Ikigai Leading - Developing purposeful, conscious and connected leaders

Ikigai Leading was founded by Margot Thomas and Monique Longhurst to support leaders from all walks of life to live and lead in stronger alignment with their sense of purpose in the multiple roles they hold. Between us we have over 50 years of experience in leadership development, culture transformation and various human resources disciplines. Our diverse backgrounds have included key roles within, or as trusted advisors to private, public and non-for-profit organisations across multiple industries and countries. Through this experience we know that when people are aligned to something they believe is important and meaningful they are more engaged, resilient and have a deeper and longer lasting impact.

Ikigai: that which gives meaning to everyday; the ongoing process of discovering and aligning to what is worth living for

Trusted by millions

All our courses will be available to you anytime to watch offline.

Certificate awarded

All our courses will be available to you anytime to watch offline.

600+ hours of classes

All our courses will be available to you anytime to watch offline.

Available offline

All our courses will be available to you anytime to watch offline.

Ikigai Leading's Process

Our Mission

At Ikigai Leading, we are passionate about enabling individuals, teams and organisations to unleash their highest leadership potential by reconnecting to meaning and strengthening alignment.

Our Values

COURAGE honest trusted advisors
‍OPEN-MINDEDNESS co-creating outcomes
‍CREDIBILITY grounded in experience and a commitment to never stop learning
‍AUTHENTICITY knowing and embracing our whole selves
‍COMPASSION holding inherent believe in humanity

Our Approach

Our signature approach is centred around:
Collaboration – valuing and encouraging the co-design of solutions with clients
‍Adaptable and flexible – adapting our approach to meet emergent needs
‍Client centred – customising our services to meet our clients’ needs
Sustainable impact – building internal capability and minimising unnecessary reliance on our services

Our Theories, Methodologies and Certifications

Our practice is underpinned by the following key theories, methodologies and certifications:

Systems Thinking Theory
Adult Development Theory
Vertical Development
Positive Psychology
Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP)

Adaptive Leadership
The Thinking Environment
The Leadership Circle Profiles
Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
Enneagram of Personality

The Founders

We believe that when people, teams and organisations are actively aligned to something they believe is important and meaningful, they are more engaged, resilient and have a deeper and longer lasting impact.

We are committed to contribute to the rise of purposeful, conscious and connected leaders, who are able to align themselves and others towards work that is impactful, with open-mindedness, compassion, courage and perseverance.

CO-FOUNDER

Monique Longhurst

Monique has partnered with individuals, teams and organisations to successfully implement organisational design, leadership development, strategy and culture change projects that build leadership capability at all levels, drive sustainable culture change and lift organisational effectiveness and performance through alignment. Throughout her experience in corporate consulting, strategic and operational human resources, Monique has held senior organisational development and human resource roles, leading teams across both the public and private sectors within Australia. Her extensive consulting career has encompassed a diverse range of industries and sectors including all levels of government, emergency services, tertiary education, health, utilities, not-for-profit, and small business. Monique holds a Bachelor of Psychology and post-graduate qualifications in Management. She is a certified Coach, a Master Practitioner of NLP (neuro-linguistic programming) and holds certifications in several leadership assessment tools.

“Monique has been an absolute game-changer in my leadership journey. Her ability to challenge and motivate me has been instrumental and her personalised approach, unwavering support, and genuine care have made a remarkable impact on my professional growth and the success of my team.”
Grant Cousins, Manager, Utilities Organisation

CO-FOUNDER

Margot Thomas

Margot has played lead roles in large-scale organisational transformation developing and successfully executing culture, leadership development, organisational design, complex change and human capital strategies to build thriving workforces and to drive improved organisational effectiveness. Her international and diverse background was gained in executive human resources and organisational development roles across the private, not-for-profit and public sectors, working globally for the Volkswagen Group based in Europe and South America, for various state and federal public sector organisations in Australia and for one of the largest volunteering organisations in the world. She has built and developed high performing and diverse teams in both emerging and developed markets. Margot holds a Bachelor of Psychology and post-graduate degrees in Business Administration and Human Resources. She has undertaken the Australian Institute of Company Directors course, is a member of the Harvard Kennedy School Alumni and is certified in a variety of leadership assessment tools.

“Margot is a great listener and creates an atmosphere where people are able to reflect deeply on their own skills and attributes, and on how to bring out their best. Her authenticity and warmth enables her to probe and challenge in a deeply respectful and caring way.”
Claire Higgins, Non-Executive Director

Ikigai Leading - Developing purposeful, conscious and connected leaders