Dr Judy Kent

Experience, background and philosophy

Judy is an experienced organisational consultant, executive coach and leadership educator who has worked with senior leaders across public, private and for-purpose organisations in Australia and internationally.

Her approach is grounded in the realities of organisational life. Having held a General Manager role in the energy industry herself, Judy understands the pressures of senior leadership from the inside: the need to deliver results while navigating uncertainty, competing demands, organisational politics and complex relationships. She has also worked extensively across government, health, finance, engineering, utilities and defence.

A central focus of Judy's work is helping leaders understand their role in the wider organisational system. Rather than looking only at individual leadership style or capability, she helps people consider what they bring to their role, what the organisation is asking of them, and how culture, relationships and the wider environment may be shaping what is happening. Her coaching is particularly valuable for senior leaders navigating change, transition, uncertainty or challenges that don't have straightforward solutions.

Judy is also passionate about helping people connect their work to organisational purpose and collaborate effectively across boundaries and networks. She brings this perspective to executive coaching, team development, culture and change work, strategic facilitation and leadership development.

Judy has had a long association with Melbourne Business School, where she has designed and delivered customised and open leadership programs for public, private and for-purpose organisations, as well as contributing to MBA leadership education. She has also worked internationally, including developing consultants in Asia to lead culture change and productivity initiatives within their own organisations.

Her academic work complements this practical experience. Judy holds a Master of Applied Science in Organisation Dynamics and a Doctorate in Organisation (Human Systems and Psychodynamics) from RMIT University. Her Masters research explored the relationship between leadership style and organisational culture, while her doctoral research examined the interplay between generations in the workforce.

A long-standing contributor to the field of systems psychodynamics, Judy served on the NIODA Board for ten years, including as Chair. She is a member of the International Society for the Psychoanalytic Study of Organisations (ISPSO) and Group Relations Australia (GRA).