FOUNDER AND CEO

Michael has 30-years of experience in partnering with organisations to do great things. Working across all levels of organisations and with most industries, Michael has carved out a reputation for building high-performing teams and delivering transformational change with clients across more than 70 countries. Some of these clients include Accenture, BNP Paribas, Coles, Cotton On Group, Honda, IBM, KPMG, Monash University and NMG Consulting. Today, Michael continues to take on a hands-on role in the business, working directly with clients on leadership, strategy and culture.

HEAD OF RESEARCH

Nikki has over 5 years’ experience in the world of learning & development and is truly motivated by the goal of improving people’s career and development journeys. Nikki also has over 9 years’ experience in the investment consulting world and is a typical actuary at heart, having a love for all things research and analysis.

As Head of Research, Nikki utilises her passion for L&D and her love of research to ensure Tonka’s work on leadership, strategy and culture is founded on the latest thinking and is tailored to each of our clients’ specific needs.

HEAD OF CLIENT OPERATIONS

Lucy has a passion for all things learning and development and has experience managing training and administration teams across multiple projects.

As Tonka Learning’s Head of Operations, Lucy manages end to end Tonka’s clients including Monash University, JANA and StorePro. She loves nothing more than building strong relationships with those that she works with and is always looking for the most innovative and efficient ways to meet their needs.

HEAD OF BRAND & COMMUNICATIONS

Natalie is a graphic designer with nearly 10 years experience in the industry. She embraces any opportunity to bring brands to life through logo design, typography, and photography.

Natalie’s role at Tonka Learning is to align our branding, website and social media content to create a consistent experience for our clients.

Most recently she has been responsible for the Tonka Learning re-brand, including an updated colour palette, new brand elements, and website.

LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR

Natasha is committed to enhancing operational efficiency at Tonka Learning. As the Learning & Development Coordinator, she channels her passion into streamlining processes, guaranteeing the execution of learning programs.

Her experience in operational teams allows her to specialise in refining workflows, consistently placing the client's needs at the forefront. Natasha's commitment lies in establishing and maintaining impeccable standards, ensuring an effortless experience within the organisation.

LEADERSHIP LEARNING DESIGNER

With a rich and diverse career spanning education, sport, and corporate sectors, Cerise brings a unique perspective to her role as a Leadership Learning Designer at Tonka Learning. Her leadership experience in consulting, sport, secondary and tertiary education over the past 17 years has fostered a deep understanding of human development and performance, honing her ability to translate complex concepts into engaging learning experiences.

Cerise is dedicated to building strong partnerships with each client to understand and align with their strategic objectives. Combined with postgraduate study in education, psychology and business, her strengths in understanding client needs creates impactful learning solutions that help people reach their full potential and drive organizational success.

HEAD OF FINANCE

Helen started at Tonka Learning on day one and manages finance and all other regulatory requirements. Prior to Tonka Learning, Helen has held various senior roles in finance, buying and management. When Helen is not working with Tonka Learning, she is running her online accessories business.

CONSULTANT/FACILITATOR

Kendall Zoller, EdD, is an author, educator, researcher, and global consultant. His work in communicative intelligence, presentation and facilitation skills, storytelling, leadership, coaching, and adaptive schools has taken him to 23 countries in person and 60 countries virtually. He is co-author of HeartSpace (2021), Voices Leading From the Ecotone (2019) and The Choreography of Presenting: The 7 Essential Abilities of Effective Presenters (2010). He has authored over four dozen reviewed book chapters and journal articles on topics of communication, community, and leadership for educators and corporations. Kendall is an Associate Professor at CSU Dominguez Hills and has a doctorate in Educational Leadership, and a Masters in Educational Management.

CONSULTANT/FACILITATOR

Sallyanne Miller has 30 years’ experience working with organisations in the development of their leadership capability. Her practice model is the result of work in corporate roles in change management and human resources; academic roles teaching leadership and change at Masters level and through her consulting practice.

Sallyanne has published work in the Journal of Organizational Change Management (cited) and Reflective Practice and has published book reviews for Socio-Analysis and Psychotherapy in Australia journals. She is currently on the Academic Board of the National Institute of Organisation Development Australia.

CONSULTANT/FACILITATOR

Saul Wajntraub is an accomplished leadership coach and consultant and has enjoyed a 25-year corporate career with leadership roles at many levels for some of Australia’s largest companies, including Telstra and Australia Post. Saul utilises his 10 years of experience in designing and delivering leadership coaching programs, 20 years learning and development experience and delivery of over 500 workshops and 1000+ coaching hours to build his workshops and coaching techniques.

Saul has also delivered programs for companies such as Salmat, Securepay, Expedia, Transurban, and Medibank so he understands what great leadership looks like for leaders of both small and large organisations.

CHIEF MORALE OFFICER

Sophie is a core member of the Tonka family. She brightens up the office with her playful and loving energy. Yes, she may sleep on the job, and she often pesters the team for cuddles, treats and belly rubs, but we don’t mind as we all love her dearly.