Define Potential - Public sector leadership and capability development consultants
Define Potential is a small, female-led Canberra based business that brings together experienced leadership and management facilitators, trainers and executive coaches with a shared passion for public sector leadership and capability.
Collaboration
We build trusted, productive relationships, collaborating with you to co-design programs that reflect your organisation's culture and goals, cultivating real and lasting change.
Passion
Challenges excite us and we tackle every new project with energy, creativity and a gentle sense of humour, inspired by both experts and those we meet who seek to grow and lead in their communities.
Integrity
Honesty, respect, and ethical action guide everything we do, for there is no integrity without them.
Impact
Our result-focussed methods, grounded in research and experience, leave a lasting impact that moves the dial on performance, engagement, and capability at every level.
"It really did push me outside my comfort zone as a leader and decision maker. I've never been challenged like this and it turned the concepts into something quite impactful."
For more information about our courses, download our current course guide
Define Potential - Our team of public sector consultants
Jane Marburg
Director & Founder
Canberra ACT
Di Van Meegen
Principal Associate
Canberra ACT
Francesca Talevi
Principal Associate
Sydney NSW
Barry Poppleton
Principal Associate
Sydney NSW
Jane Marburg
Director & Founder
Canberra ACT
Di Van Meegan
Principal Associate
Canberra ACT
Francesca Talevi
Principal Associate
Sydney NSW
Barry Poppleton
Principal Associate
Sydney NSW
Dieter Weinand
Principal Associate
Sydney NSW
Kylie Young
Principal Associate
Sydney NSW
Max Rixe
Principal Associate
Canberra ACT
Robyn Calder
Principal Associate
Canberra ACT
Dieter Weinand
Principal Associate
Sydney NSW
Kylie Young
Principal Associate
Sydney NSW
Max Rixe
Principal Associate
Canberra ACT
Robyn Calder
Principal Associate
Canberra ACT
Renee Mack
Principal Associate
Canberra ACT
Kim Hazendonk
Principal Associate
Melbourne VIC
Kerry Juknaitis
Principal Associate
Regional NSW
Ian Young
Principal Associate
SYdney NSW
Renee Mack
Principal Associate
Canberra ACT
Kim Hazendonk
Principal Associate
Melbourne VIC
Kerry Juknaitis
Principal Associate
Regional NSW
Ian Young
Principal Associate
SYdney NSW
Liz Stephens
Principal Associate
Canberra ACT
Trish Bergin
Principal Associate
Canberra ACT
Rod Morrison
Principal Associate
Canberra ACT
Michelle Fullerton
Lead Program Coordinator
Canberra ACT
Liz Stephens
Principal Associate
Canberra ACT
Trish Bergin
Principal Associate
Canberra ACT
Rod Morrison
Principal Associate
Canberra ACT
Michelle Fullerton
Lead Program Coordinator
Canberra ACT
Charlotte Kynaston
Project Administrator
Canberra ACT
Ava Morrison
Project Coordinator
Canberra ACT
Peta Harding
Learning Experience Designer
Canberra ACT
Jack Gray
Business Development and Project Officer
Canberra ACT
Charlotte Kynaston
Project Administrator
Canberra ACT
Ava Morrison
Project Coordinator
Canberra ACT
Peta Harding
Learning Experience Designer
Canberra ACT
Jack Gray
Business Development and Project Officer
Canberra ACT
CASE STUDY
Confident and Courageous Leaders
Large government department; 3-year contract; 246 participants; 12 cohorts
Recognising the changing nature of leadership in a hybrid world, one large government department recognised the need to strengthen leadership capability within its APS6 and EL1 cohort: technically strong professionals who require greater support to lead hybrid teams, build resilience, and step into leadership with confidence.
Define Potential was engaged to co-design and deliver this program designed to improve participants’ ability to lead hybrid teams, communicate effectively, lead with confidence, and demonstrate courage and support inclusive behaviour
The DP Approach
Working closely with the client, we designed a blended learning journey aligned with our Three C’s Methodology:
Collaborate: co-designed sessions with the client ensuring alignment with the strategy and leadership framework.
Craft: A customised 6-module program was created that was supported by coaching, peer learning, self-reflection and practical experiments.
Cultivate: provided full project management, ongoing evaluations, and active engagement with stakeholders through kick-off meetings, check-ins, and conclusion reports.
The final product
Delivered through a mix of virtual and in-person workshops depending on individual cohort needs, this emerging leader program sought to drive real behavioural change through a combination of:
- topical modules
- behavioural amplifiers
- progress ‘pulses’ to measure
- behavioural change
- action-based learning experiments
- self-reflection activities
- Peer coaching
- SES guest speakers
Delivered across a 15-week period, modules were interspersed with small group coaching. Our team also worked with the client to refine the focus of the program after the first 6 cohorts, increasing the emphasis on individual development, effective communication and supporting high performance.
Why it worked
The engaging and practical design of the program, combined with strong facilitation and expert guidance provided participants with an ‘holistic’ leadership learning experience. Because the program was closely aligned to the department’s strategies and frameworks, participants had a more positive experience – quickly applying their learning as they could clearly see how it connected to their work.
