Owen

Researcher • Coach • Engineer

Hi, I’m Owen, a researcher, consultant and coach specialising in R&D portfolio management, decision-making frameworks, and strategic governance. With a technical background in systems thinking and engineering innovation, combined with extensive experience in leadership and facilitation, I help organizations make smarter, data-driven decisions and foster environments where innovation thrives.

I am completing my master’s degree at Te Raupapa | Waikato Management School, where my thesis focuses on developing practical go/kill decision frameworks for high-tech R&D. By leveraging AI-assisted research and simulation modelling, I’ve created tools designed to help organizations manage risk, navigate uncertainty, and align their R&D investments with strategic goals.

As a coach, I focus on empowering teams and leaders to tackle complex challenges, refine their decision-making processes, and unlock their full potential. Whether facilitating workshops, designing governance frameworks, or guiding leadership teams, I bring a unique blend of technical expertise and collaborative insight to every engagement.

Academic Qualifications

Master of Management Studies in Strategic Management, 2025

(Thesis under review and final edits. Completing in March 2025)

As the largest part of my research-based master’s degree, my thesis, “A Framework for Go/Kill Decisions in High-Tech R&D,” delves into decision-making processes for R&D investments. The study addresses the challenges of managing uncertainty and balancing risk in resource-constrained environments, particularly for high-tech SMEs. By leveraging AI-assisted literature reviews and simulation modeling, I developed a practical framework to guide organizations in making data-driven go/kill decisions. This framework emphasizes strategic alignment, risk management, and the efficient allocation of resources, offering actionable tools for optimizing R&D portfolios and enhancing innovation outcomes.

Awards and Scholarships:

Awarded the G.J. Schmitt Prize in Strategic Innovation 2023.
Awarded a University of Waikato Research Masters Scholarship 2024.

Bachelor of Engineering – Electrical and Electronic, 1995

I completed a four-year undergraduate degree at the University of Canterbury in 1995, specializing in power electronics and control systems. This rigorous program provided a strong foundation in engineering principles, focusing on designing and optimizing systems for managing and controlling electrical power. Through hands-on projects and technical coursework, I developed expertise in system analysis, circuit design, and advanced control strategies, laying the groundwork for my career in technical problem-solving and innovation.