As an innovation strategist, expert facilitator and executive coach, I draw upon decades of experience spanning design, digital media, publishing and enterprise to help organisations navigate transformation. My journey began in the creative industries, laying a foundation that uniquely positions me to bridge creative thinking with strategic innovation.

Since 2016, I've partnered with major companies and government organisations to address complex strategic challenges through innovative methodologies. My approach has been profoundly shaped by studying under Professor Jeanne Liedtka at the Darden School for Business, University of Virginia—a leading voice in design thinking and author of seminal works including "Designing for Growth" and "Solving Problems with Design Thinking."

A significant chapter in my journey was joining Curious Collective as an Associate in 2016, before stepping into the role of Partner alongside founding CEO Gauri Bhalla (2018-2022). At Curious, we championed strategic innovation and cultivated a "think differently" mindset, working with organisations to amplify creativity and curiosity in solving complex challenges. Our diverse client portfolio included the NSW Department of Education, Commonwealth Bank, Asthma Australia, Sydney Opera House, JewishCare, Cerebral Palsy Alliance, Stockland, SBS, NIDA, and the NSW Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).

This work has been the catalyst to further collaborations with organisations such as the Barangaroo Delivery Authority, Telstra, Optus, Novartis, TEDx Sydney, Catholic School Board and the Social Impact Hub. Each engagement has reinforced my commitment to fostering innovation through human-centred design thinking, agile methodologies, and lean development practices.

My approach helps organisations develop crucial capacities: championing human-centred problem-solving, mastering deep listening and empathy interviewing, synthesising insights into opportunities, building creative confidence, embracing collaborative ambiguity, and leveraging constraints productively. I bring these elements together through tailored innovation labs and sprints that build both individual capability and team engagement.

Coaching & Innovation Methodologies

 Through hands-on coaching, I help supercharge team performance by providing constructive feedback and an outside perspective that nurtures healthy team dynamics. My methodology combines design thinking, agile, and lean development approaches to deliver both learning and tangible project results "in the flow of work." This integrated approach provides leaders with essential tools to become innovative thinkers and uncover transformative opportunities.

 I’ve specifically helped teams develop capacities around:

-       client centred/ human-centred problem-solving methodologies;

-       deep listening and empathy interviewing;

-       synthesising insights to form new approaches to emerging opportunity spaces;

-       building creative confidence, brainstorming and ideation capabilities;

-       amplifying collaboration while embracing ambiguity;

-       leveraging constraints and failure more easily;

-       key Lean tools including the Business Model Canvas; Context Mapping and Customer Value Propositions.

Speaking & Academic Engagement

As a thought leader in innovation and design thinking, I've shared insights at prestigious forums including the Prime Minister's Forum on the Future of the Digital Economy and events hosted by McKinsey & Company. My expertise has been sought by leading organisations including the Digital Transformation Office, BCG, Commonwealth Bank, and Interbrand.

I've contributed to academic excellence as a lecturer at UNSW Art & Design and as a Faculty Member at both the Banff Centre School of Management and The School of Life, Sydney.

Cultural Leadership & International Experience

My fifteen-year tenure as CEO and Creative Director of the Australian Design Centre in Sydney marked a period of significant innovation in exhibitions, digital content, and outreach programs. This role built upon previous leadership positions at renowned institutions including the Museum of Contemporary Art Sydney (Director of Marketing and Communications), The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery (Director) and Mercer Union: centre for contemporary art (Director), both in Toronto.

I developed and produced programs for the Sydney Opera House; Art Gallery of NSW; Melbourne Museum; 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Japan; and the V&A Museum in London among others. I've contributed to major festivals as a keynote speaker and presenter including the London Design Festival, Beijing Design Festival, Melbourne Design Festival, and a regular presenter at Sydney’s VIVID Ideas festival.

As Creative Associate for Placemaking at the Barangaroo Delivery Authority (2017-2019), I developed architectural, film, and public art projects that enriched the cultural fabric of Sydney's newest harbour precinct. This work exemplified my commitment to creating meaningful intersections between design, culture, and public space.

Continued Learning & Development

My commitment to professional growth includes recent studies at the University of Oxford's Mindfulness Centre (2018-2019), where I explored innovative applications of mindfulness in organisational contexts with leading scholars including Mark Williams and Ruth Baer. This experience continues to inform my approach to leadership development and organisational transformation.

Education:

• University of Oxford - Oxford Mindfulness Centre (2018-2019)

• York University, Toronto - Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours BFA)

(linkedin.com/in/stevepozel)