Dr Deborah O'Connell

How do we steer towards the sorts of futures that we want – rather than towards one where there is catastrophic disaster and conflict to society, and breakdown of climate and ecosystems?

It is widely recognised that we need 'systems change', and I specialise in understanding systems and the intentional and unintentional processes of change.

I work to bring governments, industries and civil society together with scientists to collaborate in addressing these complex problems. I have a strong futures orientation and facillitate the constructive process(es) of change – intentional, transformational changes to the system that will help solve the big complex problems. I work in a collaborative way, building relationships and trust, and facilitating spaces in which people can understand how the world works, by seeing through the eyes of others, their types of knowledge and value systems, and their imaginations to creatively solve problems. Diversity, equity, inclusion and climate justice are at the heart of what I do.

In my work with CSIRO (2003-2023), I led large initiatives integrating across different approaches and disciplines, as well as with a wide range of people in diverse organisations and places around the world.

I was Lead Facilitator for the global Homeward Bound leadership program for women and non-binary people with a background in STEMM from 2017-2023, and am also an accredited yoga instructor.