About Us

Kieran Plasto is a seasoned ‘people professional’ adept at navigating and resolving intricate and complex workplace dynamics to drive enhanced performance and foster employee engagement. With over thirty-five years of experience spanning roles as a Psychologist, Senior Leader in Human Resources and Safety across global mining and heavy industry sectors, and a distinguished career in Law Enforcement as a Criminal Investigator and Police Negotiator, Kieran possesses a profound understanding of human behaviour in organizational settings. His expertise lies in deciphering the complexities of human interaction, empowering leaders at all levels to cultivate environments conducive to productivity and satisfaction. A former appointed Detective, accredited as a Mediator, Internationally Certified Coach, Conflict Coach, and Harvard- trained Negotiator, Kieran brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to the table. By leveraging his innate ability to discern motivations, dismantle barriers, and nurture effective communication, Kieran equips businesses with the tools necessary to cultivate engaged and fulfilled employees through the analyses and resolution of all types of workplace complexities. Through his guidance, leaders and teams develop the essential tools to cultivate resilient, agile teams, along with fostering attributes and skills required to enhance business results through elevated people performance.

Richard is an experienced conflict resolution specialist, negotiator, lawyer and mediator. Richard helps groups and individuals to have difficult conversations, and specialises in family businesses, workplace and startup conflicts. Richard has resolved some of the most emotionally complex conflicts in society, as a manager at the Queensland Human Rights Commission since 2019.   Richard was first accredited as a mediator in 2021 (NMAS) and he has recently completed a Conflict Coaching Fundamentals course with the Conflict Management Academy (2024). Richard’s qualifications are Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from the University of Queensland and he was admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland in 2016.  ​ Richard can help you navigate a way through an impasse or to prepare for a difficult conversation that’s overdue.

Dr Serge Loode combines academic teaching and research experience with a deep understanding of conflict resolution and peacebuilding practice. Originally from Germany, Serge worked as a civil law lawyer before developing his conflict resolution and peacebuilding practice. At university Serge teaches academic courses in Mediation, Negotiation and Theories of Conflict Resolution. He is also a mediator with the Department of Justice and Attorney-General. Serge is a highly experienced facilitator, conflict coach, conflict resolution trainer and assessor, as well as a nationally accredited mediator under the National Mediator Accreditation System (NMAS). Serge mediates workplace, child protection and neighbourhood disputes and designs processes for large-scale community conflicts. He has worked with a variety of clients, including local and state government, police, military, businesses, primary and secondary schools and community groups.

Maree Gardner is a highly experienced Organisational Development, Change and Human Resources consultant with over 10 years’ consulting experience and more than 20 years as a senior executive across the public and private sectors. She has worked extensively with complex organisations to bridge the gap between strategy and execution, helping leaders align culture, behaviour and capability with organisational goals so that change is embedded and sustained. Maree is known for her consultative, creative and psychologically informed approach. She works comfortably at both strategic and operational levels, partnering with executives, leaders and teams to design and deliver leadership development, culture transformation and change initiatives that drive measurable outcomes. A natural connector, Maree builds trust quickly and supports organisations to navigate resistance, uncertainty and complexity with clarity and confidence.

Margo is an experienced family dispute resolution practitioner (family law mediator). Margo runs Olive Branch Mediation specialising in family and property disputes, child inclusive mediation, elder mediation, and conflict coaching for clients. She is also the Team Leader for Mediation at Bayside Community Legal Centre coordinating over 20 private mediators and FDRPs. ​ Margo brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and resources to the mediation space. She has both professional and lived experience in a Family Relationship Centre as an FDRP, in Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, in legal negotiations and as a socio-legal academic. Margo holds a Juris Doctor, Master of Justice (Intelligence), BA (Politics), Grad. Dip Theology, FDRP (Child Consultant) and is a community Justice of the Peace (Qual).