Brett Macfarlane

Brett is a recognized innovation leadership expert. As an organizational psychologist, consultant and researcher, he adds a unique psychodynamic perspective to manage the tricky aspects of innovation and change.

Originally trained as an economist while also an athlete and then coach in Canada’s Olympic development system, his approach has always been grounded in business realities and the psychology of high performance. As recognized by over 200 awards and patents.

In 2019, he sharpened his leadership development practice at INSEAD—the leading global business school based in Fontainebleau, France. During the three-year Executive Master of Change (EMC), Brett focused his research on the psychology of effective innovation leadership—receiving distinction in 2021.

You can expect a hands-on, results-focused approach when working with Brett. He closely listens to his client’s stories and goals at every step. Your clinical experience and reality guide his recommendations which include a combination of reflection, motivational analysis, capability development, process design and leadership education. Capability assessments, 720 evaluations and other methodologies are called upon when needed.

Brett is a member of the International Society for the Psychoanalytic Study of Organizations (ISPSO), the American Psychological Association (APA) and the INSEAD International Alumni Association (IIAA). Additionally, he authors the monthly newsletter Connecting Dots.

Outside his private practice, Brett advises the G20 Leaders Summit on digital leaders, is an advisory-backed investor with Working Title Capital and is a board advisor. Socially, he cycles as an official Rapha Cycle Club ride leader, enjoys alpine pursuits and loves good food.

Experience: Accenture, AMEX, Apple, D&AD, Diageo, EY, Google, Jaguar Land Rover, London 2012, Partners Group, Relais & Chateau, Sweden's Central Bank, Unilever, Visa, Vancouver 2010, Whistler Blackcomb

Key Words: organizational psychology, leadership development, industry & organization, I/O, L&D, learning and development, systems psychodynamics, organizational behaviour, adaptive leadership, authentic leadership, transformative leadership, new genre leadership