Changeworks specialises in improving organisational culture and productivity.

We help you collaborate, transform and excel.

The end of learning is action rather than knowledge
(Peter Honey).
Who we are

Welcome to Changeworks, a small consultancy with a big impact. We work with individual leaders, teams and whole systems to create organisational cultures that are highly effective and highly ethical.

Organisations are fundamentally social and communal and, in an era of hyper-connectivity, their boundaries are more permeable, their practices more visible and their reputations more fragile. New approaches to culture and leadership are required. Traditional command/control leadership styles may achieve short term gains but they rarely address long-term reputation. Each task, each job, every project needs a conversation. Results happen through collaboration. Over time we grow an informal network of trusted relationships. We learn who is approachable, who we can talk to, who to go through and even who to go around, to get our work done. It is this flow of experience, knowledge sharing and trust across the informal network that determines our flourishing and the organisation's productivity. Yet informal networks are not always working for good. Establishing the fine line between collaboration and collusion is an important issue in our hyper-connected era.

 
01 | Collaboration by Design

01 | Collaboration by Design

WHAT WE DO Service solutions that are bold, innovative and effective. 01 |  Collaboration by Design              www.collaborationbydesign.com.au   WHAT IT IS  “Changing cultures one conversation at a time” Think of a day at work when you wanted to get something done and you didn’t … Read more >>

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The Team

The Team

ABOUT US Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success. Dr Hilary Armstrong Hilary is a Director of Changeworks and a thought leader in collaborative leadership, cultural change, coaching and applied ethics. Her work, broadly, assists people to thrive in the complexity and micropolitics of … Read more >>

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02 | One to one Coaching

02 | One to one Coaching

WHAT WE DO Service solutions that are bold, innovative and effective. 02 |  One to one Coaching WHAT IT IS Organisational Coaching is a well-researched action learning process for bringing about constructive and lasting change for individuals and groups. It involves a series of one-to-one conversations designed to assist individuals and groups … Read more >>

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03 | Leadership Programs

03 | Leadership Programs

WHAT WE DO A collection of service solutions that are bold, innovative and edgy. 03 |  Collaborative Leadership Programs Having spent some time looking at the new context and defining a new form of leadership, it is time to state the obvious; the real issue today is not how leadership … Read more >>

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04 | Strategy Facilitation

04 | Strategy Facilitation

WHAT WE DO A collection of service solutions that are bold, innovative and edgy. 04 |  Strategy Facilitation Strategic thinking is defined as the longer term, big picture view of the organisation and WHAT its purpose is. The purpose is outlined in the broad aim (or vision) and it accompanying objectives. … Read more >>

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05 | Wise Decision Making: building healthy risk cultures

05 | Wise Decision Making: building healthy risk cultures

WHAT WE DO A collection of service solutions that are bold, innovative and edgy. 05 | Wise Decision Making: building speak-up cultures with wise decision making   Key Concepts: Recent actions in the global markets arena has led to stricter controls, oversight and legal action by regulators, Regulators agree that organisational culture … Read more >>

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06 | Coaching Supervision & Mentor Coaching

06 | Coaching Supervision & Mentor Coaching

WHAT WE DO A collection of service solutions that are bold, innovative and edgy. 06 |  Mentor Coaching and Coaching Supervision What supervision is Supervision is a systematic process for the ongoing professional development of an organisational coach. In it, issues arising from coaching practice are explored. Supervision builds on … Read more >>

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07 | Mediating Conversations

07 | Mediating Conversations

WHAT WE DO A collection of service solutions that are bold, innovative and edgy. 07 |  Mediating Conversations "Every uttered word makes and impression and causes a reaction. Leaders who understand and respect the power of words produce far reaching benefit with minimal stress and time" Mike Connolly In part, … Read more >>

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Recent Clients

ABOUT US

Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress.
Working together is success.

Dr Hilary Armstrong

Hilary is a Director of Changeworks and a thought leader in collaborative leadership, cultural change, coaching and applied ethics. Her work, broadly, assists people to thrive in the complexity and micropolitics of organisations. Flourishing cultures are those in which people feel agency and empowerment. Hilary’s work focuses on HOW people relate through conversation and everyday relationships and how this in turn, shapes a culture. The foundation of her work is identifying the values/principles-in-action at any given time, particularly the gap between espoused and values-in-action.

Hilary has considerable experience working with a large spectrum of people and is willing to challenge behaviour that discourages engagement and functionality. She works one to one and with couples and groups, as behaviour does not occur in a vacuum. There are always social, organisational  and cultural as well as psychological issues at play and therefore essential to facilitate the growth of self-awareness as well as situational awareness.