“The sessions have made me a more confident leader, and it has been invaluable to share our experiences with our peers in a trusting, supportive environment.”
Jane is the Managing Director and Founder of Define Potential. With more than 25 years of experience behind her, Jane has an in-depth understanding of leadership, management and recruitment issues within government at all levels.
Jane’s management and leadership experience and her knowledge of public sector human resource practices have seen her help clients build capability within their departments, and to improve people performance through the selection and development of staff.
When not leading Define Potential, Jane can be found rowing on Lake Burley Griffin, refereeing basketball games, or driving around Canberra as a mother of two teenage boys.
Di has extensive experience in partnering with public, private, and not-for-profit agencies to progress and build better organisations. She specialises in executive, leadership and talent development, the facilitation of a wide range of forums, workshops, and decision- making gatherings, and has a well-established coaching practice.
Currently, Di partners with APS Secretaries, Heads of Agencies and their senior teams to build strong and meaningful practices to navigate complexity and fast- paced change. She has a particular interest in women in leadership and in enhancing the confidence and know-how of people and organisations to have meaningful conversations.
In her spare time, Di is devoted to family and friends, she enjoys travel, reading, theatre, choir, the great outdoors and living life to the full.
Francesca is an accomplished consultant, facilitator and master accredited executive coach with over two decades of experience in team development, diversity and inclusion and in supporting organisational and personal development. She brings a wealth of experience, pragmatism, creativity, empathy and challenge to her consulting and coaching.
Francesca specialises in Leadership Development and Executive Education, Culture Change, Team Development, Organisation Consulting/Projects, Executive Coaching, Facilitation, Inclusion and Diversity and Resilience.
She is mum to an 18-year-old daughter, loves to travel, go to the theatre and has a keen interest in photography, current events and walking.
Barry is a seasoned consultant, facilitator, mediator, and coach to public, private and not-for-profit clients. He brings his diversity of leadership experience and organisational insight to all his engagements, with expertise in building leadership practice, leading change, shaping culture and creating team and group engagement.
Barry has a particular interest in building peak performance in complex and uncertain environments and supports individuals and teams to identify and address blind spots and to take ownership of change and self-directed learning.
Barry does volunteer work with Red Cross as well as provides voluntary coaching and counselling to individuals in 12 Step Intervention Programs.
Dieter Weinand is an executive coach, leadership facilitator, and organisational development specialist with over 40 years of experience. He partners with individuals, teams, and organisations to unlock potential, lead through complexity, and drive purposeful change guided by his motto “achieving results by realising potential”.
Dieter’s expertise spans executive coaching, leadership development, team performance, change management, and strategic facilitation.
Outside of work, Dieter enjoys life on the Central Coast of NSW with his wife, children and grandchildren where he finds balance in cycling, outdoor adventures, and reading.
Kylie is a Registered Psychologist with over 20 years of experience as a coach, consultant and facilitator in both the public and private sector. Her core areas of expertise are executive coaching, leadership development, organisational psychology, assessments and workplace mental health initiatives. Kylie’s approach supports individuals to achieve optimum performance whilst maintaining good mental health and wellbeing. Kylie holds various postgraduate qualifications including a Master of Coaching Psychology and a Master of Clinical Neuropsychology.
Kylie is based in Sydney where she enjoys spending time with her family and raising her sons. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring nature, playing her piano or guitar, and playing card and board games (she’s always keen for a game of Uno or Chess!).
Max is a program designer, facilitator and executive coach with nine years of innovative and engaging consulting experience. With a background in education, Max designs programs that ensure participants engage in deep self-reflection and are moved to action back in the workplace.
Max is proficient and has extensive experience in delivering high-quality and engaging programs across virtual platforms but is most at home in front of a group face-to-face.
When not perfecting his braiding game on his three daughters (under the watchful eye of his patient wife) Max tries to figure out the rules of AFL, despite being an avid Sydney Swans fan since 2012.
Robyn is a credentialled coach, and a highly experienced Executive leader having worked in Senior Executive roles for over 20 years. Her senior executive experience includes developing strategy and projects, building teams, leading people and change, working across organisational boundaries and with external stakeholders.
Robyn is passionate about organisations and leaders achieving success and thriving, by using their strengths and capabilities to have valuable conversations and make connections.
Robyn loves going to music and sporting events – there’s nothing like the energy of a crowd. Travelling and spending time with family and friends are big for her also, especially when it involves fun experiences, good food and good company.
Renee is a registered psychologist and experienced executive coach with 22 years’ experience working in the APS context. She uses evidence-based approaches and data to work with individuals, teams and organisations to identify potential and enhance performance.
In recent years, Renee has focused on design and facilitation of executive and senior executive leadership development, coaching and organisational change projects. Renee also has a keen interest in talent identification, leveraging diversity, tackling bias, and the application of research to improve performance.
Kim is a Clinical Neuropsychologist, Executive Coach, Leadership Development Specialist and Keynote Speaker with over 25 years' experience in both the public and private sectors. She has extensive experience facilitating leadership programs for executive-level staff and coaching managers and professionals in navigating leadership challenges, enhancing emotional intelligence, and building sustainable high-performance cultures. Kim is also a consultant to Hawthorn Football Club.
