Our Team
At Living Systems, we’re a collective of leadership experts, organisational psychologists, facilitators, coaches, designers, and immersive learning pioneers—brought together by a shared mission: to help people and organisations thrive in complexity.
Blending insight, creativity, real-world experience and human-first approach, we design and deliver transformational development programmes that help leaders, teams, and organisations thrive in complexity.
Ian Byrne,
Founder & CEO
Complexity thinker. Leadership pioneer. Human systems expert.
Ian brings a rare blend of senior-level business transformation experience and deep psychological insight to his work with leaders and organisations. As the founder and CEO of Living Systems, he partners with Boards and senior teams to lead strategic transformation, culture change, and the development of Collective Intelligence at scale.
Ian holds an MA from Oxford University, an MSc in Complexity Science and Organisational Transformation from Middlesex University, and is a trained Gestalt psychotherapist. His expertise lies in working with group dynamics, facilitation, and leadership transformation and change. Ian’s work is dedicated to helping organisations evolve—not just adapt—by building the capacity to lead with clarity and connect as human systems.
Helen Franklin,
Leadership Development & Psychology
Relational strategist. Leadership coach. Presence catalyst.
Helen is an experienced coach, facilitator, and organisational consultant with over 20 years' experience designing leadership programmes that transform how people relate, lead, and collaborate. A qualified Gestalt psychotherapist, she brings a powerful psychological lens to leadership development—unlocking presence, impact, and emotional intelligence.
With a background in acting, a diploma in Organisational Change and a Master’s in psychotherapy, Helen brings a unique edge to her work: blending embodiment, insight, and relational depth to help leaders shift how they show up. Her work focuses on creating the conditions for authentic connection, courageous leadership, and deep team trust.
Jenny Mackewn,
Whole Systems & Transformation
Systems change agent. Complexity translator. Regenerative leader.
Jenny is a leading voice and published author in the world of whole-system transformation, complexity theory, and Gestalt psychology. She works across organisations and communities to catalyse deep, sustainable change—bringing both academic rigour and real-world application to every engagement.
A psychotherapist and programme leader at Schumacher College, Jenny specialises in turning the principles of living systems into practical pathways for organisational resilience. She previously led the MSc in Complexity and Transformative Leadership at Metanoia Institute, part of Middlesex University, and continues to shape thought leadership in systems transformation.
Rob Thurner,
Digital Strategy Partner
Digital innovator. Strategy builder. Connector of ideas and execution.
Rob partners with Living Systems to bring digital innovation into leadership and organisational development. As a strategist, consultant, and founder of digital consultancy Burn The Sky, he helps organisations embed new technologies and mindsets to meet fast-changing business challenges.
Rob’s global client roster includes American Express, CVC Capital Partners, Faysal Bank, GSK, HSBC, John Lewis, O2, PwC and major global agency networks Dentsu Aegis, Havas, Omnicom and WPP. His ability to fuse strategy, experimentation, and digital capability brings powerful momentum to Living Systems programmes that push the boundaries of what's possible.
Rosie Rycroft,
Operations & Client Delivery
Integrator. Organiser. Powerhouse behind the scenes.
Rosie leads our finance and operational support at Living Systems, ensuring everything runs smoothly from initial briefing through to seamless programme delivery. With sharp organisational instincts and outstanding communication skills, she keeps our systems flowing and our clients supported.
Rosie brings over 20 years of marketing and operational leadership experience in the tech sector, having held senior roles at Informix Software and Ascential Software. Today, she’s the operational backbone of our work—ensuring that every detail is cared for and every experience exceeds expectations.