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Leadership Development

When faced with tough challenges, no one has ever said: “Hold my beer, I’ve got the perfect leadership theory. Watch me lead this so hard.” The reality? It’s messy. And what makes it messier is the deluge of leadership theories, books, and podcasts pushing the latest ‘shiny new thing’.

Leadership can no longer just be talk; it has to exist in practice!

As the former CEO of one of Australia’s foremost leadership institutions and an accredited Harthill Leadership Development Coach, I’ve seen firsthand what works… and what doesn’t.

My leadership programs – from focused workshops to immersive retreats – bridge the gap between theory and practice. Underpinned by years of experience, robust research, and a toolshed of tried and tested tools, I equip executives and managers to ask better questions, collaborate across divides, and drive meaningful action within teams.

Offering 1: Growth Mindset in Practice

We all talk about Growth Mindset, but putting it into practice – especially when facing pressure – is another story. Does fear of failure hold your team back? Are performance plateaus frustrating progress? Are you struggling to foster resilience when setbacks hit?

This sharp, interactive 2-hour workshop cuts through the hype. I’ll debunk common myths and equip you with practical thinking tools to genuinely cultivate a Growth Mindset – in yourself and your team – turning challenges into opportunities for real development and results.

Who it’s for:

From frontline team leaders starting their leadership development journey, through to middle management seeking to elevate their leadership impact, all the way to Senior and Executive Leaders hitting roadblocks in demonstrating leadership, think of this workshop as a jumpstart for leadership development in your organisation.

Workshop Outcomes:

  • Identify personal and team-based fixed mindset triggers and apply techniques to shift perspective.
  • Utilise specific thinking tools to approach challenges and learning opportunities more effectively.
  • Frame and engage in feedback conversations that genuinely foster growth and development.
  • Implement strategies to build resilience and encourage learning from mistakes and setbacks.
  • Create a team environment that actively values effort, learning, and progress over innate talent.

Workshop Details:

  • 2 hours
  • Can be delivered virtually or in-person
  • Participants: 6 to 30
  • Fee: $5,000 ex GST (price negotiable for NFPs)

 

Book a free discovery call

Offering 2: Leadership Impact Program

Moving beyond abstract leadership theories requires a different approach. This unique program is designed for Executive Leadership Teams seeking to embed practical, human-centred leadership and drive real cultural change.

Through a deft blend of confidential 1-on-1 coaching and collaborative group workshops, we co-create a tangible ‘Leadership Impact Statement’; your team’s clear commitment to the behaviours you wish to see. This light-touch, high-impact process fosters profound shifts, making effective leadership a lived reality and your legacy.

Who it’s for:

This program is specifically designed for established Executive Leadership Teams and Senior Management Groups who are committed to moving beyond theoretical leadership models and want to embed a practical, human-centred leadership culture.

Program Outcomes:

  • Develop a shared, practical definition of impactful leadership tailored to your unique organisational context.
  • Co-create a clear ‘Leadership Impact Statement’ outlining specific, agreed-upon behavioural commitments for the team.
  • Identify and commit to concrete actions designed to embed desired leadership behaviours across the team and organisation.
  • Strengthen executive team alignment, fostering greater trust and more effective communication regarding leadership practices.
  • Build a robust foundation for intentional culture evolution and a lasting leadership legacy.

Program Details:

  • One round of 1 on 1 coaching conversations with individual members of the Executive Leadership Team to elicit deep insights
  • A 1.5 hour workshop with the entire team to reflect on insights and to co-design strategies, behaviours, and actions, summarised into a draft Leadership Impact Statement
  • A second round of 1 on 1 conversations to check-in on progress
  • A second 1.5 hour workshop to reflect on progress and to finalise the Leadership Impact Statement for distribution
  • Can be delivered virtually or in-person
  • Participants: 4 to 10
  • Fee: $15,000 ex GST (price negotiable for NFPs)

 

Book a free discovery call

Offering 3: Peopleship Program

What if changing the world didn’t require waiting for permission or a title? The Peopleship Program is a radically practical alternative to traditional leadership programs, built on a simple truth: anyone can create meaningful impact.

This program ditches the focus (and pressure) on being a ‘leader’ and instead equips passionate individuals with the tools for doing the work that drives real change. Participants learn to blend essential ‘soft’ skills (like influence and collaboration) with practical ‘hard’ skills (understanding organisations, taking initiative) to feel empowered to create change.

