About David Powell
Engineer. Systems Thinker.
Strategic Facilitator. Author.
David Powell, co-founder of The Golden Thread, helps organisations unlock human capability through systems thinking and practical people development.
Originally a chemical engineer, graduating with First Class Honours from the University of Edinburgh, David brings an engineer's mindset to one of business's most enduring challenges: developing people. Drawing on principles from engineering and physics, he translates complex human dynamics into practical frameworks that people can readily understand and apply.
For more than three decades, David has worked with global organisations in the resources, technology, finance, insurance and professional services sectors, helping leaders access untapped potential in their people, build capability and improve business performance.
Known for making complex ideas accessible, David has a unique ability to translate engineering principles into a practical system for developing people. His work consistently bridges theory and practice, enabling individuals and organisations to apply profound concepts in simple, practical ways.
Today, David works with organisations around the world through The Golden Thread, helping leaders build their Organisational People Development System – for more capable, connected, sustainable organisations that are prepared for the future of work.
About Imelda Bergin
Business Strategist. Co-Founder The Golden Thread.
Imelda first encountered David Powell's work while serving as a State Manager for Family Business Australia.
Introduced by a family business owner who credited David's thinking with helping their business successfully navigate the Global Financial Crisis, she invited him to speak at a major conference.
Reading his work for the first time, Imelda recognised not only the depth of David’s ideas, but their potential to reach a much wider audience.
That initial encounter marked the beginning of a partnership that would ultimately become The Golden Thread.
Since then, Imelda has worked alongside David to refine, position and translate decades of intellectual property into practical organisational frameworks, culminating in the development of The Golden Thread's Organisational People Development System.
What Clients Say
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“Prepare to learn, have fun, work hard and be challenged”
CEO, Acacia (African Barrick Gold)
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“You completely held the attention and focus of 46 senior managers for two very full days – truly amazing”
CEO, Lloyd’s Insurance Corporation
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“David is a superb facilitator and his passion is catching”
General Manager R&D, Roche Europe
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“His energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the topic is infectious”
Manager, Ernst & Young, Sydney
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“You vastly exceeded my expectations”
Vice President, Nortel Asia Pacific
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“We achieved so much more than we originally set out to do”
Managing Director, Jim Beam
Decades of results and proven approaches now available online
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Online Training
A practical online toolkit to help you build a great CREW - Competent, Resilient, Engaged Workforce.
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Online Coaching
One-on-one or group coaching to help embed new skills and drive real behaviour change.
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Companion Book
Davd’s acclaimed book ‘Life Journey Skills’ - where wisdom meets science.