Chair Profile

‘As a networker, coach and role model, I nurture the growth and performance of leaders wanting to reach breakthrough to achieve personal aspirations and professional goals. My motivation lies in working with generative and fearless CEOs committed to building successful teams. A testimonial from a client praised my natural wisdom and deep business knowledge for significantly contributing to their team’s success.’

Helen Woods is an accomplished business leader and mentor with a diverse and impactful career. As the Founder and CEO of a consulting group, she has worked with both national and international corporate and NGO clients, driving significant organisational improvements and strategic initiatives.

In her academic role as an Adjunct Associate Professor at Deakin University, Helen has designed and delivered the Arts Manager course programs and the Arts Audience Incubator, contributing to the development of future leaders in the arts sector.

Her philanthropic efforts are notable, having successfully served as a grant seeker and lead gift fundraiser for major programs and capital projects across medical health and scientific research institutes, hospitals, universities, and the performing and visual arts. Helen is co-creator of “The Circle of Knowing,” a group coaching and dialogue process that fosters collaboration and personal growth.

Additionally, Helen excels in large group facilitation, employing methodologies such as Future Search Conference, Open Space Technology, and Thinking Environment technologies to drive meaningful dialogue and transformative outcomes.

Career highlights:

  • Governance Chair and directorships at Deakin University faculty of Business and Law, Bays & Peninsulas Tourism Board Victoria and Chair, The Women’s Spirit Project
  • Director, Leadership Program for Women Engineers, Engineers Education Australia
  • Lead coach for Women in Banking, Women in Insolvency and Restructuring and Women in Mining mentor programs
  • Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and Fellow of the Australian Marketing Institute
  • For purpose entrepreneur and co-creator of first Social Impact Bond in a private school and first Internal Research Fund in a remote Australian setting
  • Accredited diagnostic coach, The Leadership Circle 
Meet our other VIC Chairs here

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