Mā te huruhuru ka rere te manu

Adorn the bird with feathers so it may soar.

Volatile operating environments are rich with opportunity and risk. Using a pioneering combination of science and creativity, ThinkBird equips leaders to be match fit for a world of change.

Harnessing chaos

In the wake of pandemic, in the throes of climate change, and with many more adverse trends apparent, businesses are operating in an environment of profound change. We prepare New Zealand’s corporate leadership teams for a new level of challenge.

Not for profit

ThinkBird supports the life-changing cancer research of the Gillies McIndoe Research Institute in Wellington, founded by revolutionary thinker Dr Swee Tan.

It’s time to think differently

Inspired by the unique combination of science and creativity pioneered by the Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, we have developed the Empirically Derived Lateral Thinking – EDLT™ methodology that can radically shift mindsets and create new approaches and behaviours.

The result? Leaders who can re-imagine problems and see opportunities in chaos, powering Aotearoa’s organisations to health and wealth.

Who we are

SHAUN CLARKE and PAULA TER BRAKE

The co-founders of the ThinkBird Experience are not theorists or academics, but hands-on leaders with strong track records in handling high-risk, high-pressure, multi-variable environments.

Together, our experience covers large risk-based portfolio delivery in the insurance industry, international defence and security, NZ regional contingency management, and commercial entrepreneurship.

Our vision is to create a legacy of mission-focused teams, where ‘match fit’ leaders guide their organisations through an exceptional period of challenge and opportunity, all the while enabling the Gillies Mclndoe Research Institute to continue its life-changing research into the treatment of cancer.

What we do

NO ORDINARY EXPERIENCE

ThinkBird is on a mission to add essential capability to New Zealand’s organisations, working with leadership teams to inspire cultural shift and instil new approaches and tools that can be used on a daily basis in an operating environment of profound change.

Introducing EDLT™

Inspired by the unique combination of science and creativity pioneered by the Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, our Empirically Derived Lateral Thinking – EDLT™ methodology unlocks peak performance.

Using our bricoleur approach, we help leaders feel comfortable with radical thinking, excited by freestyling in crisis conditions and loving disruption.

More resilient leaders

We arm leaders with techniques to re-imagine problems, think creatively through challenges, and lead their organisations to health and wealth.

More lithe teams

We give teams a mindset and the practical tools needed to thrive in the new chaos, so they come to love disruption and see the opportunity it brings.

More successful businesses

We enable organisations to manoeuvre their way to success in an unusually turbulent operating environment.

Who we do it for

AN UNLIKELY REBEL

All ThinkBird Experience profits go to the Gillies Mclndoe Research Institute in Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand, enabling this dedicated team to continue their life-changing research.

Founded by Dr Swee Tan, an unconventional hero who innovates at the frontier of cancer research, the Gillies Mclndoe Research Institute uses bricolage and creativity to achieve a paradigm shift in the way numerous diseases, including cancer, are treated.

Their ultimate goal is to develop low cost and widely available treatments without the need for invasive surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. They urgently need to raise funds if their important work is to continue.