Outside of work, you will find Kim hitting the gym, hiking in nature, and playing board games with friends. She loves travelling and enjoys taking her kids to learn about different cultures.
Kerry is a Clinical Psychologist with over 30 years’ experience designing and facilitating training programs and providing executive coaching to public sector leaders. With a strong understanding of the impact of mental health issues on the workplace, and how to challenge difficult behaviour to bring about personal change, Kerry has a strong track record in supporting leaders with practical skills such as managing performance, leading others, needs analysis and learning strategy.
Kerry lives in Jindabyne, having moved there on a whim 20 years ago. In her spare time, she likes to walk her golden retrievers with her husband John, and enjoys skiing, paddleboarding and mountain-biking. She is currently learning to draw and paint and loves creating dog portraits.
Ian is a results-focused consultant, executive coach, and facilitator with over thirty years of commercial and operational experience. He has worked with individuals and teams at all organisational levels, including top and senior executive leaders, high-calibre graduates, emerging leaders and front-line staff.
Ian’s expertise includes strategy alignment, organisational and cultural transformations, and the development of executives and leaders through one-on-one, top-team and organisation-wide interventions. Prior to consulting Ian worked in a series of global businesses, in a variety of senior leadership and company director roles.
In his spare time, Ian is pursuing a second masters degree in psychology, indulges his passion as a champion Masters boxer, and spends meaningful time with family, friends and colleagues.
With a highly accomplished career in the military, Liz is a highly experienced leader with extensive experience in learning and development, coaching, facilitation and leading high performing integrated teams.
Liz has worked closely with leaders across numerous agencies within the Australian Public Sector (APS) over the past few years, developing an excellent understanding of the leadership, management and program challenges facing the APS today.
When she’s not on the sidelines cheering for her step-kids alongside her partner Marcus, Liz is likely out rowing on Lake Burley Griffin—or diving into her next athletic adventure. Her wildest feat so far? Conquering the gruelling 435km ‘Spine Race’ ultra-marathon in the UK.
Trish has an extensive background across the public and private sectors, with a particular focus on gender equality, leadership, public sector reform and organisational development. With a varied portfolio of consulting, facilitation and coaching roles as well as pro-bono board and advisory positions, her key focus areas are organisation and team development, change and transition and culture assessment and development.
In her spare time Trish and her husband Andrew, are grandparents to 7 and when they aren’t visiting the zoo with kids in tow, they are embracing their love of cycling, particularly long-distance bike-packing adventures.
Rod is a consultant, facilitator, and executive coach with over 25 years of consulting experience after a successful career in senior management positions in the APS. He has designed and facilitated leadership programs across Commonwealth, State & Territory agencies as well as commercial and not for profit entities. Rod has also worked on numerous capacity building projects in Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the Pacific.
His areas of professional expertise include change and transition management, quality improvement, business planning, positioning and performance, negotiation, influencing, leadership and team development.
Rod resides in Canberra with his family, dogs and an eclectic array of musical instruments.
Michelle joined Define Potential in 2021 and works as the Lead Program Coordinator across all programs. She has worked in both private and public sectors in a very broad variety of positions, from administration and finance, for an Employee Assistance Program, and even worked guest services at Dreamworld Australia (where she did get to occasionally pat the tiger cubs!)
Outside of work, Michelle loves spending time with family, attending musicals and has an extremely eclectic taste in music, which is highlighted by the many concerts she attends throughout the year!
Charlotte is Define Potential's Administration Assistant who helps support program delivery for our clients. She studied and graduated with a Diploma in Visual Arts, and now works helping run an art gallery, running art classes and exhibiting her work to build her artist profile.
Outside of work Charlotte enjoys any creative outlets including her painting time, spending time with family and friends, and playing competitive soccer.
Ava is a Developing Program Coordinator at Define Potential, joining in June 2024. She is currently studying a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Canberra and is hoping to specialise in clinical psychology.
In her free time, Ava enjoys going on day trips to the coast with her friends, spending time with family and going to Pilates.
As the Learning Experience Designer for Define Potential, Peta brings deep HR and L&D experience she has built across senior leadership roles in Government. She has held Senior Executive position in ACT Government, leading complex workforce, capability and organisational change initiatives.
Peta is passionate about designing learning experiences that are practical human-centred and grounded in real workplace challenges. She works closely with the Define Potential Associates to build capability and confidence in program participants, connecting strategy to day-to-day practice in meaningful ways.
Jack brings experience across business development, government grants, project management and public sector administration. He has worked in government, education, not-for-profit and project delivery environments, including as Administration Officer for the NSW Department of Education advisory board and as an executive with the Social Justice Advocates.
In 2026, Jack was recognised as an ABC Trailblazer, giving him the opportunity to speak in parliament, on national television, and engage with national leaders, including the Prime Minister. Additionally, his many years in project management work has taken him across Australia and South East Asia, where he has supported a wide range of people, businesses and ideas.
At Define Potential, Jack supports business development, tender procurement and client engagement. When not working, Jack can usually be found playing music, writing, or working on his next creative project.