Denise Sykes
Principal
I believe that no-one should go home feeling worse about themselves because of something that a colleague has said or done. I am passionate about values-based leadership and providing a space where leaders make conscious decisions to create a better working experience for their employees.
Denise’s work combines extensive practical experience in executive roles, which she utilises to assist leaders to effect cultural change and maximise organisational effectiveness. Business clients value her engaging style, insightful views and passion for positive influence.
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Contact Denise Sykes
Denise has extensive experience leading and delivering large, influential programs in many industries including government, defence, security and intelligence, human services, financial, legal policy, insurance and not-for-profit. She was formerly the Australian Government Practice Leader, leading the Nous Canberra office and currently leads the Perth office of Nous.
Project experience
Leadership and personal development
- projection direction, design and facilitation of senior executive leadership development programs for key Australian Government departments including Department of Defence, and federal Attorney-General's Department; a national insurance company; and a prominent Western Australian industry body. These programs focussed on transition from executive level management to organisation wide leadership and creating right factors for success.
- coach and trusted adviser to CEO's, senior executives and senior academics.
Organisational capability
- project direction, design, co-ordination and leadership for a team of 50 consultants delivering a business transformation program for a large human services agency. The program was successful in shifting focus for 4,000 employees from debt collection to customer focus. It involved provision of 1,400 workshops over a 6 month period.
- concept design, project direction and facilitation of a positive workplace climate program, a climate engagement program for managers of a large service delivery organisation. The program was based on values driven by leadership to create an engaged culture, reduce turnover and absenteeism, and to improve performance and productivity.
- designed and facilitated a cultural change program with a security organisation undergoing significant restructure in a politically sensitive portfolio.
Education / accreditation / board membership
- Master of Business Leadership, Curtin Graduate School of Business (current)
- Cert IV Training and Development, Yeronga TAFE
- Graduate Certificate of Management, Flinders University
- LSI/OEI/OCI accredited, Human Synergistics.
Past employment
Prior to Nous, Denise was employed as a senior executive in the Australian Public Service.
Interests
Denise is passionate about life and loves to spend her spare time enjoying great food, fine wine, travelling, reading and the company of her gorgeous family and friends.
Recent projects
Enabling Department of Defence to effectively communicate and advise government
Service lines
- Public policy
Development and implementation of a business transformation strategy
Service lines
- Organisational capability
Leadership program promotes Defence-wide perspective and enhanced effectiveness
Service lines
- Leadership & people development
Leadership program for senior managers in ACT Government
Service lines
- Leadership & people development
Leadership capabilities and attitudes transformed in major government department
Service lines
- Leadership & people development
Leadership capability development in the NSW public sector
Service lines
- Leadership & people development
Recent project team members
Christine Wilson
Senior Consultant
Service lines
- Leadership & people development
Ian Young
Senior Consultant
Service lines
- Leadership & people development
Elspeth Hendry
Senior Consultant
Service lines
- Organisational capability
Felicity Hudson
Principal
Service lines
- Organisational capability
Robert Doyle
Principal
Service lines
- Business strategy
- Public policy
Megan Small
Senior Consultant
Service lines
- Leadership & people development
Greg Joffe
Principal
Service lines
- Public policy
- Business strategy
Stephanie Bown
Senior Consultant
Service lines
- Leadership & people development
Lea Thorpe
Principal
Service lines
- Leadership & people development
Tim Orton
Managing Director
Service lines
- Public policy
- Business strategy