Philip Woods, Director

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Leaders seek out Philip Woods when they are navigating complex challenges, competing priorities, and pressure to deliver results.

Philip brings clarity, structure, and momentum to situations that can otherwise feel overwhelming. Whether shaping strategy, navigating difficult negotiations, strengthening leadership teams, or leading transformation initiatives, he helps leaders cut through complexity and focus on what matters most.

Clients often say that working with Philip gives them confidence, clarity, and peace of mind that the right issues are being addressed and real progress is being made.

Philip is the Director of Catalyst Strategy, a boutique advisory firm that supports organisations to design practical strategies, lead transformation, strengthen leadership capability, and navigate complex commercial challenges. Philip works with organisations across sectors including energy, infrastructure, resources, property development, technology, government, and not-for-profit.

Strategy and Transformation

Helping organisations move from strategic intent to practical execution.

  • Strategy co-creation and implementation – Facilitating strategy workshops and supporting implementation of corporate, functional, and initiative strategies.

  • Operating model and organisational transformation – Supporting organisations to redesign structures, governance, and operating models to improve performance and alignment.

Leadership Development and Culture

Strengthening leadership capability and team performance.

  • Strengths-based leadership development – Designing and delivering leadership programs that help leaders understand and apply their strengths.

  • Executive coaching and mentoring – Supporting leaders to strengthen decision-making, influence, and leadership impact.

Commercial and Negotiation Advisory

Practical support for complex commercial and stakeholder situations.

  • Negotiation preparation and strategy – Supporting organisations preparing for high-stakes negotiations and complex commercial discussions.

  • Stakeholder alignment and risk management – Helping executives navigate competing interests and sensitive stakeholder dynamics.

Facilitation, Leadership Forums, and Speaking

Creating alignment and momentum in complex discussions and inspiring action.

  • Strategy workshops and leadership retreats – Facilitating executive discussions that lead to clear decisions and practical action.

  • Conference chair and moderator – Chairing industry conferences and moderating panels on leadership, culture, and organisational change.

  • Keynote and plenary presentations – Delivering engaging keynote and plenary sessions on topics including strengths-based leadership, leading through change, and helping leaders and teams navigate disruption and evolving organisational challenges.

Executive Leadership Experience

Bringing real-world operational leadership experience to advisory work.

  • Global operational and functional leadership – Leading international supply chain, technology, and legal teams across multiple continents.

  • Transformation and operational improvement – Delivering large-scale transformation initiatives and significant procurement savings.

  • Business continuity leadership – Leading global resilience and business continuity capability development within a major mining services organisation throughout COVID.

Industry Engagement

Contributing to leadership and capability across industry.

  • WIMARQ Board Member – Supporting initiatives that promote leadership development and DEIB in the Queensland resources sector.

  • Industry leadership forums – Chairing HR and leadership summits and facilitating discussions on leadership capability, culture, and workforce trends.

Professional Qualifications

Queensland University of Technology:

  • Bachelor of Business (PR & Economics)

  • Bachelor of Laws

  • Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice

INSEAD:

  • Business Strategy and Financial Performance (Executive Program)

  • Leading Organisations in Disruptive Times (Executive Program)

Australian Institute of Company Directors:

  • Company Directors Course (GAICD)

Gallup:

  • Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach

To discuss how we might be able to support you, please Contact Us.