About Me
My Story
Hi! I’m Ben
I've been working with businesses around the world over the last 20 years to boost performance across all elements of an organisation - from the boardroom to the front line to the codeline. And that’s given me a unique perspective on how all these pieces come together and what you really need to unlock the next level of performance. I’m now on a mission to share this with the world and get businesses ready to survive and thrive in the AI revolution.
But Why?
I’ve often asked myself this question. I started my career in the UK Consulting for large corporates - I loved working with smart people, solving interesting challenges and helping clients get to their next level of performance. But deep down, I questioned myself, was I really making an impact? Could I do more? Well that all became clear during the Covid pandemic.
Enter Covid
Ever since my family moved to our suburb here in Melbourne, we've loved visiting our local café, a cozy spot that feels like home. The owner, Hok, is the heart and soul of the place. Always bubbly and talkative, he greets every customer with a warm smile and genuine excitement.
But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, everything changed. Initially it was quite exciting - aside from the hardship we all experienced in one way or another, I found it fascinating how businesses were responding so quickly - gin distilleries making hand sanitizer, flower delivery companies delivering food. It was extreme business adaptability and ingenuity in action, it even inspired me to write a blog about it here.
It was after the second lockdown in November 2020 that we hadn’t been to the cafe for a while - a staggering 111 days - they had managed to stay open with take away orders, but it was their catering business that had been hit the hardest - corporate events, weddings and functions were all on ice until there was more certainty. I remember coming in one day and the atmosphere was more subdued than normal. Hok, usually so full of energy looked stressed and frustrated with the ongoing restrictions, having just had another catering event cancelled. He and his wife were struggling, trying to make ends meet while their business was effectively shuttered. It was heartbreaking to see such a passionate, hardworking person trapped by circumstances beyond his control.
The Realisation
I desperately wanted to help. But as I searched for answers, I realised that the tools and strategies I had developed over my career were often high level and geared towards large corporations. Hok didn’t need an Enterprise Agility strategy. Or a strategic workforce plan. He needed immediate, practical solutions to adapt his business to survive the crisis.
This realisation hit me hard. I began to question how I could transform my experience and skills into something that could have a much greater impact. More practical, supporting businesses large and small. Businesses like Hok's, that form the backbone of our communities. Somehow along the way, everything had gotten so, complicated… I knew there was a better way.
Thankfully, Hok’s story didn’t end in despair. He adapted by creating an online ordering system for luxury hampers and managed to keep his business running during those dark times. But his struggle left a lasting impression on me.
Enter AI…
Now, as we stand on the brink of another transformative era, driven by rapid advancements in AI, I see so many businesses unprepared for the changes ahead. This time, I’m determined to be there for them. I want to help navigate these challenges, just as Hok did, but with the support and guidance needed to not just survive, but thrive.