Hilary focuses on mediating cognitive and psychological diversity using psychodynamic and narrative approaches, employing a  “Mediating Conversations” approach (from her PhD research) which is grounded on shared values and principles that become the foundation for renewed relationships and vital cultures.

Her academic work has integrated the domains of psychology, applied ethics, and leadership development and her research focus on conversational practices (eg, a coaching approach, meeting behaviours and cultural habits) that enable agile, speak-up, values-based cultures.

She has worked with worked with large organisations in the Higher Education, NFP, Government and Finance sectors, and more recently in Start-ups and growing organisations delivering programs that improve leadership, culture, collaboration and applied ethics/wise decision making, as well as mediation and one-to-one coaching.

She has numerous publications in collaborative leadership, organisational coaching and ethical conversations and counselling and has co-authored/edited four books, as well as contributing to numerous others.

Clients Organisations include: Technology: Main Sequence, Horizons Ventures, Telstra, Leidos, SafetyCulture, Sympli, Presien, Samsara Eco, Higher Education:  Sydney Uni., UTS, RMIT, UNSW, RACP, Health: NSW Health, RPA, Liverpool Hosp. U.Syd Health Sciences, NFP: Salvos, St Vincents,  Heart Foundation, Smith Family, The Y, Uniting Care,  Financial Sector: ANZ, ASX, RBA, IMF, BUPA, NAB, CBA, Macquarie Bank, Westpac, IAG, Sympli, ING, Suncorp, Construction: Laing O’Rourke, Leightons. Media: Fairfax, Fox, Manufacturing: Westfarmers, Fonterra. Transport and Govt: Qantas, Dept. Transport, Trainlink, Sydney Trains, CSIRO, ATO, Sydney Water, NSW Police, Urbis and SME’s.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

  • Coaching, counselling and mediation for strategic leadership in complexity,
  • Working with SLT/Boards on culture and relationships
  • Mediating conversations, individual and team mediation
    working with start-ups and scale-ups on developing culture and leadership
  • Establishing principles for ways of working (based on purpose and values)
  • Wise decision making and applied ethics programs for SLT /Boards
  • Remedial coaching, counselling, ethics coaching and supervision

EDUCATION/ MEMBERSHIPS

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Critical Psychology, (WSU) MSc (Hons), B Phys (NZ)
  • Master Certified Coach (MCC), International Coach Federation
  • Accredited Coach & Supervisor, Institute of Executive Coaching & Leadership
  • Member AICD
  • Past Board Member, Metavision Institute, Emotionally Focussed Institute
  • Past Member Higher Education Accreditation Board
  • Member, Editorial Board, International Journal Coaching Psychology
  • Member University of Sydney Coaching & Mentoring Assoc.
  • Member, Aust. Assoc. Group Analytic Psychotherapy.
  • Member, Coaching Psychology Interest Group, APA
  • Member, Aust. Assoc. Social Psychologists
  • Member, Australian Institute of Training and Development
  • Meditation L1, Tara Mandala, Colorado, USA
  • Cert Gestalt Therapy, Experiential Learning Centre, Sydney
  • Narrative Therapy, Dulwich Centre Aust.
  • Coaching for Emotional Intelligence, Genos, NSW
  • Difficult Conversations, Public Conversations Project, USA
  • Worldwork Conflict & Mediation, PW Institute, USA

ASSESSMENT TOOL ACCREDITATIONS

Human Synergistics Life Styles Inventory (LSI) and Group Styles Inventory (GSI), Cognitive Edge Tools, The Leadership Circle (TLC), Leadership Maturity Framewoek (LMF), Genos Emotional Intelligence  Instruments, SNA,  Belbin Team Roles, Hogan Personality Profiles, Harrison Assessments

BRIDGET ARMSTRONG

Bridget is a Director and co-founder of the Art of Change, a business consultancy in Sydney, Aust. as well as an Associate of Changeworks Pty Ltd.

She a seasoned business consultant with over 25 years of experience in leading strategic projects and driving organisational change. A values-driven, human-centered leader, Bridget excels in building collaborative partnerships, fostering innovation, and delivering impactful change across business silos. Specialising in project management, Agile (SCRUM), LEAN, and change management (PROSCI), she empowers teams and organisations to navigate complex challenges, improve productivity, and foster sustainable growth.

Bridget has successfully led multidisciplinary teams to deliver projects that enhance business value, reduce risk, and drive productivity. Her expertise in coaching and facilitation, combined with her ability to design and implement learning frameworks, ensures that clients not only meet their goals but also build internal capabilities that support long-term success.

