Thought Leader, Author, Board Portfolio, Consultant, Speaker

Welcome

My deepest joy at work is studying, building and exercising transformational leadership, especially in places where the world, its institutions, and its leaders most need to heal, transcend unhelpful routines, and move to a new place.

For over three decades I have worked around the globe in the field of leadership and change – be that in top executive leadership positions myself, as a change consultant and coach to senior leaders, through pioneering breakthrough research in the field, or establishing and nurturing communities of change practitioners.

This unique combination makes me a sought-after authority and advisor to leaders grappling with the challenges of adapting their institutions - and themselves - to rapidly changing and uncertain contexts.

I now also extensively write, speak and teach about change and its leadership, with the aim of bringing my insights to a wider world.

I hope you find the themes and content in this website personally enriching.

What others say:

‘Deborah is a unique change practitioner. She combines a passion for helping leaders navigate change successfully, a deep understanding of current and past change research, and an exceptional personal presence as adviser, coach and agent provocateur.’

Commercial Director, Consultancy

Praise for From Ought to Is: Catalysing Change and Movement in a Polarised World

“Can Deborah possibly deliver another literary change masterpiece? The answer? Of course she can!”

“A journey into life in all its fullness, which I cannot recommend highly enough.”

“A thorough map on how to create movement in your life and the world around you, containing a superb mix of theory and emotional real-life stories, which you will never forget …”

“Uniquely combines philosophy, politics, literature, religion, biology and neuroscience with Deborah’s real-world experience at some of the most influential organisations in the world.”

“Deborah’s astute, enquiring mind and her courage to uncover and give voice to what is usually concealed has produced a book for our times with an unrivalled take on what keeps individuals, societies and organisations in deadlock.”

“Chapter after chapter set off fireworks in my brain, speaking directly to the stickiest of change challenges. I can’t wait to start my own transit from ought to is. I’m recommending it to every change practitioner I know.”

“This groundbreaking new work is a must-read: the journey of which Deborah writes could bring much-needed ease, truth-telling, freedom and movement to all of us as individuals and, through us, to the ‘stuck’ places in today’s world.”

“Wow! Reading this book felt like a gift from the muses, whispered straight to the heart of what matters now.”

“A message with the power to transform leadership in these challenging times. It will be a blessing to us all if leaders everywhere read this book.

“A deeply philosophical and practical guide to navigating our increasingly turbulent and divided world.”

“From Ought to Is invites us to delve deeper into the truths of our existence, encouraging us to understand the world in a more holistic, interconnected way.”

“Provides a ‘compass of compassion’. Deborah’s vision is both discomforting and reassuring: a reminder that growth requires humility, patience, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity and truth.”

“Timely for anyone who is trying to figure out how to navigate in the world that is becoming more and more polarised. I cannot wait to put Deborah’s advice into practice.”

“The idea of this mindset shift from Ought to Is is a foundational new step for making positive change happen in this ever more volatile and uncertain world.”