Office address: Level 4, 410 Collins St. Melbourne, VIC 3000
Website: www.deliberatepractice.com.au
Year established: 2010
Company type: human resources services
Employees: 20+
Expertise: leadership assessment and development, outplacement and career coaching, HR recruitment, HR consulting, career development, career conversations, culture, board effectiveness, contract HR recruitment, organisational reviews, psychometric assessment, organisation design
Parent company: N/A
Key people: Peter Bowen (managing partner and CEO), Diane Kane (practice director), Michelle Collins (director), Melanie Haydon (practice director), Kate Ulehla (director), Shiela Castillo (business coordinator), Nick Kennedy (partner)
Financing status: N/A
deliberatepractice is a Melbourne-based boutique HR consulting firm with a team of 20 staff members, specialising in HR recruitment, consulting, career coaching, and outplacement services. They deliver practical, tailored HR solutions through a partnership approach that prioritises client needs and business growth. Their expertise supports both organisations and individuals across various stages of the career and business cycle.
deliberatepractice was founded in 2010 by Greg Smith and Peter Bowen to deliver specialised HR services that drive business growth and improvement. From its inception, the company focused on providing practical, value-driven solutions tailored to individual and organisational needs. Its services cover the entire business cycle, including restructuring, downsizing, growth, and consolidation, along with all stages of the career life cycle.
Their consulting approach is rooted in helping clients achieve measurable success through innovative strategies and expert HR practices. Inspired by research on Deliberate Practice by Anders Ericsson, the company emphasises continuous improvement and stretching performance limits. The company aims to offer a unique, collaborative consulting experience that provides a demonstrable return on investment for all clients.
The company provides a range of HR services for organisations. Key offerings include:
HR recruitment: specialised recruitment services that focus on sourcing and placing the best HR talent to meet specific organisational needs
HR consulting: expert guidance on HR strategy, processes, and practices that align with business goals to improve overall performance
culture: consulting services designed to help organisations build and sustain a positive workplace culture that enhances engagement and productivity
leadership development: programs that develop and strengthen leadership skills, enabling managers to drive business success and inspire their teams
outplacement: support services that assist employees in transitioning to new careers during restructuring or downsizing, minimising disruption and supporting growth
coaching: tailored coaching services to enhance employee performance, leadership capabilities, and career advancement
career conversations: facilitated discussions aimed at guiding career progression and helping employees align their goals with business objectives
for individuals: offering career coaching programs, HR job placement assistance, and executive coaching designed to support career transitions, skill development, and leadership growth
deliberatepractice focuses on sourcing, developing, and upskilling people through tailored HR solutions. Their partnership model ensures growth, stability, and career satisfaction for both organisations and individuals.
The company fosters a collaborative and creative work environment where HR professionals co-design tailored solutions with clients to drive meaningful change. Their team is vibrant, client-focused, and brings deep expertise across various HR disciplines and commercial sectors. They deliver practical, value-driven solutions that align with client strategies, aiming to enhance business performance and shareholder returns.
Their core values shape the company's culture, guiding its work ethic, decision-making, and client engagements. These principles define what deliberatepractice stands for and are reflected in every aspect of their operations:
connection: emphasises collaboration and teamwork
authenticity: encourages honesty and openness in all interactions
adaptability: promotes continuous learning and flexibility
positivity: strives to inspire and bring out the best in people
deliberatepractice is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where people feel respected and empowered to succeed. They honour the rich traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and commit to a future built on mutual respect. It values diversity in all its forms, ensuring that everyone they work with is supported, safe, and given equal opportunities to thrive.
Peter Bowen is the co-founder, managing partner, and CEO of deliberatepractice, partner of deliberatedge, and director at deliberateImpact Recruitment. He brings extensive experience from his previous roles as director of Hudson Global Resources and senior CRM at Hudson. Bowen holds a BCom from the University of Melbourne and has earned his CAHRI from the Australian HR Institute.
The key people who help the CEO lead the company bring a diverse range of expertise and play vital roles. These include:
Diane Kane, as a practice director, careers, oversees career transition programs and guides individuals through effective career development strategies
Michelle Collins, serving as director, HR recruitment, leads talent acquisition efforts and ensures the successful placement of HR professionals across various industries
Melanie Haydon, as practice director, advisory, manages HR consulting projects, providing strategic insights that align with client business goals
Kate Ulehla, director, office and operations, ensures operational efficiency and smooth daily operations across the organisation
Shiela Castillo, a business coordinator, supports internal processes and client communications to enhance service delivery
Nick Kennedy, serving as managing partner for deliberatedge, drives business strategy and growth initiatives for the firm’s leadership development arm
Peter Bowen, providing expert analysis for HRD's Hot List 2024, emphasised the importance of HR professionals balancing business and employee interests while adapting to changes. His insights reflect deliberatepractice's focus on developing HR strategies that are both flexible and impactful, helping organisations achieve their goals. This vision positions the company to remain a leader in shaping effective HR solutions moving forward.
Recently, they partnered with OzHarvest Melbourne for a "Cooking for a Cause" session, aligning with their commitment to community and support for those in need. This initiative reflects their approach to career transition services, where connection and self-belief are essential. Moving forward, the company will continue to integrate these values into their services while expanding its community and industry engagement effort.
