Our Experts
Meet our game changers
Our ecosystem of leadership experts are galvanised by one purpose: To move minds and transform businesses and leave a legacy of proven value. As a team that is drawn from different backgrounds, including psychologists, strategy and commercial advisors, culture specialists and performance experts, we turn beliefs into a movement, transforming organisations and the leaders within.
Our Experts
Vanessa Gavan
FOUNDER AND JOINT MANAGING DIRECTORVanessa is the founder of Maximus and has spent over two decades transforming organisations and the leaders within them seeking progressive change. Vanessa is known for working with an extensive range of C-Suites, Executives and Boards to make an exponential impact. Vanessa is the custodian of the Firm's strategy, innovation and global partnerships which collectively position Maximus as one of Australia's leading performance impact organisations.
Brent Duffy
JOINT MANAGING DIRECTORAs Joint Managing Director, Brent oversees our national portfolio of clients delivering innovative solutions globally. Brent applies a strategic and pragmatic approach to business performance with his ability to consistently deliver proven value and lasting business results. Brent has worked across a diverse range of sectors with an impressive roster of ASX listed corporate and fast growing organisations.
We are - Curious
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- Maximus
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- Ambitious
- Maximus
- Curious
EXECUTIVE AND SENIOR LEADERSHIP EXPERTS
James Keeler
PORTFOLIO DIRECTORJames manages and advises a portfolio of diverse domestic and international clients. From Australian blue-chip brands to organisations which are at the vanguard of their industry and ready for change. James is known for delivering transformational impact, making individuals and teams appreciate the power of effective leadership. James leads a dynamic portfolio of leading industry clients to drive change from executive level down through the spine of the organisation.
Vanessa Powell
PORTFOLIO DIRECTORVanessa has over 20 years global consulting experience and has partnered with some of the largest companies in the Asia Pacific region. As an experienced facilitator, business leader and psychologist, Vanessa works with senior leaders to shift mindset, aligning leaders to organisational purpose and strategy. Vanessa leads an extensive portfolio of cross sector industry clients to facilitate organisational change, culture and leadership strategy.
Tracey Sandeman
STRATEGY & ADVISORY DIRECTORTracey specialises in business transformation, strategy facilitation and operating model design including complex change initiatives. Tracey leads our strategy and advisory practice and has extensive industry experience yielding cross functional organisational efficiencies and leadership impact.
Carla Rossi-Zalmons
MARKETING DIRECTORCarla specialises in brand transformation and customer experience change. She has both industry and consulting experience from leading blue chip organisations. Carla leads our Marketing and brand team and is a driver for innovation and transformation.
Lani Swanton
OPERATIONS DIRECTORLani’s expertise span across all facets of operational performance with acute focus on delivery and execution of high impact projects. She leads our operations and projects team for Maximus.
SPECIALIST LEADERSHIP EXPERTS
James Chapman
ASSOCIATE DIRECTORAs a former Olympic medalist and high-performance coaching expert, James leads our specialised coaching practice and has extensive expertise across all facets of leadership. James’ expertise includes mindset shifts, behavioral change, focus, resilience, clarity, structured thinking and strategic leadership.
Danielle Moore
ASSOCIATE DIRECTORDanielle leads our leadership experience design and specialised offerings practice which includes our psychometric assessment centre and all aspects of product innovation. In addition, Danielle facilitates transformational leadership programs across large-scaled organisations, including group coaching and mentorship.
Caspar De Carteret
ASSOCIATE DIRECTORCaspar redefines the boundaries of human potential. With a record of focusing the mindset, goals and perspectives of global leaders. Caspar is a coach and a catalyst for transformation, propelling individuals, teams and organisations towards growth.