WELCOME TO

DIRECTIONS FOR CHANGE

OUR PURPOSE

Directions for Change is ambitious in its aspirations for senior leaders in the public sector.  At a time when trust in government and democratic institutions is waning, the enduring value of a strong, capably led public sector is critical to serving Australia’s citizens.

Directions for Change partners with public sector agencies, work groups and individuals to:

  • build capability in their leaders at all levels and to help them challenge the status quo and norms which are getting in the way of progress

  • support leaders to understand the scope and potential to work skilfully with purpose, to exercise leadership and make progress in situations where they feel stuck, and

  • provide a wide range of contemporary leadership tools, including adaptive frameworks and approaches, to address that sense of  being in “over our heads” and overwhelmed with a myriad of competing priorities.

Directions for Change’s engagement with public sector clients is informed by a deep contemporary understanding of the Australian Public Service (APS) and the various reform initiatives that are designed to build a stronger public service with the capability and capacity to better deliver for Australia, now and into the future.

The purpose of Directions for Change is to be a source of provocation, knowledge, learning and encouragement for leaders and organisations to support the achievement of their mission.

This is done by:

  • supporting leaders in building adeptness in clever and tough questioning of themselves, their organisations and others

  • tackling the tough conversations and the “undiscussables” that get in the way of making progress

  • supporting the learning and application of deep listening skills

  • equipping leaders with tools to expand self knowledge, consolidate and build their emotional regulation and self-care

  • building their capability in skilfully applying the craft of being a public servant

  • partnering with leaders who wish to leave a legacy related to their purpose, and

  • partnering to build strong productive cultures which nurture trust, accountability, flexibility, growth, challenge, aspiration and joy.

OUR SERVICES

  • ADAPTIVE LEADERSHIP

  • EXECUTIVE COACHING

  • FACILITATION

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TRACK RECORD

Directions for Change has an impressive track record of over 30 years partnering with APS, private sector agencies and not for profits. Achievements include:

  • designing and delivering leadership and talent programs that leverage the concepts of adaptive leadership and a range of other contemporary models

  • a wide range of leadership development assignments (including the design, delivery and advisory) for the APSC and the APS Academy, including strengthening partnerships between the APS, Ministers and their offices

  • partnering with agencies, facilitating cultural change, organisational renewal and strategic repositioning

  • providing highly specialised facilitation for symposia, workshops and executive gatherings, including an Australian Government Summit, the World Bank negotiations on public and private partnerships and a range of interdepartmental highly contested decision-making forums and stakeholder negotiations

  • providing challenging coaching conversations with CEO’s, executive groups and individuals.

OUR PRINCIPAL

Di van Meegen

Di van Meegen

As the Director and Principal Consultant of the prominent Canberra based consulting firm, Directions for Change and with over 30 years’ experience Di is dedicated to transforming leaders, executive groups, boards and their organisations through adaptive leadership solutions, mentorship and executive coaching. Di’s particular strengths are Senior leadership and change programs, alongside communication and executive effectiveness. She is passionate about creating capability in the Australian Public Service (APS) to support the enhancement of prosperity and well-being for all Australians.

OUR CAPABILITY

 In providing optimal capability and capacity to its assignments, Directions for Change partners with an extensive range of highly skilled and experienced collaborators and practitioners.

LIST OF AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT BODIES BY PORTFOLIO & TYPE

    • Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

    • Attorney-General’s Department

    • Australian Federal Police

    • Australian Institute of Criminology Conferences

    • (previous) Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia

    • Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

    • Department of Defence

    • Australian National University

    • Department of Employment and Workplace Relations

    • Comcare

    • Department of Finance

    • Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research

    • Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

    • Department of Health and Aged Care

    • Australian Border Force

    • Australian Public Service Commission

    • Department of Home Affairs

    • Department of Industry Science and Resources

    • Australian Film Commission

    • AusFilm

    • National Library of Australia

    • National Gallery of Australia

    • National Museum of Australia

    • Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General

    • Department of Human Services

    • Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs

    • Australian Taxation Office

    • Department of Treasury

    • Parliament of Australia

    • Department of Veterans’ Affairs

    • ACT Chamber of Commerce and Industry

    • ACT Chief Minister’s Department

    • Cancer Council of Australia

    • Care Australia

    • Centre for Conflict Resolutions (Dubai, Saudi Arabia)

    • Medicines Australia

    • South African Department of Education

    • University of the South Pacific (Fiji)

    • University of New South Wales

    • AusAID

    • Red cross

    • The Greater Good

    • UN Women

    • Indigo Foundation

    • Australian Building Codes Board

    • Red Meat Advisory Panel

TESTIMONIALS

  • "I’ve worked with Di over several years in different APS agencies, always with excellent results.  As well as facilitating our senior executive leadership programs, Di has consistently provided high quality executive coaching services.  She brings out the best in people, no matter their skills, experience or limitations.  She helps people to realise their full potential, develop their confidence to lead high performing teams and build their personal toolkit to work through the challenges every leader experiences at some point in their career. Di’s extensive experience working with leaders at all levels across the APS ensures she can be relied upon to facilitate meaningful, respectful and honest discussions; discussions that focus on getting to the heart of key issues and most importantly, how to get to the other side, tackle them, build resilience and thrive. I highly recommend Di for organisation that are serious about investing in their people to be their best."

    Deputy CEO, Services Australia

  • “When setting up Gangari, our consulting and training business, we faced numerous challenges. Di’s coaching and guidance at this time was invaluable. She helped us understand our challenges, set achievable goals, and by asking the right questions she assisted us in exploring and honing our skills and strengths. Di is a skilled facilitator, mediator, mentor and coach. She is genuine, organised, empathetic and clear sighted. We owe a lot to Di and will always appreciate her generous support.”

    Directors, Gangari

  • “Successful people will often attribute much of their success to outstanding role models and mentors. Since 2003 I have been privileged to have Di van Meegen as both a role model and a mentor. Di’s support and guidance has had a significant impact on my career. At every turning point she has supported me with a level of wisdom and sincerity that is absolute. Without her advice, guidance, respect and friendship, I am certain my career would not be as it is today. Di is an outstanding woman and those who have been lucky enough to have her by their side, have benefited tremendously.”

    Anonymous, Young Consultant

  • "I have worked with a range of consultants during the past thirty years and I would rate Di as one of the best. I believe that her skills are particularly valuable in the context of “learning organisation”. She keeps abreast of recent trends in both management and staff development and has been extremely effective in inspiring my staff (150 officers working on a range of different functions) to take on a leadership role and be more innovative."

    Head of Division, Department of Industry

  • "I have worked with Di for more than 15 years in many capacities, particularly as a coach and facilitator. Di brings the perfect balance of encouragement and challenges to draw individuals and teams to better outcomes. Di also has a deep understanding of contemporary public service issues that ensures her contributions are practical and relevant."

    Secretary, Department of Health

  • "The team really appreciated the professional and focused way Di approached the day and her warm and non-judgmental style."

    Director of Marketing, Australian Film Commission

  • "Di is an excellent facilitator. She is highly skilled in working with people at all levels and has significant facilitating experience in both the public and private sectors. Her professional approach is characterised by an outcomes focus and a really good sense of humour."

    Director, Department of Finance

  • "Di van Meegen is an outstanding facilitator. She engages and involves participants to a high degree, ensuring every one contributes to a successful outcome. She demonstrates skill in making sure a group, large or small, reaches its objectives."

    Director, Department of Social Services

The Directions for Change team acknowledges all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Traditional Custodians of Country and recognises their continuing connection to land, sea, culture and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with whom we work.