Step up, get skilled, and start making your difference – today.

Who it’s for:

The Peopleship Program is for passionate individuals ready to make a tangible difference, regardless of their current title or formal position. It’s specifically designed for:

  • Active citizens and community members wanting practical skills to contribute more effectively to causes and organisations they care about.
  • Intrapreneurs and emerging leaders within organisations who seek to drive positive change and influence outcomes from any level.
  • Individuals seeking the confidence, clarity, and know-how to translate their desire to help into demonstrable, real-world results.

Participants in the Peopleship Program will:

  • Develop the confidence and mindset to initiate meaningful action without needing formal authority.
  • Master practical tools for understanding group dynamics and how organisations really function.
  • Enhance interpersonal skills essential for effective collaboration, communication, and influence.
  • Apply curiosity and critical thinking to diagnose challenges and design effective interventions in real-world settings.
  • Learn proven methods for moving ideas into tangible impact and results.
  • Build a supportive network of fellow proactive ‘Peopleship’ practitioners.

Program Details:

  • This signature program is bespoke to your needs, and can range from 1 to 3 days depending on the goals you’d like to achieve.
  • Additional speakers and subject matter experts will be brought in to provide a well-rounded experience
  • For businesses and organisations, this program can be delivered in-house, across multiple groups
  • For associations, councils, schools, and community leaders, this program can be delivered across communities
  • In-person preferred, though hybrid options available
  • Participants: 20 to 100
  • Fee: Negotiable

 

Book a free discovery call

Endorsements

Goulburn Murray Community Leadership greatly appreciate Scott Ko sharing his insights with our 2025 Fairley Leadership Program participants. Scott expertly guides learners through thought-provoking concepts, creating space for reflection, exploration, and genuine understanding. His engaging, accessible approach leaves a lasting impact on those fortunate enough to learn with him.

Jesse Mitchell

Executive Officer, GMCL

My team had the pleasure of attending a workshop on nurturing curiosity, led by Scott. His engaging approach and insights transformed the way we think about curiosity, the power of questions, exploration in our work and challenging the status quo. Scott created a supportive environment that encouraged open dialogue and creativity, leaving us inspired and equipped with practical tools to foster curiosity in our team. We left feeling energized and eager to apply what we learned. Highly recommend!.

Braden Spencer

General Manager, Fundraising, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute

Scott is a skilled facilitator. We asked for a free-flowing format, that invited open and frank discussions with minimal input from the facilitator. Scott guided the program and took us through the agenda but did not interfere or inhibit the conversation. He kept us on course and summarised the outcomes with full insight into what we were trying to achieve. He was not the ‘main game’ as happens with many facilitators but only involved himself to clarify the discussion, record the main points and determine actions and responsibilities. The ideas were all ours and made sure we got through the agenda, ensuring everyone participated. It was a very productive and rewarding couple of days and we all left feeling inspired and confident.

Scott is personable and inspirational, with a sound grasp of how to draw together ideas into an achievable set of goals, whilst working with a disparate group. We will engage him again when we build on this session to prepare our Strategic Plan. He was a great find!

Jan Porter

Chair of the Board, Elder Rights Advocacy

Past Projects

Developed and implemented the Project Management Framework for the rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) for Victoria’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

Authored the public discussion paper for Victoria’s Gender Equality Legislation.

Project managed the merger of Responsible Alcohol Victoria and the Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation into the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR).

Re-designed the CEO reporting workflow for Good Shepherd.

Authored the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal’s (VCAT) annual Customer Satisfaction Survey from 2016 to 2019.

Facilitated a 3-day strategic planning workshop for the Board and Senior Leadership Team at Elder Rights Advocacy (ERA).

Pioneered the design and introduction of visual reporting mechanisms across DHHS and the Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC) that persist to this day.

Developed automated reporting tools for Freedom of Information (FOI) requests for the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC).

Developed the end-to-end process manual for the Metropolitan Fire Brigade’s (MFB) Fleet Deployment function.

Created over a dozen new products and tools to help public sector clients improve their ability to serve the public, including interactive stakeholder engagement tools and process re-engineering methodologies.

Developed the 2020 strategic plan for Space2B, a not-for-profit supporting female refugee and migrant artists.

Implemented a human-centred Leadership Impact Statement in a high pressure bureaucratic team environment.