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Dr. Reuben Rusk

I help leaders enable human flourishing

By connecting them with the science of leadership, well-being, and performance

Why This Work Matters

Leaders shape environments. Environments shape people. When workplaces are crafted well, they become powerful engines of growth, wellbeing, and performance. I help leaders build those environments — drawing on 15 years of research and real-world insight to turn good intentions into informed action.

I research, write, and speak on topics like...

01.

Engagement

Motivating people in ways that increase wellbeing, not burnout.

02.

Wellbeing

Building the mental fitness and flexibility people need to feel good and work well.

03.

Leadership

Developing the personal and relational skills that make leaders effective.

04.

Culture

Shaping environments that strengthen both performance and wellbeing.

05.

Authenticity

Creating the safety for people to be themselves and do their best work.

06.

Teamwork

Enabling clear communication and strong collaboration.

07.

Performance

Designing conditions that allow people to work at their best.

08.

Change

Helping people create meaningful behaviour change that lasts.

What I do

I don’t have all the answers — and I don’t pretend to. I’ve spent years studying what helps people flourish as individuals, teams, and leaders, but every situation is different. That’s why I work collaboratively, combining research-based insight with the lived realities of the people and organisations I partner with.​

01.

One-on-one Consultation

Talk through your situation and explore how to apply the science in your context.

02.

Consulting Partnerships

Work together over time, in ways that suit you, to achieve your goals.

03.

Keynotes & Seminars

In person across New Zealand, via video conference, or as recorded sessions.

04.

Workshop Facilitation

Practical, tailored workshops designed around your team’s goals.

I'm grateful to have helped organisations like...
About Me

I’m Reuben Rusk, PhD.
I help people with the science of how people work better.

The collective knowledge of the scientific community is far beyond what any individual can learn through experience. I’ve researched topics like wellbeing and leadership for over 15 years. I help people understand the most important findings and apply them to their own unique situations.

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Dr. Reuben Rusk is a thought leader who brings years of knowledge, experience, practical wisdom, and fresh thinking to complex everyday challenges. His authentic, empathetic, pragmatic, and systems approach makes him a highly valued and sought-after partner to work with to achieve your goals.

Testimonials

What People Are Saying

"I've had the great pleasure of engaging Reuben as a speaker for an event and his session was fantastic. As well as being a wonderful thinker and highly engaging speaker, it's clear that Reuben has a real passion for making a positive impact in the world... His warm and engaging style (and his creative visuals!) make him a fantastic speaker and his insights spark ideas and actions for everyone."

Ruth Christie

"Reuben has a unique ability to understand complex data and research, and simplify this into what this actually means in the real world! He's like a Rosetta Stone for academic research into wellbeing and flourishing, and a great source of thought-provoking content."

Therese Joyce

"He is one of a few experts I turn to when wanting to understand the translation of workplace wellbeing science to practical application. Reuben's humble approach comes through in his work and open discussions he has with people. It is always exciting to read his work."

Simone Outteridge

"I am grateful for, and have benefited from, your ability to distil, synthesise and visualise. Please keep cutting through the hype and the 'what's popular' to target what works. Your frameworks, research summaries, and practical tools are setting new benchmarks! Thank you!"

david rogers

"Love Reuben's thinking about a systems approach to wellbeing science. Reuben has a depth of knowledge, and I enjoy the thought provoking conversations."

Sue Langley

"People commented on how relevant his presentations on Workplace Culture and Team Wellbeing were. And they ranked him as one of the best speakers at the conference. I appreciated how well thought out his strategies and responses were. No quick-fixes but solid evidence-based strategies."

Clive McKegg

“Reuben really knows his subject! His presentations were super clear and well organised and backed up with lots of research findings... Thanks.”

Jane R.

“I can see how much value Reuben's workshops have had in my team, from understanding themselves and their drivers to helping them work in more productive ways.”

Marcie Evans