Bridget’s work is characterised by her commitment to practical and creative learning design, innovative problem-solving, and creating sustainable change for organisations and individuals. She brings a wealth of experience, strategic insight, and a collaborative mindset to every project, ensuring that her clients thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.

BUSINESS EXPERIENCE

Her work spans various industries, including banking, supply chain management, sustainability, arts management, and communication, with clients such as Westpac, Siemens, Vodaphone, Sydney Symphony, Melbourne Museum, Compass Group Australia, and the Attorney General’s Department. Bridget is also deeply committed to lifelong learning, constantly integrating new insights and methodologies to stay at the forefront of industry trends.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

  • Leadership & Coaching: Proven ability to lead and facilitate teams using a coaching-oriented approach to foster innovation and deliver results.
  • Strategic Design & Innovation: Expertise in crafting strategies that drive continuous improvement and enhance productivity.
  • Change Management & Communication: Experienced in designing and delivering impactful change programs that support organizational adoption and transformation.
  • Learning & Development: Proficient in creating frameworks that enhance organizational capabilities and support continuous growth.
  • Collaboration & Creativity: Successfully fostering collaboration and creativity within teams, leveraging diverse perspectives to achieve innovative outcomes.
  • Project Delivery Focus: A results-driven approach, ensuring projects are completed on time and within scope, meeting or exceeding expectations.

EDUCATION AND MEMBERSHIPS

  • Grad Dip (Counselling & Psychotherapy (MI)
  • MA (Arts Mgt) (UTS)
  • B Mus Syd. (Conservatorium of Music, Syd Uni)
  • Assoc. Dip Performance (Syd. Conservatorium)
  • Cert. Sydney Leadership  (Benevolent Soc.)
  • Cert. Leadership & Human Values  (Indian Institute Mgt.)
  • Cert 1V in Workplace Training (AHA)
  • Dip Carbon Accounting (Swinburne Uni)
  • Cert. Design Thinking, Creativity & Innovation, (IDEO, USA)
  • SCRUM Master
  • PROSCI Change Management, (Denver USA)
  • Lean Six Sigma
  • Cert. Executive Coaching – Level 3 (IECL)
  • Dip. Mask & Trad. Healing and Cert. Shamanism (Circalore.)
  • Reiki (level 1&2)
  • Member  PACFA (Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia)
  • Member International Coaching Federation (ICF)

 

Dr Peter Melser

Peter is Director of Changeworks Pty Ltd and an experienced social researcher. He is a trained executive coach, mediator and counsellor. Peter has worked in universities, public and private organisations and communities for over thirty-five years. In these roles he has conducted a range of organisation research, consulting, mediation, coaching, team facilitation, and university teaching, research and work on administrative committees. Peter’s work consists in the blending of organisational research and individual executive coaching. At an organisation level research is conducted to understand both internal and external clients and build opportunities for innovation and leadership. At an individual level, executive coaching is used to support change and ensure its sustainability.

He is experienced working with people who have difficulty building relationships at work and who exhibiy controlling and/or bullying behaviours. Peter spent an extended time in New York in the 1980s where he completed his PhD (Sociology and Environmental Psychology) and joined the Department of Housing of the United Nations. After completing his PhD he worked in community development in New York and held a position of Adjunct Asst. Professor at Columbia University as well as Associate Director of the Social Impact Assessment Centreand Editor of the SIA Newsletter.  On settling in Australia he set up Changeworks and for five years worked part time at WSU coordinating the Research Degree Program for 75 PhD and MSc students in transdisciplinary studies. He has published a number of reports and is a qualified couples therapist, mediator and supervisor.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

  • Mediation and ethics advocacy
  • Social research and community development
  • Coaching and counselling
  • Supervision of coaches and counsellors
  • Ethics audits
  • Interviewing and analysis

EDUCATION & MEMBERSHIPS

  • PhD (Environmental Psychology and Sociology) NYU
  • MPhil
  • BA (Hons)
  • CAPA Member

DREW McHUGH

Drew is a Director of Magenta Edge as well as an Associate of Changeworks.

He a dynamic and pragmatic organisational development professional with a proven track record in business partnering, workforce development, values and cultural transformation, change management, performance development, strategic leadership development, executive coaching and transformational facilitation.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

  • Strategic leadership development
  • Transformational executive & organisational coaching
  • Organisational and brand ethics
  • Organisational cultural alignment
  • Executive team effectiveness and impact
  • Sales force performance development
  • Talent and succession planning
  • Organisational design

BUSINESS BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE

Drew has a highly successful business background working in and consulting to large corporate enterprises including financial services, higher education, and infrastructure development – managing risk, senior sales teams, cultural change and business re-engineering, leadership and cultural development planning and program design.

