The journey tested us physically and emotionally, but it also reinforced some of the most important lessons I have learned: preparation matters, no meaningful climb is completed alone, and progress often requires continuing when the destination still feels far away.
These experiences influence both my writing and my work with leaders. Leadership is a long climb, and the way we carry responsibility along that journey matters.
Continue the leadership journey
Whether you are stepping into leadership, guiding an organisation through change or carrying responsibility at the highest level, my work is designed to help you lead with greater clarity, resilience and purpose.