About us

GAICD, FOUNDER & CHIEF PURPOSE OFFICER

Jennifer is a Founder and Chief Purpose Officer of Modern People, Co-founder & Director of Mentally Fit, B Corp Lead for WA, and Board Member for $400m Property Fund and Board Member, NSW based Healthcare Group.

She spent over 20 years walking alongside leaders and boards across Australia, SE Asia, and the US helping them reimagine what business can be when purpose leads. Her work lives at the intersection of leadership, culture and consciousness, they work in the grey guiding organisations to align strategy with values, and people with impact.

At the heart of everything she does is a clear belief: when people feel seen, connected, and purposeful, they lead with intention and the ripple effect transforms teams, companies, and communities. Her purpose is to see light through darkness and complexity, raising the collective energy. Through Modern People, they build businesses that are not only high-impact, but deeply human and net-positive businesses that serve people, planet and the future we all share.

HEAD OF LEADERSHIP

Sally has nearly 20 years business experience, working predominately in global professional services organisations where she held senior management positions in Learning and Leadership Development.

She is an ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and member of the International Coaching Federation. Sally works across all industries to support individuals to strive in their career and personal life. Her approach is friendly, open and supportive; she helps her clients to recognise their unique strengths and values, clarify direction and position themselves for on-going personal and professional success.

HEAD OF REINVENTION

Taryn Marcus is a registered Industrial Psychologist and experienced executive with nearly 20 years of expertise in global people strategies across various industries, including manufacturing, logistics and financial services.

A Harvard Business School alumna, she has co-founded a consulting business and has successfully led large-scale transformations to enhance organisational effectiveness and talent management. Taryn's leadership emphasises aligning people strategies with business goals to drive employee engagement and foster agile, inclusive cultures.

HEAD OF IMPACT + SUSTAINABILITY

Jo is a specialist in ESG strategy, turning sustainability visions into reality.

With extensive experience in resources, energy, public service, property development, and healthcare, she implements ESG strategies aligned with company vision and stakeholder expectations. Jo creates dynamic programs that engage staff in B Corp submissions, fostering collaboration and a sense of ownership. Her initiatives drive organisations toward a more sustainable future.

MATTERING + LEADERSHIP EXPERT | AUTHOR, SPEAKER + CONSULTANT

Zach Mercurio PhD is an organisation and leadership development researcher, adjunct professor, and strategist.

Some of his clients have included the National Park Service, the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, Crocs, and the Alzheimer's Association. His work has been featured internationally in media outlets such as The Huffington Post, Thrive Global, Psychology Today, Inc. magazine, and Forbes. Zach earned his PhD in organisational learning, performance, and change from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO, where he researches meaningful work and serves as an adjunct professor.

IMPACT EXPERIENCE LEAD

Ashleigh, a certified yoga instructor, seamlessly integrates yogic principles into the corporate world, fostering purpose and satisfaction through Spiritual Intelligence.

An Impact Experience Lead with a passion for creating transformative journeys. With a strategic mindset and proven project management skills, she lead teams in crafting impactful experiences aligned with organizational goals. A creative thinker and empathetic communicator, Ashleigh is dedicated to leaving a lasting positive impact on individuals and communities.

CONSULTING ADVISOR - GOVERNANCE & PEOPLE LEADERSHIP

Marija Andacic, is an experienced leader with over 20 years of supporting organisations, CEOs, and senior leaders achieve their strategic and operational objectives.

A proven leader, public speaker, and Board Director, her career spans listed companies, privately owned businesses, not-for-profits, and government organisations. She brings a unique skill set to help organisations and leaders maximise outcomes and achieve success.

Her expertise includes guiding leaders into C-Suite roles, supporting organisational growth through mergers, acquisitions, and product development, and ensuring compliance with quality and regulatory requirements. Marija’s approach centres on connecting to an organisation’s “why” while creating caring, connected, and courageous environments tailored to each client’s context.

EXPERIENCE & PROCESS ENABLER

Darelle is passionate about using her background in global entrepreneurship to do business in new ways.

Darelle manages large-scale projects, and specialises in data capture and interpretation, reporting, and project management.

DIGITAL CREATOR

Norvie combines a rich 6-year journey in aviation and digital marketing with her entrepreneurship spirit. Her approach transcends traditional marketing, focusing on creating deep, meaningful connections in the digital world.

Passionate about learning and growth, she aligns with visionaries who share her zeal for innovation and human-centric strategies.

BOARD MEMBER | CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST + SOCIAL IMPACT ADVISOR

Jace is a leading Clinical Psychologist, trauma specialist, mental health innovator and co-founder of Birchtree group.

With over 25 years’ experience in mental health, Jace has developed and delivered education programs to corporates, health services, NGOs, and professional colleagues. Jace has also lectured at the University of Sydney, UNSW and UTS within the postgraduate Clinical Psychology programs.

Jace doesn’t accept the status quo and is loudly determined to (courageously) improve Australia’s mental health for the benefit of all. Innately a collaborator and connector, Jace invites others to join forces with the Birchtree team in reshaping Australia’s mental health system.

BOARD MEMBER | VALUES + CULTURE ADVISOR

John Poulsen is a highly experienced business coach and founder of People Passion Performance, a company that specialises in helping individuals and organisations achieve their full potential.

With over 25 years of experience in leadership development and organisational change, John has worked with a wide range of clients across various industries, from small startups to multinational corporations.

John was until 31 December 2017, the Australian Managing Partner and CEO of Squire Patton Boggs, a top 10 Global Law Firm with offices in Perth, Sydney and Darwin, which was a $50m business in Australia.

BOARD MEMBER | GOVERNANCE + STRUCTURE ADVISOR

Rob is a Partner at McGrathNicol, a specialist advisory and restructuring firm, with over 20 years’ experience in turnaround and restructuring matters across the world.

Rob also works on boards of large corporates, not-for-profit organisations and industry body associations and is a graduate of the AICD.