Chair Showcase: Ian Belton – From C-suite transformation to guiding leaders, one insight at a time 

After years navigating the intense demands of the C-suite, Ian Belton didn’t immediately dive into his next venture. Instead, he chose a four-month sabbatical – a deliberate pause to reflect on what truly mattered for his next chapter. The answer was clear: his passion lay in helping others succeed. 

This thread – of guiding, empowering, and developing people – had woven through Ian’s career from his early days as a Chartered Accountant in audit, insolvency, and project management. He went on to lead the Chrystal Group, orchestrating significant growth in both domestic and international markets. Later, as Global Head of People and Culture for a large manufacturing and distribution business, he deepened his expertise in leadership and organisational development. 

Yet, his proudest achievement wasn’t about market share or profitability. “It was seeing people within the company grow in confidence,” he says. “Not just in business, but in themselves. That translates directly to performance.” 

Under Ian’s leadership at the Chrystal Group, the company’s culture transformed. Issues were no longer escalated immediately to him; instead, his team took profound ownership and accountability. “I went from being pulled into every bushfire, to often being one of the last to know – because the team had already solved it.” 

This profound shift didn’t come from force. “Great leaders don’t push people – they pull them,” Ian explains. “It’s like pushing a wheelbarrow in sand – you’ll end up with a hill of resistance. It makes more sense to pull it.” 

That mindset continues to shape Ian’s work today as a Vistage Chair in Western Australia. His coaching philosophy is rooted in deep listening and asking thoughtful, often challenging, questions. He takes a practical yet deeply human approach, helping leaders navigate complexity, unlock clarity, and transform their own organisations. 

Having been a Vistage member himself for 18 years, Ian knows first-hand the unparalleled value of the peer advisory model.

“I joined because I wanted to grow, to get candid, unbiased input I couldn’t find anywhere else,” he reflects. “Coming back as a Chair was partly about giving back, but mostly, it’s because I genuinely enjoy connecting with people and witnessing their breakthroughs.” 

His goal for his members is simple: to walk away from their Vistage experience with fresh perspective, unwavering confidence, and genuine contentment. 

Outside the boardroom, Ian recharges through music (he plays in a rock band), rigorous exercise, and meditation. During the WA mining downturn, he famously managed the immense pressure by turning to marathon and ultra-marathon running. “I ran my way through the recession,” he laughs. “It absolutely kept me sane.” 

That unwavering focus on holistic well-being isn’t just personal – it’s central to how he leads and coaches. “I invest in my mind, my body, my social connections, and my professional growth,” Ian says. “You simply can’t lead well if you’re not well.” 

On work-life balance, Ian offers: “It is all life. Sometimes you need to flex with the times. Bend, but don’t break. And if you ever feel like work is taking over – write your own eulogy, then step back and ask yourself: are you prioritising the right things?” 

Ask Ian what makes a Vistage group truly work, and he’s clear: “It’s not about one person having all the answers. The collective wisdom of the room, fuelled by diverse experiences and a commitment to candour, will almost always be more valuable than the wisdom of any single person.” 

It’s that belief – in shared wisdom, radical transparency, personal growth, and making a tangible difference – that continues to drive Ian’s impact, one transformative conversation at a time.