With a career spanning over 20 years in people and organisational development, Drew quickly develops a deep and practical understanding of the challenges and opportunities of the client groups he works with. As a McKinsey trained, senior member of the ANZ’s Breakout and Cultural Transformation team (A Harvard Business case study), Drew has assisted over 3000 leaders in many countries to powerfully re-assess and re-create their approach to effective people and cultural leadership.

APPROACH

Drew believes that effective and successful interventions must be values-driven and both strategically and pragmatically designed and executed in order to support the delivery of the key business and cultural imperatives of the organisation.

Drew’s work is based on partnering closely with his clients to clearly identify both the current and desired state of the organisation in order to best design and then navigate the change journey.

Executive coaching clients quickly develop an appreciation of the impact of their current leadership (conscious and unconscious) approach. They are supported and challenged to make the behavioural changes that will materially develop the positive leadership impacts they will have on others.

QUALIFICATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS

  • B. Com (Accounting & Finance)
  • Grad Dip Org Coaching and Leadership (in progress)
  • Accredited Organisational Coach, Level Three, IECL
  • Diagnostics: CTT-Values, ESCI, ILS, DiSC, SUEIT, Systemic Interventions
  • NLP Practitioner

ENGAGEMENTS INCLUDE

  • Executive coaching engagements include, Government, Higher Education, Banking and Finance, NFPs, and Infrastructure and Construction.
  • Educator, Researcher and Executive Coach, The Ethics Centre working with NAB (London, NZ, HK, NYC), BT, AMP, CBA and BoQ in the area or Ethical Literacy Development.
  • Organisational Development Leadership Project lead, RMIT University – Consult and design the University’s five- year leadership development / capability strategy.
  • Consultant and Organisational Coach, ANZ Global Markets Australia & Asia Pacific.
  • Practice Development – Organisational Coach. Westpac Commercial Banking Worked with GM and reports through individual coaching interventions agreements over a 24-months transitioning business through post GFC challenges.
  • Senior Cultural Program Lead. ANZ Group – Program lead, coach and facilitator of ANZ’s cultural transformation program (Breakout), a Harvard Business case study.

 

ESMÉ HOLMES

Esmé is recognised as an expert in cultural diversity, mindfulness and critical incident debriefing in the workplace. After 20 years working for NSW Health, guiding the development of culturally appropriate responses to health and addiction problems in Aboriginal communities she now applies her work more broadly, consulting into organisations wanting to embrace cultural diversity, She designs and facilitates diversity & cross cultural awareness programs to organizations across the public sector such as, health districts, NSW Schools, National Parks, Sydney Water, CatholicCare, Benevolent Society, Alzheimers Australia, as well as insurance and advertising companies.

Esmé is widely acknowledged for her ability to open a space for conversations based on a common value of respect of differences and similarities in complex and difficult environments. She partners with workplaces to provide cultural diversity training, mindfulness, workplace coaching for diversity and critical incident consulting and coaching.

With a formidable passion to find safe ways of connection where there exists misunderstanding or disconnection, Esmé bases her work on the cultivation of group, workplace and cultural values, believing when there is a common ground to work from, anything is possible.

 

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

  • Organizational cross cultural conversations
  • Mindfulness and wellness training
  • Critical Incident Consulting
  • Team/group facilitation and debriefing
  • One to one coaching
  • Programs in Diversity, Culture and Addiction and Resilience.
  • Consultant between Aboriginal and other communities as a way of increasing access to support, long term employment and understanding.

 

BUSINESS EXPERIENCE

  • ConVerge International, Senior Consultant, Critical Incident debriefing
  • Consultant: cultural diversity training, cross cultural conversations and mindfulness training.
  • Established Aboriginal Healing Unit, Langton Centre, SEAHS, NSW
  • Coordinator, Outreach Clinic at La Perouse Aboriginal Health Clinic, SEAHS.
  • Consultant Psychotherapist private practice
  • Workplace cultural diversity coach
  • Co-founder, Board member, NFP focusing on bridging Aboriginal Health and Western Medicine, La Perouse, Sydney

 

EDUCATION & MEMBERSHIPS

  • MA Cultural Psychology (WSU)
  • Graduate Diploma Clinical Drug Dependence, (MacU)
  • B.A.Soc.Sc. (Psychology), (CSU)
  • Clinical Hypnotherapy Certificate,
  • Member, Australian Psychological Society
  • Member, Australian Counseling Association (ACA)
  • Member, Australian Society of Clinical Hypnotherapists