Brett MacFarlane founder and performance director of Macfarlane Leadership Development and founder of the Frontline Innovation Leadership Lab. His mission is to demystify innovation leadership to make organisational improvement more human(e). He is a trusted thought partner to central banks, global brands, technology pioneers and leading consultancies. His private leadership development practice integrates psychodynamics, leadership and innovation practices to achieve higher impact, healthier teams and happier careers.
Brett first learned the science of high performance and dealing with uncertainty as an elite athlete and then coach in Canada’s Olympic development system. He applied this talent-centric approach in his professional career to realise countless firsts and over 200 awards and patents. Highlights include life-saving breakthroughs in societal behaviour change, launching purpose-led global tea brands with Hugh Jackman and turning science fiction fantasies into delightful realities with Apple.
Brett studied economics at Whitman College and earned a master of change at INSEAD with distinction. At INSEAD, he mapped the behavioural patterns of repeat innovation leaders to create the diagnostic and developmental framework called the Innovation Leadership Map for individuals and groups. Ongoing research updates are published in his newsletter Connecting Dots. A passionate skier and cyclist, in 2025 he founded the Innovation Leadership Collective to combine personal and professional development through sport.
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