Dr. Chris Rowell

Managing Director

“The best part of my work is finding ways to connect and resonate with people — to help them see things from a different perspective, flip their thinking completely, so they can generate and embrace new ideas.”

Chris thrives on co-creating knowledge with a diverse range of people, across industries, expertise, and cultures. He has a knack for translating complex concepts and ideas into easy-to-understand stories and initiatives that enable future-ready organisations.

In his role as Managing Director at PF, Chris works with leaders and teams to attune to emerging trends, understand disruptive innovations in technology and business, leverage data and apply insights to enhance all areas of strategy, culture, and operations. He is passionate about supporting leaders to embrace complexity and make sense of ambiguous and fast-moving environments, to create and convey clear and simple messages for their teams. Underpinning his work is a fascination with what makes people and organisations tick, the ways we create meaning, structure, and social norms, and how we can think and work more intentionally to create better futures.

No matter where you are in your future strategy or digital transformation journey, Chris is always up for a conversation. He has his finger on the pulse of emerging trends and technological innovations, a keen interest in the future of work, and more than a few exciting insights to share.

Chris has a doctorate in Science in Technology, Strategy & Venturing and has designed and delivered university courses in leadership, organisational behaviour, strategy, technology and innovation for multiple levels and contexts – from undergraduates to MBAs and executives across Europe and North America.

Expertise

  • Strategising in Changing Environments & New Markets
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Disruptive Technologies & Digital Transformation
  • Creativity & Innovation
  • Futures Thinking and Futures Design
  • The Future of Work
  • Systems Thinking
  • Navigating Complexity
  • Design Thinking
  • Storytelling
  • Influencing
  • Executive Coaching and Mentoring
  • Team Dynamics
  • High Performing Leadership Teams

Qualifications

Aalto University

Doctor of Science (DSc) in Technology, Strategy and Venturing

Aalto University

Master of Science (MSc) in International Business

The University of Queesnland

Bachelor of Business Management, Bachelor of Economics

Human Synergistics

Life Styles Inventory™/Group Styles Inventory™ Accredited Practitioner

Amara

Global Leadership Profile (GLP) Accredited Practitioner

Harvard Business School

Leading in the Digital Age: Better Decisions by Design

Cynefin

Trained in Cynefin:101 (Cognitive Edge)

Back to Our Team

““Chris’s approach is consultative and collaborative. He takes a vague brief from me and turns it into workshop magic. He’s not afraid of the crunchy topics that can emerge in workshops either – particularly when there are significant emotions involved in large-scale change programs. I would recommend Chris and the wider Performance Frontiers team for any of your team and leadership facilitation requirements.””

Andy Sutton

Endeavour Group

““Chris’s approach is consultative and collaborative. He takes a vague brief from me and turns it into workshop magic. ””

Andy Sutton

Endeavour Group

““He’s not afraid of the crunchy topics that can emerge in workshops either – particularly when there are significant emotions involved in large-scale change programs. I would recommend Chris and the wider Performance Frontiers team for any of your team and leadership facilitation requirements.””

Andy Sutton

Endeavour Group

““Chris’s approach is consultative and collaborative. He takes a vague brief from me and turns it into workshop magic. He’s not afraid of the crunchy topics that can emerge in workshops either – particularly when there are significant emotions involved in large-scale change programs.””

Andy Sutton

Endeavour Group

Articles by Dr. Chris Rowell

Activating our Presence – the greatest challenge for today’s leaders

If someone asked you to “make time” for something at work, how would you react? I’m guessing you might feel a tightening in your chest, or your head may throb. Perhaps your thoughts fly to your backlog of tasks and...
Dr. Chris Rowell & Gretel Bakker & Dr. Marianne de Pierres
Insights Leadership

AI, the Erosion of Cognition and Capability, & the Future of Leadership 

While many leaders are embracing AI at full speed, few are considering its cognitive, cultural, and developmental implications. AI is not just transforming how we work; it’s reshaping how we think, learn, and grow. As leaders we face a crucial...
Dr. Chris Rowell
Insights Leadership

When AI Becomes the Boss: What’s at Stake for Human Autonomy, Meaning, & Connection?

Picture this….. You’re in a meeting where AI has designed the agenda, selected the participants, and set the objectives. As you speak, relevant data appears on screen in real time. The system tracks your contributions: how often you speak, your...
Dr. Chris Rowell
Insights